Poet praises Writers' Cafe

When I first started going to the Writers' Cafe at the CatStrand, I had no idea I would be entering a world of such creativity and imagination.

From the outset the sessions, under the brilliant direction of Jane McBeth, were an inspiration. To be able to talk to other writers, listen to and appreciate critical comments and thereby inform my own work was a privilege I had not experienced elsewhere. Each evening was collaborative, respectful and productive. So much so that I felt inspired to produce pieces of poetry that I would probably not have contemplated without the understanding and encouragement of my fellow writers.

There can be no doubt that I would never have produced this wee book without the Writers' Cafe evenings and I hope that I will be able to continue to attend sessions seeking further productive liaisons with other writers. It gives me so much pleasure to experience the variety of approaches that different people adopt to the challenges they have set themselves in their writing. And to help folk find a way through difficulties and problems in a supportive and friendly way is a satisfaction that is rare and valuable. I could not conceive of a better title for my poems to reflect this than Catstrand Connections. "Thank you" to everyone who contributed to making this a reality.

I’d like to offer the book on sale to residents of the Glenkens at the discounted price of £5 per copy - to purchase a copy please email johnpriestley68@btinternet.com.

John Priestley