My formal learning began in a one-room schoolhouse, on the Canadian prairies, during the Second World War. There must have been something good about that. My curiosity got piqued, and I have never ...ver másMy formal learning began in a one-room schoolhouse, on the Canadian prairies, during the Second World War. There must have been something good about that. My curiosity got piqued, and I have never been able to get it unhooked.
Over the next seventy-something-years, I’ve been satisfying my curiosity in many, more sophisticated settings, and I’ve been ‘around the block a few times, in the school of life.
In all these great institutions for learning, it was the interaction with people that made my day.
And I had the privilege of doing this: in universities, technical schools, hospitals, clinics, cancer research centres, dentist offices and in the large classroom of the world.
In the School of Hard-Knocks, I learned to recover from a terminal illness. The doctors gave me six months, so I had to be a quick learner.
The many and varied hats I’ve worn astounds me: University Graduate; Registered Medical Technologist; Research Technologist; Teacher; Registered Massage Therapist and Energy Therapist; Office Manager; Author; Traveler. (The most memorable Traveler’s was my African Hat—4 months in the back of a truck, camping out through the Sahara Desert, through the savannah, through innumerable countries to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya for Christmas, not so clean in body but pure of soul.)
And most precious is the ‘Easter Bonnet’ I wear as a daughter, a sibling, a wife, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother and a friend.
Today, wearing the “WRITER’S HAT” is my passion.
I’ve tried to educate myself, so as to be worthy of donning this particular role-adornment.
I’ve taken umpteen ‘creative writing’ courses at brick-and-mortar institutes and online—mostly via webinars.
And for the umpteenth time in my life, I’m back at school again. I’m taking Jack Canfield’s Course—BESTSELLER BLUEPRINT PROGRAM. Jack Canfield is the author of the CHICKEN SOUP BRAND, and I’m taking Linda Hollander’s Course—ATTRACT CORPORATE SPONSORS SYSTEM. Linda Hollander is the, very successful, Wealthy BAG LADY.
I belong to a number of organizations that support, teach and motivate:
1. NORTH SHORE WRITERS ASSOCIATION. I meet other authors and take advantage of this association’s many programmes that help authors. Their DARE TO BE HEARD allows authors to read and to get feedback.
2.NORTHSHORE WRITERS COOP is a group of writers who exchange ideas and expertise on marketing their books.
3.Federation of BC Writers. The Vancouver Writers Festival.
4. LIONS BAY ARTS COUNCIL expands my base and helps me meet other people interested in the arts. I had a table at their ANNUAL FESTIVAL and I intend to continue to do this.
5. LA TIMES ANNUAL BOOK FESTIVAL. I had a booth, and was able to give away 100 signed books, to help expand my base. I would like to continue to do this. Also, I would like to go to the TORONTO BOOK FESTIVAL—WORD ON THE STREET, and do the same thing.
6.NORTH SHORE WRITERS FESTIVAL. I had a table at this year’s festival, where I was able to present my books and sell them. I intend to do this annually.
7. Canadian Authors Association—Metro Vancouverver menos