JAN.
1988
tr] *ttt*+tt**
THE FEDERATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA WRITERS NEWSLETTER Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2206,Main post Office, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3Wz Office Address: Ste. 706, 402 West perder St., Vancouver, B.C., V6B lT6 Phone Number: 683-2057
*tttf tf WHAT'S INSIDE ...
t*ttr*
has had a great deal of experience working with non--profit organizations, most recently- with
FALL SOCIAL A WONDERFUL SUCCESS!!! Welcome to B.C. Bookworld!
Report on the I9E7 lilritten Arts and the
*
Winners of the Vander Zalm lettet rewriting contest. FANTAAASTIC!!!
A Writer's Inventory: writer?
So vou call vourself a
Connections, Markets, Contests, publications and Awards, and much, much more ...
* * rt * * * * *,1 * * * ** + * * * *+ I *,1 *
+
Collingwood Neighbourhood House. He is a skilled and personable administrator. Judy Villeneuve has also been hired as Executive Assisiant for one and
a. half days per week. She is currently workint similar hours as the pacific Co_orCinator for the Writers' Union of Canada and the link is already proving valuable for both organizations. We on the Executive feel most fortunate to have such good people on staff; what norrnally might have been a sticky transition has gone very well.
As anyone who has phoned the office lately is f are busy there from 9:30_ 4:00. It's wonderful to actuaily have humans answering the phone instead of a machine! The Literary Rites competition is meeting with an excellent response and stretching the capacity of our small office to its utmost. iet me put it this way: at times even the floor is utilized as a work aware, the Job Trac sta
space.
PRESIDENT'S REPORTS
In the Federation's sixth year of life, our core funding from Victoria has just inc.eased by six percent and we've seen more personnel changes,
with a new Executive Directo, a new Executive Assistant. Our capable Betsy Warland "od was forced to resign because of conflicts with her writing time__ the Federation ate it all--and Doug Third, after loyally helping out with all the unpoplul", joUs such as membership and the books, has trid to step down for health reasons. It's always t a.O to see people go whom you know and like but we wish them well with their writing. Thanks to both for increasing our professionalism and growth. Our new Executive Director is Bob Webster, who
The social held on October 3rd at the Unitarian
Church in Vancouver was very successful. About 50 writers came to the potluck anA enjoyed a reading
by George McWhirter. Overheara fiorn someone who came in late: "Who re that man? He was wonderful!" If you, as members, are going to be so appreciative, look for more activitles fike this. Sheena.Ashdown, take a bow for a great job of organizing! (please see Classifieds.) The B.C. Book Prizes acknowledged the Federation,s role in.establishing and supporting the prizes, both financially and otherwise,- by aski-ng me to make a speech this year. Armed with five minutes of Federation history, I took the evening_gowned and tuxedoed guests from our start in tdgl with zero funding, to this year, when we received $25.000
from the provincial government in core funding. The event, held at the pan pacific Hotel, *as great fun, my only complaint is that there were not a ticket, you can good part of my
Reg Rep for your area or call the office at 683-2057.
ZOE LANDALE
*+***rf
subsidize indigent 057.
i+*t,lt*
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Replies continue to trickle
-t are ity
l)
in to our
Federation
fyouwho members,
on ro:
Promote a project to bring writers into the for readings, lectures and workshops. We're doing this. Our "Writers in the Class_ room" proposal is still sitting on our Minister's desk in Victoria. We'd dearly love to have it come through. schools
2)
Host
a B.C. poetry competition. We are
presently, with our Job Trac staff, putting on LITERARY RITES: A COMPETTTTON. it takes in poetry, fiction and non-fiction for two age classes of writers.
3)
Conduct more workshops for writers on the AGM weekend. We are! In ou Conference '88 at penticton, Books, we will be featuring Council funded readers, who in addition to reading, will give seminars, and four Blue_ Pencil Cafes in poetry, prose, children's literature, and non-fiction. Instructors for this hands-on editing serviqe are highly qualified and enthusiastic.
4)
Investigate setting up provincial Arts Grants for individual writers. The Federation is now ing a consortium of writer groups in this. We intend to really get ving!
5)
Conduct more Outreach Workshops. In November, Betsy Warland led workshops in Fort St. John and Williams Lake and Frances (Sandy) Duncan was in penticton. This was worked through the aegis of the Canada Council Readings Program and was sponsored by local cultural groups. If there is a writers' group in your area, a library, an arts centre or a bookstore, we can provide information on how to set up a workshop, too. Contact the
Greetlngs I am sitting here in front of the computer attempt_ ing to write my first Executive Director's report. Wish me luck. It is a bit unnerving thinking about all these writers reading my non-writer's wlrk.
The Feder projects an financing. our money: ive Director, Gloria Greenfield, our Bookkeeper and Lynne Melcombe, who does Memberships.
provinc continuing. the provincâ‚Ź ce. Our hard The
y Rites is m all over sxperien_ re Jeannie
Lochrie, who is Research Coordinator, Deanna Ferguson, who is Office Coordinator and Angela Hryniuk, who is Publicity Coordinator. We have not received word on the status of the Writers in the Classroom project and an updated Directory. We will keep you posted. The Federation is working with other writers'groups
and other artists to prepare a presentation io the provincial government on the viability of an Arms Length Arts Council. Lobbying will be needed of every MLA to make this dream a reality. More information will be coming about how you can help.
We are in the midst of a major membership drive; welcome to other new faces.
The Federation is getting a lot of enquiries about literary magazines from across Canada. Our librarv is not extensive. If anyone out there cares t; donate a subscription, we would gratefully accept it.
Speaking of fundraising, we are in the process of applying for our charitable tax status. When we receive it, you and any wealthy benefactors you may know, will be able to donate money to the Federation and receive a tax deduction.
Thanks to everyone who made it to the Art Reach meetings. You had a tremendous impact.
Last but
++*r;**,3 A MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
I am very please number of new organization
over
erwhelming
joined oui This record
nks to all the
people, who have made my firsi and fun.
especially months ve
I got to meet Farley Mowat
!
regret any inconvenience or concern this may have
Bob Webster
caused.
t++*tt,l A SEASONAL INVITATION You are cordially invited to visit the office of the suite 705. 402 west Thursday December l7th, I l:00
Federation Pender Stre
Refreshments and seasonal stuff will be served to all who attend.
The event is to celebr of the first installment the Province, the
treme
receipt nt from around
I hope all members, new and old, will help make our membership drive a success. I hope also that old members will find time early in the New year to send off renewal cheques. your prompt respons_ es will save the postage we would spend on ureminder" Ietters.
When renewing, please keep in mind that we have two membership categories. you will recall that the Associate fee was dropped to $10.00 at the l9g7 AGM to ensure that the Federation would remain accessible to unpublished and un(der)employed writers. Many of you who have credits to apply against your 1988 dues will be receiving a letter from me in January. But I would like to remind
the province to Literary rites: a competition, the winter solstice and our new pre-owned photocopier. R.S.V.P.
Bob Webster 693-205i on the support of its members if we are to continue working to improve conditions for all B.C. writers.
++*:D++*
Have a wonderful holiday season. The Federation
Sincerely,
in
ity Arts Council
evening of readin
Friday, February will be held at the Community ARts Council which is located at 837 Davie Street, Vancouver. We will be paying 6 writers from different cultures $100 each through a grant that we have received from uver. There will be a reception of the evening and all writers are Judy Villeneuve
Lynne Melcombe
*+++++*
NEW MEMBERS
Allison Acheson Jennifer Angell Alan Alvare Joanna Beyers
Karen Bodlak Judy Bourgeault Linda Butler Ellie Cobb Judy Capithorne Leigh Cross Heather Cumming Gail Ellison Grace Golightly Jill Harter Sandra Hartline Sandra Harper Judy Ivanda Rose Klinkenberg Laura Leach Ian Lidster Lola Malen Michael Mansfield Irene Mock Lee Anne Muldoon Ernest Neal Jim Riseborough Lois S. Robins Spider Robinson Eddie Salloum Marjorie Simmins Clarence Simmons Jocelyn Skrlac Robert Stelmach
Elfreide Volk Dolores Ruth Wilkins Gael Wilson Ralph Michael Wimmer Catherine L. Young
Vancouver North Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Burnaby Qualicum Beach Chilliwack Surrey Yancouver Yancouver Kelowna Williams Lake Vancouver Hagensborg Nelson Yancouver White Rock Yancouver Lantzville Courtenay Richmond Penticton Nelson Vancouver Yancouver Vancouver Penticton Yancouver Burnaby Richmond Fort St. John Campbell River White Rock Summerland Halfmoon Bay Burnaby Vancouver New Westminster
*+++*+r; LETTERS We are attempting to obtain copyright for a title where copyright is held by an author. Unfortunately, the publisher of the book in question does not have a current address of the author. The author we are attempting to locate is Gwen Matheson, editor of the book Women in the Canadian Mosaic. Perhaps you have information about her current address and would be able to put us in touch with her.
Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Yours truly, Margaret E. Peterson Division of Extension and Community Relations Room l14, Kirk Hall
University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Sask, S7N 0W0 (306) 966-5549
*+*+*+t REGIONAL REPORTS Southern Island The local ARTREACH drew people from Victoria, Ucluelet, Campbell River and other points, at 22 was the province's largest. The meeting attracted some political folk as well, such as Dale Lorrick (NDP), a welcome contrast to a nameless Nanaimo alderman who referred to the Arts Council as "pigs to the trough again." News from the Nanaimo Writers'Group: Mildred Tremblay has three stories and Andrew Brown one in the latest Canadian Fiction Masazine. Winona Baker has haiku in New Cicada, The Honolulu Advertiser, and The New Mornineside paoers.
At the December
meeting
of the Nanaimo pro-
fessional Women Writers'Group, Kim Goldberg
will guide the gathering through the maze of fundgranting agencies - it should be an informative meeting.
Winona Baker
North Island How time creeps up on us all. It seems that the summer was just yesterday, and here it is almost
Christmas...sigh.
I
have little to report, from this now, thankfully, wet end of Vancouver Island. I was beginning to think that we would never see rain again. The forests have been ever so dry and the salmon were all backed up at the mouths of their respective
5
rivers, waiting for water levels to increase so that
they could get on with the act of spawning. Somebody's rain dance finally paid off.
A recent visit to the northern end of
Vancouver
Island (Port Hardy, Port Alice and port McNeil) and a word or two in the right place, may well pay off
with a few new
Feders.
In Campbell River I can finally say welcome Jocelyn Skrlac.
I
to
think she has finally joined to get me off her case. Jocelyn, who hails from Australia, has written a number of historical and human behavioral articles and will make a welcome member of our growing group.
If I am not out of place here I would like a little
time on the soap box to make a pitch for the Stein Valley. To log this incredibly beautiful area, one of the last undisturbed watersheds in the province, would be criminal. Not only would it show a shallow respect for the land, but contempt for the natives who have lived in harmony there for centuries. A road through the Lower Stein would result in the destruction of nine known Nlaka'pxm rock painting sites, including the third largest pictograph in British Columbia. The government has not followed the recommendations of its Wilderness Advisory Committee to respect the heritage and spiritual values of the
Lytton Peoples, and very well may issue cutting permits despite
it.
Vander Zalm says that no native
market. That's us here in B.C. The richness of what is going on in the literary industry in this
province is staggering! Alari Twigg, whose brainchild B.C. Bookworld is, is to be congratulated on the fine job he has done. There are no reviews in the magazine; what he does is present books as news. It is an extremely successful way of provoking reader interest in both known and unknown authors and books: who is the novice who received $35,000 for foreign rights to her first book?
This magazine is great. I found it hard to believe this is the first issue; the publication seemed like news from an old friend. I just kept reading and reading, hooked by familiar names and astounded that there were so many obviously reputable ones I didn't know. We certainly have come of age and long may B.C. Bookworld thrive and remind us of this fact. B.C. Bookworld is
free. It's available at libraries
I would highly recommend you demand your outlet get more if their copies are already gone. For people who live out of reach of such facilities, it's possible to get a subscription for $8.00 a year, though if the magazine gets sufficient funding, Twigg hopes to mail free copies to all Federation members. Write to B.C. Bookworld,940 Station Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6A 2X4. and bookstores and
Zoe Landale *fff+**
minority group will dictate to the majority on how the province is developed'economically.
It is time that we advise him that it is not just a
minority that wishes to have this area preserved. As writers it is our responsibility to let the public know about this issue. In closing, Jack London said many years ago that, "You can't wait for the inspiration. you have to go after it with a club."
Until next time . . . Eric
Jamieson
++++*++
FALL GET TOGETHER FABULOUS Our October 3rd Fall Get Together was a wonderful success. Nearly 50 people gathered at the Unitarian Church to eat, drink, chat and listen to a reading by George McWhirter. George read from aselection
of his work and
described his development as a poet. His most important revelation came the day he realized that the poet's true mission is to describe the things of the external world, not internal thoughts and feelings. He read a love poem to his wife, a Selection of prose from a novel he is working on and poems by a Spanish writer which he hirs translated. His modesty and charm were very appealing and his reading was greatly
enjoyed by all.
The Federation is delighted to welcome a new publication which is specifically geared toward the interests of English Canada's second-largest book
Everyone who attended brought some delectable item of food and a veritable feast was the result. Some individuals were seen to sample at least eight
6
desserts, but we mention no names. Members of the Executive announced the latest Federation news and a member of the JOBTRAC staff described the upcoming Literary Rites competition. A sad farewell was given who Federation ecror
superlative hour, mem new ones. It
k.
D riend
was great fun and a wonderful success. (And thanks to Melodie for her excellent kitchen duties!)
ETHEL WILSON FICTION PRIZE: Leonna Gom
Housebroken (WINNER) (NeWest)
Paulette Jones
Sittins in the Club Car Drinkins Rum and Karma Knle (Polestar)
Rona Murray
The Indiso Dress &
Other
Stories (Sono Nis)
The Canada Council would like jury members. you are interested, please fill out this form:
If
I am a member of the Federation of British Columbia Writers who is interested in serving on a Canada Council jury. NAME:
RODERICK HAIG-BROWN REGIONAL PRIZE: Alan
Twigg
Ruth Kirk
Wisdom of the Elders (WINNER)
(Douglas & Mclntyre)
Philip Croft
ADDRESS:
Vancouver and Its Writers (Harbour)
Nature Diarv of a Ouiet Pedestrian (Harbour)
BOOK PUBLICATIONS: AREA OF SPECIALTy: Children's Drama, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry
SHEILA A. EGOFF CHILDREN'S PRIZE:
Mail the completed form
Paul Yee
The Curses of Third Uncle (James Lorimer)
Sara Ellis
The Babv Proiect (WINNER) (Douglas & Mclntyre)
James Houston
The Falcon Bow (McClelland & Stewart)
to:
Naim Kattan Head, Writing and publication Section 99 Metcalfe Street F.O. Box 1047 Ottawa, Ontario KIP 5V8
'l+t+**+ LIST OF NOMINEES AND WINNERS OF THE 1987 B.C. BOOK PRIZES Congratulations to all!
BILL DUTHIE BOOKSELLERS' CHOICE: Philip
Croft
Nature Diarv of a Ouiet Pedestrian
HUBERT EVANS NON-FICTION PRIZE: Sherrill Maclaren Braehead (McClelland & Stewart) Doris Shadbolt
Philip Croft
Doris
Kirk
Wisdom of the Elders (Douglas & Mclntyre)
Shadbolt Bill Reid (WINNER) (Douglas
& Mclntyre)
Nature Diarv of a Ouiet Pedestrian
(Harbour)
Ruth
Bill Reid (WINNER) Douglas & Mclntyre
(Harbour) B.C. PRIZE FOR POETRY: John
Newlove
The Nisht the Doe Smiled (ECW press)
7
Tom
Wayman
The Face of Jack Munro (Harbour)
WHAT HE SAID: (7 words) I would like to help you out.
Hartog
Candv From Stransers (WINNER) (Coach House)
WHAT HE DID NOT SAY How did you get in? J.Alvin Speers, Peniicton, g.C.
Diana
*+rl
Forty-three publishers submitted 120 books for judging in the 1987 B.C. Book Prizes.
Bill Gives Writers the Brush-Off ol Consideration of Comments Lead to Bureaucracy Side Stepping
++t CONTEST ENTRIES
or the Buck (Bill) to Bill of Thoughtful Writer's Letter Brings Bill Utmost
Bill The Editors wish to thank all those who responded to our Vander Zalm letter contest. The entries distilled the premier's letter to Zoe Landale into seven succinct words. We couldn't decide which was the best, so we decided to print them all (and donated the $1.00 prize money to a worthy cause).
*+* Art is long; political life too brief. Ellen MacKay, Duncan, B.C.
Passes
Pleasure
Anita Fownes, Dawson Creek, B.C.
+** "Mumble, jurnble," stumbled Bill,'!still, try Bill. . . ." or "Mumble, jumble," stumbled Bill, "nil deal. . .!" Linda Gabris, Prince George, B.C.
t***+**
r;13*
Your letter fantastic. Am out to lunch. Ava Kar, Oliver, B.C. tf:l
Letter noted. Never be voted, he gloated. Randall Ware, Ottawa, Ontario
+r;*
Sechelt's Festival of the Written Arts is an event unique in Western Canada. Started five years ago as an attempt to bring Canadian writers and readers together, the Festival has grown and changed with
the years.
Last year saw the beginning
Are you for or against condoms? Mildred Tremblay, Nanaimo, B.C. t*!r Maybe Provisory
1987 FESTIVAL OF THE WRITTEN ARTS A HUGE SUCCESS
Conceivably
of a Writers-in-
Residence program which drew some 15 aspiring writers together to spend four days with instructors
Aritha Van Herk and Daniel Wood. This year's program almost tripled in size with students from British Columbia, Alberta and Washington enrolled in three 4-day courses: fiction with Susan Musgrave, non-fiction with Sid Tafler, and a new course in humour with Linda Lawson and Susan Baxter.
Provisionally Contingent
Perhaps
Possibly
(You will note that, as usual, he talks in circles at great rength while 'ffi3 #::tH"l,d, Hope, B.c. tt*
The Festival was fortunate to have one
of
the
Sunshine Coast's most beautiful historical buildings,
Rockwood Lodge, as the site for the program. Here students spent four very intense days with their instructors. Living on site seems to allow a camaraderie to develop and a detachment from the rest of the world offers the opportunity to find new ideas and rework old ones.
This is one aspect
of the Festival which will
continue to grow. Next year's Writers-in-Residence program will be presented both before and after the Festival to accommodate the growing numbers of
participants.
This year's Festival, which ran August 14, 15 and 16, was the most successful to date. It drew hundreds of visitors to hear a line-up of writers representative of many aspects of the canadian literary world, including controversial columnist Allan Fotheringham; playwright and novelist, George Ryga; Donald F. Bailey, author of lFire Eyesn; Sarah Ellis, winner of this year's Sheila Egoff Children's Prize for "The Baby Projectn (Douglas & Mclntyre); Christian Bruyere, President of the B.C. Film and Video Associatiory L.R. (Bunny) Wright, mystery writer; freelance business journalists Alison Griffiths and David Cruise; George payerle, author of 'The Unknown Soldier"; Beth Hill, marine historian, science fiction and fantasy writer; Eileen Kernaghan; and Melanie Ray and Nan Gregory of Wives'Tales, who illustrated the art of storytelling. With book publishers, book sellers, a gourmet lunch
and some fiery political panel discussions, the weekend gave the reading public a chance to explore the world of writers and their work in an exciting way.
Plans are underway for next year's Festival. Children's Literature will be the main focus of the event and it is hoped that a playwright-inResidence course will form part of the pre-festival
program.
This Festival tries to bring not only the well-known Canadian writer before an appreciative audience but also writers whose names are not yet household words. In these precarious times, the encouragement of Canadian writers is more important than ever. Diane Evans, Promotion The Festival of the Written Arts
KELOWNA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS painted by
a panel
Under the moderation of Len Lauk, regional director Canada, the panel included Mavor Moore, veteran of Canadian theatre, a former Chairman of Canada Council and currently columnist with the Globe and Mail; Robert Harlow, one of Canada's most celebrated novelists and the founder and director of the Creative Writing Department at the University of British Columbia; John Gray, author of Billv Bishoo Goes to War and other vel; Ron Jeffels, for 30 years in er of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival and long-time producer of theatrical and film ventures.
for CBC in \ilestern
Panel members discussed the creative process and
their views on whether writing can be taught.
'The actual process of writing is quite simple," said Harlow. nThere's nothing romantic about it -- it's just one goddamned word after another.n He said you can't teach creative writing at an artistic level but you can teach writers how to deal with technical problems.
"The content problems are your own," he said. 'Every time I sit down and write, I am teaching myself to write better." According to Moore, content and style are often indivisible. "You can't give anyone imagination, but anyone can be taught to write better. you can teach to release the imagination which is in everyone. You can teach tricks.,' Gray suggested that in the creative process, talent and curiosity go hand in hand. "Usually those who don't have talent replace it lvith fury,n he said. nThe art institutions are full of them."
The process of writing is "never doing anything else," says Jeffel. "It's always, always, always turning in the mind how you would render into words everything you see around you. I don't think it can be taught but, as one of our greatest poets said, it can be insinuated."
fr;r;*+**
A somber picture of writing in Canada today
However, the panel displayed the undaunted spirit of Canadian literature in discussing everything from the creative process to critics.
was
of distinguished Canadian writers speaking at the Kelowna International Festival of the Arts September 20.
Gray concluded the discussion by stating he felt 'creative'was a poor word for the writing procEis. nlt's not actually creative, it's receptive. You're an
aerial, training yourself
to be a
receptor to
everything around you." He said most people see
9
only what they want to see, and real exploration is getting inside ideas or people you don't like.
Harlow said the technical side necessary
to fully
of writing was
Canadian writing may be ogetting part of the action," as Gray suggested, it may be na smaller slice of the pie."
express creativity. "Look at someone like Faulkner. He knew what craft could
The panel then discussed the roles of publishers.
do.tt
Gray said publishers have theories of what will sell, based on the past. This discourages innovative new work. "The biggest evil right now is that the editor is god. The bigger the publisher, the more powerful the editor. They have a temptation to think of writers as storytellers who need to be channeled in the 'right' way."
Gray said the craft of writing can be abstract and as such can be intimidating to writers. Moore adrred that each genre has its own formula, its own craft.
, the panelists agreed that in Canada. But they did not of literary arts in Canada. A writer learns by reading the works of the great Jeffels. "If you bend over the works
masters, said
and watch their techniques, choice
Publishers are said Harlow. like we are,n h business. But with a book after it's published."
how they put them together in don't become an imitator but an Moore said that while there has never been so many
different kinds of writing, "galloping illiteracy', is worldwide. "We have to face the fact that literacy is not keeping pace with the population. A lesser proportion of the population are reading." He said bookstores are getting into other kinds of business and books are a smaller proportion of total sales.
politan areas.
"Readers are seen as consumers."
The impressive growth in Canadian literature in recent decades was stressed by Harlow. "When I had my first book out in 1962, I was one of only two authors published that year in Canada withoui
enormous problem known."
to get a book out and get it
Gray said that compared to other industries such as
sin out his
Gray said he had never heard of a Canadian author was i acceptwrite canada. rates rt of the
home area in Nova Scotia. "The bookstores just don't have what you want."
How does the public find out about a new book? Moore said publishers first take out an ad in
selected magazines and large
Harlow added that while literacy may be declining, film or television cannot replace books. When he first wanted to become a writer in 1945, he was told the novel was dead. "But it will never die. fou can't have thought without words.,' "Not so," countered Moore. "you can have a lot of communication without words.n He said while
n
the writers out on the road interviews, which are "quite
about it."
Jeffels remarked that publishers
get
or at's
in Canada who produce soft porn are extremely successful. Writers who turn out three or four of these books a vear are making $100,000.
l0 Bad books drive good books out
of the mainstream into the fringes, said Moore. publishers accept either what they like or what they think the public will like.
Gray added that
if
one is writing for the main-
stream American market, there is one rule: do not use big words. "This produces a waffly, general
quality to writing which is extremely limiting.,'
Book critics and reviewers came under fire by everyone. All agreed critics have a great influence. nln this country we don't have very many good critics or reviewers,n said Harlow. Moore saidthat critics became "a kind of natural enemy since 50 or
60 years ago when they decided they were creative writers themselves, and should decide which way
writers should go.n He said their attitude is based on the premise that'art is far too serious to allow it to grow on its own merit.n
Jeffels said he hated critics who can't write themselves. He said too many want to demonstrate
their own ability by tearing down the writing of
others.
Moore added that critics are not prepared to be honest and instead try to maintain a mystique about their role. nThey write as if there's some deity over their shoulder.' This approach was compared to Leonard Cohen's, who was loved as a critic because he "showed enthusiasm for the art form itself."
Money is not a large factor in Canadian writing, all agreed.
nI don't know many people who write
for money,n said Gray. "They do it for all kinds of other reasons." He said he is ambivalent about the question of money. "On the one hand authors need to make a living, but on the other there is a paternalism situation.n Help from Canada Council can make artists look like they're on welfare, and the public lending rights rule may look like they're milking the public, he said. "A lot don't write for money, and some write for a lot of money,"
commented Moore.
Harlow said he liked the public lending rights legislation, because "I don't like getting ripped off." He felt some fraction of a cent should go to the author when libraries lend books or when great amounts of xeroxing are done. The panel also discussed the value and functions of festivals such as the fledgling Kelowna Festival of the Arts. Patterson compared this festival to Stratford, and Moore to the Charlottetown Festival. said they were nimmensely impressed with what had been accomplished.n
All
Heather Glebe Okanagan Regional Rep. ttttt*f
The panel members also discussed rejections from publishers.
"A writer
A PERSONAL INVENTORY has
to learn to still be able to
do
something when he gets no support," said Gray. "You just have to get used to taking a distance attitude and to accept it.', Harlow added that one has to be a loner to be a writer. There are many reasons for rejection, said Moore. "The reasons given for turning a manuscript down are often not the real reasons. They have to find some reason, but you'd be a fool to believe what they say." Panel members said standard rejection forms are used with no explanation to the writer, because publishers do not want to start a correspondence, or because they're afraid "you might not be able to take it," or because their reasons are really arbitrary and cannot be explained.
Socrates said almost 2,500 years ago, ,KNOW THYSELF.'
Like any self-analysis, this inventory will only be as useful to you as you are honest in examining yourself as a writer. Hopefully, it will clarify your goals, indicate where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and help give you a more realistic view of yourself as a writer.
If
you find yourself simply a hobbyist, enjoy it! If you find you have ambitions, go for it! Taking an occasional inventory is an opportunity to discover yourself or confirm your perceptions, to help you become all you wish to be.
ll PART
I --
Where am
I
18. What personal qualities are a detriment to achieving my goals in writing?
comins from?
l. How and when did I begin writing? 2. 3.
How have my writing skills or style changed? What are my most satisfying accomplishments in this art?
PART
4. 5. 6. 7.
19. What are my strong points
II -- A writer. eh?
How many hours did I spend writing or on writing business last week? How many books ABOUT writing or writers did read in the last year? (Six magazines = one book).
I
I taken, or what studies? Writers learn by reading. What book am I currently reading? How many writing courses have
8.
How often do typical month?
I
9.
What is/are my favorite genre(s) for my own writing?
utilize a public library in
a
10. How many books of this genre have I read in the last year? (Six magazines = I book)
ll. About how many acquaintances outside
my
writers' group know I'm a writer? PART
III --
12. Why do
I
Move over. Marearet Atwood! write?
13. How many writing contests did I enter in the last year? (If applicable to +12) 14. How many submissions for publication or query letters did I send out in the last year? (If applicable) 15. Do
I
keep a journal?
PART IV
--
Where am
16. What would writing?
I
eoine?
I like to learn in the field
17. What are my specific objectives?
of
writing 20.
I
in
terms
of
the
business?
picture myself
in l0
years, regarding my
writing. This is my vision for
1997.
..
.
Prepared by Heather Glebe Okanagan Region Representative
t+t++t+ SPEECH TO THE B.C. BOOK PRIZES
by Zoe Landale President, Federation of B.C. Writers Good evening. I am proud to be here as a representative of the Federation of British Columbia Writers. We are the largest writers' organization in the province: think of us as an idea of change. This is only our sixth year of existence but already we have accomplished solid gains, both as an organization and for the writers of B.C.
I once heard it said that anyone who doesn't consider themselves a joiner eventually moves to B.C. Perhaps that was why the other provinces in Canada were ahead of us in forming literary organizations. Let me skim you through our history. 19E2. Many national writer's groups such as the Writer's Union, the Periodical Writers Association and so forth have branch offices in B.C. The new Federation is comprised of members from every genre and is seen as an umbrella group. David Watmough is the first Chairman. The first AGM is held, an 8-hour marathon which veterans of this era still shudder about when asked. The consensus among writers: I'll join but don't ask me to ever attend another AGM. 1983. The Federation is under the chairmanship of Daniel Wood. We had been given verbal assurance of the Federation's importance at our AGM by a member of the Cultural Services Branch, so it is a shock when our application for funding is turned down. The organization meets in people's living rooms and totes about boxes of files from house to house. It is a discouraging time.
t2
Late in 1983, our first Cultural Services core funding grant comes through; marks for fortitude and determination. It is for $1,000.
. We receive money from the ational Book Festival, and the We set up a well-attended reading series and Outreach Workshops in Nelson, Nanaimo and Yictoria. Our second Cultural Services grant is for $3,000. Frank Gerber is Chairman. Concern is expressed over the Federation becoming another Vancouver Writers' Club. Six regions are set up in the province, with local representatives from each. Outreach workshops are held in Campbell River, Vernon, Prince George, powell River, Sechelt and Penticton.
first plays we al
up. The From the
Jan Drabek is elected Chairman and remains for two
terms. His hair turns markedly silver during this period and colleagues begin to call him "distin_ guished looking". During his tenure, we acquire an office downtown, furnish it and staff it with an answering machine. Trevor Carolan becomes our
Prov Cent new
to Publicize sion is used ry competit enter anonymously and judge one another's work. It is extremely successful and culminates in two gala reading nights.
Trevor Carolan goes on to a job at the Calgary Olympics and Betsy Warland becomes Execulivl Director. In 1987, I become the president of the
This is perhaps the greatest gain that
the
, while this year our funding wil
t ,
rs Classroom pro f what we asked for. There are enough challenges for me and certainly more than enough for my successor.
What in
pro
a
and a soon to give members a chance to network, we're hoping to hear from Victoria about our Writers in
in Penticton. We represent writers from all over British Columbia, and without their generous energy and enthusiasm we couldn't survive. people give of their time and their skills because they believe what we're doing is important, that we can make things better. lVe now haverecogn manyboards and commit s,riters were simply invis he B.C. Book Prizes into being, prizes which spotlight the vitality of writing in this province.
ures
from t
that English-sp
onfirm
g Rights d_largest Canada.
We are tremendously proud of them and are delighted to be here tonight in order to honour our own.
Thank you.
Federation.
Betsy establishes the Federation as a co-ordinator for other writer groups in the province, the kind of umbrella function which was originally seen as part of the Federation's mandate. In May, the Board of the Canada Council visits Vancouver for the first time in submissions, organiz gs that laidback w posed to be.
We regret very much the passing of George Ryga in November - George had agreed to be the keynote speaker at our Conference '88 in May. A fine writer, George was especially well-known for his
l3 plays, The Ecstacv of Rita Joe and Grass and Wild Strawberries. We have decided not to replace himthat would be impossible --- instead, we will have remembrances of him by friends and colleagues.
Confirmed as readers and seminar leaders are the noted poet Dorothy Livesay, fiction writer George Payerle, and non-fiction writer Susan Crean. For the Blue Pencil Caf6s, we are delighted to have LeonaGorn for fiction, Alan Twigg for non-fiction, and Christie Harris for children's literature. Details about these exciting writers and their work will follow in the next newsletter. Plan to be with us at the Naramata Centre just outside Penticton, for May 21,22,23. Also in the works are a dance, an open reading, a publishing panel, a video set-up so you can check out how yg11 perform before a camera ... and more ! This is the first time a conference for all writers in B.C. has been held. Be in on history ! Meet compatriots and publishers ! Expect to enjoy yourself.
f++**+*
ALPHA BEAT SOUP (Dave Christy, Alpha Beat Press, 5ll0 Adam Street, Montreal, PQ HIV lWE, tel 514-255-3159.) Poetry, fiction, articles. American and Canadian circ. 100. 2/yr. Sub. price: $5; per copy: $3; sample $2. Back issues: $3.50 pp. Reporting time: immediately. Payment none. Copyrighted, does not revert to author. Fub's reviews.
ANNICK PRESS is seeking manuscripts of 70 - 100 pages on any subject for its Young Novels Series. The series is designed for preteens aged 8-1.1. Submit synopsis and reading sample only to Annick Press, 15 Patricia Avenue, Willowdale, Ontario, M2M lH9 (from TWUC Newsletter). COTEAUBOOKS will be publishing an anthology for summer 1989. The working title is the.Beach Book and the theme of the book is a summer one. The editors anticipate that the book will be a varied collection of stories, poems, songs, anecdotes, tall 'tales, recipes, puzzles, fables, and whatever else writers can come up with - humorous and otherwise, but always entertaining. \Mriters are encouraged to submit as often as they wish, deadline is March 21, 1988. Contact Coteau for more information. Send submissions to Coteau Books, 2337 Mclntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2S3, or. write for more information.
MARKETS
Thanks for the following lists to the Burnaby Writers' Society Newsletter, Writers' Guild of Alberta Newsletter, Literary Markets, rrVriters' Union of Canada Newsletter, National Newsline, League of Canadian Poets Newsletter, Can Play, Poetry Toronto, Freelance (Saskatchewan Writers' Guild), Manitoba Writers' Guild Newsletter. This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. However, the Federation of B.C. Writers does not guarantee any of these listings.
ARETE: THE JOURNAL OF SPORT LITERATURE, San Diego, State University Press, San Diego, CA 92182. Poetry Editor, Robert B. Hamblin. Fiction and poetry with sport-related themes and critical articles on sport in literature. The title Arete refers to the ancient Greek concept of striving for excellence. Circulation 700+ (including
libraries). Two issues per year.
Subscriptions:
institutions, $24.00; individuals, $14,00; single copies, $12.50. 200 pages, 9 x 6. Reporting time: immediately to 6 months. Payment one copy of issue and l0 offprins. Copyrighted, may revert to author.
t
CANADIAN CHILDREN'S ANNUAL LOOKING FOR WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS. Looking for first-class fiction and poetry and mini-novels of 4,000-5,000 words. Also looking for illustrators. The CCA is aimed at the 9-13 year-olds. "Ideally the stories, poems, and mini-novel should have original themes with a definite Canadian subject matter.n Purchases first rights only. Now under new ownership. Contacfi Martin Johanns, R.R. 3, wellesley, ontario, NoB 2T0. (5lg) 699-4106. CANADIAN AUTHOR & BOOKMAN. Sheila Martindale, Poetry Editor, l2l Avenue Road, Suite 104, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2G3. Submit 3-6 typed (on 8.5 x I I paper) previously unpublished poems preferable under 25 lines. Include SASE and bio. DETSELIG ENTERPRISES LTD., Box G399, Calgary, Alberta, T3A 2G3, is accepting proposals for book projects. Detselig is a publisher of College Texts and general interest non-fiction trade books. Send a summary of the proposed book, a r6sum6 of professional background and a l0-page excerpt from the manuscript (if manuscript is not yet written, include sample of previous works). No fiction, poetry or children's books. Send proposals to Laurel Enright.
t4 THE PRAIRIE JOURNAL OF CANADIAN LITERATURE plans an issue on aging in l9gg. Send SASE for more info. Sample copi Sf.OO. prairie Journal press, pO Box G 997, Station G, Calgary, Alberta, T3A 382.
RHYME
TIME offers a no_fee poetry contest for poets living in Canada. you need not be a native of Canada to enter. Send a #lO SASE wittr U.S.
stamp or IRC for complete rules. A free ,"_pG copy-o! the Rhyme Time Newsletter is available ior a #10 SASE with two IR Cs. pO Box 2377, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83g14.
S n
1I, edited by Janet_p. Reedman, ad, Victoria, B.C., ygS 4S9, stili
rength (especiary non-Renaissance times. poetry b" on any subj_ect as long as it is "haunting, magical, ""o myster_ ious". Paymenf I copy, tor fi-rst riEfrts onIX
".i,TiJ:'jj;'f,ff:li1,,":,1i1
af,]|},lft
CANCELLED The following have suspended operations or ceased publication: WAVES
BENDING MOMENT
+,i+t++*
CONTESTS PEOPLE POETRY AWARD _ Cross_Canada Writers, Quarterly invites the public to nominate books of poetry published in the current year for the People's Poetry Awavesard. The Award consists of an engraved medallion and a cash prize from a fund supported by public donations. For a nomination to people's poetry Award, Cross_ uarterly, pO Box 277, Station F. I0./4Y 2L7.
CANADIAN AUTHOR AND BOOKMAN - 5th Annual Creative Writing contests for high school, private school, college and university students. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry. $100 each top prize. Closing date: postmarked by 19 Feb l9EE. For details and entry form, send SASE to Canadian euthor anC gookman, #104, l2l e€nrrc R64 Toronto, ontario, M5R 2G3.
THE VIA RAIL CANADA TRAYEL WRITERS' AWARDS are designed to encourage writers to feature Canada as a tourist destination. The l9g7 awards are for articles published in 1987 (articles published inVia's Directions are not eligible). The awards are given in four categories: best Canadian newspaper articles in English and in French and best Canadian magazine articles in English and in French. Each category carries a first prize of S1,000
tion, park, inn, cruise, tour, etc. Articles do not
have to feature train travel; what's important is the Canadian content. Each entry must be accompanied by the author's name, address, home and business
phone numbers, and
material will not b 1988. Submit to: Affairs, VIA Rail Montreal, PQ, H3
a tear sheet.
Submitted
NEW CRITERIA FOR METCALF AWARD - The Canadian Authors Association announces the redefinition of the Vicky Metcalf Awards promoting children's authors and literature. The CAA will annually award $1000 to both author and the editor
WORKSHOPS CRAWFORD KILIAN will be teaching two courses of interest to writers at Capilano College next semester, from mid-January to mid-April. Communications 190 (Magazine Article Writing) shows writers how to break into the freelance feature-article market - and avoid some of its pitfalls. Communications 280 (Marketing Commercial Fiction) is intended to help novelists and short-story writers get their work into salable shape. Emphasis is on genre fiction (mysteries, thrillers, romances, science fiction). Both courses carry transfer credit to the Creative Writing program at UBC. Each costs $110. Students can register at Capilano College. Crawford Kilian, instructor, is a well-known B.C. writer. A member of the Periodical Writers' Association of Canada, the Federation of B.C. Writers, and The Writers' Union of Canada, he's the regular education columnist for the Vancouver province, and has sold eriodicals as the and He's also publi nce nce 1978, and his ninth. For more information, call Crawford Kilian at 986-l9ll local 2585. ROSEMARY SULLIVAN offers
a
day-long work-
shop on writing biography on 30 Jan lggg atTlt_ lOth Street, Nelson, B.C., phone 352-2260. Cost is s25.
+++*+*+
prize will be $1000 and there will be five other All the winning poems will be published. The organizing committee consists of tricia La Nauze, W.H. New, MaxWyman. Anynumberof prizes of $100 each.
d poems can be submitted, $5 per poem. Deadline for submission is APRIL 15, 1988. Send submissions to: Canadian Poetry Contest, 6429 McCleerv Street, Vancouver, 8.C., V6N lG5.
+++++:l+
EVENT will publish a specific issue in Summer gg of Creative Non-Fiction: essays, ideas, commentary, descriptive sketches, memoirs, journals, narrative contemplations - to 5000 words. prizes $500 plus Eventpublication. Deadline I March l9gg. Sendto Creative Non-Fiction, Event, pO Box 2503. New Westminster, B.C., V3L 5B2.
**+t**+ CONNBCTIONS
CREATING YOUR OWN BOOK is a 2300-word
article on ur own work. addresses,
printers, etc.
for $2 from Dale Loucareas, 100 King High Avenue, North York, Ontario, M3H 38l.
f
l6
A new organization, the Canadian Reprography Collective, has been formed to support writers in comtatting illegal (and unpaid) xeroxing of their works. For further info, write MichaefJay, Co_ Chair, Canadian Reprography Collective, c/o The Writers' Centre, 24 Ryerson auanur, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2p3. POETRY MARKETS FOR CANADIANS, 3rd ed., ed. by James Deahl and Bruce Meyer. A compre_ hensive market directory for Canadian poets. Send ql t in cheque or money order to League of Canadian Poets, 24 Ryeison nrrenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2p3.
Just out is the MEMBERS of the iation of Canada. If you need a writer, and want a reference guide to more than 200 of Canada,s top freelancers, send gl5_per copy to The PWAC; 24 Ryerson fyenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5p 2p3.'Another use_ ful publication is pW-AC's Magazinefees Survey _ a listing of over 170 Canadian leriodicais, with info on rates and terms and editorial requirements. Send $10 to the same address. VANCOUVER CO-OP RADIO will have new literary program on Wednesdays at l:30ap.m., _ beginning in December. The- program, called PRISMATIC, will feature one new on. estab_ lished local writer each week. "rr-d
t+++t+*
J. ALVIN SPEERS' recent publications have included the 80th poem of ongoing series since
hers.
*t+t+**
TAXATION AND THE ARTIST. Canadian Confer_ ence of the Arts, 126 york Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario, KIN 5T5. 200 pages of info on the tax status of artists, and recent idministrative policy changes which have improved tax rreatment of artists. Order for g12.59 plus $2 postage and handling.
+*rf***+
CLASSIFIEDS
WRITER seeks volunteer to help transcribe taped interviews for book on uoAeigrounO press in Canada. Call Heather Conn, 736-_62.96.
EDITING, TYPING & CREATIVE RESUMEWRITING. Contact Lynne Melcombe by mail or phone. 1033 Cecile Drive, port Moody, 8.C., V3H lM5, g3g-7005. WANTED. Apple Compatible letter quality printer. Used-but in good condition. Cannot affbiA _o.. than $250, or will trade Canon Typestar 7 electronic memory-writer with- battery capability and carrying case. Call Lynne Melcombe, 939_7(;05.
'YUCCA FLATS". Five valley acres, 2 levelled, 3 treed hillside. year-round (trout) creek, small
MICHAE Thurs Bookstore on
ANN the
W
cari
TON gave a poetry reading 3rd at The Booktiquenville in Vancouver. He ublished book poetry writte
(a story
of
n early'88
by Pacific Educational press of UBC. The US magazine rrVomen's World also bought a story of
beach, southern exposure. Arched footbridge, po*., poles/wires, driveway. On paved road: princeton 20, Summerland 40 miles, 3 I/2 hrs. Vancouver. llii"_q, canoeing, fishing, hiking, ghost towns. $23,500. Ross 'lilesterq?ard, Box tZ'52-, Hope, B.C., VOX lL0, evenings 869-9696.
Are you an outgoing person who loves to
party? Want to meet others and have fun? Lend a hand with social events, laughs, gasps, and we hope no crises. Call 683-2057.
You are a published writer who r*.an6 to make a contribution. You have a good grasp of the issues
I
Congratulations to Sheena Ashdown on a great new The Exec.
job!
t+t*ta*