Learning the art of flash fiction

Zimbabwe-born Ru Ziyenge created Luton Writers Club because she believes everyone is unique and has something worth sharing.

She started the group after attending a similar one in Watford and said: “I’ve found there are a lot of talented people out there who just don’t get a chance to give writing a try as life takes over. It’s easy to postpone it until later, tomorrow, or next week.

“The thing is later frequently never comes and the idea or incentive is often lost.”

The Club’s initial meeting was in November. They had just one member – apart from Ru – and now boast 14.

The 33-year-old from Luton’s High Town added: “We encourage people to stay in the moment and put ideas down. Everyone’s story is unique and worth sharing – you just have to give it time.

“Keeping it under 400 words is a good exercise for people to think about their use of language, and to recognise that often we use too many words which just aren’t necessary.”

Ru, who used to edit a newletter called The African Drum for Luton Primary Care Trust, describes herself as an ‘emotional’ writer.

One of her favourite pieces is called The Land of the Free which she penned after her mother died.

> The Club meets at Luton Central Library at 5.30pm on alternate Thursdays – next meeting is May 12 when the theme is Festival (which cannot be in the title).