THE GIFT: A COLLECTION OF WORKS FROM THE SOUTHERN OHIO WRITER'S COLLABORATIVE, is exactly that: a gift.
The book is a project by the writer's group, which meets monthly at the Pump House Center for the Arts in Chillicothe, Ohio to learn to become better writers and, equally important, to connect with readers. The group ranges from those doctorates, to stay at home mothers, journalists, volunteers and college students who come from counties all throughout southern Ohio. What they all have in common is the love of words and a desire to express themselves creatively.
The group, which formed in July 2013, encourages new writers with what we call "actionable critique." We submit stories monthly through our web site and each of us, coming from varied levels of education and experience, gives definitive feedback on each work which allows the writer to improve their work. Just saying "I liked it. It was good" isn't good enough.
And writers never grow when someone says their work sucks. We believe that when a person leaves their ego at the door and has something positive to move toward, anyone can become a better writer.
As our 2015 project, we put together a Christmas-themed collection of stories, essays and poems we are calling THE GIFT. The works range from cheery poems to make you smile to essays and stories to remind you that holidays aren't happy for everyone.
But most of all, this book is a thank you to the community which welcomed us.