Power of the pen!
Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group has been providing a creative outlet for members for a number of years now and continues to meet online each week.
Member and group facilitator, Fiona Drury, says members were impacted by the closure of Ballaghaderreen Library following the outbreak of Covid-19.
“We used to meet at the library every second week and that was lovely, but when Covid-19 broke out we moved online,” she says.
“Now we WhatsApp and have video calls, taking turns to facilitate each session. Facilitators provide writing prompts and it’s quite different to meeting face-to-face. When meeting in person the prompts could be anything – such as musical pieces – but online our options are a bit more limited”.
Writers are provided with the prompts and then given 20 minutes each to compose a piece of writing. Each member then reads out what they’ve written to the rest of the group.
“We also give ‘homework’ or writing prompts to be done at home. We don’t take it too seriously and you don’t need a degree or anything to take part. It’s open for everyone and it’s great craic,” Fiona added.
The group has a core of six or seven members with other writers joining up from time to time.
“Our members are from all over and some find the online classes very convenient,” Fiona says. “It’s a bit of fun and a great way for people to work on their writing.
“I love writing myself…it’s just a pity I didn’t know that when I was in school! Members find it very therapeutic and new members are always very welcome”.
The Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group meets every second Wednesday via WhatsApp and those interested in joining are invited to check out the group’s Facebook page.
