Wrap up - Chartwell Writer's Den
Writer’s Den was a community-run fortnightly gathering of people who love to write. Home to those who had stories to tell and those who had the experience to support and assist. We shared some wonderful meetings on Thursday nights amid laughter and enjoyment of member’s stories. People from many different cultures and backgrounds have joined at various times.
Our writing took a different turn several years ago when Seasons magazine offered to publish some of our stories. This has been a huge success as the writers often meet people who say “I love your stories, please keep writing.” It has also encouraged us to send pieces of composition elsewhere for publication or enter competitions. Some members have written books, some poetry, fiction, others long memoir pieces which are published overseas. Stories have been written to leave for family, and wonderful descriptions of places lived overseas have kept us enthralled.
When covid took over our lives, a decision was made to continue the group online. Stories had to be in by a certain date, were then attached to an email where writers den members could add their critique and suggestions over the following week. This continued through varying lockdowns and library shutdowns. Importantly, it kept us writing while confined to our homes, but also ensured we supported each other through a very difficult time. At the end of each year we had a Christmas get together and enjoyed each other’s company without the pressure of reading our stories out loud. ‘Bringing a plate’ took on a new meaning as foods from different cultures and cooking styles were tested and enjoyed. I think many of us missed the long summer break.
I would like to thank all the previous dedicated leaders of the group, three I think, who ensured the Chartwell Writer’s Den supported so many budding writers. Denise, who is no longer with us, introduced me to the group and always made sure everyone learnt something new each meeting.
With some of our long-term attendees moving on to new chapters in their lives, the Writer’s Den is being put into recess in September 2025. However, if this writers group sounds like something you’d love to join, please express your interest to Susan Mellsopp chocolatsue@xtra.co.nz. We remain hopeful that someday there will be enough interest to return with a new generation of writers and fresh stories to send out into the world!