One of the Longest Established Writing Groups in Los Angeles Publishes Anthology to Mark 30th Anniversary

The San Fernando Valley branch of the California Writers Club, one of the longest continuously active writing groups in Los Angeles, has just released an anthology filled with essays, poetry and short stories to marks its 30th anniversary.

“Cascade of Pearls” features fiction, non-fiction and poetry authored by some of the best “newbie” and professional writers in the region, ranging in age from college to seniors.

The anthology title, “Cascade of Pearls,” was chosen because the pearl is the gem symbol for a 30th anniversary. These pearls in the anthology shine through humor, tragedy, reflections, life experiences and great short stories.

“The anthology is a tribute to the many writers who have inspired other writers over the years,” said incoming branch president Gabriella Owens. “This spirit is still very much alive today.”

The anthology is already receiving positive reviews.

“This collection is a testimony to the power of words, and to those gifted writers who have run them together like strands of precious pearls,” wrote author and editor Victoria Zackheim. “Essay, poem, short story, each one sings out and captures our imagination…and our heart.”

“What a fabulous collection of talent. Filled with comedy and tragedy, this anthology creates deep appreciation for its imaginative content, and admiration for the creative talent that has taken us through a wealth of dynamic emotional experience,” wrote playwright Kitty Burns-Nasarow.

The anthology has helped create excitement surrounding the anniversary.

“We decided that showcasing the talents of our members in this format was the best way to honor this important milestone,” said editor Rita Keeley Brown. “The anthology gave them an opportunity to display their limitless imaginations.”

Presented in a reader friendly layout, the anthology is organized in such a way that readers will feel as if they are there, sitting with a group of friends telling stories. A quote by Truman Capote on the back cover of the book sets the tone for what the anthology wanted to accomplish: “What I am trying to achieve is a voice sitting by the fireplace telling you a story on a winter’s evening.”

“Pull up a chair, get comfortable and settle in for some good reads,” said Brown.

Whereas most anthologies have one theme, “Cascade of Pearls” features eight themes:

“Pearls of Discovery, Relationships, Knowledge, Nature, Adventure, Yesteryears, Faith and Life.” A drawing depicting the theme introduces each section. Other illustrations enliven pages throughout the anthology. Another interesting aspect of the anthology is that each section contains contents from three genres – fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

“Being part of a group where new writers receive encouragement from those who were a few steps ahead of them was very important,” said Brown. “This broadened their confidence and their vision as a writer. More skills were developed in small critique groups.”

“Cascade of Pearls” is now available on Amazon and other major distributors and is priced at $16.95. The proceeds will go to the branch to enhance future educational writing events.

The California Writers Club was founded by John Muir, Ina Coolbrith and George Sterling, with the strong influence of Jack London and others in San Francisco more than 100 years ago. The Club has grown to 22 branches throughout California with nearly 2,000 active members. The branch was chartered in 1986 and meets on the first Saturday of each month (except July and August). For additional information about the branch, visit www.cwc-sfv.org or the Central California Writers Club at www.calwriters.org.