Our read-around began with wordsmiths seated eagerly in a circle for the opening ceremony, excitement building as the order of readers was revealed one by one.
First up was Fiona J, proposing a new genre, creative historical non-fiction. Fiona gripped our attention with a fascinating (and painful) account of childbirth that her ancestor, Ann, was likely to have experienced in 1834.
The next event was ‘memoir’. Damaris delivered a beautiful account of the insects and other small critters she loved, or loathed, during her time in Italy. Behold the shimmering grasshoppers and crickets, glowing worms and fire bugs, and best of all the dancing praying mantes. But beware the paper and potter wasps!
Pat was a contender in the flash fiction category. There were nods of empathy around the room at the challenges the protagonist faced when dealing with parental heedlessness and judgement.
We were treated to a supernatural thriller! Stephen’s ghost story left us with shivers and wishing to learn more about Tully’s journey to find out exactly who – or what – was haunting Walter. You can read the story (Moving In) for yourself here on Stephen’s webpage: 
https://www.stephencashmore.
After a delicious break with coffee, tea and flapjacks (thank you Ken and Carolyn!), Greta’s tale left hardly a dry eye in the stadium, erm house. Greta’s emotional account of a house and its occupants resonated with us all as it walked through the joys and sorrows of life.
Another first for the ‘read-around games’, Gail introduced the genre ‘Flash Non-Fiction’. Gail’s account offered us a sage reminder to take our time and enjoy what we have. Embrace each new day by slowing it down and mindfully appreciating daily routines and the little things in life.
Carolyn brought the evening to a close by reading a poem she’d written for her youngest grandchild. A vivid poem that allowed us to imagine the toddler looking up to and besotted by his older brother. A moment in time, capturing a relationship for life.
The closing ceremony was full of admiration at the richness of the evening, the talent of the writers, and of looking forward to more read-arounds and Ayr Writer’s Club evenings to come.
Thank you Carolyn for a warm and welcoming evening.
By Jennifer Lerpiniere
A ‘sporting’ event beautifully captured and reported by Jen!