Raelee Chapman talks to Steve Castley, of
the Ubud Writers Group. Steve has self-published two books, Through My Eyes: Adventures in Bali, in
2010 and A taste of Bali: stories and
poems, in collaboration with Julie Silvester, in 2011. He is currently
working on a gay romance called Nothing
is Forever, and also a memoir called Stuffy's
Story: 3 Mums, 6 Years.
How long has your writers group
been running? When and why was it formed?
The Ubud Writers Group was founded on the 16th September 2008 and has
grown in strength ever since.
Our group has been operating for nearly 8 years now and for me it is a
highlight of my fortnight. I know this is also true for the other members.
In the fledgling years, we were hobby writers, scared to share our
writing, fearful of having our egos bruised. But our group was set up to
encourage writing and writers and our members have never lost sight of that
goal.
We trust each other and are sensitive to the way we give feedback. Each
one of us has evolved as a writer and the Ubud Writers’ Group can take some
credit for this. We are a group that inspires writers and writing.
Writers’ Groups are worth seeking out. I doubt that any two operate in
the same way, but they are made up of like-minded people who love to read and
write.
Where are meetings held?
Meetings are held every second Thursday from 10am to noon followed by
lunch at Bayu's Kitchen in Penestanan, Ubud, Bali.
What happens at a typical
meeting?
We bring along writing to share with the group. We hand out copies and
read out work. It is discussed after the reading, and later people take it home
for extensive editing. Edited work from previous meetings is handed back at
this meeting.
Members share information related to reading and writing. They may pass on details of a
book that particularly appeals, or a web site that tells about self-publishing, or
a publisher that takes unsolicited manuscripts.
Is the group for expats only or a
mix of locals and expats?
Our group is totally English speaking expats. Indonesians have never
asked to join. We have asked some to become members, but they have chosen not
to. In our last group book, we featured an emerging Indonesian photographer.
What are your most cherished achievements
and milestones to date?
We have self-published two collections; Bali with a Twist, in 2010, and Life's
Journeys, in 2012. We are currently working on a new one called Celebrating Bali. It will come out in
2015.
How can people join?
People can email me, or ring me, or email or ring one of our members,
and ask to join. We readily accept new members.
If you would like more
information about the Ubud Writers’ Group, please contact stevecastley124@gmail.com, phone me on 081 337 541 445, or drop in and see me
at Bayu’s Kitchen, Penestanan, Ubud.
What are the future goals and
directions of the Ubud Writers Group?
We intend to continue operations as usual. Sometimes we have guest
speakers and we would like to get more of these.
Can you describe the vibe of the
group?
We are a happy, friendly, supportive group that is encourages the
writing development of all of our members. All of us are friends outside the
group as well, even though we did not know each other before meeting up at the
Ubud Writers Group.
Book of the Lunar Year
Please vote in the poll to find Asian Books Blog's Book of the Lunar Year. See here for details. Currently, two titles are tied in the lead, Bamboo Heart, and A Madras Miasma. Likewise, two titles are currently tied for second: Capital, and The Book of Sins.
