Writers club fostering creativity, inspiration.

Byline: Paula J. Owen

WESTMINSTER - Writing to them is not just a tool, it is part of who they are.

Since 2004, members of the Wachusett Writers and Poets Club have met weekly. On Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. at Town Hall, they gather to encourage each other's writing endeavors, provide feedback and critique each other's work - and stretch each other's comfort levels with trying different types of writing.

Twin sisters Janet M. Ouellette, 63, a retired teacher, and Janice A. Ouellette, 63, a retired college librarian, both from Ashby, are members of the group.

"Literacy issues have always been part of my professional career," said Janet. "But I never had a chance to explore more creative writing. When I had the time, I decided I wanted to explore more creative writing."

After joining the group three years ago, she said she is writing more poetry and observations of everyday life.

"It is a wonderful, encouraging, supportive group because everybody tries to find their own voice," she said. "All writers of all genres are encouraged to come."

The club, she explained, also participates in spontaneous writing. A topic or phrase is presented to the group and they each write and share a piece during the meeting.

"It is one way to increase fluency and flexibility and get some feedback," she said. "The critiques are done in a loving manner. It's a way to kind of verify or support writing as you're going. That's the only way to grow - thoughtful, kind comments."

The club has about 15 members and is flexible with additional people joining, she said. The purpose is to encourage and inspire, she said.

"A number of us have been published," she said. "Maria Heath, a former member, wrote a short story, `Vicious Cycles,' that received an honorable mention from Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. That kind of recognition really spurred her on."

Club member Evelyn G. Snell, 75, from Gardner, is a retired school nurse. She joined five years ago, she said, to seek input on her writing from other writers.

She is writing a book on the Quabbin Reservoir and also wrote a children's book titled "Bipsy Boodles and the Bodacious Tree," about a baby in a carriage whose mother is pushing her down the street when her carriage gets away and bumps into a tree. The baby's hair turns green and subsequently changes color as the tree's leaves change color.

"I needed a writers'

group to tell me if they liked it and if they thought I would do well," said Ms. Snell. "We critique each...