20 Guest Authors on Leanne Dyck's Blog

One of the best resources an author can have is another author. 20 authors share writing tips and details about their author journey.

 

photo by ldyck

Authors featured in this article:

Susin Nielsen, Amber Harvey, Joanna Penn, Melodie Campbell, Alix Ohlin, Arleen Pare, Ayelet Tsabari, Karen McBride, Pam Withers, Ellen Schwartz, Brenda Chapman, Robin Stevenson, Anne R. Allen, Jan Degrass, Shane Peacock, Heather Shumaker, Lou Allin, Debra Purdy Kong, Mary Sharratt, Winslow Eliot 

How/why did you start to write?

I wrote from a very young age. I joke that my first "published" book was when I was 10

-Susin Nielsen

One summer, when I was around eleven, my friends were away and I was bored. Since my parents didn't believe children had to be entertained, I was left to sort out this problem for myself. An avid reader, my mind was always filled with stories, and having access to a notebook, a fountain pen, and some wildly exciting red ink, I began to write.-Amber Harvey

I've always written journals and diaries, especially while traveling and I have always dreamed of writing a great novel. My idol was Umberto Eco with The Name of the Rose which I loved but the literary fiction ideal blocked me because I didn't think I could write like that. Dan Brown released me from the fear of writing as I saw that you could have a similar plot of religious history but still be a mainstream writer, so I started believing I could write a novel. -Joanna Penn

Only child for nine years--never anyone to talk to! So I invented characters even before I could write. -Melodie Campbell

I started writing as a child. I grew up in a house full of books, and reading was how I understood the world. My Grade Two teacher...encouraged me to write special assignments outside of class. I still have some of the things I wrote for her, like an illustrated fable that I stitched into a little book bound with construction paper. -Alix Ohlin

I started to write creatively after completing a graduate thesis in 1994. I remember driving home from the University of BC after my oral defense, thinking it was too bad that I had finished the project because I had enjoyed the writing process, the business of chewing over ideas and arranging them. And revising. And then immediately the idea of writing a novel popped into my mind. -Arleen Pare

How did you become an author?

When I decided to take my writing seriously, I applied and was accepted to the Writer's Studio at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. I loved the program and had grown a lot as a writer during that year, so I knew I was on the right track. After that, I moved to Toronto to attend the Masters of Fine Arts program at Guelph. -Ayelet Tsabari

I suppose my journey to getting published began when I took a writing workshop during my undergrad. I got the chance to work with Andre Alexis and he saw something in me that I didn't even think was possible. I still remember how excited I was the first time he told me my writing was good enough to be published; I screamed in the elevator after leaving his office! -Karen McBride

I kept taking writing classes. I did a reading or two. I made friends with other writers. One day, after sending my new manuscript to several presses, one of them accepted it. 

-Arleen Pare

Reflect on your writing process

I imagine the climax and work backwards from there asking why questions: why did the kayak go over the waterfall?

I don't start writing until the plot points are plotted out. Then I start imagining the characters. 

-Pam Withers

Most story ideas come to me through a character. I see someone interesting on the street or a character pops into my imagination, and I think, Who is this? What is his or her background? What problem is he or she facing? I may live with the character for a long time before a story idea emerges. 

-Ellen Schwartz

What did you do before embarking on your writing career? Was it an asset to your writing? How?

I was a TV writer first, for twenty years, before I wrote my first original YA novel' 

-Susin Nielsen

Teaching taught me to prepare lesson plans and to organize a project, all helpful in laying out a manuscript. -Brenda Chapman

I worked for ten years as a counsellor and social worker. Counselling taught me to pay close attention to people, to relationships, and to communication; it gave me an opportunity to be involved in people's lives during difficult times and to learn more about how people understand themselves and their lives. -Robin Stevenson

I spent twenty-five years in theatre and film, acting and directing. And yes, the two are perfectly matched. Preparing for a role is very much like creating a character. You learn that every character in every scene must have a goal or a motivation. -Anne R. Allen

Before writing, I was a contemporary ballet dancer, touring and performing internationally. When I began to write I was still teaching dance and choreographing. The creative process was ingrained in me and this was extremely useful when I set out to write. -Jan Degrass

Please share one of your successful author platform-building techniques

Like many authors whose work appeals to a YA audience, I spend a great deal of time on the ground speaking to students in schools and libraries, and to older groups, teachers and librarians, and readers, for example, at conventions and international writers' festivals. I also maintain a lively and entertaining website as well as a presence on Facebook and Twitter. I try to push the publicists at my publishing house to get me onto radio and TV and blog sites, and I make sure that I perform well and am conscious of promoting my work to the best of my abilities when I have those opportunities. I think doing simple things like answering the many e-mail messages I receive from fans is important too.

-Shane Peacock

I've found numerous speaking engagements, which lead to more speaking engagements, and now invitations to headline conferences and be the keynote speaker. -Heather Shumaker

Parting words

Read, listen to, and watch as much as you can. I find creativity is sparked in me when I see the brilliant creativity of others. -Karen McBride

There's an amazing community of writers online who I have met through blogs and Twitter. Anyone can become a part of that by being generous with their time, helping others on the journey, and sharing their story. -Joanna Penn

An author needs tools, talent, and tenacity. The first you can learn, the second you can hone, and the third is open to anyone who keeps at it. -Lou Allin

For me, success is about tenacity and becoming a better writer; learning to listen to those who are trying to help. -Debra Purdy Kong

If you want to have a career as a published writer, never give up. The only failed writer is the one who stops writing! Love what you do. The process of writing is everything and no one can take that away from you. -Mary Sharratt

The important thing to remember though is that writing in and of itself is a reward. The rest is just icing. -Brenda Chapman

I wish more writers would create a more loving relationship with Writing, so that they are kinder to it and to themselves--treating it like the special, sacred relationship that it truly is. -Winslow Eliot

I've been encouraged by and learned a lot from the authors who visited my blog. Featuring them on my blog is my way of saying thank you.

More...

-more authors to visit

-the full interviews

Where?

guest page  

 

On this blog in November...

Sunday, November 27

Island Invasion (short story) by Leanne Dyck

This short story was inspired by The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King

Much thanks to Johnny Aitken for giving me the support I needed to claim this story.

And in December...?

 

20+ Literary Festivals in Canada

From BC to Newfoundland--a year full of literary festivals.

the panel discussion before the panel discussion--that's me on the right
photo by bdyck

I've greatly benefitted from attending writing festivals in so many ways--skill development and inspiration and encouragement and networking and improved self-esteem and... Whether you're attempting to write your first story or just released your 50th book, I highly recommend attending one or several. Here's a year's worth--for your consideration (this isn't a complete list, but I've tried). If you're disappointed by the brevity of the list--bless you--there are more extensive lists at the end of the post.

March

Growing Room:  A Feminist Literary Festival
Vancouver, BC

Reviewing Lit Fest New West

April

Sidney Lit Fest
Sidney, BC

Festival Frye Festival

News Brunswick

the largest literary event in Atlantic Canada

bilingual

Imagination Writers' Festival

Quebec

May

Festival of Literary Diversity (Fold)
Brampton, Ontario


Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario


Festival of Trees
'the largest literary event for young readers in Canada'
Waterloo, Ontario 
London, Ontario 
Toronto, Ontario 

Alice Munro Festival of the short story
Huron County, Ontario

June

Take a break. Read a book. Write a story.

July

Lakefield Literary Festival
Lakefield, Ontario


Read by the Sea
River John, Nova Scotia

WordPlay

Children's Festival

River John, Nova Scotia

Ochre Fest

Ochre Pit Cove

Conception Bay, Newfoundland

Saskatchewan Festival of Words
Moose Jaw

August

Writers at Woody Point
Bonne Bay, Newfoundland

Ignite Your Soul Author Event

London, Ontario

September 

The Word on the Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Word on the Street
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Telling Tales Festival
'inspiring a love of reading and raising awareness of literacy'
Rockton, Ontario


The Winnipeg International Writers Festival (Thin Air)
Winnipeg, Manitoba


Kingston Writers Fest
Kingston, Ontario


Word Vancouver
Vancouver, BC

Reviewing Word Vancouver

Victoria Festival of Authors
Victoria, BC

Lunenburg Lit Festival

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

October

Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler, BC


Book Bash Canadian Literature Festival
Chatham-Kent, Ontario


Ottawa International Writers Festival
Ottawa, Ontario


Toronto International Festival of Authors
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto, Ontario


Stratford Writer's Festival
Stratford, Ontario

Surrey International Writers' Conference
Surrey, BC

November

WordsFest

London, Ontario

December, January

Cuddle up with a good book and dream of next year's literary festivals

more extensive lists...

Canadian Festivals and Reading Series
The Writers' Union of Canada



Question:  (maybe you have the same one) Why are there no Canadian literary festivals in June? Huh?

A Year Spent with You - -2017 in review

"On Mayne Island amidst the Holiday lights at the Japanese Gardens" by ldyck

At the end of each section, I leave hints on how to use the information I provide.

Most Popular Posts Published in 2017

Canadian Literary Prizes:  write and read (380 page views)
in which I list the winners of the Rogers' Trust, GG, and the Giller

A Star (short story) (368 page views)
inspired by my experiences as a dyslexic elementary school student

Quilt Diva (a true story) (290 page views)
how a knitter wound up walking in a parade as a quilter

After 7 years, why keep writing? (250 page views)
I created this blog 7 years ago. I explain why I'm still writing.

Byron did:  in praise of poetry (220 page views)
further explanation not required

About dyslexia (211 page views)
further explanation not required

Bloggers: take inspiration from my most popular posts to write your own web content.

Books Reviewed in 2017

(This slow reader reviewed 15 books this year. Wow! I doubt I'll repeat that number in 2018)

All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner 
Fiction
an alcoholic's story

Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis
Speculative Fiction
The Greek Gods give human intelligence to fifteen dogs

Note to Self by Laurie Buchanan
Self Help
Unpack your baggage and become your best self

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
Historical Fiction
A girl is reported to be exciting on manna alone--but how

The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghue
Middle Grade Fiction
A happy family of misfits

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time 
by Mark Haddon
Fiction
A character sketch of a person with a neurological disorder.

Are You Seeing Me? by Darren Groth
Middle Grade Fiction
After their father's death, twins travel from Australia to Canada. One of the twins has a neurological disorder.

13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad
Fiction
further explanation not required

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Middle Grade Fiction
an exploration of being short in stature

Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
Short Story Collection
further explanation not required

The Break by Katherena Vermette
Fiction
exploration of the victim -- the abuser

Nation by Terry Pratchatt
Young Adult reads like Speculative Fiction
exploration of building community

The Only Child by Andrew Pyper
Horror
which is worse -- the evil "other" or the evil inside us?

Pride by Robin Stevenson
Non-fiction
A celebration of the gay community

Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
Magical Realism
the effect of the residential school system on three generations of Aboriginal Canadians

Readers:  If you click the link for each book you'll be able to read the reviews--including where to buy the book.

Guest Posts

This year I interviewed four children's authors--Linda Marshall (Rainbow Weaver), Dr. Sigal Haber (Chuck the Rooster Loses his Voice), Pam Withers (Tracker's Canyon), and Maxine Sylvester (Ronaldo:  The Reindeer Flying Academy)--and author of the popular blog Tuesdays with Laurie, Laurie Buchanan (Self Note). I also shared some of my dad's--A. J. Willetts--writing with you. (I'm thrilled that my dad's post drew a "wopping" 481 page views.)

Writers:  Reading the guest posts will give you helpful tips on how to kickstart your author career. 

Thank you for spending 2017 with me. I hope you enjoyed our time together. I look forward to sharing 2018 with you.

Next post:  

Published on Sunday, January 7, 2017 2018
at approximately 5 PM PST
Writing:  right foot forward
if you like me need a little pep talk to start your year here it is.

Shakespeare and Snorri by Leanne Dyck

For a while now I've planned to do some research on famous authors for my blog. Recently I followed through on this plan and I'd like to present, for your reading pleasure, want I've found.

In a nutshell, I found conspiracy and greed.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language'

born:  1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Occupation:  Playwright
wrote from  1590 to 1613
wrote 37 plays, 160 poems and Sonnets
Conspiracy:  but did he write them all by himself? Or did Marlow help him?
died:  1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
how:  it's a mystery, but there is some speculation that he drank himself to death

Century upon century later, his work still charms us...

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (BC)

Shakespeare in the Ruins (Manitoba)

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan)

Stratford Festival (Ontario)

(Illustration of Thor and his eight legged horse--a story by Snorri Sturluson)

Snorri Sturluson

His genius lay in his power to present all that he perceived critically as a historian with the immediacy of drama

born:  1179 in Dalasysla, Iceland
Occupation:  Historian, Poet, Politician (Chieftan)
wrote from 1223 to 1235
wrote the Prose Edda and Heimskringla

Using his considerable literary talent, Snorri gained favour with the Norwegian king. The Prose Edda repopularized figures from Norse mythology -- Thor (the god of war), Odin (all father) and Loki (the trickster). 

Through the Prose Edda, I hear Snorri say to the Norwegian king, "Remember this, your people and my people we're the same."

The Heimskringla is a history of the Norwegian kings from Odin to Magnus Erlongsson (1184).

Here, I hear Snorri say, "I know how powerful you are. Iceland knows how powerful you are. We don't want our independence. Why would we? It's just talk."

And thus Snorri feathered his own nest while selling out his country.

Did it work? Well...

died:  1241
how:  King Haakon ordered Snorri's assassination

Next post:  Book review:  Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Room by Emma Donoghue -- Target reader
Published:  Sunday, July 23 at approximately 5 PM PT

Read on to discover the dog part to this story...

Reviewing Word Vancouver 2015

Word Vancouver 'is Western Canada's largest celebration of literacy and reading'.

photo by Leanne Dyck

Once again this year I was only able to attend half of what I wanted to. There was just too much happening. Inside the library there were author readings, workshops, presentations and panel discussions. Outside there were information booths for a diverse collection of groups from publishers to literacy advocates. Plus a stage for performers and tents for author readings.

Saturday I arrived half an hour early. I was eager for the day to begin. First up was a consultation with an established children's literature author. Because I was early I was able to score the third time slot. I was forewarned that ten minutes flew by so I spent the waiting time preparing a point form presentation about my experience, my manuscripts and my goals. The consultation was time well spent. I received validation for the work I've done and encouragement and inspiration to continue working. After the consultation I planned to grab something to eat but instead was pulled into an engaging workshop on how to get out of your own way and write the unexpected. In total, during Saturday and Sunday, I attended three workshops, three panel discussions as well as networking with publishers and fellow authors. 

It's interesting what you can learn if you listen...

A panelist said that she had received over 400 rejections. Another panelist dumped a large bag of mail on the floor.

He said, "This isn't fan mail."

It was rejection letters.

They told the room full of authors not to listen to naysayers and to never give up. They advised us to work towards our future success and prepare to make sacrifices to reach them. They stressed that writing isn't a hobby and it isn't part-time.


It's during events like this that I realize (once again) how truly blessed I am. I'm doing what I love, surrounded by a generously supportive community.

I'll write about what I learnt during Word Vancouver on...
Developing Your Characters on Monday, November 16th
Never Write Alone on Monday, November 30th

Next post:  What I'm thankful for this year

Sharing my author journey...

I'd like to thank you for your kind words regarding the death of my furry companion -- Ticky. He gave so much to me over his long life. And I knew I had do something with all that love. And so... Drum roll...

I'm pleased to introduce you to Bim.

photo by Leanne Dyck

Bim is a nine year old apricot Miniature Poodle cross. I think the other breed is Maltese.

For those of you interested in details...

Leanne Dyck's Writing Group Interviewed

As a group activity, my writing completed this series of questions... The questions were written by the Writer's Digest editors.

Left to right:  Amber Harvey, Gail Woodward, Leanne Dyck (me), David Burrowes and Susan Snider

1. Tell us the name of your group, where you are located and how large the group is.

Name:  The Mayne Island writing group

Location:  Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

How large:  six members—although all six members are rarely attended, usually about four or five.

2. Summarize your group in 1 – 3 sentences

We are a group of writers with diverse writing styles, genres, and goals. We are devoted to developing our craft and try to be open-minded and attempt to leave our egos at the door. Together we have supported each other through many challenges and victories.

3. What works for you in terms of format? Have you tried formats that don’t work so well?

Submissions are usually limited to approximately 1,500 words. We distribute our submissions, by email, at least a week before meeting. Our submission is critiqued during a round table discussion where we each contribute. Submissions are read aloud by the writer. This allows the other writers to notice oral nuances that might get missed on the written page.

4. How often do you meet, and what do you do during meetings?

We meet, once a month, 10 months of the year. We send out an agenda and one person is designated the timekeeper. Our two-hour meeting begins with a general check-in. An individual critiquing of submissions follows. We conclude with a discussion regarding group business and/or personal reflections.

5. What do you do between meetings?

Between meetings we may meet on an informal basis—but rarely. Usually, we work independently on our own writing projects. At times we’ve read each other’s complete manuscripts and made helpful suggestions. Some members email links to writing-related resources. As a group, we’ve attended writing retreats, workshops, and festivals. We’ve also supported one and another by attending group member events such as book readings.

6. What are the most important ways you support each other?

We support each other during the meetings by offering constructive feedback, lending support and listening carefully.

7. What have you learned as you’ve grown together?

We’ve learned effective ways to support each other’s work, for example by offering and receiving constructive feedback.

8. Do you have any tips for creating and maintaining a successful writing group?

Meet in a mutually supportive environment where all members feel listened to and understood. Check-in before and after offering feedback. What type of feedback is being requested—construction of the manuscript or overall sense of the story? Was your feedback received in the manner you intended—where you understood?

The person at whose house we meet is no longer “host” once everyone is welcomed. Coffee and tea are available and we help ourselves. The host becomes just one more member of the group. No demands are placed on any member. We acknowledge that everyone grows at her own rate, in her own time. The group is there for the members, not visa versa. Keep it fun. Enjoy each other as you build your group.



More information regarding critique groups...

Why You Should Ignore Most of the Advice from your Critique Group by Anne R. Allen

More information regarding how to acquire feedback about your writing...

5 Ways To Get Honest Feedback on Your Manuscript

And there is some humour in critiques, thanks to Writer Unboxed...

Dear Dwight:  A Critique Letter

Writing tips from a writers conference notes by Leanne Dyck

A generous publisher, a knowledgeable panel and an inspiring author were the magic ingredients that made this Crime Writers of Canada (B.C. branch) mini conference a 'must attend' event.

Ruth Linka

Associate Publisher

Rapid Reads

Orca Publishing

Ruth Linka spoke candidly about a diverse list of topics--what she expects from authors, the steps after your manuscript is accepted, and what type of work her publishing house (Rapid Reads imprint of Orca Publishing) is seeking.

Here is what I heard her say (which might be slightly different from what she actually said)...

-stressed that it's important for authors to connect with their (potential) readers through social networking

-when a publisher sends you a personalized rejection letter it's because they want to see more of your work and that they hope you will continue to submit your work

-after the manuscript is accepted the contract is signed, editing starts, book cover ideas are discussed as well as how to promote the book. This usually takes about a year. Although some publishers may reduce the time to six months.

-Rapid Reads is looking for short work (15 to 20k words) and are focusing on mysteries 

-Ideally the author would have the next book in the series ready so that when the first book of the series is published the first chapter of the second book can be included at the back (Louise Penny does this)

-Ruth likes to see good writing, an interesting plot and characters--and for the protagonist to have a side kick

-most Canadian publishers take a manuscript without an agent

-search title to make sure it isn't being used

-catch the publisher's interest in the cover letter

Conference organizer Phyllis Smallman introduces the panel

Left to right:  Lou Allin, Benni Chisholm, Kay Stewart (moniator) and Stanley Evans

When writing a mystery what should the author focus on?

Lou Allin:  Is the crime going to be solved? What other problems will be encountered?

Stanley:  Think in terms of 'must' and 'cannot'--as in, the protagonist must solve the crime because... but cannot solve it because...

How do you make a book suspenseful?

Benni Chisholm:  wrote one of her books in the first person that way the reader only knows what the protagonist knows. She wrote another book in the third person and she wrote it in such a way that the reader knew who the antagonist was. This made the reader worry.

Lou Allin advised against starting chapters with the character getting up or end with the character going to bed.

Lou Allin advised sharing the same thought on every page.

Writing tips?

Stanley:  no outline--writes a detailed synopsis, instead

-all crime books begin with a murder

 -more challenging to write a novel in the lst person so he recommended that beginners write in the 3rd person

Benni:  likes to end each chapter with a cliff hanger. 

Lou:  it's okay to have an unreliable narrator, it's okay to lie to your reader. Even though, the reader has been educated to trust the narrator.

Kay:  get me on the first chapter and flow forward

Phyllis Smallman

Phyllis Smallman began her talk about how to write a best-seller by saying, in order to be a great author you need to be a great reader--learn form the masters.

She recommend that we read best-sellers and study them to determine why they are best-sellers.

Start with a great opening paragraph

Vary the length of your sentences

Recommended writing craft books:

Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass

Write Away by Elizabeth George

A Passion for Narrative by Jack Hodgins

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose

For Writers Only by Sophy Burnham

An Exaltation of Larks by James Lipton

The Describer's Dictionary by David Grambs

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown & Dave King

The Art of Fiction:  Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner

Much thanks to the organizers and presenters. (Oh, yes, and to my friend Amber and her husband for making room in their van for me.) I for one, and I know I'm not alone, was brimming over with information and inspiration. And I can't wait until next year...

Sharing my author journey...

I've been giving a lot of thought to what I want to accomplish this summer. 

Canadian Authors Association by Leanne Dyck

Canadian Authors Association

On Wednesday, November 13^th I sailed from my island home—Mayne Island—to attend a Canadian Authors Association meeting. As this was my first meeting, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And I was pleasantly surprised. My pen flew across the paper, taking notes, as the panel of executives generously shared their favourite writing tips.

Tips…

'-No matter what your writing style, get a professional editor to review your work to help you say what you mean

-Organize your research and compose an original style of presenting your information

-Observe and analyze daily events that present magical moments

-Use proper grammar and strengthen your verbs

-Be consistent in your writing habits

-Know about the field and offer something that will capture the reader in that particular field. Humour and things that uplift and support the individual industry are welcome.

-Ignore your internal critic, and write anyway, because you have a story to tell.

-Reading your material out loud is the best way to get a feel for your story.

-Belong to a Writing Circle.

-A writer helping other writers—share your wisdom and support other writers

-Make your writing a business.'
quoted from the handout.

I highly recommended that all writers attended these meetings.

'Canadian Authors Vancouver holds monthly meetings on a variety of topics, all to do with aspects of writing. The public is welcome.' -quoted from News You Can Use

And for a slightly different account of the evening, please visit William Hay's blog

Raving about 3 Southern Gulf Island children's authors book launch

On Saturday, April 27th at 4:30 p.m. Mayne Islanders meet at the community centre to celebrate three book launches.

Southern Gulf Islanders:  Lael Whitehead (Mayne Island), Debbie Bowles (formerly Mayne Island now Salt Spring Island) and Helen O'Brian (Mayne Island) all wrote books for children. But the similarities don't end there. There's a commonality in the underlying theme of their books as well.

Kaya Stormchild by Lael Whitehead (learn more)

Lael Whitehead has often entertained our island with her melodious singing. But I'd yet to discover her author voice. The room was wrapped in silence when she began to read. The magical passage was rich with communion between nature and man.

Lucy and the Sky by Debbie Bowles (learn more)

Debbie Bowles' skill as an illustrator is well known. However, writing a book was a new undertaking for her. Lucy and the Sky is written in playful rhyme. In the passage Debbie read, a frog helps the protagonist, Lucy, escape her forest "prison". Debbie teased us by only reading the first half of the book. And, oh, how I wanted her to continue to the end--as did everyone in the room. But grinning, Debbie yielded the floor to Helen.

Fin's Swim by Helen O'Brian (learn more)

Helen O'Brian's book recounts the swim of a man named Finn. Finn undertook this extremely challenging swim in order to raise awareness for BC's fragile waterways. 

Immediately following Helen's reading, Finn took the floor to share some brief anecdotes. One story in particular stands out for me. Finn said that when he began the swim he was overwhelmed by the daunting task that lay ahead of him. But he was fortunate to meet with members of one of BC's native nations.

The Chief told Finn, "If you honour the river at the beginning of each day, the water will wrap around you, to carry and protect you."

The Chief led Finn through a ceremony. They stood at the edge of the bank, cupped their hands into the river and showered themselves with the water. They continued these steps until they had faced all four directions--north, south, east and west. Finn told us that he faithfully began each day's swim with this ceremony.

Did it help? Did he meet his challenge?

Well, you'll just have to read Helen's book. : )

I'm so glad I shared in this wonderfully positive celebration. It refreshed my love for my island home. And, on the way home, I paused for a second to acknowledge how truly fortunate I am.
***
Sharing my author journey...
This week my muse taught me: All that I need I have. It is there waiting. All I have to do is acknowledge it.
I spent much of this week pouring over a collection of old writing. I'm building a book. It's a lot of fun to do--to see how much my author voice has development; and yet how much I've remained the same.

Lit Fest New West Photojournalism by Leanne Dyck

The overriding lesson of this festival:  there's value in "free".

Friendly, helpful volunteers to greet me.

"Yes. It's just around the corner. Here I'll go with you."

"Oh, there it is. Just around the corner. Thank you."

Lit Fest New West understands...

that authors who are working to establish their career don't have much money--so there's no admission

that authors' time is valuable:  so they pay participating authors

Lit Fest New West obtains financial support from...

the city of New West

the province of B.C.

the country of Canada? Um. Nope.

Lit Fest New West was held in Douglas College

Next year?

It will be held in a new venue.

Workshop:  Crafting a Killer Mystery

Colleen Cross (thriller author), Sharon Rowse (historical mystery author), Robin Spano (traditional mystery author)

What I got from this workshop...

Know the rules so that you know what you're breaking.

Characters should be...

-clever, resourceful

-excellent at their profession

-courageous

-self-sacrificing

-out-law (follow their own moral code--which is the author's code)

-wounded (i.e. have flaws)

In every story the character must face professional, personal, and private challenges.

The villain should be a good match for the hero.

About the story...

The story is the reason the reader keeps reading.

Why should the reader care?

-to see the character develop

-to see what happens next

-to see what is going to challenge the hero

How you write is individual

Find your style and go with that

Keep your interest in the story and the story will continue to be interesting for the reader

How to build tension...

-Know the hero's goal and keep him from reaching it.

-Layer in smaller goals

-Weave in sub-plots with main plot

Write the entire scene then cut it off before the conclusion. This creates cliff hangers.

Always be aware of the ticking clock

Books recommended by the authors...

The Writers' Journey

Save the Cat

On Writing

(Photo from the web)

Presentation:  Memoir:  The Long and Short of Writing

Presenter:  J. J. Lee

What I learnt...

-The reader will feel something because I, the writer, felt something

-To continue to writer your memoir--continue to wonder as you are wondering

-Your reader will love you because you've shared something profound

-Writers are time travelers

-Your writing should open you up and give you something

3 Things the Writing Can Do

1) develop the character

2)advance the plot

3)reinforce the theme or nature of the conflict

Authors and Small Publishers Panel Discussion

Anvil Press and Leaf Press

Anvil Press 'Contemporary Canadian Literature with a Distinctly Urban Twist' Publisher:  Brian Kauffman

Leaf Press 'is an independent press located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Ursula Vaira founded Leaf in 2001 as a poetry chapbook publisher.'

I'm very glad I attended this panel discussion as it gave me a unique insight into life on the other side of the pen. What's it like to be a small publisher in Canada? What challenges do you face? How do you survive? 

It's my pleasure to report that I found dedicated people who truly care about not only their books but also their authors. And as one of the publishers pointed out, the relationship between a publisher and an author is like dating. It's nothing personal. Sometimes it's not just a good fit. 

Somewhere deep inside I knew this. But it was nice to hear a publisher say it. (Instead of read on a rejection letter.)

Recommended sites:

Association of Canadian Publishers

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia

A Critical View of the Arts

Presenter:    Max Wyman

This presentation had a profound effect on me. In fact, it made me change the name of one of the pages of this blog from 'Book Reviews' to 'Book Raves'. I knew I wasn't a reviewer. But I didn't realize how erroneous it was to title my page 'Book Reviews'. This error wasn't pointed out by the presenter. But as he outlined the qualities necessary to write reviews I realized I didn't possess them. Nor did I care to acquire them. The net is a negative place. As Mr. Wyman did pointed out, thanks to the social media, everyone is playing critic and not signing their names. This lack of accountability is dangerous. But now that the animal has been unleashed there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done. Balance is called for. That's why I'm proud to re-title my page 'Book Raves'. Will I rave about your book, if you ask me? Um, no. However, if I read your book and enjoy it I will be happy to sing its praises as well as yours.

A critic is not a...

consumer reporter

booster

judge

A critic needs to...

be willing to make connections

go into the experience with an open-mind

be able to describe the experience--how they've been changed

pay attention all at once

to be honest

be able to and love to write well

write without the use of jargon

must have a passion for the media (dance, music, art, literature) that you are engaged with.

must be able to say why you liked/disliked

to be aware of your own limitations

do their homework

In the past critics were policed by their editor. No one is policing them now.

Mr. Wyman would like to receive your critics on a novel he was recently written. Visit:  www.maxwyman.com

And there's still more...

That's a lot for free. But add to this a over two hour showcase mixing author readings, spoken word, dramatizations and music and you have Lit Fest New West. And so I ask you, where will you be next April?

Showcase At Douglas College (from the LitFest NewWest 2013 brochure)

Act I

Candice James - Poet Laureate

Don Hauka - Author

Michael Hetherington - Author

Sylvia Taylor - Author

Bob Robertson & Linda Cullen - Author

Intermission

Act II

Douglas College/Kwantlen University Percussion Ensemble

Royal City Literary Arts Society

Renee Saklikar - Poet and John Oliver - Composer

Shadows & Dreams Theatre Company

J. J. Lee - Author

C. R. Avery - Music & Spoken Word