Some women have been damaged by their early educational experiences and are very anxious when they join the class for the first time. The writing group has given public readings at the centre. Performing your work not only advertises the course, but it also has the added advantage of building up your confidence. An audience's warm appreciation raises a woman's self-esteem no end. It also gives her the opportunity to gauge how effectively she communicates.
Writing is, after all, just another way of communicating.
We are now running two groups - one for advanced writers on Wednesday mornings and one for beginners in the afternoon. One day I walked into the women's centre on Langworthy Road feeling very nervous. It was an ordeal. Gill, Vicky and some others whose names I don't remember yet. I went to see a counsellor to help with my problems.