PHOTO CAPTION: Meghan Hampson captures Jacqui Woods-Powell (left) and JJ Wilson (right) who are the co-ordinators of Editors Barrie. Julie Mann (centre) is a student volunteer helping out at the first meeting.
BARRIE- A surprising need in Barrie was met April 5, 2018 during Editors Barrie’s first meeting. The need of an editing and writing community in Simcoe County was evident as 25 attendees participated. They came from a variety of backgrounds including professional editors, published journalists, acclaimed writers, teachers, students, and interested community members.
What does this mean for Editors Barrie? April 18, 2018 marks the official date of their new “twig” launch. Editors Canada’s National Office granted this status at their last monthly meeting. Editors Barrie is to be announced and officially welcomed aboard at the Saskatoon National Conference later this month on May 25.
Jacqui Woods-Powell, one of Editors Barrie’s co-ordinators states, “Our desire to provide a common meeting place and professional development opportunities for local writers, editors, and students was realized when Editors Barrie received their official twig status.” Woods-Powell announces that she is, “looking forward to future meetings and building community.”
The next Editors Barrie meeting will take place on Thursday, May 24 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Georgian College in K Building, Room 209. Editors Canada members and students are free to attend and the fee for guests is $5. Parking costs $5 after 7 p.m. and tea, coffee, and cookies are provided.
Editors Barrie’s first guest speaker, Halli Villegas, provided great insights and resources for publishing avenues ranging from self-publishing to conventional publishing. The next guest speaker will be Kim Goggins, an award-winning feature writer and journalist from the Orillia area. Kim will lead the topic on “How Nonfiction Influences Character Development.”
Editors Barrie wish to thank Georgian College for their continued support during the initiation and set-up process of Editors Barrie.