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Janice Sullivan always loved poetry. Even before she picked up her own pen to write lyrics, she enjoyed discussing poets and poetry with her sister, Susan Meyers of South Carolina.

Sometimes, with Meyers, she attended writing conferences and workshops as an observer. Twelve years ago, she began writing seriously. Since then, several of her poems have been published in literary journals and magazines. One poem won first place in the Poetry of Love category of Prize-Winning poems, a contest sponsored annually by the North Carolina Poetry Society. Now fully immersed, Sullivan said, "Writing poetry is therapeutic and gives me an opportunity to be creative. I love the world of poetry."

Besides her gifted sister, Sullivan credits two other poets as strong influences. She said she learned a great deal in workshops led by Rebecca McClanahan and is drawn to the images of nature in Mary Oliver's poems.

Like Oliver, Sullivan often focuses on the earth, sky and ocean for inspiration. She makes frequent trips to Litchfield Beach in South Carolina, the backdrop for many of her poems. She also writes frequently of family.

Like many poets, she believes keeping a journal contributes to creative writing. While journaling, ideas for new poems emerge.

The Writers' Group of the Triad, an organization for area writers, has also helped. Nine years ago, needing to share her writing with others, she joined the organization.

All the members of her poetry group "have helped my poetry grow," she said. When they meet each month at Sternberger Artist Center, group participants benefit from the camaraderie and the thoughtful critiques of one another's work.

Three years ago, WGOT members elected Sullivan president. Serving her third term, she finds getting to know writers outside her small group exciting. During her tenure, she said, she has learned about the history of the organization by working with board members such as longtime members Peggy Brooks and June Read.

When asked what challenges she faces as president of an organization that encompasses such a diverse group of writers, she said, "The challenge is offering enough to keep members interested."

In addition to the monthly small group meetings, specializing in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, novel writing, writing for children, mystery writing, playwriting, and song writing, the organization sponsors periodic open writing, editing, and publishing workshops for members and visitors.

Additionally, members receive a monthly newsletter filled with valuable writing information and a calendar of events. Both the newsletter and the Web site provide formats for members to get out the word about their own writing and publishing successes.

Another perk for members is the impressive meeting place, Sternberger Artist Center. This Mediterranean-inspired historic home in the Aycock neighborhood was built in 1926 by Sigmund Sternberger, a bachelor, who lived there until he died in 1964.

The building is owned and operated by the United Arts Council. Individuals and organizations rent spaces to create art or to meet and discuss writing and other artistic projects.

The writing group board, led by Sullivan, is planning exciting activities for 2009, such as open mike readings and workshops.

Though most of the time, the group is all about writing, occasionally it sponsors events to help fund the treasury. On Dec. 19, 20, 21 and 22, members will be wrapping gifts purchased at Barnes & Noble in Friendly Shopping Center. Drop by there on those dates if you would like to help a noble cause or ask questions about the group.

If you are seeking a place to share your writing or need advice and encouragement concerning your work, Sullivan and others will be happy to speak with you.

Contact Sandra Redding at sanredd@earthlink.net.