La Casa Writers Club

La Casa Writers Club

The La Casa Writers Club was started to address the needs of residents who were writing or just thinking about getting started on memories, poetry, short stories, novels, or perhaps more interesting shopping lists than those that were not worth retrieval from plastic supermarket bags. The club thinks of itself as a group perhaps because we don’t elect officers, keep minutes, collect money, or plan to open franchises in other parks. But, we are in fact a recognized club within La Casa.

Our group is an international one. Having Canadian and U.S. citizens gives us a sense of worldliness that inspires great thoughts as well as diplomatic protocols. At the start of one meeting, O Canada! was sung and all seven members respectfully rose and stood at attention. “Play ball”, was announced directly afterward. We do have fun.

The club, as it currently is, encourages members to read their latest weekly additions to their works. Comments are intended to be helpful rather than critical. Often personal family material is revealed and members are respectful of keeping requested writings within the group. While membership is open to all residents of the community, the present small size of the club allows needed time for members’ readings and follow-up comments. Meetings are held in members’ homes on a rotating basis. The club welcomes new members, so, if you need a gentle push to get started writing or if you have a manuscript that you would like feedback on, get in touch with Pat DePaolo or Howard Hellman, both published authors of novels.