What a success! Congrats to the organizers. It was grand to see so many out of town writers..
Many participants described the memoir workshop by Heather Summerhayes Cariou as inspiring. Here are a few snippets from that workshop
Someone out there needs to hear your story. Write it so they can find you.
A writing exercise: Quick, quick, quick. No hesitation. Refuse to let the censor creep in. Choose a person who is lost to you (in whatsoever way you understand this) and list 5 things in each category related to that person:
1. What they wore
2. What they said
3. Objects you associate with them
4. Foods they ate with you
As above, but choose a place that is lost to you:
1. Objects
2. Smells
3. Sounds
4. Colours
5. Liked
6. Didn’t like
7. Songs you link with the place
8. Finally a historical event which happened while you were in the place…this helps to anchor the place in history for you.
Looping: a technique of looking back over your exercises or work and finding the one sentence or phrase which is most powerful for you (you’ll feel it in your physical reaction) and starting with that the next time you write or revise
Light & shadow: a portrait must have both light and shadow
The Secret to Writing & to Life
--Show up
--Pay attention
--Tell the truth
--Let go of the outcome
Write everything. Later take stuff out. The trick is what to leave out and the problem is you won’t know until you write it.
Why do we write memoir? Many reasons. To honour an experience and let it go, to make sense of powerlessness and get the power back, to find out what lies under the surface.
Self revelation without analysis and understanding is an embarrassment.
A memoir is a reflection, not a hidden plea for help, not a subtle seeking of sympathy, not a means of revenge. No pity party please.
Ask yourself the question, “Who owns this story?” The answer must be “I do.”
Intention is revealed by behaviour. Examine your people as characters.
Good writing should cost you. Tears means the soul is thirsty. Let it drink.
If you can’t tell the truth about yourself, you can’t tell the truth about anyone else.
~ Virginia Woolf
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Snippets from the Writers’ Conference
Monday, August 25, 2008
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU DON'T DIE?
Having been made aware he would never recover from his injuries, Steven Fletcher made a decision. If he was doomed to live, then live he would.
Thus starts a chapter in the wonderful book by Atikokan’s Linda McIntosh. What do You Do if You Don’t Die? The Steven Fletcher Story. Superbly written, the book shows us a man, now a member of parliament, who has changed the way hospitals, universities and governments among others, deal with the critically injured.
McIntosh, a well-know Manitoba politician, writes straight into the quick of our hearts. Watch for the book at Chapters after September 8. For these near Winnipeg, the launch at McNally Robinson at Grant Park is September 4 at 8 p.m. and at McNally Robinson at Polo Park on September 8 at 8 p.m. Further launches will be held in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal.
Steven Fletcher is a quadriplegic, completely paralyzed from the waist down. But the book is more than the story of his physical injuries. It is a book about politics in the widest sense, not only the struggle for independence but the trail-blazing fight to become a member of parliament.
…one reporter asked Steven why people would vote for an inexperience quadriplegic… Steven dryly pointed out that he was paralyzed from the neck down, not from the neck up.
Thus starts a chapter in the wonderful book by Atikokan’s Linda McIntosh. What do You Do if You Don’t Die? The Steven Fletcher Story. Superbly written, the book shows us a man, now a member of parliament, who has changed the way hospitals, universities and governments among others, deal with the critically injured.
McIntosh, a well-know Manitoba politician, writes straight into the quick of our hearts. Watch for the book at Chapters after September 8. For these near Winnipeg, the launch at McNally Robinson at Grant Park is September 4 at 8 p.m. and at McNally Robinson at Polo Park on September 8 at 8 p.m. Further launches will be held in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal.
Steven Fletcher is a quadriplegic, completely paralyzed from the waist down. But the book is more than the story of his physical injuries. It is a book about politics in the widest sense, not only the struggle for independence but the trail-blazing fight to become a member of parliament.
…one reporter asked Steven why people would vote for an inexperience quadriplegic… Steven dryly pointed out that he was paralyzed from the neck down, not from the neck up.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Position Available with Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop (NOWW)
Job Description - Administrator
Duties
In consultation with the executive of NOWW, the Administrator will undertake the following tasks:
1/ help to organize NOWW’s year-end celebration, including arranging the venue and managing ticket sales for the event
2/ help to organize NOWW’s annual writing contest, including recruiting judges and answering queries from the public
3/ help to produce NOWW’s thrice-yearly newsletter, including arranging printing and distribution
4/ maintain a computerized list of NOWW members and print mailing labels as required
5/ maintain a computerized record of NOWW policies, procedures, reports, and correspondence, as provided by the executive
6/ assist in publicizing NOWW events to the public, the media, and its own members, through the preparation and distribution of PSA’s, posters, and information e-mails
7/ maintain the NOWW website, including an up-to-date listing of events and contest information
8/ co-ordinate the intake of memberships through the NOWW website
9/ in consultation with the executive, undertake other projects such as applying for grants or seeking sponsorships
Conditions of Work
The administrator will be expected to provide his/her own workspace and office equipment, including a computer, a printer, an internet connection, basic computer software (MS Office), and a telephone, and to pay for routine office expenses. The use of a vehicle will be required on an infrequent basis. The administrator will report to the president of NOWW, or, in his/her absence, another designated member of the executive.
Salary and Hours
This is a part-time contract position lasting 10 months at an average of 30 hours per month. The contract will run from September, 2008 to June, 2009. The pay will be $15 per hour, plus a $70 per month contribution towards office upkeep and expenses, and the infrequent use of a vehicle.
Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate a responsible, conscientious attitude towards work, and the ablility to function with limited supervision. Basic computer skills, including familiarity with MS Excel, are required. Experience dealing with the public and a volunteer executive would be a definite asset. An entrepreneurial attitude would also be a strong asset. Experience in website maintenance would be helpful.
Please send a resume and brief cover letter to NOWW c/o 95 Winnipeg Ave, Thunder Bay P7B 3R1 by August 20. Only candidates shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. See nowwwritingcontest.org
Duties
In consultation with the executive of NOWW, the Administrator will undertake the following tasks:
1/ help to organize NOWW’s year-end celebration, including arranging the venue and managing ticket sales for the event
2/ help to organize NOWW’s annual writing contest, including recruiting judges and answering queries from the public
3/ help to produce NOWW’s thrice-yearly newsletter, including arranging printing and distribution
4/ maintain a computerized list of NOWW members and print mailing labels as required
5/ maintain a computerized record of NOWW policies, procedures, reports, and correspondence, as provided by the executive
6/ assist in publicizing NOWW events to the public, the media, and its own members, through the preparation and distribution of PSA’s, posters, and information e-mails
7/ maintain the NOWW website, including an up-to-date listing of events and contest information
8/ co-ordinate the intake of memberships through the NOWW website
9/ in consultation with the executive, undertake other projects such as applying for grants or seeking sponsorships
Conditions of Work
The administrator will be expected to provide his/her own workspace and office equipment, including a computer, a printer, an internet connection, basic computer software (MS Office), and a telephone, and to pay for routine office expenses. The use of a vehicle will be required on an infrequent basis. The administrator will report to the president of NOWW, or, in his/her absence, another designated member of the executive.
Salary and Hours
This is a part-time contract position lasting 10 months at an average of 30 hours per month. The contract will run from September, 2008 to June, 2009. The pay will be $15 per hour, plus a $70 per month contribution towards office upkeep and expenses, and the infrequent use of a vehicle.
Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate a responsible, conscientious attitude towards work, and the ablility to function with limited supervision. Basic computer skills, including familiarity with MS Excel, are required. Experience dealing with the public and a volunteer executive would be a definite asset. An entrepreneurial attitude would also be a strong asset. Experience in website maintenance would be helpful.
Please send a resume and brief cover letter to NOWW c/o 95 Winnipeg Ave, Thunder Bay P7B 3R1 by August 20. Only candidates shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. See nowwwritingcontest.org
Friday, August 1, 2008
Calling all Authors!
This is a great opportunity for the authors of Thunder Bay. The Finnish Book Store will have authors selling and signing their books Sat, Sept. 19, the weekend of the Bay Street Film Festival. All authors who wish to participate contact Marlene or Richard at the Finnish Book Store and reserve your place to meet and greet the readers of Thunder Bay.
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