writers group

The McCorley Writer's Group

The McCorley Writer's Group was formed and had its first meeting in September 1991. It meets weekly and has Its base in the Roddy Mocorley Society's Club Rooms. Immediately on its formation the Group had eight to ten members and it was decided that a body of work would be compiled and a book of this work published. We targeted the 1992 West Belfast Festival as a suitable time to produce the book which we called Voices From The Glen. The venture was a success and to date sales have topped 300. Sonic copies of the book have been placed in the local Comprehensive School as writers work.

Not only have we published our first book. but some of our writers have won prizes. We came second and joint third in competition run by the Linenhall Library which attracted writers from all over the North and one of our group took third prize in the West Belfast Festival. We hove organised three evenings, two in the Roddies and one in the Laurel Glen. where our work has been aired with great success. Presently we are working towards our second book of poems and short stories which we hope to bring out again, during the festival week. We enjoy cordial relationships with other groups, the Millwrite Group, the Linenhall Writers and we have
hosted prominent poets, a broadcaster and hope soon to meet and talk with a local author. Sonic of our group are involved in writing lull length novels and we have had o sketch performed in the Old Library Theatre in College Street.
The McCorley Writer's Group, or indeed any of the local writers groups perform an important task in the community, as they act as an outlet for the talent that undoubtedly exists in our Belfast areas. Almost everyone has story to tell or feelings they want to express. The writers' group is a friendly, helpful vehicle which allows these emotions to flourish. Many of our members lacked confidence when they first came along to our meetings. Now, they are competent writers, reading their own work every week and at least once or twice to audiences of up to a 100 or more- Public readings are not compulsory. Though oil our writers are encouraged to read their work, we sometimes have the help of professional actors and willing amateurs, adding to the enjoyment of the occasion. Our poems and short stories reflect the social politics, history and humour of the area and beyond. Of course after the meetings, the crack is good as we enjoy a few pints.
We would like to place on record our thanks to the committee and members of the Roddies for their generous help and support, so freely given to the writers group. Without this assistance our task would be difficult,
Finally the Mccorley Writers Group wish to invite anyone who feels that he or she wants to write, to join our group. Everyone is more than welcome to add their voices to those voices From The Glen. We meet each Monday evening at eight o'clock in the Roddy McCorley clubrooms. See you there.
Sean F. Murphy,
The McCorley Writers' Group,.