Searching for Common Ground – Book Launch
“The Art of Creative Writing” launched their poignant and moving new book ‘Searching for Common Ground’ last Tuesday at The Hope Uniting Church. The group has worked hard with facilitator Estelle Rozinski, who is also an Adult Literacy Teacher. Every piece engages the reader with it’s pure honesty and the book is testament to the talent and dedication of the diverse group to explore the theme and ultimately find common ground.
Josh Tierney, Community Capacity Building Coordinator for JNC Randwick publicly thanked Partners In Recovery who generously donated funds to have the book professionally printed. Another warm thank you was made to Hope Uniting Church in Maroubra for allowing the group to use their space for the writing workshops. Josh also commented:
“We have reached common ground in the process of producing this book.”
Writing Group facilitator, Estelle Rozinski, acknowledged the hard work and commitment of the writers stating, “It’s been a wonderful journey for all of us. The underpinning of the group is trust as you can’t write the sort of stuff that you will read in this book without it.”
“There has been a cross pollination of cultural backgrounds in this group.”
This is so clearly seen when reading the different poetry, prose and short stories. It is an intimate experience where one feels privileged to view another’s life and cultural experiences so deeply. Many pieces depict true stories of courage in the face of different types of adversity in life. Yet an optimistic voice is echoed in most pieces.
General Manager of The JNC Janet Green thanked all of those who helped make the project a reality. But her final acknowledgment went out to the writers.
“Today is about the authors, so congratulations to each and every one of you for having the courage to share your life experiences, and emotions in a group where your work was looked at by others. You are all very brave and I trust this process was empowering.”
If you would like to read “Searching for Common Ground” copies are available to purchase at our Maroubra centre for $10 or you can borrow it from Randwick Council Library and Bowen Library. For those interested in being a part of The Creative Writing Group, it is on break until 2016 but you’re most to leave an expression of interest with Josh or Shellie at JNC Randwick: 02 9349 8200
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