New writers group

Aspiring authors who would like to expand their literary horizons are invited to sign on with a fledgling writers’ guild which is just getting under way in Pierrefonds. “We’re looking for beginners, as well as people who have been published in newspapers and magazines,” said Henri Schmit, founder of the English Writers Association West Island.

The group’s main objective “will be to get writers together to share their ideas and experiences over a cup of coffee, and critique one another’s work in an informal and supportive atmosphere,” he said, adding one of its goals will also be to help members gain confidence while meeting new creative challenges. “The number one priority will be how to go about finding publishers. I also hope to invite established writers as guest speakers to speak to the group from time to time,” said Schmit, whose first book, a memoir of growing up in Luxembourg entitled, The Best and Worst of Times, published last November. “We will also be looking at finding translators; when I went to Luxembourg I had my book translated into French and sold it there.”

Members will also explore the different local resources at their fingertips that will help them realize their ambitions, he said. “In the past I was a member of WARM, a writers’ association which meets regularly in Westmount. I gained a lot from that, and I felt that there was room for a similar group on the West Island. “At the start we’ll be meeting at my residence one or twice a month, depending on what suits members’ needs,” said Schmit, who is at work on his second book.

The English Writers Association West Island will commence meetings in the near future. For more information, call Schmit at 514-624-0378.