Creative members of a Lanarkshire writing group have opened a new chaper with the publication of an anthology of their work.
The talented writers from Monklands poets corner and writing group have joined forces to produce the much-anticipated book featuring a range of their work along with bespoke illustrations.
It was launched at a recent open day held during one of their fortnightly meetings in Airdrie; and now they are inviting new members to join them when their sessions resume for 2024.
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The 172-page anthology combines a wide range of poems and other writing compiled over the past year by the writers, who come from all over Lanarkshire.
It combines works ranging from war poems and those on themes of love and nostalgia, to humorous writing and even a contribution in Scots about the works of Robert Burns by long-serving Burns group president and former local councillor John Love.
Calderbank resident Iain Johnston designed the front cover and fellow writer Walter Taylor produced the many illustrations inside; while the back cover shows a photograph of the writers at the historic Weavers Cottages in Airdrie.
Group member Janette Horn said: “It’s absolutely great to have the finished book finished and in our hands – we’re overjoyed and really pleased with it.
“We decided to team up to do this together to encourage everybody; it’s taken a whole year and we’re so happy with the result as there are lots of different types of poems, stories and some great artwork, so it’s a really good mix.
“It’s been really exciting for all of us; we’ll be using any proceeds to help the group such as paying for our hall let, and we’re hoping to be able to visit and take part in the Edinburgh book festival next summer.”
Janette has previously published a book of her own works, and also teamed up with writing group colleague Iain to research and write their volume Echoes of War, telling the stories of World War I soldiers from Airdrie and Coatbridge to mark the centenary of the conflict.
She added: “It’s been even more exciting to do the anthology, working with so many people and bringing lots of work and ideas together; we’ve had new members joining us and getting involved who have been great assets.
“We want to keep it going and are encouraging new members to get in touch through the website to find out more about joining, and we’d also love to hear from children and young people who would like to share their work.”
The writers’ group is based at Cairnlea Church in Airdrie town centre and meets on alternate Wednesdays from 1pm to 2.30pm.
Its first meeting of the new year takes place on January 10, and prospective new members are invited to get in touch through the group’s new website at www.monklandspoetrycorner.co.uk.
Now running for five years, the writers’ group has previously staged exhibitions at libraries across Monklands and at Airdrie health centre to highlight mental health, as well as running poetry events at Summerlee museum.
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