Writers to Read Works At Hobart Bookstore May 4

STAMFORD – The Writer's Circle at the Stamford Library has put together an anthology of works as they continue to bring in more writers. Some will be reading their works on May 4 at 2 p.m. at Liberty Rock Books in Hobart.

The first weekend in May is a tradition for the two-decades old group that now calls the Stamford Library home. 

Sandi Arnone has been in the group for four years and said writing is cathartic for her. She is able to express herself in writing when it is too emotional for her to speak. She has been dabbling with writing since retiring as a school teacher. When she learned there was a writer's group meeting at the Stamford Library, she attended a session and found them very welcoming. "They are a vibrant group and they are publishing an anthology," she said.

She is already a published author, but enjoys the group. There are males in the group, which she believes offers a different perspective. 

She said she finds writing very therapeutic and writes for people who have difficulty expressing their emotions. "I feel such an attachment with writing. I think it is much like music. Plus it gives me a wonderful feeling to know there are others out there who share emotions the same as I do."

She calls them an eclectic group. The various writers take different approaches to their writing. They have different ways of looking at the world and different politics, but they respect those differing viewpoints and approaches. Over the four years she has been a member, she said she has seen the group grow, both in numbers and improved writing. "We really respect each other’s work. Some write poetry and some writer fiction. There are many different genres," she said.

Brian Foley travels from Otego and is a relative newcomer to the group. He agrees with Arnone. He draws on his own experiences as an itinerant magician in both Europe and the United States.

He learned about the group from a friend who knew he was unhappy with another group he had joined."This group has such great writers. I'm just blown away and they are so encouraging.”

Despite their diversity, some from the city, some local and others from other states, they all offer encouragement." Once he has read something to them, he said he takes it and polishes it. "They are totally encouraging, but very honest. We all trust each other."

He said many in the group have great stories to tell about their lives. "It makes me want to write better."

He draws topics from the journal he kept as a magician to create his short stories.

He will be reading one of his short stories on May 4, but did not want to divulge what that story would be. He said members of the group are not reading from what has been published in the anthology. 

The book is currently available on Amazon and is titled "Us". It is the first anthology published, according to Hauser.  She writes to  herself through periods of grief, by expressing it and getting past it. "I like to communicate," she said. "Sometimes there is stuff inside that needs to get out and the only way to do that is to get it down on paper." She also likes sharing something that someone else can relate to.

Arnone believes the fact that they are so approachable and people have a feeling of safety, so they don't hesitate to share their work. The group provides critique but they are not critical. "If you are looking for feedback, they are very good about providing it in a positive way. I think questioning makes you better and it has helped me as a listener. It's a good group."

The group has grown from seven members in 2021 to 16 writers, according to Hauser. She believes it has  been promoted by word of mouth by people who like to write.The Stamford Library Writer's Circle  meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Stamford Library at 117 Main St. in Stamford. Hauser, who formed the original group in 2001, said they named it in honor of the original group that was started at the Stamford Performing Arts Center.