Celebrating the Talent of Sandybeach Writers!

I recently attended (and MC'd and read at) a fabulous event at Sandybeach where I facilitate two Creative Writing classes: READINGS BY SANDYBEACH WRITERS. I was so proud of each and every one of these wonderful writers. They read so beautifully. They prepared for the event with care and integrity. In our practice runs, they deeply listened to each other and gave warm encouragement and useful feedback on each other’s readings. We also launched two beautiful books on the night by two members of the respective groups – Barbara Pyett’s book of poetry, “Threadbare” and Kath Raulings’ non-fiction book, “Endangered Grasslands.

It was a fabulous night of 21 writers. One of the highlights of the year! As for being MC – well, that's not something I’ve ever wanted to be, but I did it! And I was very touched that my class had suggested and then encouraged me to read with them on their special night.

I received gorgeous flowers and gifts from my beautiful groups; and from Sandybeach CEO, Chris Hill, and the ACFE Coordinator, Leanne, whom I work most directly with and who is incredibly supportive of the Creative Writing classes.

For anyone interested in more details – as preparation for the event, we had viewed and discussed in class Ania Walwicz reading ‘Little Red Riding Hood;’ Len Pennie reading ‘The Vow’ (thanks Demi Liapis for introducing me to this young performance poet!); and Kevin Brophy reading a Billy Collins poem at Myron Lysenko’s Chamber Poets/Woodend poetry reading (can't remember all the details, will look up later), to discuss -what can we learn from these poets and how they read/perform their poems?

Gayelene Carbis 

Further information on Gayelene's writing classes at Sandybeach Centre

please click here