Elgin-based writers group publishes anthology
Two months ago, a writers' group based in Elgin released its debut anthology, "Writers on the Fox: A Short Collection of the Musings, Memoirs and Mysteries of a Magical Group." Published through createspace.com, the book contains 162 pages of poetry and short stories that cover the genres of humor, horror and more.
The book, according to Writers on the Fox group facilitator Lisa Diven, "has something that will appeal to every reader's taste."
Available on Amazon.com and soon to become an e-book, the anthology is the finished work of 11 authors, most of whom reside in the Fox Valley. They critiqued and edited one another's works, and one member, Rosemary "Molly" Larson, 78, of South Elgin, designed six different covers. Then Diven polled the group for a favorite design.
"It was a considerable amount of work for all of us to get this thing published," Diven said. "I hope that this anthology serves as a springboard that encourages the authors to explore their individual writing goals."
Diven, 47, of West Dundee, contributed four works to the anthology. She began her writing career while owning and operating a coffee shop at the Elgin Metra Station on National Street. Over a three-year period, she penned a mystery novel in between train stops.
"I have yet to publish that book," Diven said. "It's the perfect example of procrastination."
During meetings held the fourth Monday of the month at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, members of Writers on the Fox begin with a writing prompt. A recent prompt was: "What wouldn't you touch with a 10-foot pole?"
"It makes everyone think creatively and succinctly, and then I also send them home with a take-home exercise that they can do," Diven said. "We do have a lot of diversity in the group and we have a lot of fun."
Founded in 2013 after a book publishing conference at the library, Writers on the Fox has seen members come and go. Diven has an email list of close to 50 people, but there is a small group of about eight regulars ranging in age from teens to seniors. While some write professionally and enjoy the outlet to indulge their creative side, others are new to the craft.
Member Barbara Blegen, 81, of Elgin, whose first published work was a satirical love letter to Rock Hudson in a magazine when she was 14, is a humorous poet. She contributed several works to the anthology. Blegen casts a broad net when it comes to subject matter, entertaining readers with lines like, "I've a blister on my thumb, which is why I'm feeling glum."
She has enjoyed the camaraderie of the group and the helpful tips she receives from fellow writers.
"It's a very warm and welcoming group," Blegen said. "Anyone who is even thinking about writing should come and explore it."
Diven said it was a group decision to publish the anthology after she told them she'd taken part in another group publishing effort. To promote the new anthology, Writers on the Fox will be attending author fairs, including one that will be held at the Gail Borden Public Library in April.
The writers say they were fascinated to see the finished work online and were eager to purchase a copy for themselves.
"I went on Amazon and there was the book for sale," Larson said. "I couldn't believe it. That was a lot of fun."
Larson's moving short story of having to interpret for her deaf parents is included in the anthology.
"It's a true story about a girl having to take care of her parents," Larson said.
She ended up giving copies of the book as Christmas gifts.
"It was a real thrill to wrap them," Larson said. "I ordered a dozen."
So far, the group has sold just a few copies, and plans to split the royalties 11 ways. Currently, the book is in paperback form and selling for $9.99. To purchase a copy, visit amazon.com.
More about Writers on the Fox
<b>Buy the book:</b>"Writers on the Fox: A Short Collection of the Musings, Memoirs and Mysteries of a Magical Group" is available for $9.99 at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Fox-Collection-Mysteries-Anthology/dp/1537642952">amazon.com</a>.
<b>Meet the members:</b>The group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. New members are welcome. The group does not have a website. For details, contact Lisa Diven at lisa.diven@yahoo.com.