Prairie Quills members share diverse pieces of writing at fall reading

The Prairie Quills Writers’ Group hosted a fall reading event with the theme Shaking the Family Tree at the Swift Current Branch Library, Oct. 14.

Several members of the group took on the challenge to create original pieces of writing for the event that reflect their interpretation of the theme around family connections and family history.

John Griffin presented an excerpt from his current project to create a non-fiction historical account of his great grandfather’s service and experiences during the First World War.

Dianne Miller read a fictional short story about the relationship between two sisters and the revealing of a family secret after their aunt’s sudden death.

Connor Kurtz joined the Prairie Quills last year and participated for the first time in a fall reading. He read the prologue from a large writing project he is working on. The opening words of his piece began with the question “Where lies the meaning of family?”

Madelon Smid reflected on the way society and families approached mental illness in the past through a piece she wrote about her paternal grandfather, who spent a major part of his life in Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.

William Coombes, who recently joined the Prairie Quills, shared a piece about the lifelong influence of his confusing childhood as an adoptee.

Bonnie Allen, another new Prairie Quills member, presented a short story exploring the family tree of a fictional character who has to deal with the looming death of her only living ancestor.

The final reader was Peggy Worrell, who presented a thumbnail sketch of 125 years of her family history. It reflects the story of many Canadian families who came to the country at different times and over time became part of its diverse cultural fabric.

The Prairie Quills Writers’ Group provides a forum for anyone who would like to explore writing. They meet on the third Tuesday evening of each month at the Swift Current Branch Library and there is an option to participate online. The group currently has nine members and new members are always welcome to join. For more information, call or text Worrell at 306-774-5915.

The Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce made a presentation during a City council meeting on Oct. 16 in support of the proclamation of Oct. 15-22 as Small Business Week. From left, Chamber staff Heidi Deg and Karla Wiens, Mayor Al Bridal, and Chamber board directors Mark Clements and Bryce Martin. The Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship in Canada.

Above (from left): New Prairie Quills member Bonnie Allen reads a fictional story about family and loss; Audience members listen to a reading by Prairie Quills member Connor Kurtz; Madelon Smid presents a reading.