Hampton Roads Writers offers support to all

By Nora Firestone

Correspondent

To those whose inner voice nags, "You should be putting this down on paper," Hampton Roads Writers urges, "The pen is in your hand."

The Virginia Beach-based nonprofit, established in February for writers throughout the region, encourages beginners and professionals to check out its events and networking possibilities.

With workshops and a conference, open-mic events, and social and educational programs featuring guest authors on tap, founder and president Lauran Strait sees the group as a "unifying storehouse" of knowledge.

Hampton Roads Writers' first two events, both open-mic nights, exceeded members' expectations, said Strait, a freelance writer, writing instructor and editor. The May 29 inaugural event, moderated by award-winning poet Nathan M. Richardson, drew 50 to the Central Library.

Attendees ranged in age from about 6 to senior citizen, and each had the opportunity to read aloud and present three to five minutes worth of original stories, poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose or excerpts.

While "the first open-mic was getting comfortable with the public," the second, attended by about 55 people, "was more interactive, more exciting," said member Sharon Poch, 63, of Kempsville.

Meredith Bunting of Chesapeake appreciated the open-mic forum's "supportive environment" for its inclusion of all ages, backgrounds and points of view.

"We have no other agenda than to share life experiences," said Bunting, 62, a retired health fitness professional. "Lauran has presented a stage for all of these people. We've even had children read. They are representative of our community."

Strait, of Indian River Plantation, said residents of Newport News and Yorktown have inquired about expansion into their communities.

"I just know that there's a need for it," Strait, 49, said.

In addition to varying the locations of open-mic nights, one goal "is to be able to replicate workshops throughout the Hampton Roads area," Strait said, adding that she hopes to find qualified writers who "want to give back" by teaching screenwriting, journalism and writing short-stories, novels and children's books.

Hampton Roads Writers has 50 members, who come from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and elsewhere. Upcoming events include two more free open-mic nights, 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 31 at the Virginia Beach Central Library and Aug. 27 at Norfolk's Pretlow Library.

Details on a Sept. 12 evening with Eastern Shore novelists Lenore Hart and David Poyer are available at the group's Web site.

Additionally, Hampton Roads writers will sponsor a workshop tonight at the Central Library.

The program, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and free to group members, will include a short lecture and imaginative writing exercises designed to expose participants to the creative ingenuity behind the flash-fiction genre.

For more information on the Hampton Roads Writers, visit www.hamptonroadswriters.org, or e-mail hrwriters@cox.net. Membership starts at $35, $20 for students.

Nora Firestone, nfirestone@verizon.net