The Elgin Writers Guild Presents ‘Railway City Writes’
The Elgin Writers Guild (EWG), established on April 1, 2019 in Elgin County, has become a vibrant group of local writers. With 16 paid members, the group offers a supportive and professional environment for both emerging and seasoned writers. The guild caters to various genres, with members divided into different critique groups, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. This autumn, the guild will mark a significant milestone with the release of Railway City Writes – Stories and Poems from the Elgin Writers Guild, a 180-page anthology featuring short stories and poems from its talented members. The Fiction Critique Group (FCG) within the EWG, which meets twice a month at the St. Thomas Public Library, has been a driving force behind this publication. These writers have been honing their craft for years, working in genres such as literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and crime fiction. As Tara Walker, the anthology’s editor, points out, this collection is a “watershed moment” for many of the members. “I’m most excited that those of us who have never before been published will at last have the thrill of opening a book and seeing our names and words on its pages,” she shares. Tara, who has been a part of the guild since its inception and now serves as the Fiction Critique Group moderator, played a crucial role in guiding these stories to their final form through meticulous developmental and line editing. “We’ve selected,” Tara reveals, “Ten short stories inspired by the loose motif of small towns, about half sitting firmly in the contemporary genre while the other half have speculative twists.” While some stories offer light-hearted moments, many delve into heavier themes designed to provoke thought and emotion. In addition, Railway City Writes also features poetry and songs. The inclusion of poetry reflects the guild’s commitment to being as inclusive as possible. Tara notes that not all members write fiction, and it was important for the guild to showcase the talents of its poets as well. “Those included in the anthology are short and sweet and were not constrained by the theme of small towns.” The Aylmer Express will print the anthology which will also be available online through Amazon, with a cover price of $25. The guild is planning three launch events at the St. Thomas Public Library: the first at the Arts & Letters event on October 26 at 2 pm, and the second on November 1 at 6:30 pm, both in the
downstairs Carnegie Room, where members will participate in a reading and signing. The third event is held at Lockwood Books on November 2, from 2 pm to 4 pm. The release of Railway City Writes – Stories and Poems from the Elgin Writers Guild represents the culmination of years of dedication for the writers. Tara comments, “I’ve had the privilege of watching each of these stories grow and evolve into the wonderful pieces we’re presenting to you, and I’m deeply proud of all of our authors for their hard work and perseverance.”
A Christmas Carol Join us during the Dickens’ Day weekend in Port Stanley for a wonderful yuletide experience for the whole fam ily! by Charles Dickens adapted by Liz Gilroy Saturday November 23, 1pm & 7pm
A STAGED READING OF
Christmas Carol ~A~
On Christmas Eve Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits, who take him on a journey into his past , present and future to show him the errors of his ways.
PortStanleyFestival FestivalTheatre Reserve Tickets 519-782-4353 www.psft.ca Adult, children and family group tickets available.
Hometown St. Thomas • October 2024 • Page 3
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