O's Own Writers
Sharing the Well |
Whispering Down the Well |
Sharing the Well
Twelve local writers contributed to Sharing the Well, an anthology of writing which communicates a sense of place, that of the Southern Okanagan. By "dipping into the inkwell" and sharing their experiences through poetry and prose, they created a strong sense of community amongst themselves.
Immerse yourself in the desert flora and fauna with What am I Doing Here? By Allene Halliday, Fruit for Cash by Donna Yakimishyn, I am Green and Alive, by Vivienne Calder, A Postcard in the Sand, by Anita Trapler, Uncorking George Bowering, by Jody Chadderton, and Osoyoos, by Lilly Zekanovic.
Whispering Down the Well
In Whispering Down the Well nine contributors share the intriguing experiences and history of women in their lives. You will meet Hope who skated 22 miles home for Christmas, Lill whose leap of faith got her through some tough times and Mary, who survived countless misfortunes. Some stories are biographical, some encapsulated in fiction, some unabashed memoir.
Themes developed: epiphany, regret and lack of regret, the fulsomeness of life, the tragedy of life, the hilarious $48.50 and the nostalgic. These stories celebrate the qualities that get women through hard times not the least of which is a wicked sense of humour. They were written to be read and enjoyed, never again to be just "whispered down the well."
About the O's Own Writers
The O's Own Writers group was formed in 2002 and generally meets twice a month at the Osoyoos Arts Building above the Osoyoos Art Gallery at 89th and Main Street.
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and the second Thursday of the month, at 7:30 p.m.
A typical meeting finds the writers sharing stories and poetry on which they have been working, challenging each other to write on specified subjects and responding to 20-minute writing prompts which are then shared and generate comment.
A critique protocol has been established that allows the Writers to discuss work put forward in a positive, non-judgmental and helpful manner.
O's Own Writers have also taken on long-term projects resulting in two anthologies; Sharing the Well and Whispering Down the Well. Both books are still available.
The writing group has contracted twice for writing courses with Okanagan College and convened the Sinclaire Sessions over the winter/spring of 2011.
There is no cost associated with joining the O's Own Writers although we strongly recommend all members purchase a yearly $10 Osoyoos & District Arts Council Membership to acknowledge the use of the Arts Building for a meeting place.
Contacts:
| Sue Whittaker | (250) 495-7664 | swhit@persona.ca |
| Jody Chadderton | (250) 495-2170 | comus@vip.net |
