For our penultimate read-around, we were invited into our host, Stephen Cashmore’s, personal library at his home in Ayr.
The floor-to-ceiling bookcases, which he handcrafted himself, contained over a thousand books. The majority of them he had read. Everyone attending the read-around was both mesmerised and in awe of this rather prestigious setting. It reminded me of a scene from an Agatha Christie mystery.
The evening started with a dystopian flair. Pat’s story was set in the near future, in a world where governments are controlled by big business. It followed two geneticists, one an eco-terrorist, and their entanglement with a researcher. We all agreed it was an intriguing plot with amazing dialogue and encouraged Pat to keep pushing forward to get it finished.
Next up was a chapter from Susan’s work in progress where the young protagonist finds herself in a brutal work camp. The descriptive narrative left us wondering what dangers lay ahead as she continued her journey into a bleak and dismal future.
Greta changed the mood by reading the beginning of her fantasy kids’ story. It explored the dynamics of a blended family and the story was told through the eyes of her young protagonist.
Linda brought the first half of the evening to a close with an extract from her historical fiction novel (another work in progress), set in Kilmarnock in 1889. An eager crowd were desperate to find out about a murder and the polis were sent for.
After all the tension and suspense, we soon relaxed with some authentic Chinese tea and scoffed a few biscuits, kindly provided by Stephen’s wife. Stephen posed us a puzzle using family photographs – no pressure!
Gail then read the start of a fictional mystery where tension is heightened when the protagonist finds herself in an accident. The piece was full of atmosphere and a great example of show don’t tell. We all agreed Gail should continue writing the story, and we know there is going to be an amazing twist by the discussion that followed.
Jennifer followed on with the first draft of a creative non-fiction story she had written that afternoon. Set in modern times, it explored the discrepancies between the pay and social status of lace mill workers, tapestry artists and fast fashion. We saw the story through the eyes of Bridget and her friend as they visited an art gallery.
And last but not least Stephen ended the evening with one of his short stories – a ghost hunter
discussing his cases with invited guests. Thankfully, no ghosts appeared from a secret door in Stephen’s library. Should you wish to read The Eternal Woman, you can visit Stephen’s website at https://www.stephencashmore.com/a-stories-4#moving
We all made it home safe and sound without getting spooked. Thanks again to Stephen for hosting a wonderful evening.
By Elaine Ewart
A fantastic evening captured perfectly.
Well done, Elaine
Good night well captured, thanks Elaine!