Welcoming Our New ED
In early October 2018, Shoshanna Wingate became the new executive director of WFNB. We warmly welcome her into this position. Shoshanna has worked in the literary nonprofit sector for two decades, including several years as the executive director of the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since moving to Sackville, NB, in 2014 she has published her debut poetry collection (Radio Weather, released by Vehicle Press), founded the Sackville Art Hive (a monthly art studio) and helped to run a monthly creative writing workshop for youth. At the centre of Shoshanna’s work is a love of the arts: a passion for great writing, a dedication to the joy of exploring the craft, and a commitment to sharing it with others.
The Writers’ Union of Canada-Recent News
An Update from the Writers’ Union of Canada
by Vicki Grant, Regional Representative for TWUC, Atlantic Region
The Writers’ Union of Canada advocates on behalf of all writers for a stronger literary culture – one that treats artists fairly and with respect, and makes it possible for our nation’s stories to continue to be told. So whether you’re a member or not – and we certainly hope you are – TWUC is working on your behalf.
Here’s a brief outline of what we’ve been up to lately.
Read More»Beware $elf-Publishing Pre$$e$
[Ed. note: Several previous member blogs have described their positive experiences in self-publishing. This blog reminds us that not all SP companies are created equal. As always, due diligence is vital.]
In round numbers, my self-publishing venture initially was to cost me $500. This special price was a reduction of the regular $700. My motto “spend only what you can afford to lose” overtook me. I was thinking in Canadian dollars but had to pay in American greenbacks. But how could I lose? Company X was a reputable publishing house.
Read More»Our Self-Publishing Adventure
We published a book! That was our high point, but the journey that became The Coffee Cup Companion began in 2011 when I and three friends – Jo-Anne Hemming, Gina Kirby, and Heather Storey – decided to form The Capital Writers.
Read More»The Atomic Blast Lives On
by David Gallagher
I’ve been writing short stories for many years. In February 2015 I wrote, designed and self-published The Barn Board Goalie and Other Short Stories. One of those tales, “The Atomic Blast,” is about a real event that happened in the mid 1950s.
It is narrated entirely by Kenneth Eddy, the main character, who lived in Clifton on Chaleur Bay. Ken was and is fondly remembered as a remarkable storyteller. His deep bass voice and vocal mannerisms earned him respect and admiration throughout the Chaleur area.
Read More»My Ghost
by Cindy Rule
Until recently, I lived with a ghost.
She was sexy, smart, beautiful. She was a lot of adjectives I usually don’t apply to myself, along with pouty red lips, hair black as midnight, eyes that told you nothing and everything at the same time.
Read More»My (Good) Experience Publishing with Speaking Volumes
After two years of pitching my new adult/crossover novel Colorland, I had a two-page list of Canadian publishers who either (1) had rejected it (rejection is part of the writing business, and I work from the assumption that anything I write is rubbish [ed. a common assumption for many of us] and deserves rejection), or (2) had not responded at all (which I also understand, given their piles of unsolicited manuscripts, but which I still find rude).
Read More»Message from Zev (New WFNB Pres)
by Zev Bagel
A window of relative calm masks the oncoming tidal wave between being elected president of an organization and getting down to the work it entails. I’ve been there before, so at least I’ve been warned.
And if I learned anything from being on the Board of WFNB for a year, and having presided over several other not-for-profit organizations, it’s that the quality of the work happens best by recognizing the enormous talent and dedication of all those engaged as volunteers or professionals, and by encouraging that energy to be used to its fullest.
Read More»
