Day One

Today is my first day as writer in residence for Vancouver Island Regional Library. I'm looking forward to getting started. Here is some basic information on the program.

I hope those of you in the area will get a chance to come out for the welcome reception that will be held at the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch next Tuesday (September 23) at 6:30.

About the Residency
I will be working out of the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library, located at 90 Commercial Street, from September 15, 2008 – December 15, 2008. During the residency, I will be hosting a series of free writers workshops at libraries throughout the system. I will also be accepting manuscripts from new, emerging and established authors for appraisal and feedback. Manuscripts will be accepted beginning Monday, September 15.


My office is located on the lower level of the library, adjacent to the Storytime room. Office hours are: Tuesdays, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Meeting times are booked by appointment only.
Phone: 250-616-3205
Email: wir@virl.bc.ca

Manuscript Submissions
As part of the VIRL writer in residence program, Susan will be meeting with authors one-on-one to discuss their submitted works. New, emerging and established writers are invited to have their manuscripts read by Susan Juby.


Copies of your work may be dropped off at the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library or mailed to:


Sheri Colwell
c/o Writer-in-Residence Program
Nanaimo Harbourfront Library
90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo
V9R 5G4

Guidelines for Submission
Your manuscript should be typed, double-spaced on white, 8 ½ x 11” paper. Please include your name, address and phone number on the cover sheet and include a short paragraph on your experience as a writer and a description of the type of feedback you feel you need. The manuscript pages should be numbered and include your last name (i.e. Smith-Page 3).
Submissions should not exceed 20 pages
One manuscript per person.
Please note: If you are unable to meet in person, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and I will send along my comments in a letter. The submissions will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. I will assess as many as time allows.

Writers Craft Workshops
(Dates and locations for these workshops will be announced soon)


I will be offering a variety of free writing workshops at library locations throughout Vancouver Island. These include:

Introduction to Publishing
This overview of publishing will cover topics such as how to know you’re ready to begin submitting your work, how to research publishing companies (or magazines or literary magazines), how to write effective query letters. We will also look at working with agents and how publicity and promotion work as well as the pros and cons of large versus small press. This course will also delve into the tricky subject of dealing with rejection and success and the world of self-publishing.


The Writing Process
This workshop will focus on helping participants to build habits that that will keep you writing even when the going gets tough. We’ll explore different processes writers employ and do some exercises that can help unlock your creativity. The writing process workshop will also look at how you can overcome writer’s block and find readers who can help you test your work and give you an introduction to forming a writer’s group. The key is picking a time or place and making the writing a priority.

Writing that Keeps People Reading
There are certain key elements that keep people reading. In this workshop we will explore a few of them, including character, dialogue and writing effective scenes, using examples and exercises. We will also explore ways for you to tap your own deepest wells


Parent-Kid Bookmaking Workshop
In this fun family workshop we will look at how to tell a story, how to create a book and a professional illustrator will talk about how pictures and words can work together. Participants will get to create a handbound book to take home.


Mother-Daughter Book Brunch and Writing Workshop
This will be a morning of celebrating books that mothers and daughters can both enjoy. It will include a book talk by Susan Juby, brunch, and a writing workshop.

I look forward to meeting you!