My writing group Elwood Writers has been invited by Tim McQueen at Vision Australia Radio to put together a tribute to our colleague and friend Jennifer Bryce, who died on 27 April. We’re working on the program now, and will record it for Cover to Cover in July, to be broadcast shortly afterwards – there’s more in this blog post from Elwood Writers:
I first met Jenny in 2007 at a literary festival in Glen Eira. We found common ground in our desire to develop our writing through the regular sharing of work. For a while, the two of us would get together every so often at Spargo’s in Richmond, and talk writing over a plate of lasagne. Aware that I was living on the smell of an oily rag, one day Jenny suggested that rather than shelling out for dinner each time, we could meet at her flat in Elwood. Such thoughtfulness and sensitivity was typical of her.
From that day on, Jenny’s flat, like her mind, remained open. Helen joined us in 2009, and Margaret not long after. We became Elwood Writers, and for over a decade met every second Tuesday at Jenny’s place, where we found warm hospitality, and in winter a roaring fire. And the coffee which fuelled our intense discussions was always made just right.
I feel fortunate to have known Jenny. She’s deeply missed within Elwood Writers and beyond, and her spirit and energy live on in the writing she leaves behind and in the group she loved so much.
We’re very grateful to Tim for providing this opportunity to honour Jenny’s literary achievements on Cover to Cover. We’ll look forward to providing more details on the program via the Elwood Writers website in July.
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