Taking the next step

Writing workshops lead to new monthly magazine

Writing workshops in Mount Gambier throughout 2022 have resulted in 15 Limestone Coast writers publishing a new magazine called The Next Step.

The first issue features a selection of works by members of the writing groups which run sessions at the Mount Gambier Library. As it will be out in December it has a Christmas-themed cover in red and green, featuring a photograph of Banksia Coccinea, the Scarlet Banksia.

Mount Gambier writer Kay Mitchell’s poem ‘Christmas Fare’ begins the new publication and Adair Dunsford, of Naracoorte, has contributed ‘A Little Voice’, a tribute to the annual Wirrega Children’s Christmas Party held in the Tatiara. Contributing writers are from Mount Gambier and surrounds, Penola and Naracoorte. Three writing groups were formed at the library following a writer in residence program with Jude Aquilina in late February.

Ms Aquilina is a South Australian author, poet and creative writing teacher and she ran a Writing for Pleasure and Publication workshop and met local writers for one-on- one mentoring sessions. A Writers’ Muster was held and local authors discussed their experiences.

The library then set up the Strong Women Writers Group led by Patricia Corner, the All-Welcome group of mixed genres writing with Dr Linda Walker and Jean McArthur giving guidance and the Writing for Children and Young Adults group run by library staff member and short fiction writer, Jacqui Davies.

The three groups have met monthly and Jessica Polson from Penola has formed the Pathways to Publication group which is driving the magazine publication and has the business name of creatives@Limestone Coast. Kay Mitchell and Jane Byrne. both of Mount Gambier. have assisted with the magazine concept.

The Next Step features fiction and non-fiction, photography, poetry and 2D artwork. It is in A4 format and will be distributed to 11 public libraries in the Limestone Coast region – Mount Gambier, Grant, Wattle Range, Tatiara, Kingston and Robe council areas. It is free of charge.

The magazine will be monthly for 2023 and submissions are invited from Limestone Coast residents. Details for submission are included in the magazine but can be an article, essay or poem or a 2D work of art. There is scope for contributions from the youth of the area.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP: Jessica Polson (Penola), Kay Mitchell (Mount Gambier) & Christine Dohnt (Penola)