You are cordially invited!

WHEN: Saturday, February 5, 2022

WHERE: Waconia Library, Magazine Corner

WHAT TIME: 10:30am (all are welcome to stay for the WWG business meeting right after)

PROMPT: Forgotten Spaces, Forgotten Things (aka, “write about something you found in your junk drawer/closet/forgotten space”)

But now, let’s rewind a bit… to a quiet January morning, when five WWG members donned their masks and met to hash out some WWG items for 2022:

We read our pieces inspired by the January prompt(s), which lined up with the ACCC Literary event, Inspired by Winter, that was set to take place on January 27th (flash forward a bit… that event was lovely!). We shared our pieces written on the themes: Starry Night, Winter Sundays, Home Blue, and Missing You.

We talked about our current projects we each have in progress, and the conversation shifted to how important it is for us to keep reminding ourselves to write in our own voices, vs. writing solely for others. It’s easy to slip into writing what we think others want to read, or expect from us, but at the risk of losing our unique voices in the process. Several of us shared similar feelings about this phenomenon. It was encouraging to remind ourselves and each other that someone is out there who will love our work.

We also discussed moving the WWG’s virtual critique sessions (currently offered one Wednesday night per month) to a different weeknight. We’re exploring this possible change with the thought that someday, we could meet in person for these critique sessions. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are on the table. Members: cast your vote by emailing WWG or using the contact form on the WWG homepage.

Flashing forward again, to January 27th, and the ACCC Winter Celebration event! Four WWG members (Jillian, Claire, Mona, and Jen) braved the bright lights and wide stage of the Theater at Chaska Community Center, along with several other community writers on a brisk winter night, to read our pieces inspired by winter themes. It was delightful to hear our words against a backdrop of music from some wonderful local musicians! We look forward to partnering with the ACCC on more literary events (and more joint literary/music events) in our community in the future!

And on to the next. 😄 January got away from me a bit, here’s hoping that February is a little more even keel. Hope to see you at our meeting this Saturday!

~Jen