CHRIS Langshaw said she'd never forget the first time she saw one of her poems published in a proper book.
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"The first time, you nearly die of shock," she joked.
That was in 2014, when the local poetry group, The Blue Room Poets, published its first anthology of members' original works.
The group recently published its third anthology, and Ms Langshaw said she still got a thrill from seeing her works on the page.
The poetry group takes its name from the room it meets in at Morisset Library on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 9.45am to 11.15am.
Convenor Louise Berry organises an annual program for members.
A theme or poetry topic is supplied for one month, then a poetry form is chosen for the following month.
"For example, this month our topic is 'If I ruled the world'," Ms Langshaw said.
Members are invited to take along a published poem that addresses that theme, and also to write and read their own work on the subject.
Then, on the following month, the group would focus on a poetry form, such as haiku or sestina.
Member Jeanette Campbell said participants in the group didn't critique each other's poetry.
"We're non-judgemental," she said.
It's a trait the budding poets appreciated, member Jill Overton said.
"That's what I really like about this group," she said.
After all, presenting your own poetry to others to read can be daunting. And reading it aloud to an audience can be even tougher.
"It's absolutely nerve-racking," Ms Overton said.
"You feel very inadequate when you first go along. But I've been going for three years now, and it's a safe place."
Ms Langshaw said the Blue Room Poets enjoyed a laugh, socialising and word play.
"We're there to exercise our brains and to learn."
The quality of the group's poetry, however, was "very high".
"I admire greatly the work of everyone in the book."
Ms Langshaw said prospective new members were welcome to attend a meeting to see what the group was about.
Blue Room Poets: An Anthology of Contemporary Australian Poetry is in Lake Mac Library branches, and available to purchase for $15.
- Phone Ms Langshaw on 4975 5205.
