writing women of zurich

When I returned to Wyoming from Zurich, I left behind creamy chocolates, tantalizing breads, tram rides, shimmering lake views as well as foreign voices and phrases. But what was most meaningful in Zurich, and heartbreaking in their absence, were the members of the Womens Writing Group. Their encouragement, friendship, sharing, laughter, honesty, and uplifting ways were a source of solace and comfort to me. I envy the ladies who experience the comraderie and hear first hand of the stories and plots and characters introduced each month.
BUT, through the Writing Women of Zurich website and blog, I have the ability and distinct pleasure to snoop on the meetings from afar and share in their writings and inventions!! I will read their stories, poems, articles, and writing assignments – while eating a bar of Toblerone chocolate or a Lindt chocolate ball – and pretend I am in the American Womens Club of Zurich’s second floor meeting room feeling the sun streaming in the large windows, hearing the stories read by their authors and enjoying the presence of the other writers. It’s as close to a meeting as I’ll have on this side of the Atlantic and, for now, good enough.

This blog began quite simply – women gathering at the American Womens Club of Zurich to share writing ideas and samples. We all had a common goal: to become a better writer, blogger, author, poet, etc. Under the tutelage of Ellen Magee, writer extraordinare, the informal gatherings evolved into meaningful, heartfelt fun fests as novice and experienced writers shared their innermost thoughts and stories with each another. The group became a safe spot to run an idea up the flagpole without fear of critical or stifling feedback. It was, in essence, a place of home in a foreign land.
All expatriate communities experience the continual influx and departure of members. Sometimes these connections are maintained when we move to other pastures or new assignments. Often when we return to our previous endeavors, we don’t have time to continue our relationships due to new demands or time constraints. Or, it could be a need for comfort and help from other expatriates is no longer primary. And so, these relationships and chapters of our life end.
In the case of our womens writing group, the members living in Zurich as well as those who have moved and are residing in other lands, have remained together through our mutual bond of writing and personal expression. Though this blog is centered on the core group in Zurich, the input of our members who live throughout the world is welcomed and encouraged.
Either way, it’s not an external place that makes one a writer. It’s an internal place in our heart where spirit and thoughts flow from and make their expression in the world….