Destin Writers in Sandals looking for members

Don’t hesitate to join a writer’s group just because you haven’t been published, Destin resident and novelist Betty Lazarini says.

“I want to encourage anyone who likes to write to forget about being nervous or insecure about joining a group,” Lazarini, the author of “A Promise Land of Plenty,” told The Log. “Heck, we're just Emerald Coast folks. Come on July 18th to see what we can do together. We all have something to learn and something to contribute. Writing is a lonely hobby, so why not join in and have some fun!”

Lazarini has published a book of short stories in addition to her novel, but she anticipates that most of the membership in her new writing group, Writers in Sandals, will be local amateurs — the first meeting is next Saturday — and will have to build its following.

“The first meeting will begin with the usual exchanging of names and the ‘whys’ and ‘whats’ that prompted each person to show up at the Destin Library,” Lazarini said. “I think that there will be diverse reasons given and it should be a lot of fun just getting to know each other.”

Lazarini said she also plans to have the attendees join together to create a fictional character, suggesting physical traits or bad habits as they choose: “I think that this should be a quick way to stir up the creative juices of those contributing their visions of this unnamed, fictional person. If all goes to plan, we should have a good laugh or two.”

The benefit of joining a writing group, she said, is the pleasure of being with other people who share a passion for writing: “Such an association allows for the exchange of information, experiences and ideas. Additionally, a writing group provides a creditable avenue to have professionals attend the meetings as guest speakers.”

Want to go?
Writers in Sandals will meet 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Destin Library on the third Saturday of each month. The first meeting will be on Saturday, July 18.