New group supports local writers

Ellie Zumbach-Harper has been using the Tuscarawas County Public Library System for years. From Storytimes to author visits and book clubs, the library has been a vital part of her community.

“My mom knew I wanted to be a writer and would take me to the Main Library for author talks,” Zumbach-Harper said. “I remember meeting Wanda Brunstetter, Jay Asher and even Donald Ray Pollock.”

Zumbach-Harper, who studied creative writing at Malone University, works as an actor and writer at Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek.

According to Zumbach-Harper, she was looking for a group of writers to meet with and started attending the library’s Write on Track: Writer’s Support Group.

“Writing can be very solitary,” Zumbach-Harper said. “It’s great to have a community of writers to keep each other accountable and lift each other up.”

While she typically writes poetry and fiction, her latest work is a young adult romantasy retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood.” Attendees of the writing group can share their work and gather feedback.

According to Laura Russell, Sugarcreek Branch Library supervisor, who hosts the program, the group is for anyone feeling alone in their author journey, from teens to adults.

“Writing is a big part of my life, and being able to find other writers to share that with is awesome,” Zumbach-Harper said.

The Write on Track: Writer’s Support Group meets in Sugarcreek at Amish Country Donuts & Café on select Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. The group’s next meeting dates are March 15, April 12 and May 17.

Visit www.tusclibrary.org or call 330-364-4474.