YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP
Name of group: Macclesfield Writers Your name and title?: Joy Wrinkler, poet, performer and workshop facilitator. Where do you meet?: Macclesfield Library. When do you meet?: Every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. How and when did you start Macclesfield Writers?: I started the group in April 2011 giving a series of workshops to local people interested in writing. The library gave me a room for free and I gave my time. I suggested that if the group wanted to continue, they could rent the library room for £3 each per week. They decided to go ahead, we formed a small committee, and I have been a member of the group ever since. What goes on during a typical session?: Usually, a group member will volunteer to run the session – they will introduce a topic, provide handouts of information and set exercises and discussion. We then share our writing. We also have ‘read round’ sessions where members bring along current work to share with the group and receive feedback. We often have visiting authors, publishers, and editors who give a talk on various topics. Once a year we have an ‘away day’ to visit places of inspiration. How many members are currently involved?: We have 40 members currently involved – 18 attend the weekly meetings (not always the same 18). We don’t mind that people are not able to attend every meeting. We welcome all ages, genders and backgrounds. We are non-judgemental and there is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in our sessions. Can anyone join?: Anyone is welcome to join and the first session is free. No qualifications or training needed, just an interest in writing. Tell us about the group’s achievements: We have given public readings at the library and at the King Edward Street Chapel and have been involved in the Barnaby Festivals of recent years. We’ve published three anthologies to date – Macc Writes, Cloudbursts and Dabble with a Drabble, and a few of our members have achieved novels, collections of poetry and touring plays over the years. Any advice for keen writers in Macclesfield?: Against all rumours, writers don’t always do best keeping to themselves and writing in attics and secluded places (although this could be a useful part of their regime). Listening to other writers and their experiences is also a really good way to get motivated, be inspired and keep in touch with what’s going on in the writing world. My good intentions to write aren’t always enough – I need a push. On my way home from sessions I find the creative juices start to flow – if you see someone at the bus stop scribbling away, it’s probably me or one of our group. Toot your horn in support! Why is creative writing so important?: I have worked as a creative writing facilitator for 25 years and have witnessed the many effects it has. It can be a way to gain personal achievement, a way to communicate something important and a therapy sometimes. Being involved in a group can be a way to move forward with an idea that you’ve had for a long time. We forget how enjoyable making up stories can be. What a buzz can be had from writing a poem. Above all else, it’s great fun. How can our readers find out more?: Visit www.maccwriters. wordpress.com or email Joy at joywinkler@sky.com or chairperson Sandy Milsom at d.smilsom60@ btinternet.com.