December 2014 RCLAS E-zine Wordplay at work

Message from the President – Candice James Year in Review 2014 Established on December 20, 2012, Royal City Literary Arts Society will be two years old on December 20th, 2014.

In this short span of time we have come a long way from eight members in the beginning to over one hundred members to date.

We started with bringing two established events under our umbrella:  Poetic Justice, a weekly series September through June with featured poets; open mic;  Poetry In The Park, an outdoor weekly summer series July and August with featured poets; open mic.  This year we have been able to pay our features at these two events due to a City of New Westminster Grant for which we are grateful We have also added:  An annual awards night in November each year  Fred Cogswell Award For Excellence In Poetry to run annually  Workshops – 22 paid per year with a variety of presenters. The City of New Westminster Grant helped with our payment of these workshops.  Songwriters nights held weekly  Short Story nights held bi-weekly  Poetry Wars ongoing workshops  Wordplay ongoing workshops  Writing For Kidz ongoing workshops  Membership Drive held annually with 3 features representing genres  Poetry; Fiction; Non-fiction I am thankful for the wonderful, conscientious, hard-working board members that have made our excellent growth possible. Without their efforts we could not have provided our members and the community with the above myriad of literary events.

We have come a long way in less than two years and our membership is growing in leaps and bounds. Why? Because we have a very affordable membership, a hard working board, great events and workshops continuously being offered to our members and the public, with members fees to paid events hugely discounted.

We are a relatively new Society on the literary scene, but we are here to stay and the future looks bright indeed for our members and our Society.

I thank the board, board advisor, volunteer co-ordinator, our events hosts and hostesses, the members, and the presenters for their contribution to our success. I thank the following venues for donating their space to us for our events: The Heritage Grill, Renaissance Bookstore, New Westminster Public Library, Judy Darcy MLA office, Arts Council Gallery, and last but not least I thank the City of New Westminster for their financial support.

It has been my pleasure to found and serve as the President of Royal City Literary Arts Society, but now, due to personal and family commitments I have stepped back from the position of President into a Director’s position; and I confidently hand the reins over to the very capable Kyle McKillop, your new President of the Royal City Literary Arts Society.

Yours Truly,

Candice James, Poet Laureate New Westminster, BC Past President Royal City Literary Arts Society

One for the Books There was a special feeling in the air at the first annual RCLAS Awards Show, where a rapt crowd was enveloped in fascinating stories and excellent poetry. Candice James opened the show by talking about her mentor Fred Cogswell.

Keynote speaker George Bowering then took to the stage to tell his own Fred Cogswell stories before introducing the winner and runner-up of the first Fred Cogswell Award for Excellence in Poetry. Ken Howe took the prize for his book “The Civic-Mindedness of Trees”, while Murray Reiss came second with “The Survival Rate of Butterflies in the Wild”; Kathleen Forsythe, the daughter of Fred Cogswell, accepted on their behalf.

RCLAS also recognized a number of sponsors and volunteers to whom we are deeply indebted. Plaques were presented to sponsors Renaissance Books, the Heritage Grill, and Judy Darcy’s MLA office, while certificates of gratitude were given to the City of New Westminster and the Arts Council of New Westminster. Next, we presented a medal (in absentia) to Franci Louann for her popular ongoing work with Poetic Justice and also recognized our talented hosts Enrico Renz, Lawren Nemeth, Margo Prentice, and Carol Shillibeer for the joy and skill that they bring to their work. Finally, we acknowledged our wonderful volunteer coordinator, Sonya FurstYuen, for her hard work on behalf of RCLAS. We wrapped up the Awards Show with an extended open mic, warming Richmond’s ocean air with a fine selection of upriver poetics. We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!

Kyle McKillop, RCLAS President

Here is the playlist of videos for the RCLAS awards show featuring Keynote speaker George Bowering, Canada's 1st Parliamentary Poet Laureate and honoured guest Kathleen Forsythe, Fred Cogswell's daughter. Thanks to Ken Ader.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsQ3Z_53RTwiIWZ_HuY6EIybd4DOUjdbw

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December 2014 View Calendar and Bios at www.poeticjustice.ca HERITAGE GRILL, BACK ROOM 3-5 pm Sunday Afternoons—two features and open mic 447 Columbia St, New Westminster, near the Columbia Skytrain Station CO-FOUNDER & BOOKING MANAGER—Franci Louann flouann@telus.net Website & Facebook Manager, Photographer—Janet Kvammen janetkvammen@rclas.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/poeticjusticenewwest/

December 7 Sunday 3 – 5 pm Poetic Justice featuring KAYLA CZAGA, BRUCE RICE & ELAINE WOO Host: Deborah L. Kelly http://poeticjustice.ca/event/poetic-justice-featuring-kayla-czaga-bruce-rice-elaine-woo-with-hostdeborah-l-kelly/

December 14 Sunday 3 – 5 pm Poetic Justice featuring SONJA GRGAR & FRANCI LOUANN Host: Renee Saklikar http://poeticjustice.ca/event/poetic-justice-featuring-sonja-grgar-franci-louann-with-host-reneesaklikar/

December 21 Sunday 3 – 5 pm Poetic Justice SPECIAL HOLIDAY ALL OPEN MIC SESSION Host: Candice James http://poeticjustice.ca/event/poetic-justice-featuring-open-mic-with-host-candice-james/

December 28 Sunday 3 – 5 pm Poetic Justice SPECIAL HOLIDAY ALL OPEN MIC SESSION Host: Sho Wiley http://poeticjustice.ca/event/poetic-justice-featuring-open-mic-with-host-sho-wiley/

Happy New Year!

Back on January 4 2015

Poetic Justice featuring STEVE DUNCAN & SHO WILEY Host: Deborah L. Kelly http://poeticjustice.ca/event/poetic-justice-featuring-steve-duncan-sho-wiley/

“Special Holiday Feature”

A Good Man of Bethlehem

By Margo Prentice Samuel let it be known that those who worked for him had to be at the inn before sunrise. It was a special holiday and there was much work to do. Breads of wheat, rye and oats, needed to be baked in the outdoor oven. Lamb roasted in the cooking pit. Dried fruits and nuts were arranged on platters. The wine had to be poured into vessels. All this work had to be completed before sundown.

His workers were a Godly people, daughters, wives and sons of Shepherds. They walked through the door to the fire while taking their cloaks off. After they had warmed themselves they joined hands to start their work day with prayer.

After a prayer Samuel told them,” We have much work to do, on this special day.

Something wonderful is going to happen I can feel it in my bones!" His anticipation unnerved him.

These were terrible times, a time of hunger, violence and war throughout the world. A Messiah must come soon to this dark land, he thought. Samuel had prayed for this every day. He was a good man who followed the Torah with strength and conviction. Samuel was generous and kind; he walked a righteous path all his life.

Everyone was busy with their tasks as Samuel watched to see that all ran smoothly.

Rooms were cleaned and fresh blankets put on each bed. When the sun set, it would be very cold and they would need extra blankets. The smell of roasted meat and bread filled the inn all afternoon. The guests were to arrive late afternoon with each room occupied before the sun set.

The guests arrived on time and they sat down to eat. Over the clatter of people enjoying their meal, Samuel could hear the bell ringing from the entrance. He said to his wife, "Do you hear the bell?”

"Yes someone is ringing to come in, I'll get it."

“No, Samuel said, "You take care of our guests I'll get it; we can not take another tonight. I have to send them to Jacob. He is a stingy man; they will get a roof but no extras.

Samuel walked to the back entrance slid the wooden board to open the door and glanced into the dark night. Standing at the entrance was a young man and his pregnant wife, all bundled in cloths to keep warm from the bitter cold night. They had a donkey on a rope behind them.

"Come, come, warm up, I am sorry we have no more room.” When the young woman removed the hood from her coat to reveal her face, Samuel was awestruck. She was beautiful and there was a radiance about her that stunned him.

"I can send you to another inn; he may have a place for you. It is about one mile straight down at the end of town. I am sorry I will have to send you a long way on such a cold night. But wait, I have an extra blanket for your wife, please take it, it will come in handy."

"Thank you,” the young man said as they walked out the door. He helped his wife onto the donkey. They walked towards the other inn into the cold night. Samuel could see the whites of their breath as they walked away.

Samuel and his wife worked until everyone was in settled in their room. He could not get the vision of the young woman out of his mind. The image of this young couple would not leave him. He filled pots with food from the kitchen, put on his cloak and proceeded to the door.

He yelled to his wife, “I must go see how the young couple I turned away is, she looked like she was about to give birth soon,” he yelled to his wife. You go to bed I have something important to do," Samuel knew that Jake was very greedy and he would not provide this couple with any food. He made the decision to pack a feast of leftovers from his kitchen to bring to them.

"Are you mad Samuel, there are very bad people on the streets this time of the night!" his wife called from their room.

"Don't worry my dear wife I will be fine God is with me tonight,” and off he ran into the dark night.

As he walked out in the darkened street he saw beggars, drunks huddled around fires trying to keep warm. Oh dear God just what does it all mean? Samuel was safe, the people on the street knew him he often gave them bread from his kitchen. The night was clear and the stars sparkled. As Samuel looked up, he thought, God is good.

He walked towards Jacob's place and noticed how much brighter the night became and was struck by sense of impeding joy. It was bright as a sunlit day. The light shone on Jake’s barn but the inn was dark.

How strange, he thought.

Over the barn was a beautiful, bright star. As he walked towards the entrance he recognized some of the local sheep herders.

He whispered to his friend James, "Why aren't you working tonight, are you not afraid the wolves will get your lambs." James replied, "Glory to God in the highest!" This perplexed Samuel. He proceeded inside the barn with his bundle of food he had kept warm under his cloak.

He blinked his eyes at what he saw! The young woman and man, who were at his door earlier, were standing in front of a manger filled with straw. A baby was lying there wrapped in the blanket he gave them. Beside them Samuel saw something that made his heart beat with a fear and excitement he had never known. A beautiful glowing creature with giant wings was standing by the baby! It was an angel and he gestured Samuel to come to look. Samuel approached slowly and felt the wonderment he had been experiencing all day. He thought his heart would burst!

The angel said to Samuel, “Do you recall what you thought today about what the world has come to? And I say to you Samuel, come see what has come to the world.

He gazed at this baby for some time, then walked quietly towards the young man and introduced himself, "I am Samuel. I have brought you food to eat as I did not expect you to get any, please sit and eat."

"My name is Joseph and this is my wife Mary, and this is our son who we will call Jesus.”

Samuel laid out the feast for them to partake. As he looked around the room three richly dressed men there as well and he wondered why they were there. He welcomed all who were in the barn to eat. Three richly dressed men stood by the manager and Samuel wondered why they were there. After the meal was over he said good bye to Joseph and Mary. “If ever you come to Bethlehem, you will always have a place to stay and please let me know all about your son Jesus, He too, will always have a place in my home.”

Samuel looked once more at the baby then looked back at the angel again shaking his head in amazement. He walked home feeling happy knowing that surely he had been a part of something much greater than himself!

-------------------------------------------© Margo Prentice

A Pinecone on a Christmas Tree Š Max Tell

A pinecone on a Christmas tree Wished to give a gift to me.

Although her pockets seemed so bare, She dug in deep and found in there A seed, a tiny seed, no less, Tinier than all the rest, A perfect gift, not just for me, But given to eternity.

What is Christmas? Š Marc Mullo Always makes for a peaceful and joyous time to celebrate with friends and family, But I fear that the true meaning has been lost amid many a fanatic shopping spree, Churches seem filled with caroling choirs at holiday masses which they should be, Doubts of Santa making his one night global trip with gifts lingers on in my mind, Every year sadness creeps into my soul with relatives passed away and left behind, Formidable commercialization has more often succeeded in amassing great wealth, Gaining an annual reputation by decreased personal bank accounts and poor health, Heavenly clouds darken the sky and cast their mighty presence in the form of snow, It’s the only time during winter that I enjoy seeing the white stuff and sun all aglow, Jesus was born on this day to Joseph and Mary in Israel for the entire world to see!

http://sbpra.com/marcmullo/

Holiday Special: Copyright remains with the author.

Art and photography: Janet Kvammen

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RCLAS WRITER OF THE MONTH ac

At age eighty, W. Ruth Kozak of Vancouver published her first novel, Shadow of the Lion: Blood on the Moon (Bristol: Mediaaria CDM 2014). Set in Greece during the aftermath of the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, it is the first of two anticipated volumes. The second volume, THE FIELDS OF HADES, will be published in 2016.

A Vancouver resident since 1946, Kozak was raised in East Vancouver where her father, the Reverend Fred Filer, was pastor of the Grandview Baptist Church. She attended Templeton and Britannia High Schools. Her first job was in the newsroom of the Vancouver Sun. Her son Steve Kozak is a respected blues musician on the West Coast.

Ruth has been an established travel journalist since 1982, with publications in print and on-line. She was a contributing writer for the APA Insight Guides: Vancouver and Environs, 1994. She also published The Admiral's Island (Keats Island), B.C.; In Memory of Sir Richard Goodwin Keats, 1757-1834 (1962). See her website www.ruthkozak.com Shadow of the Lion: Blood on the Moon (Bristol: Mediaaria CDM 2014) “Major kudos on this fantastic accomplishment. W. Ruth Kozak has done what millions of people set out to do and only a handful actually DO? Congratulations”. - Steven Pressfield, author of “The Legend of Bagger Vance and “Gates of Fire”.

“It has been my great pleasure to read W. Ruth Kozak’s Shadow of the Lion…It is what Mary Renault’s ‘Funeral Games’ should have been.” - Scott Owen, author of “Men of Bronze, ‘Memnon’ and the Lion of Cairo’.

‘Ruth Kozak has opened up a period of history not well explored. With the dying of Alexander the Great, the leadership of the known world was in balance. The struggles for power among those that had served their leader so well were now in the open and deadly. Well worth reading to fill in that gap of history poorly served in the past.’ – Chapters Indigo An official book launch for SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON, will be held at the Hellenic Centre, 4500 Arbutus St. on January 14th at 7.30 pm sponsored by the Greek Consul of Vancouver, Mr Ilias Kremmydas. Ruth has also been invited by the Greek Attache in Ottawa to do readings of her book in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. https://www.prbuzz.com/books-publishing-literature/264384-consul-general-of-greece-to-hostbook-launch-for-shadow-of-the-lion-blood-on-the-moon.html

MEDIAARIA CDM The Publishing Company Presents…

A Historical novel of ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND THE WARS OF SUCCESSION

PUBLISHER’S INTRODUCTION When Alexander the Great, King of Macedon and conqueror of Asia, dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances at the age of 33 in Babylon, everyone who lives in his shadow is affected. As the after-shocks of Alexander's death bring disorder to his Empire from Macedon to Persia, a deadly power struggle begins over who will rule...

Extensively researched in Greece, with the support of Classical scholars, the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Society of Macedonian Studies (Thessaloniki), the Finnish Institute in Athens, the Norwegian Institute of Athens and with research undertaken in the Gennadius Library and the British Library in London, taking fifteen years to write, I am proud to present SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON! This magisterial debut by W. Ruth Kozak is Volume One of an epic story set in the aftermath of the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the bloody Wars of Succession which follows as W. Ruth Kozak’s novel chronicles the journey of the newly appointed joint-kings, Alexander’s half-brother Philip Arridaios and his infant son, Iskander (Alexander IV).

Complete with all the ingredients of a Greek tragedy, SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON’s remarkable story, driven by blood, lust, fierce loyalty, blind ambition and power, not only happens to be true, but is fast being hailed as a literary classic of its genre!

I hope you all enjoy this Book Launch event as much as I consider it a privilege to have published this thrilling, and I believe important, entry in the literary canon of the life and times of Alexander the Great.

C D MICK, PUBLISHER & FOUNDER MEDIAARIA CDM – The Publishing Company www.mediaaria-cdm.com

CONSUL GENERAL OF GREECE TO HOST BOOK LAUNCH FOR 'SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON'!

The OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH for SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON, the Alexander the Great themed historical novel by W. Ruth Kozak that is taking readers by storm, will be held on

January 14th 2015, 7:30 PM at the Hellenic Community Centre, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver Following a successful Book Reception at the Athens Centre in Greece and already the recipient of a Canadian literary ‘Empowered Writer’ Award presented at the Opening Gala of the 4th World Poetry Canadian International Peace Festival on October 19th for her debut, magisterial work, SHADOW OF THE LION (Vol 1): BLOOD ON THE MOON, published earlier this year by MEDIAARIA CDM, the author, W. Ruth Kozak, will be in attendance at the book launch, along with the well known Greek Poet, Manolis Aligizakis. The book launch will be hosted by the Consul General of Greece, Mr Ilias Kremmydas. Mr Ilias Kremmydas has been the Consul General of Greece in Vancouver since November 2012 and has served in the Embassies of Greece in Belgrade and Tel Aviv, as well as in the Liaison Office of Greece in Prishtina. Prior to his arrival in Canada, he served for two years at the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Office in Athens.

Extensively researched in Greece with the support of Classical scholars, the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Society of Macedonian Studies (Thessaloniki), the Finnish Institute in Athens, the Norwegian Institute of Athens and with research undertaken in the Gennadius Library and the British Library, SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON is Volume One of an epic story set in the aftermath of the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, and against the backdrop of political intrigue, ruthless ambition, racial prejudice, excess and greed, follows the journey of the newly appointed joint-kings, Alexander’s half-brother Philip Arridaios and his infant son, Iskander (Alexander IV). Complete with all the ingredients of a Greek tragedy, this remarkable story, driven by blood, lust, fierce loyalty and a hunger for power, is fast on its way to being hailed as a literary classic of its genre! Book readings in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal are also planned as part of the 'The Greeks - From Agamemnon to Alexander

the Great' Exhibition,

set to open at

the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec (June 5, 2015 - October 12, 2015).

SHADOW OF THE LION A Historical Novel

By W. Ruth Kozak PLACE: Beginning in Babylon at the time of Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC, the story follows the journey of the newly appointed joint-kings, Alexander’s idiot half-brother Philip Arridaios and his infant son, Iskander (Alexander IV) through Asia Minor to Macedon, until the year 310 BC when tragedy marks the end of Alexander’s dynasty.

THEME: How ruthless ambition, greed and the quest for power corrupted and destroyed a World Power.

PLOT: When Alexander the Great, King of Macedon and conqueror of Asia, dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances at the age of thirty-three in Babylon, everyone who lives in his shadow are affected. As the after-shocks of his death bring disorder in his Empire from Macedon to Persia, a deadly power struggle begins over who will rule.

At the centre of this political conflict is Alexander’s son, Iskander, born after Alexander’s death to his Soghdian wife Roxana. Neither the boy nor his mother are accepted by the Macedonians who wanted a pure-blooded Macedonian to take the throne and chose Alexander’s mentally deficient half-brother Philip Arridaios to act as a joint-king, until little Alexander comes of age to claim the throne.

SHADOW OF THE LION is a story of political intrigue, ruthless ambition, racial prejudice, child abuse and exploitation. It is a true story, with all the ingredients of a Greek tragedy. The ‘shadow’ and spirit of Alexander is the golden thread woven throughout this vivid tapestry. The differences between the opulent, aristocratic Persians and the rough highland warriors of Macedon provide a colourful contrast in the warp and weft of the prose.

The novel is told in a multiple point-of-view with each character remembering Alexander through his or her own eyes, always according to the conditions under which they were involved with Alexander. We see him through the eyes of the Persians whom he conquered, and from the point-of-view of his generals and soldiers who loved and admired him. We also see him through the eyes of the women who came under his charismatic spell, namely his Soghdian wife Roxana, his formidable mother

Olympias, and his ambitious warrior-woman niece Adeia-Eurydike. And we see him through the eyes of his lifelong enemy, Kassandros, a suspect in Alexander’s untimely death and the one whose evil intent eventually brings the Empire down.

The novel begins with a PROLOGUE: In Babylon, as Ptolemy, the illegitimate halfbrother of Alexander writes in his journal: “Alexander is dead. I have wept for him. He was god and man. He will continue to live, I think, forever and ever, for thousands and thousands of years.”

It ends with an EPILOGUE, set in Alexandria Egypt, as Ptolemy, now the satrap and first Ptolemaic pharaoh of Egypt, writes an ominous prediction that reflects on today’s world: “We are driven by greed to win fame and power in unrighteous ways and the more we have, the more we covet, until greed and blind ambition destroys us.”

Alexander’s name in Hieroglyphics.

Author’s note: Much of the research for this novel was done in Greece with the assistance of the Greek National Tourism, Greek Counsel of Vancouver, the Greek Ministry of Culture (Athens), Society of Macedonian Studies (Thessaloniki), and various Classical scholar friends such as the Finnish Institute of Athens, who provided me with documents for museum and site passes, and permission to research at the Gennadius Library and the British Library at Athens.

W. Ruth Kozak is a Canadian travel journalist with a strong interest in history and archaeology. A frequent traveller, Ruth lived for several years in Greece and instructs classes in travel journalism and creative writing for the Vancouver School Board. A travel writer since 1982, her publications include the Vancouver Province, 50Plus, Senior Living, and various other newspapers and magazines, printed in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. She has been published in Writer’s Abroad anthology “Foreign Flavours” as well as two poetry anthologies, as well as written for Planet Eye Traveler: The Vancouver Guide. W. Ruth Kozak currently edits and publishes her own travel e-zine www.travelthruhistory.com.

SHADOW OF THE LION: BLOOD ON THE MOON is W. Ruth Kozak’s first published literary work.

Copyright © MEDIAARIA CDM Ltd 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Tel RCLAS SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC Renaissance Books November 9, 2014 Host: Enrico Renz A larger than usual circle of songwriters and poets this evening as a result of three new people and two returning visitors.

The room filled with new and old songs.

Those who felt inclined drummed, hummed and sang along, improvised on their guitars.

Another happy evening of trying out new material and polishing old songs, experimenting as inspired, recharging the brain, opening up new possibilities.

Welcome Brian Gross, Matt Darnbrough and Tony Chung.

Thanks to the inspiring contributions of Enrico Renz, Lavana La Brey, Max Tell, Chris Horne Synn Kune,Dawn Loh, Janene White and Ellen Hui Zhang.

Some of us travel a long distance and you all make it worthwhile.

Thanks to our two visitors - we hope you all return!

RCLAS SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC Renaissance Books November 23, 2014 Host: Enrico Renz The Christmas season has begun with Max Tell leading the way, Ellen helping him, with "Amanda the Panda," who dreamed she was Santa and brought toys for girls and boys. The rest of sang about hearts breaking, dancing partners, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, chasing "a woman draped in sunshine," exploring life outside parental expectations, appreciation of innocence and reaching for a star, guided by the Spirit.

Synn Kune Loh and Lilija Valis combining their two poems into one "Reaching for a Star" bringing in Dawn Loh for a finale.

I am singing to the silent naming the nameless... in your heart you know what we give away stays with us all paths lead you home...

– Lilija Valis

Workshops: In Review Carol Shillibeer

“Tarot for Poets & Storytellers”

Photos by Sonya Furst-Yuen

“The workshop explored the symbolic structures we all share because we are all human.”

“The tarot makes use of these shared meanings to help us become aware of what we need to know about any given situation.”

“What's fantastic about humans is that most of the things we need to know to be content is "encoded" in our bodies. The tarot workshops I teach show how to match up what your body knows with what the symbols in the cards make available to us all.”

Carol Shillibeer

Workshops: In Review David Blinkhorn “Senses and Creativity”

Notes & Photos by Sonya Furst-Yuen

The importance in writing is: i. Imagination theme, plot, characters ii. Honesty  we’re afraid of what people will think iii. Observation  watching, feeling, smelling, tasting, hearing

We use our senses in these ways when we write: Hearing - listening to music – switching the type of music played can result in a different style of writing Touching - walking across different types of floors, what could that feel like?; annoying, uncertain, etc.

Tasting – by eating a piece of fruit and not looking at it, seeing if you can tell what it is; try this with someone else; describe the taste by creating a metaphor.

As writers we have to look at the words we choose: “Dialogue is the highlight of conversation.”  

journal, which is a good thing for all writers to do don’t stop the channeling process Contact David Blinkhorn: fvwschool@gmail.com Compiled from class notes taken by Sonya Furst-Yuen

RCLAS Workshop: The Stuff of Stories with Facilitator, Lois Peterson Date: Saturday January 17, 2015 Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM Location: MLA office, 737 Sixth Street, New Westminster. Free parking behind building.

Entrance at the back.

Workshop Fees: Members $20/ Non-members $35 Pre- register: secretary@rclas.com Limited Seating Info/payment at www.rclas.com or direct payment to Paypal account: secretary@rclas.com Reserve your spot today!

Lois Peterson has taught creative writing at the community, school and college levels for more than 20 years. Her numerous articles and short stories have been published internationally.

More recently as a writer for children and youth, she has published seven books, with two more scheduled for publication in 2015/2016. Lois is also a storyteller and the author of the very popular 101 and More Writing Exercises to Get You Started and Keep You Going. www.loispeterson.blog.com.

FEEDBACK & E-ZINE SUBMISSIONS

Drop us a line – Janet Kvammen, RCLAS Director/Newsletter Editor & Design janetkvammen@rclas.com Antonia Levi secretary@rclas.com

Open Call for Submissions - RCLAS Members Only Poems & Prose Call for Submissions on the following themes: January 2015: Winter, Renewal and New Beginnings. Deadline: Dec 26 February 2015: Haiku, Love and Romance. Deadline: Jan 21 Poems, Short Stories, Book excerpts & Songs are welcome for submission to future issues of Wordplay at work.

Submit Word documents to janetkvammen@rclas.com RCLAS Members: Please send us your latest news, feedback on our e-zine and any ideas or suggestions that you may have. Look for 2015 Write On! Contest news in January.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Sonya Furst-Yuen is our RCLAS Volunteer Coordinator.

If you would like to participate in a single event, or make an even bigger contribution, please contact our volunteer coordinator. sonya.yuen@rclas.com

RCLAS Book Reviews Call for Submission: Submit your book to Royal City Literary Arts Society Box # 5, 720 Sixth St. New Westminster, BC V3L 3C5 for review in the new monthly review section of our magazine Wordplay at

work.

Thank you to our Sponsors 

Arts Council of New Westminster



Judy Darcy



The Heritage Grill



New Westminster Public Library



Chuck Puchmayr



City of New Westminster



Renaissance Books



Wayne Wright



Saddlestone International



Silver Bow Publishing

Carla Evans Thank you for your donation and support!

December 2014 Wordplay at work ISSN 2291-4269 Contact: janetkvammen@rclas.com RCLAS Director/ Newsletter Editor & Design