Seniors Find Inspiration, Fun in Creative Writing

Seniors by the dozens are proving that you are never too old to start writing the great American novel.

They also pen poetry, short stories and memoirs to share.

On Fridays,  mature citizens come together in Gulfport, at the city's Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue S., to share their latest works.

They are eager to read their latest pieces of writing and hear welcoming remarks from fellow members. They get constructive feedback.

Every Thursday morning, a group of older aspiring writers gathers at St. Petersburg's Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N. 

They read their works, get positive feedback from peers and hear about ways to improve their writings.

These are just two examples of the many creative writing groups and workshops in the Bay area that mature adults regularly attend.

Others can be found in libraries, retirement communities, rec centers and other venues. 

"All you need to do is a little digging," Norma Heineke says. "I don't live there, but I was even invited to a group that meets at the Peterborough Apartments across the street from the Sunshine Center.

"However, I have been quite satisfied simply attending the one at the Sunshine Center, which I have been doing to since 2007." 

Norma doesn't just go to share her work. She facilitates discussions and keeps the weekly class moving, so everyone in the room has the opportunity to participate. 

"For me, it's fun.  It's great, for instance, to hear other people's life stories."

She also puts together a small publication of the best short stories or poems from her group; the publications are then printed and sold at the Sunshine Center for a dollar per booklet. 

For the 2011 edition, more than a dozen different authors contributed works, and the 2012 booklet is likely to see strong participation as well. 

The primary purpose for those who come is to share their writings and get constructive feedback, but there also is opportunity for camaraderie. Norma says she has developed good friendships.

John Veleno, who has been writing an autobiography, said that his fellow group members have been extremely helpful. "Until a few months ago, I have never been involved in writing anything like this before. It helps to have their encouragement and input. I didn't know if I would like writing this much, but I do. I am pleasantly surprised by what I have written. It's better than I expected."

Members of the Gulfport Writer's Workshop shared similar opinions about their classes. It is one of the oldest writers' groups around for seniors, dating back more than 25 years. It has regulars like Deborah Frethen and Marilyn Ann Ellsworth, both in their 60s, who feel enriched by the friendships they have made. 

They also attend because they know they are going to get "positive, constructive criticism," as Deborah described it. Deborah is working on a historic novel, called "Hanna and the Hill," set in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She strives to bring four to five pages of her book every week to the workshop to read to the group, knowing the input she receives is always helpful.

Deborah says fellow group members are "very good listeners." Marilyn, an author, screenwriter, speaker and an expert on self-publishing, concurs. "They really have helped me when I get stuck in a rut. It's no wonder when I don't go, I miss it." 

To find out more about the creative writing class for seniors at the Sunshine Center, please call the center's manager, Sally Marvin, at 727-893-7190, or via e-mail: sally.marvin@stpete.org. 

For the Gulfport Writer's Workshop, please call the group's moderator Bob O'Brien, at cancatch@aol.com, or by phone at (860) 214-9314, or you can call Marilyn Ellsworth at 727-323-1871, or send her an e-mail at: MarilynAEllsworth@gmail.com.