Writers are a curious breed. Driven by some perverse desire, perhaps the need to have their work seen, perhaps the desire to improve their skills, or perhaps even from masochism they will submit unpolished pieces to the critical scrutiny of their peers. Pity the poor writer who joins the wrong writers� group. See delicate egos crushed under the barrage of malicious and snide comment that some consider positive criticism. See also egos inflated beyond reason (and talents not developed) because some writers dare not criticise others for fear of retaliation. There is always a middle way. It�s not easy to find. The Penumbra group formed on the Vines network around a group of writers and others who trusted and valued the opinions of one another. We don�t always agree with one another (the screaming matches of a couple of members are considered a favourite spectator sport by some), but we do value one another�s opinions, and that is a sound basis for any critical group. The poems presented in this mockup magazine are mostly unpolished pieces produced either for one of the weekly challenges or bravely posted for a thorough shredding. Some of the writers are novices, some are accomplished in their field, and others are moving from one field to another. Notes: Lasa Fever / Megalopolis
Fossil Fuel / Preclude
In keeping with her sadistic nature, Cheeky set Penumbra members the exercise: choose two words at random from a dictionary and write a short piece containing them. Two brave souls chanced entering poems. Call me Joe
A shredder piece from our resident alien. I Nuit
An exercise piece, written in the first person from the point of view of a person of the opposite sex to the writer. |
