A Vision for a Writing Group
Did you ever think you could be part of a group of writers who are not only wordsmiths, teachers, researchers, editors, travelers, storytellers, speakers, bloggers, artists, poets, counselors, and mothers, fathers, execs, retired and still active, but also openly share ideas, challenges, hope, compassion, and laughter? When I began dabbling in writing, I sure didn’t.
Now I know it’s possible, and happening at the Eastside Writing Room in Tucson AZ. And it’s been happening for 13 years.
Early Beginnings
We started in 2010 with three Tucson writers meeting in person on Tuesdays as Tapestry Writers: Weaving Words Into Images, Stories, and Books.
Beth Lane, who was my partner in writing workshops, published her book and then took off for Quincy Illinois. Jennifer Beauchamp started her career with Mischief on the Farm, and now lives and writes in North Carolina. And me in the middle, updating my memoir, Thinking of Miller Place and gathering stories for Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. Mostly I have been enjoying being a part of the Tucson area writing and storytelling community after moving here in 2009.
Growing
In 2013 we were a fledgling local group – The Eastside Writing Room. Covid introduced us to Zoom. Geographical moves clinched the deal to keep Zooming. Jennifer’s still with us from Carolina, Pamela from Oregon, Bee in California, Linda in Vermont, along with locals. and talented snowbirds. So from a neighborhood on the Eastside Tucson, we’ve become a national group, keeping our original name, The Eastside Writing Room.
You’re Invited
Our population shifts, people attend, some drift off for a while, and return at a later date. There’s always a seat for you. And room for adult writers of most genres. We Zoom every Tuesday and are open to sharing in between zooms, and get an in-person “fix” once a month.
Need some optimistic support for your writing ideas? What are you waiting for? There is no fee. All you need is that weekly commitment or when you can, to show up with a specific intention to write. Bring a willingness to share and nourish your creative writing. Contact ETHEL here
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She retired after 30 years of teaching, and semi-retired from coaching, and professional editing. Founder of the Eastside Writing Room based in Tucson AZ, she’s posted 100s of blogs, and is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, teaching about the power of words, gather writers together, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys teaching, speaking, and storytelling at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, Center for Spiritual Living Tucson, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.