Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Last Thursday, endeavouring to address a recent indifference towards and break from writing, I participated in a writers 'Open Mic' evening in Harrogate. This clambake afforded eleven fellow authors and myself opportunity to showcase our literary wares. The event offering its audience a tempting mix of poetry, thought provoking and irreverent fiction, along with comedic... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening I attended an Open Mic evening at a chic Harrogate eatery. To clarify, an Open Mic night isn't attending a event to be entertained by a candid fellow called Michael... Unless, of course, the amateur turn is a forthright chap called Michael... In which case, you are attending an Open Mic evening presented... Continue Reading →
I’ve not written much of late. For no apparent reason my mood has been low; draining any motivation to indulge in literary projects. Perversely, annoyance at myself for being in a low spirits for no reason has sent my mood even lower. It has got so bad, yesterday evening GJ Strachan had a word with... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening, a bohemian vegetarian café in Harrogate saw my inaugural attempt at reading my prose in an open mic night. This literary virginity lost when orating a 1000-word narrative parodying my wedding ceremony, in 1988. As I have shared some of the unreliable memories beforehand via blog, not a 100% new monologue. However, following... Continue Reading →
For fifty plus springtides the middle Sunday in March afforded my siblings (Ian, Helen) and me opportunity to bestow a well-earned thank you to our much-loved mum (Maggie). A warm, funny, caring, and loving parent who, along with our equally admirable father, ensured our fledgling years were awash with encouragement, positivity, laughter, and security. The... Continue Reading →
After abandoning a novel project whose storyline was not flowing as desired, I recently wrote about sitting at a writing crossroads. My decision to postpone the work taken despite spending hundreds of hours constructing the piece. As revealed in the last narrative, a decision which has not left me overly downhearted. After all, I am... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I started penning a submission for an upcoming writing group meeting. A yarn which, although having potential as a short story, for various reasons I am not going to complete. The prompt topic for next Wednesday’s tale was cinema. Initial thoughts leading to me begin writing a story about a small local movie theatre.... Continue Reading →
Today's literary offering is a submission I read for a bi-weekly writing group I attend in the village of Spofforth, North Yorkshire. For those who don't know where Spofforth is, it is on the outskirts of Wetherby. If you don't know where Wetherby is and really want to know, bloody Google it!... Chuffing hell, I... Continue Reading →
1st August 2023 - Whether they are bah t'at or wi' t'at, I'd like to wish my fellow Tykes a Happy Yorkshire Day. For the uninitiated, confused over this tattery of which I speak, I'm referencing lyrics within the unofficial Yorkshire folk anthem On Ilkley Moor Bah T'at. The refrain telling of a Tyke's trials... Continue Reading →