My Blog from Guelph’s Bookshelf

Dawn Matheson blogs for The Bookshelf

The Bookshelf Open Writing Room (Mondays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

It’s been a year since I’ve written anything, save a sloppy email, a saucy Facebook update. Nothing worth nothing. I’d had a writing practice once. I’ve romanticized it now, I know. I’m aching for it. Truly aching to write about something I care about. Maybe something you care about. But I never find the time to compose a thing. No matter the desire, it’s too easy for me to let myself down

A few months back, I dropped hours at my job to make space for writing. It was time I needed. A cut in pay to drive up the stakes. Not high enough. It was summer. There were fires to build, children to hose, lawn to lay on.

It’s come to the point where thinking about writing feels like the chest pangs, the stomach flutters you get in the presence of a crush. Something so desirable and so unattainable. Crushed hope.

The stakes need to be higher. That’s where you come in. I need your peer pressure.
Starting this writing room at the Bookshelf is strictly selfish. If I host three hours on a Monday morning where I make you sit and write and shush you if you start chatting, I better be writing, too.

Maybe you need the Writing Room?

Here’s how it works:

  • It’s free and open to anyone who wants to write. No commitment except to yourself.
  • Come up the front stairs to the Greenroom.
  • You bring your tools (pencils sharpened, laptops charged, as there are only a few outlets–an extension cord would help us out).
  • Show up any time you like between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Mondays, except holidays.
  • Please be quiet. Write first, chat later.
  • We have wifi.
  • I’ll make coffee and tea (please make a small donation when you can).

That’s it!

Thanks. You are already helping—I wrote my first blog.

– Dawn

5 Replies

  • I am also back to writing a bit! I am a volunteer (Secretary of The Friends of Keewatin) a museum ship in Port McNicoll currently designing next year’s brochure and booking all coach and group tours. I am currently designing tickets, program, media releases for our annual Robert Burns Dinner and have volunteered doing similar things for Port McNicoll’s Portarama. I will be writing alongside you EVERY
    MONDAY MORNING but will be doing so in Penetanguishene. It will now be “fun” instead of stressful deadlines. I have taken on too much in my retirement and thanks for reminding me that it is the writing that I enjoy doing. Spent 34 years in that environment at two newspapers!
    Kathy Elliott, formerly of Guelph

    • Hope it went well this morning, Kathy! We had our smallest group yet- 7- but it is still so great to be there and committed! Thanks for your comment.

  • I’ll try the Bookshelf writing room. I’ve been writing a novel for over two years, and a bit of (silent) company would be nice on Monday mornings. I’ve heard about the writing room, but I thought you had to know a secret handshake to get in. Good to know it’s “come one, come all.”
    Bob Young

Reply to Bob Young Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *