Cudos to Grind Writers group, the program, and the News

Here's some feedback from a first-time attender at our last Grind Writers meeting, which was a mini-workshop by Sylvia Taylor on "Writing Memoir--and Getting it Published:"

Hi Margo:     I enjoyed the workshop so much that I wanted to share an excerpt from an email about it I sent to a friend, “ … I learned a good deal about writing memoir during the 2½  hours I spent with Sylvia (and the rest of the group) yesterday.  I took that learning home and put it straight to work by diving into her book [The Fisher Queen; Heritage, 2012]. 

      Thanks to the workshop, I was able apply what I’d just learned so it was a very instructive, as well as riveting, read.  Finally, I left that workshop viewing and valuing my journal in a whole  new way.  I still can’t believe that workshop was free.  It was hands down one of the most valuable, informative, credible, interesting, powerful, fun, challenging and emotive workshops I have had the privilege of being a part of.  Sylvia Taylor is the real deal.  I have huge admiration and respect for her.”  

    I also wanted to thank you for your wonderful newsletter. It is so well done, informative, interesting and relevant (believe it or not, I am aware of the perils of “over-adjectiving”)  -- the contents, the graphics -- all of it.  I always look forward to receiving it.  

    Thank you again.  My first experience with the group was positive and productive and I look forward to seeing you all next time. Best regards………… K.

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Note - Sylvia Taylor and numerous other talented local writers will be giving a full day of free workshops Sat. April 26th at LIT-FEST NEW WEST:

Theatre #1

• 11:00-12:00 Lois Peterson – Story: Process and Product
• 12:45-1:45 Sylvia Taylor – Navigating the Publishing World
• 2:00-300 NWPL (Heather Hortness) – Going Beyond Google: Library Resources for Writers
• 3:15 – 4:15 Publisher’s Panel: Richard Olafson (ekstasis editions and Pacific Rim Review of Books – Victoria); Kitty Lewis (Brick Books – London, Ontario), Manolis Aligizakis (Libros Libertad Publishing – Greater Vancouver area lower mainland)

Theatre #2

• 11:00 – 12:00 Daniela Elza - The Business Side of Writing
• 12:45 – 1:45 Don Hauka– Both Sides Now: Essential Elements of Adaptation
• 2:00 – 3:00 Max Tell – presents ‘Buzz Buzz and Hubub’
• 3:15 – 4:15 Margo Bates – What A Character! Humour Writing Workshop

Classroom #2217

• 11:00 – 12:00 Enrico Renz & Lawren Nemeth – Sense Rhythm and Rhyme
• 12:45 – 1:45 W. Ruth Kozak Travel Writing Workshop: Blogs, Articles & Memoir
• 2:00 – 3:00 Bob Roberston & Linda Cullen – Double Exposure’s -Introduction To Comedy Writing
• 3:15 – 4:15 Jacquie Pearce – Writing for Children 101

Click for full workshop descriptions.

Also during the day/evening - a marketplace; an author’s book signing event; the final LitFest Showcase  -  a multidisciplinary performance involving music, dance and the written word with authors readings and other presentations.

More information and register for the workshops here:

Website: http://artscouncilnewwest.org/litfest/program/workshops/