With so many sporting activities available within our community, it seems easy to forget that there are other pastimes to enjoy. One creative outlet is writing. Whether it is prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction, short story, novel or memoir, this particular art form crosses every age group, ability, topic, interest, and theme. Some are brave enough to share or publish their work, while others are content to file it away, either as a legacy for their family or for more personal reasons.
The act of writing is not only cathartic but also a thoroughly enjoyable pursuit. However, it can be a lonely activity if you allow it to be. We are extremely fortunate, therefore, to have a renowned writing group within our county. The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County (www.wfscsherwoodpark.com) has grown from a small group in 2001 to, not only a large number of local members, but also many virtual ones, across Canada, in the USA and Australia and expanding all the time. With such a broad spectrum of contributors, covering every possible writing style, their membership can find constructive critique, support and encouragement.
The foundation’s web site is a vital link not only for their virtual members but also as a place to share pieces of work and have comments made upon it. The group’s motto- “Supporting writers…any age, any stage of their writing career” is the basis for their continued success and mandate for garnering a sense of community.
The group is very active and holds several meetings each month, year round. The main sharing meeting is held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Sherwood Park library in the Birch room at 7 pm with a smaller meeting on the third Tuesday, also in the library at 7pm but at varying locations. For those members wanting a more structured workshop type meeting, there are two ‘Writing Friends’ events each month on the second and fourth Thursday in the library at 10 am. Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings as membership is not required for ‘come and see’ visits.
The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County has been a partner with the Sherwood Park library for many years and has enjoyed creating cooperative events to further literary and literacy programs within the county.
One such event is Words in the Park Book Sale and Fair, which is held each fall focusing on local authors and literary endeavors in Strathcona. This year’s event will coincide with the LitFest week with author readings and workshops available on Oct. 27, 2012 from 1 – 4pm in the community centre and library complex at 401, Festival Lane, Sherwood Park.
If you have dabbled in the written word or have drawers full of novels, take a look at The Writers Foundation of Strathcona, you will be pleasantly surprised.
http://strathconaconnect.ca/strathcona-county-gets-writing-p219-96.htm
