Two writing groups, offered by the City of Port Moody's recreation department, will start up again this month.

Groups begin on Monday, Sept. 17 (7 to 9 p.m.) and Thursday, Sept. 20 (9: 30 a.m. to noon). Both run until early December. The groups cost between $90 and $110 per semester.

According to a press release from the city, five members of the groups had books published within a month of each other a couple of summers ago.

Writers have been gathering in the groups once a week for the last 35 years for constructive critique of their work, discussions about the craft of writing and how to get published, and for support from their own tribe. Some members have been attending for more than 25 years.

The groups welcome fiction and non-fiction writers and poets, believing that each brings insights to the others. Emerging as well as experienced writers are especially welcomed. Participants include a professional freelance editor and several published authors who guide newcomers and provide informal coaching towards publication.

The facilitators, Eileen Kernaghan (Thursdays) and Julie H. Ferguson (Mondays) are commercially published authors in fiction and nonfiction, respectively.

If you're a writer who is serious about improving your work, register by calling the Kyle Centre and asking for the Monday or Thursday "creative writing" group. If you have questions, contact Julie at info@beaconlit.com.