Writers pen and publish golden tales

CREATIVE writing group, Golden Pens – Write Side Up have published their third book, Pearls on the Plains.

Dedicated to late founder, Maree Cowan, the anthology includes poetry, short stories and ditties that showcase a large variety of genres, from light-hearted and humorous reads, to deeper work.

Member Wendy Spall said the book follows 2015 release, Snowflakes on the Plains and 2016’s Gathering Gum Leaves. Its seven authors hope their writing collection will reach hundreds of readers.

“It’s about 260 pages all up, with the occasional black and white pictures, and there’s a bio on the writers,” she said.

“It’s hot off the press. We picked up our copies our last Saturday.”

Mrs Spall said the group began about seven years ago when a keen writer posted a notice to a supermarket’s community board.

“She called out for anybody wanting to join a writing group and a few people started getting together. Then the library got involved and lent us a room.

“We normally come together once a fortnight to talk, laugh, write, and have a lot of fun. We pick subjects and have speed writing sessions for three or six minutes,” she said.

“It’s a very egalitarian group. We pick topics out of a bag or write on a word someone chooses. Then we read out what we’ve done. We also have a homework subject that everybody agrees on.”

The Golden Pens core group has been together for about five years, now with seven regulars and a couple of casual members.

Writers in the group are currently 60 and over. Participants don’t need to be confident wordsmiths, they may simply join because they’re keen to improve.

“One of our newest members didn’t think he could write a word, but she’s come each fortnight, she’s persisted, and she’s really blossomed. Her writing has become so much better just through practice.

“We’re a very welcoming group. If somebody wants to come, we welcome them and we’re encouraging,” Mrs Spall said.

“I walked in there not knowing a soul, but they welcomed me with open arms and I’ve never looked back. It’s been very beneficial to my health. It keeps me sane.”

If you’d like to make an enquiry about the group or buy a copy of Pearls on the Plains, email [email protected] or call 0427 551 641. The books are $15 each plus postage.