The local library is the place to be Wednesday evenings for any local resident interested in any facet of writing.
A group of nine writing enthusiasts gets together on a weekly basis from 6:30-9 p.m. to discuss and analyze writing, including both specific authors as well as the various pieces of writing the members of the group are creating in their spare time.
Judy Johanson, a local writing enthusiast, is the main contact for the writers’ group and has been instrumental in establishing it.
“Over the years there have been several writers’ groups but after a while, they fizzle away,” Johanson noted. “This has been attributed to people moving away or a simple lack of interest as people get busy doing other things.
“The current writers’ group has been in existence for almost two years,” she added.
Johanson said the various writers’ groups that have been formed locally over the years have participated in many types of writing workshops, noted some members of the current group took a course at Confederation College here in Fort Frances.
The format of the group continues to be fairly similar in that members generally will bring their own samples of writing, some of which are read aloud.
Each of the members will share their individual opinion by critiquing what has been read. This will give the writer valuable input and ideas for changes to the content if need be.
“These meetings continue to be very informal and anyone is welcome to join,” noted member Joan Miller.
“The group has even taken the time to read and discuss different types of poetry,” said Fran Shelfantook, another regular group member.
“You’ll be surprised that once you start writing, you can’t stop writing,” she remarked.
The writing that occurs among the group members varies, from personal diaries, fiction, and non-fiction to children’s writing and poetry. It is quite interesting to note one member currently is writing a family genealogy and a collection of family memoirs.
All members agree the focus of their monthly meetings continues to be about the writing process—not the process of getting each individuals’ writing published.
“However, it is would be nice to see any of our writing in print,” said Johanson.
This dedicated group of writing enthusiasts also shares best practices, as well as a wealth of information. Examples of topics might include how to get writing published, writing reference books, as well as writing contents.
One common theme each and every one of the members discussed continued to be their passion to write. For each one, they must write regardless of the type of writing.
Some write at the craziest times, such as Christmas morning or at 3 a.m., because that is when their creativity is at its peak.
The most obvious and noticeable characteristic about the group is that each member has a definite interest and passion for the art of writing.
“There are no dues to pay, no officers elected, and this group is as informal as it gets,” stressed Johanson. “The only thing that is required is a genuine interest in writing.”
New members are always welcome, added Johanson, who can be reached at 274-7056 for more information about the writers’ group.
Interested members also are welcome to attend a writers’ group meeting in the archive room of the library (lower level) at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month.
It should be noted the writers’ group does not meet in July or August as it takes a summer break.
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