Island Writers release fifth book ‘The Spirit of Pine Island’
Living on an island naturally lends itself to a lifestyle far and away from that found on the main land. Many of the residents of Pine Island have spent their lives doing laps in the rat race and find the island as a place to escape the work world and enjoy their twilight years in the sun. As a result, many of these same retirees find this also to be an opportunity to chase other pursuits long dreamed of during those days of 9 to 5. Topping the “things to do” list on retiring for some are cultural pursuits and it would seem that Pine Island has more artists and musicians per capita than any other place in Lee County. Another large group is comprised of those who desire to put pen to paper. Writers of everything from non-fiction to poetry can be found at nearly every turn and several years ago, a few of them got together to share the thoughts they had finally jotted on paper. The Pine Island Writers Group began meeting at the Industrial Park near the island center back in the mid 90s to share their prose and seek constructive criticism.
“In those days there were about 25 of us who would meet once a week to share our projects,” said founding member Yve Malbon. “Since that time, our numbers have remained steady and people still enjoy getting together and sharing ideas. While most of the group write for fun, several of our members have published books over the years and are doing very well selling them.”
According to Malbon, the group incorporated in 2000 when it became a 501c3 and, through book sales and other fund raisers, has donated to island charities including the Beacon of HOPE and the Pine Island Food Pantry.
“We also have done some workshops at a few of the local schools and this year we participated in the Lee County Read Fest,” Malbon said “We like to think of our group as being active in the community and try to help out where ever we can to promote our club as well as our island community.”
Among the ways the Writers Group earns money is through the sale of books that are authored, edited and published by the group. The latest is “The Spirit of Pine Island”. Subtitled “Whispering Wisdom in the Pines”, this book is a collection of poems and short stories about life on Pine Island sure to be enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike. Titles in the book include Our Lanai, Painting the Pole, Matlacha Mullet Toss, The Mystical Mounds and many more. Thirteen members of the group contributed to the book and among them is Jeannette Batko.
“I first saw the group advertised in The Eagle when we first moved here and told my husband, I think I’ll go to a meeting because they don’t know me so, it will be easier to take their criticism if it isn’t good. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone was very friendly, helpful and the criticism was very gentle. Back then, we were snowbirds and they were even kind enough to critique me stuff via e-mail when I was away,” Batko said. “The meetings are very casual and you can share what you have written or just listen to others. No one is forced to do anything they don’t want to do. Many of the members are there because they simply enjoy writing, but I am one of those who aspire to bigger things with my writing and the writers group has encouraged and inspired my since the beginning.”
Batko’s contributions to The Spirit of Pine Island include The Fishingest Girl, Matlacha Hooky, Sand Between My Toes, Centered and The Painted People.
In addition to meetings, several times of year, the group hosts seminars and workshops to promote writing and to develop skills.
The Pine island Writers, Inc. encourages the practice of the art of writing and the the joy of reading and supports writers of all genres, abilities and levels of experience. The Pine Island Writers Group meets Monday evening, year round, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Stringfellow Road in St. James City beginning at 7 p.m.
For more information about the Pine Island Writers Group, visit pineislandwriters.org or contact the current president, Lynne Mayhew at 282-1464.