Writers are havin’ a laugh!

THERE was great delight in east Mayo as five members of Charlestown Creative Writers have been published in a lovely book of inspiration, humour and hope.

Havin’ A Laugh, the Book includes words from Sinéad Foley, Meave McKenna, Carol Beirne, Ger Jennings and Louise G. Cole, who were all regulars at pre-Covid creative writing sessions in Charlestown Arts Centre.

The Havin’ a Laugh group put out a call for people to submit their amusing stories, uplifting poems and inspiring artwork, and people responded in their droves! The team were inundated with beautiful and poignant pieces and it was a tough job to whittle them down to the final selection.

Val Robus, one of the charity volunteers, explains: "People really took our project to their hearts and we were overwhelmed with the calibre of the work submitted. We almost had enough to fill another book. It’s been such a stressful year for so many, I think our book gave people something to look forward to."

The book is for sale in Liber, Sligo, and also on the charity website. All the proceeds from the book will go back into the charity, which is 100% volunteer led and provides life enhancing experiences for people in mental health counselling.

The charity have created a platform where people who have the get up and go can support those who don’t yet have that drive. They are dedicated to sharing lived experiences and spreading the light of hope that recovery does happen.

Bláithín, the charity founder, says: ‘‘What if the term 'mental health' evoked images of sunshine, mischief and joy. Havin’ a Laugh becomes an attitude. When the cracks start appearing, let humour shine through!"

Find out more about Havin’ A Laugh at https://www.havinalaugh.com.

Meanwhile, Charlestown Creative Writing group facilitator Louise G. Cole continues to publish weekly writing prompts on her website. There are now 70 free writing prompts and exercises, which include suggestions to kickstart new poetry, short stories, memoir, flash fiction, creative non-fiction and more. There’s a new post every Wednesday at 5 p.m. and anyone is welcome to join. Find out more at www.louisegcolewriter.com.