by
Robert Moulesong
As a
writer, I often relate to the flower that grows through concrete. Alone,
abandoned, surrounded by foreign objects not related to my meager attempts.
When I
use this analogy to describe the life of a writer, only a few will vigorously
nod their heads. To no one’s surprise, they, too, are writers.
In
December of 2013, my darling wife came across an article in the NWI Times
newspaper that highlighted one of our local writing communities. I learned
about the history, present, and future plans of that group and its members.
More
importantly, I learned there actually was a local writing community. I must
confess—I was a journalist for the Times
for 15+ years and never knew there was a local creative writing community.
Therefore,
I put my journalist hat on and conducted research. Here is what I discovered on
my journey:
1)
There are at least 10 active writing communities in
Northwest Indiana and South Suburban Illinois.
2)
Some of these writing communities are genre specific,
some are great for beginners, and some are more detailed for experienced
writers.
3)
There is a community called the Indiana Writers
Consortium that serves as an umbrella organization to help coordinate many of
the other writing communities.
4)
The Indiana Writers Consortium conducts classes,
workshops, tutoring, and various other events.
During
the past 18 months, I have become involved with many of these writing
communities. They have been a tremendous help in guiding my creative writing
career down the right path.
1)
They have helped prompt me to write about specific
genres and specific themes that I otherwise would not have attempted.
2)
They have offered me the opportunity to share my work
with other writers and receive quality critiques.
3)
They have allowed me to participate in public readings
at several venues in the area.
4)
They have allowed me the opportunity to network with writers,
publishers, and editors.
None of
this would have been possible if I had not gotten involved with local writing
communities.
“It’s
like going to a shoe store,” one member told me. “You have to try on several
styles and sizes to learn which one is right for you.”
Let’s
face it; “Da Region” is not considered an artisan alley. Smokestacks and brown
fields do not an inspiration make.
Yet, amidst
our industrial existence, we can find sanctuary in pockets of poetry and prose.
Just like the flower sprouting through the concrete.
Hmmm …
Maybe
the flower doesn’t really represent loneliness and abandonment. Maybe it’s a
sign of the artistic beauty that one can find if they search hard enough for
it. Perhaps the various writing communities are the flowers among the concrete
of everyday life.
Enjoy the journey.
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