Out of the Woods and Into the Village by Donna Costa, Anne Kay, Brenda Martin, Martha Morrison Writing can be a solitary craft. Since 2007, the London Writers Society (LWS) has created a community for local writers, offering workshops and events to hone their skills and promote their work. With over 100 talented members, the Society was inspired to produce a collection of short stories and poems, titled Out of the Woods: Voices from the Forest City. This anthology is scheduled to launch June 3, 2025. For the anthology, LWS members were invited to submit stories and poems for consideration by a panel of local First Reader judges including award-winning Byron author, Barbara Haworth-Attard. “It was inspiring to read other writers’ work, their choice of words and how they strung those words together, but also to see the development of many layered characters and the wide variety of interpretations of Out of the Woods, ” says Barbara. The First Readers generated a longlist for renowned London author Emma Donoghue, who selected 44 pieces for publication. Among the finalists are three Byron authors: JR Boudreau wrote Megatheria. “I took a two-year break from writing after the birth of my daughter; it felt silly in comparison to the creativity of this wild little being. Then I heard about the anthology,” he says. “The idea of Emma Donoghue, whose Room I adore, casting her eyes on my work was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” Playwright and journalist Jan Sims penned Schrödinger’s Hamster . According to Jan, “It’s a tale about hamsters, humility, and the power of hope. I’m so thrilled to be part of the anthology with such a talented group of writers.” Charlotte Broadfoot, also known under the pen name Charlotte Helion, wrote Stumped. “I have never understood why short stories are regarded as the ‘poor cousin’ of the novel,” reflects Charlotte. “Within the confines of a condensed format, short stories are challenging, maybe even more than novels, and require great skill.” A grant to the Society from the London Arts Council through the City of London’s Community Arts Investment Program provided a crucial financial boost for the anthology, but funding is still needed to cover publishing costs. Individuals or AUTO DETAILING and auto Sanitization Yearly Exterior Car Wash Club Membership Available
NTEED QUALITY nts
Large selection of Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles BRIDGEVIEW SALES & LEASING 1207 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-633-0240 www.bridgeviewstthomas.ca
businesses wanting to support London and area writers can visit www.londonwriterssociety.ca/anthology. On April 5, 2025, the community is invited to discover and meet local writers at the LWS Spring Book Fair from 10 am to 3 pm at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, 1344 Commissioners Road West, in Byron. The event will include readings from local authors throughout the day. As well, light refreshments and books in a variety of genres will be for sale.
Thomas
Looking for a New Shed this Spring?
Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Page 14 Byron Villager Looking for a New Shed this Spring?
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs