Lakeport >> Lakeport Writers Circle has had its first two meetings under new leadership. After seven years, Mary McMillan, Poet Laureate Emeritus, turned the direction of the group over to four local writers: present Poet Laureate Casey Carney, KC Patrick, Richard Schmidt, and Lourdes Thuesen, who share the responsibilities and facilitation.
The new directors were pleased with the robust turn out in both January and February. The continuing and new members bring a range of writing experience to the group, from emerging writers to some who have already been published. Participants have shared a variety of selections such as a novel about gold mines in the Philippines at the start of World War II, to a memoir of “homesteading” in Lower Lake, to a surreal account of a near-miss fatal accident on a county road, to poignant poems capturing natural beauty of our lake area.
Each gathering begins with a short “free write” on a topic chosen by the group which then can be shared or not. During the evening those who wish to read work they have brought present short selections of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction for supportive and helpful suggestions from the rest of the writers. Some participants come infrequently, others every month. Anyone is welcome to listen, to read, or just to enjoy.
Lake County Arts Council is a faithful sponsor of Writers Circle offering a meeting space surrounded by lovely artwork. A tab on the LCAC webpage offers more information about writing in Lake County, including open mics and other writing opportunities.
Lakeport Writers Circle is supported by Poets and Writers through a grant received from the James Irvine Foundation.
Lakeport Writers Circle meets on the first Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:30 in the Main Street Art Gallery, Lakeport. The next meeting is March 3.
For information, contact Lourdes Thuesen at lthuesen@hughes.net.
