By Diane Penning, for the Tribune

Members of the local Washington Avenue Writers Group meet at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at the Albert Lea Art Center to share their creative writing, which may include a novel they are working on, heartfelt poems, humorous stories, personal journaling or even a melodic Country Western song.

Current members include Carolyn Smith, Joan Claire Graham, Kim Barr, Maren Ring, Betsy Hermanson, Nancy Jenson, Rachelle Fliehman, Barbara Brindle, Sara Aeikens, Kaye Klukow, Penny Jacobsen, Susie Crane and Ruth Klamm.

The group was created about six years ago by Dustin Petersen and first met at a local coffee house in Albert Lea. When winter came the group moved to the home of Love Cruikshank on Washington Avenue, and then to the Art Center after Cruikshank died in 2006.

There are no dues, no officers, and none of the usual refreshments served at gatherings of other groups. Members just enjoy the company of fellow writers who sometimes critique the pieces so the writer can grow and learn. Members have varying degrees of writing expertise and experience, but all are welcome.

Rachelle Fliehman said she feels she has become a better writer since joining the group.

Joan Claire Graham said it is an unusual group, meeting for the love of writing and to support each other not only in writing, but socially and personally and members shouldn&8217;t feel as though they need to attend every meeting.

She is working on a project and would gratefully accept contributions to her &8220;Minnesota Memories&8221; book series, which has seven published books. Her latest book is focusing on the sesquicentennial.

If members don&8217;t have a piece to share with the group, they have to pay a 25-cent &8220;penalty&8221; to a Kermit the Frog bank. This money is used to have occasional pizza parties or given to the Art Center, which allows the group touse the building at no charge.

Carolyn Smith said those interested are always welcome to come and see if the group is a good fit for them.

Those interested are welcome to contact any member or come to one of the Tuesday meetings.