Letters in Time by Reiss Susan

Author:Reiss Susan [Susan, Reiss]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ink & Imagination Press
Published: 2021-05-11T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

“At risk of sounding foully pompous I think that writers' groups are probably very useful at the beginning of a writing career.”

—Bernard Cornwell

Once TJ and I had escaped to the porch, he shot me a look of disbelief. “A cane? When did you graduate to a cane?”

“Not now.” I caught his arm and leaned on the handrail. “Get me out of here.”

Once in the truck and heading down the main road, TJ said, "Now, are you going to tell me—"

I interrupted quickly. “How wonderful your idea was to go to this writers group? Absolutely not! It was the worst evening I've spent since I went on a blind date in high school."

He looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. "No, that’s not fair,” I said softly. “The idea of going to a writers group was a good one. It’s just that this one was horrible. I've read that a good writers group is supposed to support you in whatever you want to write and will make thoughtful, constructive suggestions. That is vital. Writing is hard, especially for someone just starting. Having the right kind of support can make all the difference."

I grunted as I remembered their reaction to my teaching career and my kids. “The only thing these ladies are interested in is a good glass of wine, dinner, and an opportunity to snipe at each other. No, change that. I must admit the dinner was fabulous. Gretchen is a great cook, but I have no idea what kind of a writer she is. Nobody brought anything to critique.” I threw my hands up in the air and let them fall in my lap.

“Okay, now that you’ve had your rant, do you feel better?” he asked.

I didn’t want to admit it, but I did feel better.

“Maybe this group wasn’t a good fit for you,” he continued. “I’ll keep my ears open to find another one in the area.”

I almost blurted out, NO! But I locked my lips tight. Why couldn't he just do handyman things? He was only trying to help. If he found another group, I didn't have to go.

I settled back in my seat. “Thank you. And thank you for coming to get me tonight. I’m sure you have other things you and Ghost would rather be doing.”

He smiled as he glanced my way. “No problem, we’re glad to do it, especially while I have the time. A few weeks down the road, I’ll be working all hours with the harvest and won’t have time for anything until it gets cold.” He smiled at me again.

“What, what is it?” I ran my fingers over my lips. “Do I have something on my face?”

He chuckled. “No, I like seeing you like this. Not so uptight. Maybe you’re getting more comfortable with my driving.”

“I – I’m comfortable.” I could hear the lie behind my words. I hoped he couldn’t.

“In the beginning, you were tense. You watched how I did everything. You must have almost bitten your tongue off to keep from telling me what to do.

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