Much like author J.R.R. Tolkien and his fellow Inklings, who met regularly with other writers over a love of crafting fantasy, a handful of Moose Jaw writers are also on a quest to nourish the joy of writing in each other.
The Moose Jaw Night Writers meet monthly to stretch their imaginations and share their work amongst like-minded individuals, as well as to challenge each other with writing prompts.
Mark Fenton, one of the long-standing members of the group, joined at the insistence of friend and founder Christina Ritchie and has no regrets.
“I wrote more in that first year than I did in the previous 30 years,” admitted Fenton. “It was just immediate.”
The group offers a helpful support network for writers of all skill levels and preferred genres. Fenton listed an impressive array of literary interests that have made a debut at the Night Writers, from horror to romance and everything in between.
“We have people, I'd say, from every talent level on the spectrum. Some people who are just at the beginning and some people who have been writing for decades,” said Fenton. “It's a very eclectic group, and we do have fun with it.”
The goal isn’t necessarily to get published — although, for any writer, that is always an exciting occurrence — but rather to feel comfortable wielding the mighty pen.
Some members — such as horror aficionado Drew Nicks and recent Festival of Words Poetry Slam competitor Nicole Pivovar — have been published numerous times in the past and still find value in the workshop-style evenings with the Night Writers. Other members are simply in it for the joy of the writing process.
Each meeting encourages members to share their work with the group, for feedback purposes, but also to build a feeling of confidence. Fenton has seen writers bloom with that feeling of community.
“Writing is a very personal thing and sometimes it takes a while to open up and share,” said Fenton. “We've had some people really come out of their shells, after coming in very reserved and unsure of themselves, and it's beautiful to see them later on where they're enthusiastically and confidently reaching out to the group or going to the open mic nights and reading out their works.”
Between round-table discussions, writing exercises, and sharing literary news, the group even finds time to take their talents to more public endeavors.
Once a month, the Night Writers make an appearance at the Festival of Words Performer’s Café, an open mic night that welcomes talents of all varieties to perform for the crowd at Mitsu Café.
In 2018, the Night Writers even went so far as to publish an anthology of work titled “From Darkness to Light,” featuring a variety of pieces from their members. The collection is still available to order through McNally Robinson’s website.
The group has been active for about six years, with new members always welcome to join the crew and explore their potential as wordsmiths in a welcoming environment of fellowship.
“You [write] better, you keep up with it better if you do it with a friend, and when you're in a group, it's kind of mutually motivating,” said Fenton. “[The Night Writers] all have the same goal and that's to encourage each other in the art form and the joy of writing.”
The next meeting of the Night Writers will take place on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m., upstairs at the Moose Jaw Public Library. Anyone is welcome to drop by or to join the active Facebook group for a taste of the group.
“Just bring a pad of paper and a pencil or pen, or bring your laptop, whatever it is you want to use, and just come and join us,” said Fenton.
