A creative outlet for all

Wyong Writers Group provides a creative outlet for people of all abilities.

Member Jonn Christie loves to write.

“‘Writing takes me out of my own head, so I can stop overthinking everything,” he said.

“I was born extremely prematurely at 530 grams, almost 35 years ago now.

“I decided to start writing poetry about eight years ago.

“I was going through bad depression from loneliness, since I am not really too confident at speaking to people unfortunately, so I just let my poems do the talking for me.”

Mavis Gunter is a life member of the group.

Now 94, she was a foundation member more than 50 years ago.

She keeps busy these days with knitting and writing and although unable to physically attend meetings, she still enthusiastically participates in club writing competitions.

She has published four books of her writings mainly for family and friends and says she gets a lot of joy out of writing.

In 2015 Mavis Gunter published One and One Makes Five, a book of stories and anecdotes based on the experiences of a family living in a wattle and daub house on a small farm in the bush between the years of 1932 to 1942.

It illustrates the challenges of living without water or electricity and the hardships encountered due to a 10-year drought and the Depression.

“The pursuit of excellence by Jonn and Mavis are an example of being differently able and loving life,” a group spokesperson said.

For membership information visit www.wyongwriters.org or call 0409 600 963.