Brickstone Writing Group to Release Anthology
What Denise Thompson-Slaughter says started as a “small group for sharing our writings” has become a trusted circle of writers who inspire one another. And now for the first time, the group has published a volume of some of their finest pieces.
For two years a group of residents living at Brickstone by St. John’s has gathered once a month to share poetry, memoirs, short essays, articles, and more.
Berdjouhi Esmerian, one of five previously published authors involved in the project, says the group has provided a “learning and teaching process.” The writing group members go around the table sharing their work of the month ranging from stories of their dreams, memories, poetry, creative fiction, and more. After each member reads their selection, the supportive group gives their words of encouragement and gratitude for sharing with the group, as the material is often quite personal.
After two years of sharing their work with each other, group members decided to share some of their most meaningful pieces with the public. Thompson-Slaughter and Esmerian spent months compiling and editing some of the group’s favorites and sent “Brickstone Writes: From the Serious to the Hilarious,” off to the publishers.
Officially published in October of 2024, the anthology is composed of various styles of writing and for some of the members, it is their first time being published. To celebrate this accomplishment the group is hosting a book launch and signing on December 7 at Brickstone by St. John’s in the Wintergarden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other members of the group featured in the book include Thomas Barker, Sandra Dombrowski, Richard LeRoy, James Lesch, David Penney, Marjorie Power, Joe Sottile, and Meg Upson. A few members will do a short reading of their work at the book launch event.
Joe Sottile, a published poet, says that the monthly gatherings act as an “encouragement group for writing and keeps the mind sharp.”
Sottile says “Your writing has impact. And it can be influential.”
The writing group is a true testament to that influence. It has become a safe space and meeting of the minds that encourages each member to grow in their craft with every story they tell.