A UNIQUE collection of stories celebrating the Redlands is soon to be in readers’ hands, thanks to the talented U3A (University of the Third Age) Redlands Writers group.
This dedicated group of senior writers has compiled Shades of Redlands, a book that showcases the diversity, history, and imagination inspired by the area.
Tutor Elizabeth Jeffs explained that the stories in the book could be based on fact, fiction, fantasy, futuristic ideas, or any other context that inspired the writer.
“Between its covers are stories of many different themes and topics,” she said.
“We are always amazed, even when given the same topic, the variety that emerges from the group.”
Elizabeth said the U3A Redlands Writers brought together a diverse mix of budding authors whose stories were anything but ordinary.
“The U3A Redlands Writers group of seniors is packed with would-be murderers, spies, romantics, explorers, and biographers,” she said.
“All manipulating the English language with words, conjuring up vivid images and stories to brighten up the lives of our readers.”
These seniors meet monthly, and each brings their own unique style to the table.
Some lean into rich historical research, weaving real facts into fiction, while others draw readers in with suspense that holds them until the final line.
Some are inspired by nature, evoking the lyrical style of 19th-century poets like Wordsworth and Keats, and others embrace old-fashioned storytelling fit for a cozy fireside chat.
“Although we meet monthly and share our stories, we seek other audiences, mainly seniors, to test our ability to extract an emotive response from our readers,” Elizabeth said.
“There is nothing a writer likes better than when the reader cries or laughs, gets angry or sends the story to a friend.”
When asked why writers write, Elizabeth responded will the Albert Einstein quote: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Logic will get you from A to B, imagination will take you everywhere.”
Elizabeth said anyone holding back through fear of failure should think of Stephen King’s observation: ‘The scariest moment is just before you start’.
Stories written by U3A writers are regularly published in this paper.
