Groups

2021 – Keeping our fingers crossed for improvement

Despite the ongoing restrictions, across Midlothian and East Lothian, writers continue to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and our members are as creative as ever. The continued high level of Coronavirus infections means we are still unable to meet in our usual locations, and our alternative arrangements remain in place with a variety of ways in which people share their enthusiasm and their work.

Please get in touch with your local rep to find out what’s going on in your area, and bear in mind that virtual meetings offer some additional flexibility so you can join in with any group if their meeting dates, times and methods suit you – you no longer have to travel to get there!

We will resume with our usual groups whenever we can, but in the meantime why not have a look at our most recent edition of Scrivens which showcases the winning entries from our 2020 Writer of the Year Competition.

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How Coronavirus is impacting Tyne & Esk Writers

Since March 2020 it has not been possible for our writers’ groups to meet in our usual locations. Groups have adapted to this in a variety of ways organising virtual meetings using zoom or other technology, emailing work to group members, or meeting in smaller groups (when this has been possible).

However, we also know that it has not been easy for many of our members to join in over recent months. Some spent all day at work in virtual meetings and cannot face more of the same in the writing group, some people are uncomfortable with technology either because of its security risk or for other reasons, and some people do not have the computer or phone equipment which enables them to take part. On top of that, many people have felt affected by the changes and uncertainty and have struggled to engage with their writing.

All in all, it has been a challenging period.

It looks almost certain that we will be restricted in how we can meet for a time to come and there are 3 priorities for us during 2020 and 2021:
- – How do we maximise our use of technology and share our expertise, so as many people as possible can participate in a virtual way?
- – How can we best continue to include members who find technology challenging?
- – Can we use this time as an opportunity to publicise what we do and extend our membership to others in our communities who might benefit?
If you would like to join us, please make contact with any of the group representatives and they will be able to tell you what is happening in your local group, or how you might join with another group.

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