Writing about our lives in a creative way offers a valuable means of expression.
The words written by someone who has ‘been there too’ can comfort and reassure others who are going through the same experience.
Inspired by an Australian collection of stories written by women with secondary breast cancer (Armed with Chocolate Frogs, Kate Carey Productions) over thirty Sweet Louise members have signed up to contribute their creative short stories and poems to a special Sweet Louise book.
A grant from the Max Foundation is enabling the women to participate in Creative Writing Workshops, to write their pieces and polish them with the help of a professional writer.
“We were so delighted to be a nominated recipient of a Max Foundation grant,” said Sweet Louise CEO Sue Brewster, “and the opportunity for our members to participate in this creative writing process is absolutely invaluable. The act of writing will not only offer them a way to express themselves creatively but will also give them the chance to support each other through their stories and experiences of living with advanced breast cancer.”
The primary aim of the book is to support women joining Sweet Louise in the future but the stories and poems will be of value to anyone wishing to know more about life with secondary breast cancer.
Two creative writing workshops will be facilitated by Auckland writer Jane Bissell who is well known for two books she has written about her own experience with breast cancer. Jane will edit the work produced and guide the publication process. “We are very fortunate to have Jane’s enormous talent leading the writing workshops,” said Sue. “Jane is an acclaimed writer with a warm and empathetic personality.”
“The finished collection will provide a lasting legacy for those living with secondary breast cancer both now and in the future,” said Sue. “The sentiment of ‘living for the day’ will capture the hearts of us all and we can't thank Max Foundation and our wonderful writers enough.”
