Members of the SeaQuills Writing Group with the anthology. Photo: Supplied.
At The Links Seaside by Warrigal in Wollongong, a group of writers is proving that creativity doesn’t come with an expiry date.
The newly released Shifting Sands anthology of 74 works marks the debut of the SeaQuills Writing Group — eight Illawarra storytellers whose fiction, memoirs and poetry celebrate the power of storytelling well beyond retirement.
Formed two years ago with Warrigal aged care’s support, the SeaQuills group brings together writers with different backgrounds and experience levels, with not all members being residents of the retirement village.
Group members range from emerging writers exploring creative expression to published authors such as Gwen Wilson.
Gwen said she was fortunate to have her memoir I Belong To No One published by Hachette Australia in 2015, about having a disadvantaged upbringing which led to her signing adoption papers for her son during the forced adoption era.
She said she was now writing her next book, a historical novel based on her great grandmother.
“Regardless of whether you’re an emerging writer or a published writer, we’re here for serious work,” she said.
“This anthology demonstrates that creativity, learning and contribution continue well beyond retirement.
“It’s about connection, purpose, and the joy of expressing who we are — all values that sit right at the heart of Warrigal.”
Group convener, editor and writing coach Marg McKay said monthly meetings focussed on challenging members through writing prompts and providing feedback.
“Our main objectives are to empower each other to write,” Marg said.
“Sometimes it’s difficult if you’re on your own to put pen to paper and get started.
“It’s also to support each other’s writing with honest and insightful evaluation and feedback. That honest feedback really takes our work to the next level.”
Annabelle Quinn said she enjoyed the critique and feedback, which had strengthened her writing.
“Each month, a target word or theme is suggested as an exercise to inspire our writing,” Annabelle said.
“I really enjoy thinking about the connections with the theme and where it could go and what it could do.
“At times I didn’t even know what the ending would be, and sometimes the characters would just run away from you.”
Amelia Fielden highlighted the group’s importance in overcoming writer’s block and developing creative skills through workshopping.
“I do send submissions to various journals and anthologies worldwide, and these days I would never send anything out without having workshopped it first,” Amelia said.
Penelope Murphy said she had gained the motivation to progress her own memoir writing, which she had struggled with for years.
“For me, creative writing wasn’t something I spontaneously gravitated towards, but it’s given me a chance to discover that I can quite enjoy it,” Penelope said.
New Warrigal resident Jim Lackie said with more than 200 residents in the independent living units, joining a specific group such as this was a great way of meeting like-minded people.
“I worked as a scientist for many years, not having allowed your imagination to run wild,” he said.
“Creative writing is really enjoyable, and I love that compared with what I used to have to write.”
Joni Braham said one of the target topics for “homework” inspired her piece Oh Feminist, a poem to the tune of Oh Christmas Tree and born from being a long-term feminist activist.
“Writing the lyrics to that tune was about acknowledging what’s gone before and what’s been achieved, but also saying that there’s more to be done and quite a bit more, and using that carol because it’s a positive, anthemic piece of music,” she said.
It was another of Joni’s pieces, Dogs and Old People, that was a personal favourite of Christine Sykes.
“It was very apt that you talked to Joni about her other piece of work, because they’re very different in tone and in message – both beautiful,” Christine said.
“I think that difference really does highlight the whole of the anthology, that it includes such a range of writing, such a range of styles, genres, but also moods.”
She described the anthology as a versatile collection where readers could dip in and out of individual pieces that matched their mood.
Gwen said the group acknowledged the support it had received from Warrigal, including the opportunity to hold its monthly meetings at the Links Seaside by Warrigal.
“There is so much life in an old dog after retirement,” she said.
Shifting Sands is available on Amazon Australia and copies will be for sale at the Makers Market on 8-9 November from 9 am to 3 pm at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus in North Wollongong.
