Last month I gave a workshop on Gabriola Island about writing children’s novels. It was part of the Gabriola Isle of the Arts Festival. Nine people signed up and, interestingly, they were all women and at least half of them were retired school teachers. They came with a variety of writing experience. Some were at the early stages of formulating an idea and eager for tips about writing a book. Some had experience with self-publishing. One woman was a seasoned (and award-winning) writer of non-fiction books. All of them were gracious and generous in sharing their experiences and enthusiasm.
The workshop was a four hour afternoon session. I brought materials on the writing process, tips on the publishing world, and some writing activities to have fun with. But it was what the participants brought to the workshop that really rounded it out. We heard about the process of self-publishing: where to go to find resources and how much it costs. We heard about writing organizations, and applying for arts grants amongst other things.
Writing, by nature, is a very isolating endeavour. We can toil away at our projects for months on end, but connecting with other writers can be invigorating and rewarding.
It brings to mind the saying, We all have something to teach and something to learn.