New book for writers group

 

JULIA WADE

If stuck for last minute Christmas presents or those that are hard to buy for, the gift of stories produced by creative local writers could be just right to fit into Santa stocking.

Mangawhai Writers group (MW) have recently released their first book ‘Cameos’, a compilation of unique works from the pens and imaginations of local poets, bloggers and novelists with storylines covering historical moments, humorous Christmas events, tales of the macabre,e and even a day in the life a weta. ‘Cameos’ is available from Mangawhai Books & Gifts in Wood Street shopping centre for the bargain price of only $5. Led by husband and wife writers, Bevan and Liz Lawrence, the current 12 registered members from Waipu, Maungaturoto, Tomarata as well as Mangawhai, meet monthly at the couple’s home to support each other’s creative path, former teacher Liz says.

“We usually have an assignment, like a Christmas theme to write about whether in a short story or poem, and we share, listen and offer feedback to each other and sometimes we have guest speakers,” she says. “It’s a relaxed friendly group.”

First forming in 2018, the group’s genres range from short stories, psychological thrillers, poetry and even the life-stories of the terminally ill, with two writers currently working on completing books.

Local historical author Jude Thomas, who recently published her second novel ‘Threads of Gold’, a sequel to her first book, ‘Southern Gold’, was also a member in MW’s beginning years. n Want to know more, meet, or join? Contact Mangawhai Writers via facebook.