JanBeek

Join or Start a Writers’ Group

Do you belong to a Writers’ Group?
If not, is there one in your area?
If not, how about starting one?

We had Writers of Madison County
alive and well when Bob & I moved here
back in 2006. I joined in 2007.
We published an anthology each year.

Over the years members moved away
or some of the older ones left this earth.
By the time of the Pandemic,
we were no longer publishing
– and so the group disbanded.

Then this year a friend asked me,
“Why don’t you start the group again?”
I contacted our local bank
where we’d been meeting
and they graciously gave us
their Fireside Room to use twice a month.

I contacted the local newspaper
and they put our meetings in the
news calendar every 1st & 3rd Friday.
Our group is small (averaging 4 to 6),
but we hope to grow…
and we are enjoying the sharing.

Last week there were four of us.
We began with a 15 minute “Free Write”
on a topic suggested by a new member:
“Getting Ready for Winter”

We wrote for 15 minutes and then
shared orally what we had written.
Feedback was spontaneous and encouraging.
The others wrote fictional short stories or personal reflections.
I wrote this poem:

Winter Comes Too Early

Winter comes too early
And it lasts too long.
When God created seasons,
He got it all so wrong!

The seasons should be equal:
Spring summer winter fall.
Each has its own beauty.
I really love them all.

But here in Montana
Winter comes too soon.
We barely get a summer
When we see the autumn moon.

The leaves turn gorgeous golden.
The wildflowers die on the vine.
The frost kills the mosquitoes.
But what joy is left is mine.

I take joy in getting ready
For winter’s cold but glorious snow,
Begging neighbors to be willing
To plow us out, you know?

Winter boots and jackets
Come forward in the space
Where sandals and sundresses
Once occupied that place.

Family in California
Invite us to take a break.
Prepare for winter travel.
Call – and reservations make.

So, enjoy what little autumn
We are fortunate to see,
Because before you are ready,
Winter’s here for you and me.

Sleigh bells ring and children gather
Near the fireplace to hear
Reindeer bells and Ho-ho-ho’s.
Are you ready? Winter’s near!

… Jan Beekman, 9-20-2024

My friends complimented my ability to produce a poem in that brief fifteen minute period. But, for me, writing poetry is as easy (if not easier) than prose. I thank my mom for that. She loved poetry. Even though she didn’t write it, she collected it, memorized it, shared it. And I was the grateful, eager recipient.

Where did your love of writing originate? What kind of writing is most fun for you? Do you have a group with whom to share it? If so, good for you! If not, why not start a writers’ group in your neighborhood, town or city?

Love to you,
JanBeek