Joining the Writers’ Wertfrei workshop

September 17, 2020 | By Gwenna Peters 

Gwenna Peters and her dogs Henry and Olive. Courtesy photo.

Being recently retired and having stories to tell, I decided to pursue learning to improve my writing skills. I contacted the Waterbury Roundabout but, given that I had no journalism experience, the editor recommended the Wertfrei workshops at the Waterbury Public Library. She also suggested that I consider writing about the experience.  

I took up the challenge and contacted Judi Byron at the library to get included in the group’s Zoom meeting held on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. I learned that “wertfrei” translates from German to English as “unbiased” and I found the group to be unbiased and encouraging. 

The diversity of the group makes it attractive to a new writer like myself. Judi shared some of her writing by reading a whole chapter she is writing for background on her elf from Dungeons and Dragons. Her story was amazing and I can’t wait to hear her read more. 

Jacqueline offered that she does some art and shared pictures of elves she had drawn that seemed as if they were created to go with Judi’s story. They shared contact information to collaborate. 

Multiple participants had more writing experience than I did. They encouraged me to share my writing which was brief compared to the chapters and more extensive works some writers presented. My writing was met with accolades and new ideas to keep me expanding my projects. 

Some writers shared poems. Some shared eulogies they had written for funerals of loved ones. One participant joined us from Japan. She had found the writers group while living in Waterbury and still enjoys staying in touch and sharing her writing on zoom. 

Two hours passed quickly and I enjoyed the time with the group along with laughter and tears and the passion of writers sharing their work. I look forward to the next meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. More information is on the library website. To join or for questions, please email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. No experience necessary. 

Gwenna Peters lives in Waterbury Center.