April 24th, 2025Clunes writers launch new book ‘Boundless’
Murder, beauty, guilt, blame, rumours and … footy. All get a look-in within the pages of the new anthology launched by the Clunes Writers’ group at last month’s Booktown festival.
Launched with readings from the writers, or their stand-ins, at the Esmond Gallery in The Warehouse, Boundless is the third anthology of collected short story and poetry by members of this lively local group.
Convenor of the group, Sandra Nichols, said the new anthology is “a treasure trove of thoughts, dreams and experiences”.
“We currently have close to 20 members and they are not only people who live in Clunes but also come from surrounding areas including Newlyn, Newstead, Talbot, Maryborough and Scarsdale,” Sandra said.
Among the 17 contributors to the new book, group member Deb James read one of her own pieces entitled Grandpa’s Bookcase,’ telling the launch audience: “This is a story about the beginnings of a love of books and reading”.
Members say the welcoming group meets every second Monday of the month from 1-3pm at Attitude Clunes and have the opportunity to read out their work and receive feedback – if they wish.
“Each month we have a new theme to write to and that’s great because people will all interpret that in very different ways,” says group member Julie Moran.
“The thing we’ve found this year is that people’s writing has really developed.”
The group has stood the test of time. It’s been running for 20 years now, and current members say it’s great for socialising.
“Oh God I love it,” says member Judi Palmer.
“It gets me out of the house and stimulates my mind to have to keep coming up with something each month. The camaraderie is great and the mental and physical health benefits are a huge advantage of belonging to a group like this.”
Boundless retails for $32 and members say it is currently available for purchase at Boom Clunes, the local green grocer’s shop and online, with a small fee for added postage, at harmony4books@gmail.com .
Words: Eve Lamb
