Writing can be a lonely and frustrating occupation, but joining a writing group that is supportive and meets regularly, can help overcome the writing blues.
This year, the Lazy River Writers notch up their fifteenth birthday. Members have come and gone over the years, but there is now a longstanding group of eight women (plus an honorary member who moved to Queensland) who write, perform and are published in a variety of genres.
Meetings started at the Lazy River Café in Belgrave, and that’s where the name originated, but they soon moved to the quieter space of Belgrave Library and have stayed there ever since.
Member Vicki Thornton says, ‘The group has given me the confidence to perform my work…not merely read from a page, but to recite, to engage the audience and be able to deliver a performance.’
Caroline Stills loves writing for young people of all ages: she has had several picture books published both in Australia and overseas, and is currently working on a young adult novel.
Jenni Ivins says though she’s had a pleasing rate of success when she’s submitted or entered her work in the public sphere, her greatest satisfaction has been derived from using her words in clear communications that achieve her “real world” goals.
Nola Wernicke lists her greatest achievement as getting a haiku shortlisted in the FreeXpression magazine from New South Wales (she was also on the same page as noted poets Jennifer Harrison and Sue Stamford)
Marian Spires says, of her most valued writing achievement, ‘I won the 2009 Melbourne Writers' Festival Poetry Idol Award. The prize enabled me to travel overseas to do some research and gave me a publishing contract with Picaro, who published my Knowing Vincent collection in 2010.’
‘ As a children’s author, helping my readers make sense of their world gives me much pleasure,’ says Michelle Vasiliu.
‘The biggest achievement for me has just been finding what works for me and what doesn't - from type of writing to routine. I've completed a lot of non- fiction and I honestly don't believe doing any of it would have worked, otherwise,’ says Jenan Taylor.
Having a crime novel published here and in America was satisfying for member Jackie Tritt, but winning short story competitions is always a writing thrill.
Asked why they’ve stayed together for so long, there was general agreement. There’s appreciation of the support and encouragement from fellow writers who understand the highs and lows of writing and publishing; the sharing of knowledge between people with a range of styles and experience; and, perhaps most of all, the friendship they cherish within the group.
Jackie Tritt, July 2015
This year, the Lazy River Writers notch up their fifteenth birthday. Members have come and gone over the years, but there is now a longstanding group of eight women (plus an honorary member who moved to Queensland) who write, perform and are published in a variety of genres.
Meetings started at the Lazy River Café in Belgrave, and that’s where the name originated, but they soon moved to the quieter space of Belgrave Library and have stayed there ever since.
Member Vicki Thornton says, ‘The group has given me the confidence to perform my work…not merely read from a page, but to recite, to engage the audience and be able to deliver a performance.’
Caroline Stills loves writing for young people of all ages: she has had several picture books published both in Australia and overseas, and is currently working on a young adult novel.
Jenni Ivins says though she’s had a pleasing rate of success when she’s submitted or entered her work in the public sphere, her greatest satisfaction has been derived from using her words in clear communications that achieve her “real world” goals.
Nola Wernicke lists her greatest achievement as getting a haiku shortlisted in the FreeXpression magazine from New South Wales (she was also on the same page as noted poets Jennifer Harrison and Sue Stamford)
Marian Spires says, of her most valued writing achievement, ‘I won the 2009 Melbourne Writers' Festival Poetry Idol Award. The prize enabled me to travel overseas to do some research and gave me a publishing contract with Picaro, who published my Knowing Vincent collection in 2010.’
‘ As a children’s author, helping my readers make sense of their world gives me much pleasure,’ says Michelle Vasiliu.
‘The biggest achievement for me has just been finding what works for me and what doesn't - from type of writing to routine. I've completed a lot of non- fiction and I honestly don't believe doing any of it would have worked, otherwise,’ says Jenan Taylor.
Having a crime novel published here and in America was satisfying for member Jackie Tritt, but winning short story competitions is always a writing thrill.
Asked why they’ve stayed together for so long, there was general agreement. There’s appreciation of the support and encouragement from fellow writers who understand the highs and lows of writing and publishing; the sharing of knowledge between people with a range of styles and experience; and, perhaps most of all, the friendship they cherish within the group.
Jackie Tritt, July 2015