Friday, November 7, 2008
Manuscript Appraisals
I'm sorry to report that all the spaces have been filled for manuscript evaluations, so I won't be taking any more appointments unless I get some cancellations. If you'd like to put your work on a wait list, feel free to send it along and I will read it and give you feedback via email if time becomes available. If I am not able to get to it, I will return the material provided it's accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November already!
I'm amazed to find myself in the second month of my residency. I've been having a wonderful time giving workshops all up and down the island and have found the quality of writing quite remarkable. Look out established writers: here comes the new wave!
The enthusiasm is such that I have only a few spaces left for reviewing manuscripts and taking meetings. I will announce here and on the library website when I've reached capacity.
New workshops continue to be announced on the library website, so keep an eye out for the ones nearest you.
The enthusiasm is such that I have only a few spaces left for reviewing manuscripts and taking meetings. I will announce here and on the library website when I've reached capacity.
New workshops continue to be announced on the library website, so keep an eye out for the ones nearest you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Month One
As my first month as writer in residence for VIRL draws to a close, I'm pleased to report that I've made dozens of appointments with writers and have booked workshops all up and down Vancouver Island and on several of the Gulf Islands.
I've just returned from a ten day tour of central Alberta during which I spoke to nearly a thousand kids. Many thanks to the wonderful librarians of Red Deer, Olds, Stettler, Didsbury, Rocky Mountain and Sylvan Lake for a great trip!
Should you happen into the main branch of the Nanaimo library, you are unlikely to miss the enormous poster of me located near my office. Please don't be alarmed if you spot the real me and notice one key difference. I am now sporting a nasty black eye thanks to a chance encounter between my eyebrow and my horse's knee. That poster would require some judicious shading with a felt pen to make the portrait entirely accurate. I would like to state for the record that my rather rugged appearance in no way reflects the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Ahem.
I've just returned from a ten day tour of central Alberta during which I spoke to nearly a thousand kids. Many thanks to the wonderful librarians of Red Deer, Olds, Stettler, Didsbury, Rocky Mountain and Sylvan Lake for a great trip!
Should you happen into the main branch of the Nanaimo library, you are unlikely to miss the enormous poster of me located near my office. Please don't be alarmed if you spot the real me and notice one key difference. I am now sporting a nasty black eye thanks to a chance encounter between my eyebrow and my horse's knee. That poster would require some judicious shading with a felt pen to make the portrait entirely accurate. I would like to state for the record that my rather rugged appearance in no way reflects the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Ahem.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Appointment times going fast!
It's been a busy few weeks for the VIRL writer in residence program. We've had a welcome reception and I've put on two workshops in Nanaimo, one on the publishing industry and another on developing an effective writing process. Both were full and we have a wait list of people who'd like to take any further workshops offered here.
As I suspected, Vancouver Island is brimming with talented writers and it's been a pleasure to meet so many of them.
If you would like to submit some work and make an appointment to talk about it, I recommend that you do so soon. I've only got few appointments left for late October and November is filling up as well. Remember that all the information you'll need can be found on the VIRL website.
In other news, my new book, Getting the Girl , is officially on sale today!
As I suspected, Vancouver Island is brimming with talented writers and it's been a pleasure to meet so many of them.
If you would like to submit some work and make an appointment to talk about it, I recommend that you do so soon. I've only got few appointments left for late October and November is filling up as well. Remember that all the information you'll need can be found on the VIRL website.
In other news, my new book, Getting the Girl , is officially on sale today!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Update
I'm well into my second full day as writer in residence at VIRL's downtown Nanaimo branch. I've received many great submissions and am looking forward to meeting the authors in the coming weeks.
I admit that because I haven't had a regular sort of job for several years now, I was a bit nervous. First, there's the dressing at least somewhat professionally part. Then there's the fact that regular offices do not general contain cots or other places to catch a quick, refreshing nap in the afternoon. I was worried that my incipient narcolepsy would kick in and I'd simply keel over at 3:00. So far, I've avoid that fate, much to my relief and that of the library's patrons.
As the specific workshops, times and locations are decided up, I'll post them here.
Library quote of the day:
"A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them."
~Lemony Snicket
I admit that because I haven't had a regular sort of job for several years now, I was a bit nervous. First, there's the dressing at least somewhat professionally part. Then there's the fact that regular offices do not general contain cots or other places to catch a quick, refreshing nap in the afternoon. I was worried that my incipient narcolepsy would kick in and I'd simply keel over at 3:00. So far, I've avoid that fate, much to my relief and that of the library's patrons.
As the specific workshops, times and locations are decided up, I'll post them here.
Library quote of the day:
"A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them."
~Lemony Snicket
Monday, September 15, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Welcome
This new blog, which will be operational during my tenure as the writer in residence for the Vancouver Island Regional Library and the Greater Victoria Library sytems, will chronicle my experiences and give you all the latest news on workshops and talks happening on the island. It will also include all the information you will need to contact me or to submit a manuscript for evaluation.
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