The Aphorism Club

So, what is an aphorism and how is it a club?

An aphorism is a short expression about a big idea. It reflects an important truth about life, a universal truth or a morsel of wisdom. Aphoristic writing is pithy; it doesn’t beat around the bush. An aphorism is brief, thought-provoking and memorable. And a club…well that’s just a group of people who have something in common.

Many years ago, I was invited to join the Aphorism Club by some good friends. The name had a certain ring about it:  think Paris literary rendezvous, the London Literary Salon, the Algonquin Round Table and then imagine a group of writers and artists gathering to share their work and discuss all things erudite. It was wonderful, but not quite as elevated or as scholarly as the aforementioned salons. Some great work came out of it, along with some spectacular tension! I loved the people, the work and the general mayhem that often erupted in the midst of burgeoning creativity.

Thus, I’ve titled my new book The Aphorism Club which is NOT in any way a memoir or representation or rendering of the original. There is no need for anyone to fear that an exposé has been unfolded on the pages of this new story. In fact, no characters vaguely or in any way resemble the original members of the salon. And in many ways the idea of the club in the story is merely a vehicle to bring a range of individuals together. Yes, they are creators, and they do meet to discuss and read their work but at the heart of the story are the bonds they form. The connection between them, the love, the space to grow and a haven in which even the most broken can be nurtured.

Naming the book The Aphorism Club is more my tribute to my fellow writers, my friends, who very much gave me a place to write, to find a voice and begin to believe that the stories in me could be very much at home on the page.   

This story is about Ruby Pearl Hart who grows from infant to young woman in the novel.  It is an Australian novel about the changing roles for women in the early 1920s. Particularly the struggle to be heard, to have autonomy and ultimately choice. It’s not an easy journey for Ruby.

 It is told in three parts: The Beginning, The New Beginning, And Tomorrow. Set in Melbourne and Tasmania it includes some key historical events in both places. While these incidents are part of the setting, the book is fictional. The events occurred, but my rendering of them is purely from my imagination. So, no emails about how things did or didn’t happen okay! (Sometimes I really envy fantasy fiction writers!)

Having grown up in Tasmania, it has always been my hope to write a book set there. When I had this idea, I spent some time at the Launceston Library and enjoyed researching life in the old hometown in the early part of the 20th century. The Historical Society also has some amazing photos of the time.

Ruby Pearl is my creation but the name I’ve borrowed from my grandmother. Such a glorious, jewel of a moniker.

And you’ll need to read the book to find out more about her.