President’s Message

I am excited about being involved with the Writers' Ink organization. Since joining, I have been energized by the enthusiasm of the core of long-time members, from hearing the prose and poetry shared at the weekly meetings, through being made aware of the vast world of writers who write for so many reasons, and because of new members who have come looking to share interesting messages.

It is my hope to continue the tradition of publishing an anthology and a chapbook. The anthology is a professionally produced, soft cover book made up of offerings from the membership. The advantages of having such a book are numerous: sales help us cover the cost of a yearly seminar, having published work enables an author to apply for writing grants, and agents and publishers are able to view a professional product. It is the culmination of a labor of love; the anthology is a lasting legacy. As I write this message, we are in the initial stages of determining a theme for our 5th anthology.

I had to google the term “chapbook” - "a short, inexpensive booklet." In our case, Writers' Ink asks each member who wishes to contribute to bring thirty photocopied pages of the writer’s work. All the pages are collated, a cover is added, and an industrial strength stapler does the binding. Sold at a nominal cost, these popular chapbooks provide a unique collection from a variety of genres.

Finally, I am enthusiastic about the opportunities to learn more about the stimulating, sometimes daunting, always-challenging art and craft of writing. Our recent seminar brought two local speakers before members and guests to share expertise about publishing and writing. The Internet offers opportunities to bring authors from afar into our meetings by means of video conferencing. As well, connections with current and past members suggest varied opportunities to grow as writers.

            If you are not yet a club member, I encourage you to join us. If you are a past club member who has been unable to attend, please join us when you can. Writers' Ink has grown and matured, offering new possibilities.