By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

For many years, Bette Block earned a living as a freelance writer. She wrote children’s books, commercials, financial writing, book reviews, and even a few plays that were produced on television as well as one that was performed in London.

Although officially retired, Block continues to use her writing skills as one of the leaders of Sedgebrook’s writer’s group. She says the idea to start a club for people who want to write occurred during a conversation with her friend Joy Satterfield.

“She thought it would be a great idea if we started a group here because most of the Sedgebrook residents have lived through very interesting times and have stories they might want to write and leave for their children and grandchildren,” Block says.

Writing their own autobiographies
The group of ten writers decided to focus on autobiographical manuscripts. Block says her fellow writers, some of whom have never written much before, have fascinating stories to tell. One  resident is documenting her recollection of being at Pearl Harbor the day it was bombed. Another is working on a story about growing up in Scandinavia.

“If you look back over the last 75 or 80 years, so many interesting things have happened,” she says. “Our world has changed, and these people have lived every minute of it.”

Cure for writer’s block
The desire to share thoughts and experiences through the written word is a goal many people share. But it’s all too easy to continually put off actually putting pen to paper. This club helps Sedgebrook writers stay inspired and stay on task.

The writers meet twice a month to share their work and give one another constructive feedback. Block says she also leads the group in some writing exercises to get everyone’s creative juices flowing.

“People bend over backward to be helpful and nice and really strengthen whatever is being presented,” Block says of the club members.