My Writing Group—The UUCA Women Writers

Guest blogger, Nina Gross of the UUCA, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Women Writers. From their Mission and Vision Statements: The Mission of the UUCA Women Writers Group is to share works of women of various backgrounds, who offer diverse perspectives with each other and the public. We listen, inspire, encourage and develop each other’s unique mastery of the craft of writing… By producing compelling written works that we share, we will illustrate who we are as women and writers while educating and inspiring each other and the world. Here, Nina shares with us her experience with being a part of this dynamic and supportive group.

Writing has always served as a catharsis, a way of addressing my thoughts and feelings and keeping myself in balance. But my desire to share and be a part of a community drew me to the UUCA Women Writers Group.

Being part of the UUCA Women Writers Group challenges me to bring myself to the table (sometimes literally), to write more consistently, and to find my place within the group. It is a diverse group, ranging broadly in age, ethnicity and background. As a mother and part time teacher my days are full right now, but I make time because I have a need for more intense interaction with the world.

Participating in this small intentional community provides that window for me. Reaching out to understand and to be understood requires being fully present and makes me feel alive.

We review the writings in advance so that we can come prepared to comment. I am often surprised at how my perspective changes when I hear a piece read aloud in the author’s voice. For my part, occasionally it is not easy to read when I feel the subject is especially personal or if I think there might be some in the group who may not be receptive to my work. Writing about Sex, Race and God comes naturally. Reading to the group is another story.

We are careful with one another and conscious of how our comments are being received, though I never hold back. Over the year that I have been involved with the group, we have gradually unveiled parts of ourselves, hidden and known to us—our truths, our stories and our creations. While we are not a group of friends, the stories we share are often intimate and sometimes painful. Such stories are received without judgment or pity. In the process of discovery there is a deepening that is a rare gift. We experience wisdom, humor, beauty and a shared humanity. I feel privileged to be part of the special trust that we have established. I have enjoyed the journey. And it has been my pleasure to share.

Nina Gross lives in Atlanta with her husband and 2 children. She is a musician and part-time teacher. She practices Aikido and loves to sing. She is currently writing her memoirs.

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