It started with a bookmark from the Sooke WriterB次元官网网址檚 Collective at the local library.

B次元官网网址淚nterested in being part of a writing group?B次元官网网址� it asked. Clare Winstanley was, so she called the number on the bookmark and has been a member ever since.

Winstanley has written poetry her whole life, but only since joining the group did she share them. Mid-pandemic, the poets of the collective decided to self-publish a chapbook. Winstanley contributed poetry and illustrations and enjoyed the whole thing so much she decided to do a solo project.

Bits of String and Thread: a tapestry of poemsis a collection of 17 narrative poems, drawings and photographs the semi-retired tutor self-published this summer.

As writing has taken centre stage in her life B次元官网网址� sheB次元官网网址檚 working on a novel right now B次元官网网址� Winstanley wants to tell other adults to revisit the hobbies of their youth.

B次元官网网址淎s we mature, and perhaps finished taking care of families, perhaps a money-earning career becomes less central, we can invest in the second or third chapters of our lives and pick up things we had given up,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 time to go back now and complete the things you started when you were younger.B次元官网网址�

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She said that her poems are layered with history, often going back in time, and theyB次元官网网址檙e best read aloud.

B次元官网网址淢y aim as a poet is to create an effect with the sound of the words.B次元官网网址�

Winstanley will read a selection of her poetry on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Sooke Arts Council Gallery at the corner of Church and Sooke roads. ItB次元官网网址檚 a free event and can accommodate up to 25 people. The book is available for $15 at the gallery or through her website .

Do you have a story tip? Email: zoe.ducklow@blackpress.ca

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