A book containing short stories and poems from 21 local contributors will be launched on Saturday March 16.
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Written by members of the successful U3A writing group, Fun Fact and Fiction has been edited by well known poet Bessie Jennings and Tom Meakin.
The book contains stories written by the group's members over the course of several years.
For many, it is their first foray into the world of published works.
Hans van Chrismar and Dale Symons each feature in the book.
For Ms Symons her story about Snaur a magical dragon was built around back seat car trip stories she created for her grandchildren.
She said her desire to write stems from wanting to leave her grandchildren some memories.
"It was never my intention to publish anything," she said.
"(Grandchildren) Zac and Josh both feature in my story along with Ned the dog and Snaur the magical dragon.
"I have a fondness for children's books," she said.
Ms Symons said she plans to write a series of books featuring Snaur and her grandchildren in the future.
Mr van Chrismar said, as a writer, it is exciting to see your works published.
"We will all no doubt get a kick out of seeing our works in book form," he said.
"This book is an anthology of all the various short stories and poems written by the group's members.
"But there was no vision for us to write a book. It only came up around 12 months ago."
Mr van Chrismar says his work is more a biography of his family. Or more accurately, my memories of my family. It is a sort of fiction," he said.
The two writers described the U3A writing group as "a wonderful group of people who are very supportive of writers of all levels".
Kate GauKroger is the group's elder statesperson at 92 years of age.
Fun Fact and Fiction contains 297 pages of stories and poems and has been produced in larger print.
The book launch is at the Tenison Wood Centre, Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie on Saturday March 16, 2.30pm.
Fun Fact and Fiction costs $20. To order a copy email chrismar42@gmail.com
The U3A writing group meets each Wednesday from 1pm until 3.30pm at U3A on Lochinvar Place.
For information on the writing group or about the book contact U3A on 6584 4192.
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