Each month writers tackle an enjoyable writing challenge, which includes 100 word short stories – a
great exercise to sharpen writing and editing skills. But we have also worked on outlines and
character sketches for a 1500 word story.  For the June meeting the new convener Sushi Stewart,
challenged members to dig deep and share the source of their passion for writing, motivation and
commitment timewise. How and where did it all begin? We found some members started writing as
small children, some not until their twenties and others not until their older years. In some cases all
it took was the encouragement of a teacher, parent or friend to get them started and with that the
reward of praise and success for their efforts. Nothing succeeds like success!

One consistent theme was that they have something to say and often it buzzes around a writer’s
brain and bothers them until they get it down on paper. Some writers are disciplined and write daily
between certain hours, some write at night, wake up and make notes, or keep a tape recorder ready
for those moments of inspiration.  Others write in furious bursts when the story shakes them into
action and then find it hard to stop writing until the job is done and the story is literally out of their
system. What makes you want to be a writer? If you are passionate about writing, perhaps a new
writer just getting started, think about the source of your passion for the written word.

The Marlborough Writers group meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at
Fairweathers 36 Scott Street Blenheim. We extend a warm welcome to new members. We gather
from 4.45 p.m. and the meeting ends at 7 p.m. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 18 July.

Here in Marlborough, the winter months have flown, with days of sparkling frost followed by blue skies and sunshine along with days of rain, necessary for the growth of the lush bush on the surrounding hills, giving a wonderful excuse to curl up with a book. Whoever said living in a small town must be boring cannot have an ever growing pile of books to read … or write!

But now spring is here, and bright are the daffodils, nodding their yellow heads from the corners of the garden, making splashes of colour in pots and appearing on window ledges. The birds are twittering with the excitement of it all. We were visited by a group of seals in the marina a week or so ago. They had a great feed, lolled about for a few days then disappeared in pursuit of a better menu. The pied shag, with his bright yellow and blue eyeshadow wintering over in the marina has disappeared too, gone elsewhere to find a mate. Blackbirds are joining the bell birds and others in the dawn chorus. Soon the Kowhai will bud to the delight of Tui and Kereru who love the nectar in the long golden flowers. Almond, apple, pear and plum blossom will cover bare branches on garden fruit trees, and camellias and azaleas will brighten shady spots.

On the drive to Blenheim through the Koromiko valley, new born lambs frolic in the bright green paddocks. The valley opens out to breath-taking views of the Wairau plains, and a backdrop of the snow-capped Mt Tapuae-o Uenuku. Cherry orchards will soon be a froth of blossom and precious grapevines sprouting new leaves to be tended and nurtured. Roses, planted traditionally at the end of each row will be coming to life and forming their buds. Marlborough is a beautiful region of New Zealand, seamless vineyards stretch across the Wairau plains and the choice of vineyard restaurants with award winning wines is astonishing.

Picton, sitting prettily at the head of Queen Charlotte Sounds is a busy port, a summer haven for yachties, boaties and holiday makers. Cafes and bars are gearing up for the new season, colourful flower beds bloom along the waterfront. All the while the ferries come and go, to and fro from Wellington. Forty four cruise ships are expected to visit this summer and yet it will be possible to
find a secluded place in any one of the beautiful fern fringed bays around the sounds, where the water laps gently on a quiet beach of sand and crushed shell.

The seed for this website was sown at an Indie forum in July, organized by Peter Thomas, coordinator of the Writers of Picton. It was the third annual forum to be held and was very successful. Enthused by a presentation on the merits of having a website, presented by my talented daughter in-law Iona Elwood-Smith www.buildawebsiteforme.co.nz a group of Marlborough writers has commissioned Iona to build and set up this site. We are most grateful for her assistance. We hope our site will become a wonderful informative tool for communicating, sharing information, promoting our books, giving tips on writing, learning about successful authors, encouragement, enthusing others and a whole lot more.

Most important how we embrace this site is up to you, the members, newcomers and individuals. You do not have to belong to a group - if you would like to be part of our website please contact us, you are very welcome to join us.

Joyce Elwood-Smith