Local storytellers take centre stage at anthology launch

A CELEBRATION of local creativity and community storytelling took centre stage when the Raymond Terrace Writers Group launched its most recent anthology, “The Last Word.”

The group, which meets every second Sunday at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, has produced five anthologies over its history.

Each has been shaped by a simple formula: enough compelling stories and enough funds to self-publish.

The latest anthology was launched at the Raymond Terrace Library, with contributors reading selected pieces to an audience of friends, family and local supporters.

Attendees also enjoyed morning tea while meeting the writers behind the pages.

Professional coach and published author Fiona Brown served as master of ceremonies, guiding the event and helping highlight the diverse voices captured in the anthology.

Members share work inspired by writing prompts, with contributions spanning poetry to prose.

While collaboration within the group is informal, members work together in meaningful ways, from deciding whether to proceed with publication to editing the final manuscript.

For this edition, editing was shared among members to shape a cohesive collection, while preserving each writer’s voice.

For many in the group, writing is a passion project, though some harbour ambitions of commercial publication.

The launch was both a celebration and a milestone, recognising the effort behind each contribution and showcasing the depth of creative talent within the community.

Organisers hope the launch inspires more locals to put pen to paper and discover the power of sharing stories close to home.

By Jacie WHITFIELD