By Jim Myhill
Writing Wednesdays is a free, member-led program for SA writers at all levels, a great chance for you to get words down on the page and connect with other writers. Sessions run weekly from 1-4pm in the Institute Building on North Terrace, where writers can cultivate their habit of writing following the pomodoro technique. Bookings are free for Writers SA members.
Co-founder of the SA group, Jim Myhill, takes us behind the scenes for a writer’s view of the weekly session.
It’s impossible to ignore the sense of history when walking into the grand Institute Building on North Terrace, the home of Writers SA and the Writing Wednesday sessions.
Originally constructed in 1860 as a library and museum, it was one of the first buildings on North Terrace, predating the State library, the Art Gallery, the SA Museum and the University of Adelaide – but plans made here were instrumental in establishing all of them.
As I enter, I pass by the stunning Circulating Library to my right, resplendent with floor to ceiling bookshelves adorning each wall, replete with a splendid collection of books.
As I walk up the majestic staircase to the first floor, my thoughts wander to how many other writers have made the same climb over the last 150 years. Countless souls have wandered these halls, laying the cultural foundations for the Adelaide we know today.
Writing Wednesday is held in the Morgan Thomas room, a perfect space for writing, with plenty of space.
Other writers start to arrive before the 1pm start. Smiling faces are greeted warmly by their colleagues-in-arms, all eager to spend an afternoon together, working on their individual projects. The friendly team from Writers SA is also on hand, welcoming attendees, old and new.
Before the first 25-minute sprint session begins, a few moments are taken to discuss what everyone is working on.
“I’m working on a serious plot twist for my novel.” explains one writer.
“I’m writing the second act of my play.” says another.
“I’m editing my second draft of my memoir.” says a third.
This continues around the room, as each person is encouraged to share their goals for the day. Not that anything is expected or demanded – no secrets are divulged, just a sharing of ideas and aims for the afternoon.
Laptops open and the pomodoro timer starts counting down for the first 25-minute sprint.
Chatting ceases as concentration builds.
I start to write. The room is in silence. As words flow, I type faster. I start to think the keyboard on my new laptop is a little loud. Do I look like the furiously typing cat meme? Maybe I’m pressing the keys too hard. I don’t want to annoy other writers in this quiet space. I tap the keys more silently.
I start to go back through some of my work, editing, using the scroll wheel on my mouse. Click, click, click… is that too noisy? I begin to use the trackpad to move the cursor instead.
Back to writing and editing, and all thoughts of noise are forgotten. Time flies and before I know it, the buzzer sounds and the first pomodoro sprint is over. There’s a collective sigh and stretch, and everyone takes a short, five-minute break. Some find time for a quick chat, while others grab a biscuit and cup of tea from the adjacent kitchen before sprint two begins.
After sprint number three, a longer break is taken, 15 minutes – to allow time for more writing conversations, a bathroom break or even to get a real coffee from the cafe downstairs in the State Library.
All too soon, five sprints are complete, concluding a relaxing but very productive afternoon spent in good company with a very positive, collegiate atmosphere.
And, of course, a supercharged word count.
Writing Wednesday has been a revelation for my own writing. As I’m still studying the craft, it has given me the opportunity to set aside a time each week to concentrate on writing without distractions. The additional layer of accountability (to myself, but also in part to my new writing colleagues) helps me to avoid procrastination or excuses.
If you are finding it difficult to find time to write, if you need motivation or just a supportive group – Writing Wednesday could be just the answer you are looking for.
Jim Myhill is a regular Writing Wednesday participant and is currently studying creative writing. Recently retired from a business career, he is enjoying expanding his writing into a more creative realm, where stories crafted from ideas, imagination and possibility eclipse case studies, presentations and reports. His short story “Writing under Pressure” (written during a Writing Wednesday session) was recently published in the Qld Writers Centre Magazine, WQ #285.
Be a part of the program by booking into a Writing Wednesday session here, or get in touch at [email protected] to discuss starting your own.
