MANY are in anticipation of my response to Mr. Michael Chastanet’s weekend article, “Leadership Qualities”, from about two weeks ago but in the priority scheme, a few things take precedence.
I have been a member of the Saint Lucia Writers Forum for about a decade now and served as its president for four successive years. Leadership is marked by the fact that when you leave the position, members wished you would continue.
The Writers Forum, like any other organisations, has its politics, its headaches and accomplishments. One thing that the Forum can boast about is that it has been able to publish an annual anthology for the past three years.
This year’s anthology is truly remarkable as it helps to change the image of the Writers Forum as a group of poets. This year, the anthology features strictly prose with a number of fascinating stories and teasers into upcoming books.
The writing styles are varied, as are the several contributors, who amount to seven. The anthology covers a range of themes, including love, history, sci-fi and — just in time for December — Christmas.
The contributors to this Opus Spectrum anthology subtitled, “Telling Stories”, are ShermaCenac-Modeste, GyanchandRayman (who is also the editor), Maria Dolor, Claudius Francis, Dawn French, Perlina Murray and myself, Kensley Charlemagne.
A launch for the book is planned for January 30 but members of the public may purchase copies from the named contributors for $25.
Plans are to dedicate next year’s anthology to skit writing and workshops will run throughout the year in preparation for this exciting endeavour.
The Saint Lucia Writers Forum meets every Tuesday at the Castries Central Library from 6:00 p.m. The meetings are open to all budding and seasoned writers.