Phrase Writers Group

At every U3A (University of the Third Age) Creative Writing meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

This week's subject -- The Writer's Secret

Friends donated their (first) names

THE WRITER'S SECRET

Louise and Sophie were back at the Comfort Zone cafe, upstairs in their Practice room. Where they learnt and rehearsed songs for their Ellis music duo. And played at a dwindling number of venues. But not today.

“Do you think 12 chairs will be enough?” asked Sophie.

Louise chuckled. “I should think so, given how many haven’t turned up to The Secret Club for the past three meetings. No one at the first, it was so secret we were the only people present. Publicised the Secret Club all over town but forgot to say where, so the second meeting had just us. And the third get-together...”

Sophie understood Louise tailing off. Lots of people at the third meeting, venting about their spouses. Several divorces followed.

So a rebranding and a third relaunch of their Secret Club. Or rather, Safe Secrets Society.

“Third time lucky, I hope” said Sophie. “And to think our main aim was to attract a variety of people and maybe drum up new business for Ellis. I’ve exhausted my notebook of contacts and venues. So many have closed down”.

“I think we’ve got the balance right” she added. “Asking people to share success secrets, work wise or elsewhere. So we’ve got the chairs, nibbles & drinks from the cafe, signs within & without the cafe pointing to this room. And a list of people with their interests. Actually it’s just the interests, so we’ll meet them soon”.

“Without the cafe?” said a puzzled Louise.

“Outside” clarified Sophie. “Without is the opposite of within. Do you remember that hymn we sang in the Church choir many years ago:

‘There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall’

“Was ages before the choirmaster explained the green hill was outside the city wall”.

“Well I’ve learned something today” said Louise. “Let’s see what happens”.

Fifteen minutes later they decided no more were likely to arrive, so started the meeting.

Sophie stood. “Thank you for coming to the Safe Secrets Society. We want to learn from each other. So tell us a safe secret about your job, hobby or whatever. But please, nothing personal”.

Louise rose with her clipboard and pen. “We have a cook. Tell us your secret”.

A visibly nervous lady walked to the front.

“We’re all friends here” encouraged Sophie.

The cook was smartly dressed albeit with some flour on her blouse, maybe from earlier baking.

“My secrets are patience. Learning from mistakes. I read yesterday the difference between a master and a beginner. The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried. Oh, and it’s ok to sometimes cheat. I often make cakes for friends. If short of time I’ll buy an elaborate basic cake from a little shop few know about, add fondant icing, cream and fruit, and voila!”

Louise led the applause. “Thank you. Those are great secrets to start with. I’ve developed patience with my piano playing. Learning anything takes time, but well worth it”.

The cook went to sit down, then stopped. “I make cakes for the Women’s Institute monthly coffee morning for older people. They would love to have you playing, maybe every month. Free coffee and cakes, they’ll pay your travel”.

“That’s wonderful, thanks” said Sophie. “We’ll talk afterwards”.

Louise consulted her clipboard. “Next, welcome our coach”.

A lady bounded up, her trim trousers clearly tracksuit bottoms. “Before I start with my secrets, what is yours? Why are you called Ellis?”

Louise looked at Sophie. “Go ahead, you tell it better”.

Sophie smiled. “We started our musical duo some years ago. ‘Ellis’ was short and a teaser for publicity posters. It’s just our initials. L for Louise and S for Sophie. L S. Ellis”.

Chuckles rang out.

The coach cleared her throat. “My secret is perseverance and perspective. I help athletes at a weekly hill training session. They are already fit and regular runners. But learning how to run up and down hills takes time. And any of the techniques I show them take a lot of practice. Don’t compare yourself to others. And remember everyone has an off day. There will come a race when you charge up hills, recover when running down, and enjoy yourself. Maybe when you least expect it.

“After the session we go to a local cafe. I know the owner. He’d love some entertainment in the evening. Here’s his card. Please mention my name”.

Sophie took the card as Louise had her hands full, and smiled her thanks.

The coach returned to her seat.

“Now we have a piano teacher”.

A confident lady got up, wearing a practical scarf and sensible shoes.

“I teach piano and other musical instruments to all ages, and enjoy every minute. The children sit their piano exams, mainly so their parents can see progress for the many expensive lessons. But instilling enjoyment in all my students is my main aim. The secret to success in any endeavour is regular practice, and to a plan. Five days a week, at least. Start by warming up. Then working towards goals. Playing music along the way, best fun of all.

“I play for a local amateur dramatic group. There are several in the area that need musicians for rehearsals and shows. Don’t pay much, but I’ve made many contacts, leading to other work. Here’s my card with email”.

Sophie and Louise could hardly contain their delight with all these potential bookings.

“Thank you for all these great secrets” said Louise. “And finally, a writer. What is the Writer’s Secret?”

A lady stood and walked to the front, notepad and pen in hand.

“I write murder mystery books. My detective enjoys cooking, running and playing in a band.

“You’ve heard my secrets”