Another ending, another new beginning

New things are blooming

Photo Credit: jlkramer on Pixabay

by

April Yamasaki

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
—Albert Camus

Another Ending

Last spring, I received word that the local Christian writers group in my area was officially ending. I knew some of the writers who had been actively involved in the critique group, and I had attended some of the larger events when there’d been a guest speaker and potluck supper. I’d even been invited to share some of my writing experience with the group. But I’d always been on the fringe, and my involvement had been limited. If the group had relied on me, it would have closed long ago.  

Still, I had always thought of the group as a fixture in our community. This year would have been their 45^th anniversary! But instead of celebrating, they were shutting down. Their regular gatherings had been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, and they had never regained their footing. “It seems that all have gone their separate ways,” I was told.

And yet I wondered if there might still be a place for a Christian writers group in my community. Not focused specifically on critiquing each other’s work, but with a more general purpose to encourage and learn from one another. A chaplain to seniors had contacted me last year about a book he was writing, and we had met several times to talk about his publishing options. A recently retired pastor had just self-published his second book, and I was curious to learn from his experience. A friend said she met someone new at her church who asked if she knew of a writers group in the area. When I shared the possibility of starting a new group, another friend who’s writing some children’s curriculum with a partner asked me, “Would this be something we could come to?” 

Another New Beginning

In May, nine of us writerly folk got together—men and women, some who had been part of the previous writers’ group, others not; some published writers, some not; some actively writing, others not; a teacher who came after school, one person working on a book project, another simply wanting to connect with other creative people. We started with intros and a sharing question: Why are you here? and/or What do you hope for? Then we had a wonderful conversation with my chaplain-writer friend whose book was published late last year. He freely shared about his journey to publication, including the nitty gritty details like choosing the paper for his coffee-table style book, and planning events to promote it.

In June, there were twelve of us, meeting again in the coffee shop at our local Christian book store. This time we focused on a cluster of questions around how to stop procrastinating, how to get inspired and keep writing. Staff had helpfully put tables together for us as they had done for our first gathering, but with more people this time, it was challenging to carry on a group conversation in the middle of the busy coffee shop. Clearly, we were quickly outgrowing our location, especially since there were now twenty on our mailing list.

We decided to take a break for the summer and start up again in October—to give all of us time for vacation, to settle into the new rhythms of fall, and to find a new meeting place. We’re still checking a few possibilities for a low- or no-cost place to meet. But we’re already planning to hear from another local writer at our next gathering. I’ll have a short article in our local Christian lifestyle magazine to invite anyone interested to join us.

Looking Ahead

For many, fall marks an ending—the end of summer, the end of vacation, the end of gardening season. For the long-standing Christian writers group in my area, this fall is an ending too, as they have now officially closed.

But for me and my fledgling group of writerly folk, this fall represents a beginning—a “second spring” as Albert Camus described autumn in one of his plays.

We’ll begin with a new meeting place, with time to make new connections and to build on them. At this point, I have no idea how long this group might last. A few months maybe? Until we run out of things to say to each other? Or will it go on for an inconceivable 45 years like the last group? 

For now, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to connect with and encourage other writers. In our last group email, I shared this prayer and offer it here for your encouragement.

A Writer's Prayer

O God of all creation,
grow us as writers
to use words wisely and well,
for the good of others
and for your glory.

O Jesus, divine Word,
who didn't come to be served,
but to serve and give your life,
strengthen us to follow you
in serving God and others.

O Spirit who blows
where you will, blow in us.
Grant inspiration and good energy.
Fan into flame
the gift that is within us.
Amen.

April Yamasaki serves as resident author with a liturgical worship community, edits a daily devotional magazine, and often speaks in churches and other settings. Her books include Sacred Pauses, Four Gifts, and This Ordinary, Extraordinary Life. For more information, please see AprilYamasaki.com and WhenYouWorkfortheChurch.com.

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