When I decided to set up a local writing group I had no clue what I was getting myself into. My passion was to help other writers. It had humble beginnings with only a handful of people, most of whom were friends or family.
As months passed, the response was wonderful, especially when I decided to organize a book fair. Suddenly my little writing group that I’d given the name CayWriters was morphing into something completely different. I always planned to for it to become more, but years down the line. No such luck for me. LOL! All the wonderful suggestions and questions came rolling in from the writers I interacted with, and soon ideas came of how to not only support local authors, but promote them. It’s been such as exciting time that I wanted to share it. Here’s a little of what’s happened:
- The writing group moved to its new location to Books and Books at Camana Bay. We used to meet at Cafe del Sol, and although the couches were comfortable, it wasn’t the best environment for sharing your work. Especially if someone happened to want a smoothy or a frappacino at the same time. It’s also nowhere near the bathroom which is a nice added bonus. 🙂
- We welcomed our very first Cayman celebrity author, Lady Rabia, who talked about the importance of marketing and that it’s never too early to start.
- The first HOME GROWN Book Fair was held at Camana Bay just outside Books and Books. It hosted 17 local and regional authors and was a great success with connecting local authors to each other and the community. Next year will be even better! Click here if you’d like to find out more, participate in the 2014 event or help with organizing.
I will be posting updates on CayWriters‘ progress and its plans to support and promote Cayman Islands authors.
So tell me,
Elke has created a wonderful group of authors who all support each other with her wonderful guidance and tutelage. If you need her- she is there!
She has been there for me at times when I needed the help.
You’re too sweet, Lorraine. I’m so glad you feel that way.
I used to belong to the Detroit Writers Guild until it got too political and forgot what their mission was. We wanted to be a force and a support to the local arts and entertainment community especially when the film industry came to town thanks to tax incentives. That’s gone now since the election of our republican governor and so it has put a damper on film projects. The guild is still operating but without a leader with a clear vision I don’t think its going to progress much, at least not in the foreseeable future. We also had the Motown Writers Network which was wonderful as well but the woman who created it became a one-woman show and that caused it not to move forward and gain traction as well. All were good ideas gone bad. I hope things will get better for the future.
Hi Shirley,
The group is very small at the moment, but I’m hoping for things to get bigger and better in the areas of reaching out in the community. I certainly don’t want to be a one-woman show. I’d like to keep my sanity. 🙂 CayWriters’ motto is: Nurturing writers from childhood to adulthood. I hope to find like minded people who are passionate about helping writers and their community.