Fort Scott Writer's Group to meet in January

The Fort Scott Writers Group was formed in early 1989 by founding members Mary Shepherd and Lloyd Townsend. Through the years all of the original members have left us, either for health reasons, moving out of the area, becoming too busy to participate or passing on to a higher place.

Even though the original members are gone, the rest of us have carried on. We've been fortunate to gain new members, and new friends, to fill the empty void. Because writing is an enjoyable outlet for feelings and ideas we hope to be around for a long, long time.

We've been going strong since our first meeting. From 1989 until the late 1990's we were published in the Countryside section of the Fort Scott Tribune under the heading The Writers Bloc. The Writers Bloc no longer exists. For the past 10-12 years we have been published monthly in a private publication, The Quill and Ink, edited and printed by Joy Melendy.

Our mission is to encourage creative thought and writing, critique upon request each other's submissions by the group, share and teach methods of writing and enjoy each others company. We meet once a month on the third Saturday of each month at Presbyterian Village's meeting room (lower level) from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. Come hear us do a read-a-round of original poetry, musings, and short stories. Our next meeting will be Jan. 19, 2013, at 10 a.m.