There’s something special about the written word.
As society’s reliance on technology escalates, it seems many have forgotten the simple pleasure of finding a quiet corner and sitting down to write.
Members of Wyndham-based Western Union Writers are passionate about keeping writing traditions alive.
The group, founded by Kip Singh Chauli, Bronwen Hickman and Helen Cerne in 1985, is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The group is open to everybody from fiction to non-fiction writers, poets to novelists, historians to new and young writers.
Cerne says its aim has always been to support writers and stimulate literary expression across the community.
They meet every second Friday for a night of storytelling and laughter, and to share their work and achievements.
“As a writer, that feedback can give you new ideas and direction,” Cerne said.
“There’s a certain rhythm that happens when you read your work aloud. If people laugh in the right spots, you know you’re on the right track.”
Singh Chauli says the group’s meetings have a unique and creative energy. “We inspire each other. We give advice, we go away on a writers’ camp every year and we share our skills – we’re a fraternity.”
Hickman, who has just published a biography on pioneering Australian author Mary Gaunt, said the diversity of the group was one of its strengths.
“Some people have had books published, some have never sent anything in to be published and some just enjoy the social aspect, because writing can be a very lonely business,” she said.
“At every meeting we share our success stories, and that’s important.”
Chris Ringrose, one of the group’s most recent recruits, is a former professor of literature at England’s Northampton University.
“I’ve written poetry since I was a teenager,” he said. “The most enjoyable aspect of the group is the different voices. When you receive feedback it often makes you think of things in a different way.”
Cerne said many of the group’s members had gone on to great success as writers, historians, academics, playwrights and publishers. The group has spawned a young writers group called Imagination Creation, which organises a competition for young writers across Australia.
“We’ve always been a very inclusive group,” Cerne said. “Most of us carry journals or notebooks, so if we’re on the train or out and about we can quickly write down something we see or hear.”
On October 24, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the group will hold a writers’ festival with workshops, guest speakers and the launch of an anthology of works by members.
Find out more
Phone Helen on 9376 7010.
