Writers' Group Hosts Third Monthly Gathering

Creative juices were certainly flowing this past Sunday, July 9, as local writers met for the third monthly "Writers' Group" at the Neshaminy café.

The group, founded by Julie Greenbaum of Bensalem, was guided through two creative writing exercises that began as prompts, which are typically words or scenarios that are geared toward stimulating the mind to be creative. There was also discussion of such various topics as an author's responsibility to the audience, a guide to writing business and technical papers, and the examination of a member's poem.

"There was not a writers' group in the Lower Bucks County area," explained Greenbaum, "so I decided to create one." Greenbaum has a strong connection with writing. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a bachelor's degree in English. She has just begun to write fiction and loves the challenges that it can present. "I have learned that a story can take so many shapes, but I love the challenge of breathing life into a new page."

Each group member was encouraged to read his or her work at the table as well as comment and reflect on the works read by the other writers. It was an atmosphere of constructive criticism and enthusiastic encouragement.

While not responsible for the event, Barnes and Noble allowed Greenbaum to host it at their location and has been extremely cooperative.

The event, which was free and open to the public, began at 2 p.m. and ended approximately 4:30 p.m.

"I thought it was great," said one of the writers in attendance. "I really enjoyed being finally able to meet with like-minded people. I'll definitely be going to the next one."

The upcoming Writers' Group gathering is scheduled for August 14 at 2 p.m. in the Neshaminy Barnes and Noble café.