The magic that is Writers Anonymous

Published 4:03 pm Friday, March 31, 2017

April is National Poetry Month, and I can think of no better way to celebrate it than telling you about our own Pell City writing group, Writers Anonymous (WA). Although the members of WA represent almost every imaginable writing genre, they meet once a month for the express purpose of writing and reading poetry. Why poetry? To quote Chris Tiegreen, former editor of Indeed Magazine (Walk Thru the Bible), author of several books and with thousands of writing credits, “Writing should be beautiful, and writers can accomplish that by thinking like a poet when writing in prose.”

Writers Anonymous had a humble beginning six years ago, with four people who wanted to invest in words and the people who write them. They launched the group by having a “Night of Poetry” at the Pell City Library. Expecting at least a few people, they were astounded when nearly 100 people came out on a rainy Saturday night to hear people read poetry! That’s all the encouragement they needed, and Writers Anonymous was born.

Over the years, WA has grown in number and, with greater numbers, the group has been able to make an impact in several areas. They have sponsored poetry and essay contests in the local schools and provided prizes for the Pell City Library Summer Reading Program. They also sponsored several students to go and hear Natasha Trethewey, the U.S. Poet Laureate. However, their biggest endeavor continues to be the annual Mid-Winter Writers Conference.

Barry Marks, former President of the Alabama State Poetry Society, has said, “Writers Anonymous is the most vibrant, exciting and successful writing group in Alabama.” And he’s right. In the past year alone, members of WA have brought home more than 75 awards for their writing. There’s a warm sense of community and camaraderie among these people, and a win for one feels like a win for all.

WA meets once a month and at each monthly meeting, you’re likely to see several familiar faces as well as some new ones among the 15-20 people who come regularly. Poets read what they have written during the month in response to challenges laid down the previous month. It’s a “Round Robin” reading, with anyone participating if they choose. The only feedback is positive; it is not a critique group. This atmosphere of acceptance without criticism encourages even the newest members to read. They enter the room, and then the magic begins. And it is magic.

What is this magic we call Writers Anonymous, and why does it work? How did the energy of one or two become the synergy that is breaking records? I can best answer that by letting a few of its members tell you why they come.

Jeanette Willert, a retired college English professor moved to Pell City a few years back and was thrilled to find a group of writers. She says about WA, “I want to be with people who write and who want to grow in their writing skills. Our ‘Round Robin’ readings bind us as a community, and I value that communal spirit.”

Shawnette Daniel likes the family- like, encouraging atmosphere and says it “makes me want to give that back to others.” Lindsey Little says she comes “because it’s fun sharing and appreciating poetry with others who enjoy it (Plus, the food is great!).”

Mike Cavender drives 2.5 hours, round trip, to come to the WA meetings. Why that much of an investment? Mike says, “It is all about the people and the poetry. Great opportunity to be with others who are passionate about poetry, great feedback, great ideas/prompts for writing more poetry.”

Margaret Rush was one of the first four members of Writers Anonymous, and she says, “Writing is my therapy. WA is my outlet to share my efforts and is my classroom where I learn from others. WA meetings and the Mid-Winter Writers Conference are my social outlets. It’s where I can enjoy the company of other writers, and WA members have become my family. I am fortunate to be mentored by some great poets.”

My husband Harry and I invest a lot of hours in WA and its related activities every month, and we don’t begrudge one second of it. Watching these people grow as writers, begin to believe in what they’re doing and decide to take a chance by reading or entering a contest delights us. And we celebrate each win with them.

When people ask me why we named the group Writers Anonymous, I usually smile and say, “Because that’s how most of us are going to remain…anonymous.” However, the real reason is because it’s not about us. It’s much bigger than that. It’s about loving words and the people who write them.

That’s the reason members of Writers Anonymous work for months before the Mid-Winter Writers Conference preparing, do the set up and clean up, cook all the food and then pay to go to the conference. The investment is worth it for them, and it pays off in the magic that Writers Anonymous has become.

WA meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Pell City Library. Come check us out. Who knows? You might become some of the magic that is WA.

For more information, go to writersanonymous.us.

Rita Aiken Moritz is the President and founder of Writers Anonymous. Check out her blog, books or get in touch at www.ritamoritz.com.