WordSpring: A first-timer’s impression

By Linda Foy

It felt unbecoming, somehow, to be nervous about the weekend.  I’m used to adapting to new situations.  Where was the self-assurance I thought I had lived into?  It failed me as I registered for my first ever WFNB event, WordSpring 2017.

Photo Roslyn Hyslop

Roger Moore facilitated the Friday night workshop: How to select a work to read in public. ‘Sounds helpful’, I thought when I registered. Once in the room, however, Roger told us to circulate and meet every other person present.  ‘Sounds helpful’ quickly changed to ‘sounds horrible’, but it was too late to leave.  Although Roger pushed those of us with an introverted nature out of our comfort zone, his instructions proved well-founded, and the exercise resoundingly broke the ice.  The rest was easy.

In fact, WordSpring was thoroughly enjoyable, and helpful.  What a pleasure it was to hear writers read from their work.  And what variety!  From non-fiction journals to literature for youth, to adult fiction, and of course, poetry.

During one workshop, I read out loud to others for the first time a piece I’d written.  This small step was liberating.  In a workshop about metaphors, writers encouraged each other, celebrated the nuggets of inspiration, and commiserated when there were blocks.

I arrived at WordSpring worried that other writers, especially established ones, would be judgmental or subtly discouraging.  This was not the case at all.  Instead, I found curiosity and support, openness and generosity of spirit.  I look forward to becoming better acquainted with the WFNB community.  I am eager for further events.