MARSHFIELD – A new group at the Chestnut Center for the Arts is giving the local community a place to share their creativity and connect with others who enjoy writing.
The Hub City Writers Group meets on the second Thursday of each month, 1-3 p.m., offering a relaxed setting, complete with light refreshments.
The group was founded by Robert Walker, a former newspaper writer who also leads several writing groups across Wood County.
According to Edie Smazal, vice president of the Chestnut Center’s board of directors and a member of the group, the idea came from Walker, who approached the center earlier this year.
Together, Walker and the board members developed a plan and launched the group in April of this year.
Meetings typically include 8-10 participants who gather around a circle of tables to share their work.
Each person brings a piece of writing prepared in advance, which could be a poem, song, short story, personal essay or even an obituary written about someone they know.
“You never know what to expect to have read to us. It’s really fun,” Smazal said. Copies are shared and read aloud before members provide written feedback and group discussion.”
To stay connected between meetings, members use a shared Google Drive to upload their writing and offer early comments.
“It’s a way to keep in touch more than just once a month,” Smazal said.
The group meets year-round and has a flexible attendance policy.
Participants are welcome to come when they can, with no long-term commitment required.
While many of the members are retired, the group also includes younger adults and is open to anyone age 16 and older.
Organizers hope to eventually add a virtual option for those from nearby communities or members who spend part of the year out of state.
Plans also include reaching out to home-schooled students who may be interested in joining.
Smazal described the group’s atmosphere as friendly and encouraging.
She stated that she expected a lot more critiquing, like when she “used to judge solo ensemble,” but it isn’t that way.
“There’s a real sense of sharing and camaraderie,” Smazal said.
The Hub City Writers Group welcomes anyone with an interest in writing — from published authors to beginners — offering a supportive space to share ideas and improve their craft.
The group meets at the Chestnut Center for the Arts, located at 208 S. Chestnut Ave. in Marshfield.
For more information, visit www.chestnutarts.org or call (715) 389-8999.
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