Writing is not a talent all of us are fortunate to have. Whether writing fact or fiction, I envy those who can sit down and let the words flow. It was once my belief that if you really have “the gift” writing would just be easy. “Not so“, says my friend, local author Jim Alf. I’ve recently became aware of a new group in the area called Chippewa Valley Local Authors (CVLA). They held their first meeting at the public library on July 7th with 12 local authors attending. The purpose of the organizational meeting was “to discuss the forming of a group of local published authors for the purpose of presenting their works to the public as a group. Specifically advanced was the goal of presenting books at major public events.”

I had to ask Jim some other questions and learned these few words of wisdom:  “Writers write to express themselves, they look for inspiration all around them, and some work best with a deadline.”  Jim concluded that “writing can be an itch waiting to be scratched.”

Yes, those in the CVLA are already published authors looking for a venue for their works, but the deeper picture for me is their love of the written word, and a chance to discover a style of expression and personality of each writer shining through.

Our library and a number of community organizations also offer ways to improve your writing skills and opportunities to meet and greet authors throughout this Fall. Don’t miss the 16th Annual Chippewa Valley Book Festival coming October 12-22. Visit the festival’s website, http://www.cvbookfest.org for more details including the list of authors featured at this year’s festival. This is a wonderful way to meet authors, attend luncheons and workshops, and listen to authors read and talk about their work.

Want to try your hand at writing? Coming soon is a  Writers Workshop to be held at the library on Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, & 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. You will be encouraged to write your way out of writer’s block, grief, hardship, or boredom. Registration is required. Check out the October library newsletter for more information.

There are also some books I’d recommend you to take a look at when you’re next visiting the library. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is an older book that was recommended to me recently. You might also want to try How to Write Great Dialogue in Fiction by Irving Weinman. Other books on writing in the 808 call number section in our non-fiction stacks would be a great place to browse as well.

You might soon discover that it’s your turn to let your creativity shine through pen and paper, or word processor!