Evgeny Chirikov, by Ivan Kulikov, 1904. Gemäldegalerie der Stadt Murom
Compiled by Ian Robinson
WRITING is a solitary task. Writers work on their own for most of their creative life. For a work of any length or substance this can mean hours alone in front of a computer. Taking regular breaks is important. So is fellowship with other writers.
Writers groups perform a very valuable role in the writing life, providing a place where a writer can meet with other writers, share their work, discuss their craft and encourage each other’s endeavours. Where they can experience themselves as part of a community of writers and not isolated individuals.
WRITING is a solitary task. Writers work on their own for most of their creative life. For a work of any length or substance this can mean hours alone in front of a computer. Taking regular breaks is important. So is fellowship with other writers.
Writers groups perform a very valuable role in the writing life, providing a place where a writer can meet with other writers, share their work, discuss their craft and encourage each other’s endeavours. Where they can experience themselves as part of a community of writers and not isolated individuals.
In the Bass Coast region, our local writers group, Ibis Writers, has been performing this function for over 30 years. At the monthly Ibis Writers meetings, members support each other’s writing projects, discuss their work in progress and sometimes read short extracts for feedback. The meetings are conducted in a friendly atmosphere, which encourages the generous exchange of ideas, experience and knowledge. The focus is on positive and constructive suggestions rather than formal criticism.
Ibis Writers members have featured prominently in the prestigious Bass Coast Non-Fiction Prize, with long-time member Christine Grayden taking out the inaugural first prize in 2019.
Ibis Writers currently meet once a month at the Newhaven Yacht Squadron, usually on the second Monday of the month. Members come from all over Bass Coast. They begin gathering at 12.30 pm for a brief BYO lunch, then the meeting proper begins at 1pm. We are usually finished by 3pm. New members, from experienced writers to beginners, are welcome. All that is needed is a commitment to being a writer.
From time to time Ibis Writers runs writing workshops and public readings of members’ work and has published two anthologies of writing by members.
The seeds of Ibis Writers were planted in a writers’ workshop run by Gippsland author Bruce Pascoe at Wonthaggi Secondary College back in 1988. A group of participants at that workshop – Jane Matta (Ford), Christine Edwards and Marian Quigley – decided to start a writers group.
The name “Ibis Writers” was bestowed by local poet Petrea Savige in 1989. As well as referencing a local water bird, the name also refers to the ibis as the ancient symbol of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and learning, the inventor of writing and the official scribe of the after-world.
Ibis Writers is affiliated with the Artists Society of Phillip Island.
Local writers who are interested in joining the group may contact Lorrie Read on 0425 858 067 or Ian Robinson at [email protected]
Compiled by Ian Robinson with material contributed by other Ibis Writers members.
Ibis Writers members have featured prominently in the prestigious Bass Coast Non-Fiction Prize, with long-time member Christine Grayden taking out the inaugural first prize in 2019.
Ibis Writers currently meet once a month at the Newhaven Yacht Squadron, usually on the second Monday of the month. Members come from all over Bass Coast. They begin gathering at 12.30 pm for a brief BYO lunch, then the meeting proper begins at 1pm. We are usually finished by 3pm. New members, from experienced writers to beginners, are welcome. All that is needed is a commitment to being a writer.
From time to time Ibis Writers runs writing workshops and public readings of members’ work and has published two anthologies of writing by members.
The seeds of Ibis Writers were planted in a writers’ workshop run by Gippsland author Bruce Pascoe at Wonthaggi Secondary College back in 1988. A group of participants at that workshop – Jane Matta (Ford), Christine Edwards and Marian Quigley – decided to start a writers group.
The name “Ibis Writers” was bestowed by local poet Petrea Savige in 1989. As well as referencing a local water bird, the name also refers to the ibis as the ancient symbol of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and learning, the inventor of writing and the official scribe of the after-world.
Ibis Writers is affiliated with the Artists Society of Phillip Island.
Local writers who are interested in joining the group may contact Lorrie Read on 0425 858 067 or Ian Robinson at [email protected]
Compiled by Ian Robinson with material contributed by other Ibis Writers members.