h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

May you and yours also have a Very Happy New Year Flame!

Lovely to hear from you. We've been very well thanks.

I've not been on line very much of late, other (domestic and family visiting) things have been more pressing. I'm just popping on from time to time to keep in touch with h2g2 and friends like you!

I've lost my outgoing email facility for the moment, and trying to reconnect with my provider. It's proving to be more messy than anyone could anticipate. Phred has given me one to consider, so I might sign up for that.

See you around the patch; do keep in touch! It's nice to catch up on news and learn of others' h2g2 ambitions and projects. Speaking of which, what have you currently got on the boil for our delight?

Ron

Hi Ron,

Glad to hear everything is well with you.

I wish I could tell you that I have some work to sumbit - but I haven't written anything for a while. Nothing even simmering! But all is not lost - the writing class started last week - and I'm hoping that I'll some gain inspiration from that. I'm quite looking forward to having some of my work reviewed. I think we are saving the review night until week 3.

I always find hotmail very good for e-mail. I created my account in 1996 (that's when I lived in Hong Kong) and I've been with them ever since. I've moved around so much it was just as well! It was great having e-mail facilities. Unfortunately nobody that I knew back home had it then - so I still had to rely on snail mail. It's come a long way since then!

Lovely to hear from you too.

Hi Ron,

How are you? Everything is good here. I'm enjoying being part of a writing group. Anything new with you?

Pauline

Hello Flame,

Nice to hear from you again Pauline.

We are both well thank you and looking forward to the end of winter and, after Easter, which of course is later this year, to our favourite time: early spring! But there is nothing new or exciting on the cards at the moment.

Has the writing group you work with inspired you to write anything new that we might eventually see on here? Does it embrace all genres, or just short stories?

I don't know whether I shall ever be able to develop any good plots for stories of my own. But I might try to make an effort to produce something this year.

Ron

Lovely to hear from you -

I'm really enjoying being part of the group. It hasn't inspired me to write anything new - but I have been looking at some of my old work, and trying to apply what I've learned to it. I've changed my Of Rivers Unseen story - (on here also) and submitted it to the group for review this month. (We can submit one piece of work each month). I really enjoyed the review night last month, and looking forward to the next.

I'm also looking forward to the spring. Looking into the garden I see signs of it already. Do weeds really grow that much in the winter? Ha!

It would be great if you could write something. It's quite interesting how different writers develop their plots and their characters. We all seem to go about it in different ways. Usually I have an idea in mind, but often it changes as I begin to write. I guess it's just getting it started for me.

Keep me posted on that - would love to read some fiction from you.

I'm watching Hotel Babylon - I really love this programme....

Pauline,

I'm glad you're enjoying the writers' group. There's nothing like immediate feedback 'face to face' and the free exchange of ideas, techniques, etc.

Many years ago I attended lectures on the English legal system by a barrister who eventually became a circuit judge and later served on the Land Tribunal. He always maintained that legal text books, and actual cases; especially those that wrought changes in judicial precedent, formed the basis of many a well crafted story or film script.
I have kept all my text books on criminal law and the law of contract. There is a chance that I might concoct a story or two from a little studious perusal of same!

Hello Ron,

How's life treating you? I keep thinking that spring is just around the corner - but it’s still pretty cold isn’t it?

Last week I started yet another new temporary position. It’s probably another short term assignment, although I could be working there up to three months. I have started to look for a more permanent job - but not much has taken my fancy.

One of the members of the writing group has joined the site. He’s submitted a story - A10095554. It’s a good read - and I’m hoping you’ll have a look at it when you get the chance. When you're a newcomer it's always good to receive some feedback from other members.

I submitted my Rivers Unseen story for a sci-fi anthology. If I’m prepared to make a few changes the editor thinks it has potential. Obviously nothing promised - and I’m not sure if I’m up to the task - but it’s a start.

Have you begun any fiction as yet? I keep hoping.....

Flame

Thanks for reading GM's work. Much appreciated.

Hi Ron,

Hope everything is well with you. Just wanted to let you know that I've had a bit of success with my Of Rivers Unseen story. I adapted it for a sci-fi anthology (all stories are connect to Norfolk in one way or another) and I've heard it's been accepted! My first story to be published - as you can imagine I'm very pleased indeed.

Flame

That's absolutely fabulous news Flame...congratulations... and may there be many more such literary successes for you in the future!


Ron

Hello Ron,

Hope you had a wonderful Easter. Mine was pretty good.

Everything going well here.

P

Hello there!

My, how time flies. Hope you're still enjoying your time at h2g2.

I've only been popping in from time to time, but wanted to say hello. So a BIG hello!

Hello Pauline,

Yes, time does fly. And I have only just found your post of the other month. How I came to miss it is a mystery to me, because I'm always on the look out for 'old' friends and acquaintances.

Are you still enjoying the Writer's Group? I do hope so. And I like to think you are preparing something new for our appreciation and delectation. The group is likely to stimulate your mind into all kinds of genres and ideas.

Do keep in touch, and I'm so sorry for missing your message.


Ron

Ah! Of course, we were on holiday in Woolacombe during the week you posted, and I had no opportunity to come on line!

I mustn't have looked far enough back to pick up your message!


Ron

Hello Ron,

Lovely to hear from you.

The writers group has broken up for the summer, but we are getting together again in September. I've also heard that's the month the book will be lauched (there's been a delay) and I can't wait to see my story in print.

Anyway, the break from writing has given me a chance to do a few things around the house, although to be honest I haven't felt like doing too much in that muggy weather. After a day at work I just felt too tired. Still, I'm catching up a bit today.

How's everything in your world?

Hope all is well

Hi Pauline,

I'm very well thank you. I also found it altogether too hot for my liking until yesterday morning. We've had our first 'real' rain for some weeks, and we have noticed that the birds have returned to the garden! But the grass is still scorched and brownish.

It must feel great to be anticipating publication of one of your books; all the best for it's launching!

All's fairly quiet at the moment here. Our youngest flew to Fortaleza on Saturday, via Madrid, where they spent a day before the 6 hour(ish) flight to Brazil. He is there with his research colleagues, for 14 days, at a large genetics and proteomics global conference.

Pat and I have been getting out, in spite of the heat, to local events in and around Cheshire.

I am thinking of writing a little historical fiction, based on a real family: 'The Duttons of Dutton', who were a ruling family in Cheshire at and from the time of the Conqueror. Sir Piers Dutton was Sheriff of Cheshire, and corresponded with Henry VIII via his Chancellor during the Dissolution of the Abbey of Norton, an Augustinian House. It is a fascinating history, and might lend itself to some fictional 'reconstruction' around those real events. I don't expect it to be published though; it'll just exist in manuscript form I should imagine.

See you around. Keep in touch and let me know how you get on with the launching. I am most interested in your projects, as always.

Best Wishes,

Ron

Hello Ron,

I do hope you and Pat have been enjoying the summer.

I've been busy around the house, and in the garden. Lots of life changes coming up for me soon, but I'll reveal more about that later...

The writing class starts up again next Wednesday. I believe we have a couple of new members joining, so I'm looking forward to seeing their work.

I've introduced a new writer to h2g2. (Ianhimself). He's a wonderful and talented writer - and I'd certainly recommend you take a look at his work. (You'll find him through my personal space). It really is quality stuff!!!!

Still haven't heard as to when the book will be launched, but hopefully it will be soon.

I'm going to a Jubilee party at the local church tomorrow. I used to attend Sunday School there - (a very, very long time ago). It will be nice to catch up with childhood friends, old neighbours and such. Most of them I haven't seen for a very long time. Where have all the years gone I wonder?

I had a bit of a surprise when I looked in Spy's personal space. I see he has left forever. I think that's a terrible shame. Any idea why he left?

Pauline XOXOX

How lovely to hear from you Pauline,

Yes, we have had a good summer thank you, most enjoyable. Down to Woolacombe and Ilfracombe; also Cambridge, where we go again in 3 weeks time.
I hope you, too, have enjoyed your summer and will also enjoy your writing group and find some like-minded friends with whom to converse and exchange creative ideas.

You have me intrigued with your (lots of) forthcoming life changes!

I have just noticed you have re-posted 'The Witness'. I shall take another peep at it tomorrow to see what you have altered/improved and let you know my personal take on it!

I should also like to 'review' your 'protege's' (Ianhimself's) work if he agrees that I should do so!
I look forward with immense interest to the launch of your book; please let me know when it is available on the publication market.

I don't know either, why Spy has chosen to leave the scene, but someone on line might have the answer!

Pat and I have been invited to the 95th birthday party of my dear departed Dad's sister, Aunt Emily, toward the end of this month. She is the last of 8 siblings, but has 4 adult 'children' and several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! I have about 16 cousins that will be at the party, so that is something to look forward to.

Yours with affection,
Ron x

Dear Ron,

Lovely to hear from you also.

I'm sure Ian would be delighted for you to review his work - and I have a feeling that you will find it a very pleasurable experience.

Based on the reviews that I received from the writing group I have made a few subtle changes to The Witness. It's one of those things I'd been meaning to do for ages, but got caught up in other things.

Having said that, it was good to go back to the story. I'd never been completely happy with it - I'm not convinced I am now - but then I'm never happy with anything I write...

Your forthcoming party sounds like a wonderful event. I have my own trip down memory lane this afternoon. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Take care my friend,

Pauline

My dear friend Ron,

I see you have reviewed some of Ian's work. It's a delight to read isn't it?

Thank you so much for The Witness review. I didn't make any major changes, so it was more a case of tweaking it. One of the lines I added towards the end of the story was about the children laughing and playing in the street below. I just wanted it to come across that life goes on in seemingly the same way for some - while for others it changes forever. I'm not sure I've added enough to create this feeling, but it's all I can do for the moment.

Ian is inspiring me to write again - so I have a new story bubbling around inside. I just need more hours in the day to get it down...

Flame