Continual Living, Loving and Learning Elgin Writer’s Guild by Peri Hayes
Nurse Next Door
Elgin Writer’s Guild has been a lively and literary resource in the community since 2019. Joining in 2020, Secretary and moderator of their Non- Fiction Group, Trudy Prins, outlines what Elgin Writer’s Guild represents: “Our goal is to encourage good writing in Elgin County by hosting informational seminars offering writing and publishing tips; giving feedback through critique groups; and creating opportunities to write at writers’ retreats. We also host social events to foster connections among writers.” Moderated by Tara Walker, Elgin Writer’s Guild facilitates a Fiction Critique Group which meets twice monthly at the St. Thomas Public Library. This group has grown in size, with 12 to 14 participants who critique individual author submissions. Meanwhile, Trudy and their Non-Fiction group of three to six participants gather at Lockwood Books on the final Friday of each month. During this time, topics are reviewed in genres of memoir, journaling, self- help writing and beyond. “There are a few people who work together to write poetry,” Trudy highlights. While their Writers in Residence Programs, in colla- boration with the St. Thomas Public Library, have generally been virtual, these critique groups otherwise routinely gather at in-person events scheduled for various times throughout the year. The Poetry Night held at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre surrounding area poets united to celebrate the power of words. The evening entailed an array of readings, along with a Why Poetry? Panel. Trudy describes with evident delight, “We offer a wide range of entry points and ways to improve skills on different levels. We also organize events for professional input of use to our members. If you are a serious writer, there is a place for you. If you want to write as a pastime, we enjoy sharing life experiences. There’s room for serious critique and for fun.” Trudy proceeds to share, “We have published a group anthology edited by Tara Walker, Railway City Writes. ” This work is now available on Amazon. Their membership fee for the April 1 – March 31 year costs $50.00, which is prorated throughout the first year. Elgin Writer’s Guild is a social and supportive setting for exploring a nostalgic or undiscovered passion. Trudy warmly invites, “For those who love to write, it’s an opportunity to meet your people. Our writers have a wide range of interests and experiences, and enjoy encouraging others in their work.”
As Trudy concludes with fulfillment, “It is rewarding to work with writers of various ages, who are writing in different genres as they come together in this group. We get to see actual progress on long-cherished dreams of writing.” Visit the elginwriters.com website, or the Elgin Writer’s Guild Facebook page for further information. Kindly direct any inqui- ries to their elginwritersguild@outlook.com email address.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2025 Page 5
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