Long-time poet Eric McKinnon invites local writers to share their work
A new creative writing group is bringing poets, storytellers and aspiring authors together each week in Teulon — and everyone is welcome.
The Teulon Writers Group, started by poet and author Eric McKinnon, meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Teulon Library. The group invites writers of all levels to attend, share their work, and offer one another feedback in a supportive, workshop-style setting.
Now 81, McKinnon has been writing since early childhood. Born in Winnipeg during the Second World War, he was raised in Selkirk, where he developed a love of language inspired by his mother, who read extensively and often took him to the library.
McKinnon’s earliest known poem dates back to age seven — a rhyming verse his mother preserved in a scrapbook. By nine, he was already experimenting with internal rhyme, and soon began writing short stories. One early piece, The Ghost of Redbury, was typed up by a friend and marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for storytelling.
“It’s been going on a long time,” said McKinnon. “Even when I started having trouble with cataracts, I kept writing in huge capital letters just so I could still see the words.”
A major influence in McKinnon’s life was his Afi (Icelandic grandfather), Kristján S. Pálsson, a recognized poet whose legacy left a lasting impression. One poem, titled Little Man, was written for Eric and remains close to his heart.
“I couldn’t be a star basketball player if I tried. I couldn’t be an astronaut if I tried,” said McKinnon. “There’s one thing I believed I could do — you use the gifts that you’ve got.”
McKinnon’s published works include The Rock, a Christian testimony meant to offer hope to readers, and Don’t Worry, It’s Just the Wind, co-written with Tyra Masters-Heinrichs. He has also contributed poetry and short stories to several group anthologies through the Lake Winnipeg and Gimli writers groups.
He credits the people he has worked with over the years for keeping him motivated — especially long-time supporter and editor Nancy Clark, who was also involved in the Lake Winnipeg Writers Group.
“Inspiration comes in all kinds of ways,” he said. “Every now and then, there’s a breakthrough.”
When McKinnon and his wife moved to Teulon, he approached the local library about starting a small writing group to carry on the spirit of those past creative circles. The idea was welcomed, and the group has now held two meetings with plans to continue weekly.
Writers attending are encouraged to read their work aloud, listen to others, and engage in positive, constructive discussions. McKinnon said the group is also considering publishing a collection of members’ writing, similar to Voices, the Lake Winnipeg group’s printed journal.
“The goal is to help each other grow and enjoy the process of writing,” he said.
Whether working on poetry, fiction, memoir or journal entries, McKinnon says everyone has something valuable to say — and a place to say it in Teulon.
