For the Love of Writing

After exhausting all available courses and local authority funding, a group of local writers who attended Creative Writing classes in Alexandria Library decided to become an independent group.

And the Castle Valley Writers Group was born.

The group successfully applied to the National Lottery for funding to employ a tutor who helps and advises on their work.

They have met weekly over two terms and hope to publish their first anthology in the coming months.

Their tutor Dr Michael Rodgers, is also an English lecturer at West College Scotland.

They are a diverse group of individuals whose common ground is a love of writing.

One member explained: “We have come together with different experiences, different backgrounds and different capabilities and strengths. However, we gel as a group and as well as giving each other feedback on work we do, we offer friendship and support to one another.

“Many of us in the group have either mental or physical health challenges and all of us have found great benefit in having a support network of like-minded individuals.

“We are currently 14 but looking at expanding so others can enjoy these same benefits.

“The only qualification is a love of writing - although there is absolutely no obligation to produce writing on a regular basis.”

Some group members shared their thoughts on why the sessions are important to them: “Through my writing I have been able to tackle traumatic life experiences. It continues to be a powerful cathartic journey.”

“The group understands my disabilities and capabilities. I feel included, allowing me to be me.”

“Having been in movies, TV, and theatre productions, Iʼve always enjoyed immersive cultural experiences. Also, with my daughter, Iʼve discovered a passion for writing from my imagination. From short stories, flash fiction, poetry, and even kidsʼ stories, Iʼm able to continue my written journey with the group today.”

“I had written a few poems before but no prose since I was at school. It is good being part of a group of similar minded people. We are all from slightly different walks of life and have become good friends through our writing. Some members have known each other for many years and have welcomed me and other newbies with open arms. I hope our wee group continues to keep going for many years.”

To find out more, please contact Castle Valley Writers Group - Email [email protected]