Joining a creative writing group in Port Erin has been a life-changing experience.
Its members also said the group has helped them to build confidence and to tackle long-term bereavement and illness.
The group, which meets at the Hub under the auspices of Southern Community Initiatives, was formed a year ago and has already produced an anthology of members’ work.
‘It has changed my life,’ said Di Benson. ‘I look at things differently now. I cannot praise it enough.
‘I was very unsure of myself but Janet [Lees, facilitator] changed all that. She gave me the tools to learn to write, she is so supportive and good at what she does. I discovered I can write and I cannot stop! I’m so proud of what I have achieved, I cannot believe something I have written is in a book. I keep using these words like “amazing”, but it’s how I feel.’
She even has the courage to stand up and perform her poetry at ‘open mic’ nights. ‘It took me until I was 50 before I realised I could do it,’ she said, adding that it has even helped her cope with the trauma of bereavement. ‘I had just lost dad, it was a very tough time, it was good to be able to have that outlet,’ she said.
Being in the group has also helped Gill Stephens come to terms with losing her husband, who died 16 years ago.
She said: ‘I tried everything but when I wrote something pertaining to that, I sent it to Janet in an email – for her eyes only. It was out there and someone else had read it, so it made me think it’s gone and it helped me. That was enough.’
Gill, 76, stopped writing poetry at infant school.
‘I never thought I was any good at creative writing,’ she said. ‘When you are wandering about this beautiful island ideas come to you. It’s amazing how different everybody is – everyone should give it a try!
‘Janet is one of the most inspirational people I have met.’
The anthology is called Wildfire to reflect the speed with which the group grew.
There is a creative writing day at the Hub, Thie Rosien, Port Erin on Thursday (January 7.)
Sessions are £3.50 per person.
To order ‘Wildfire’ see dpdotcom.com/wildfire
For information contact Janet Lees, phone 470941.