Journey Off The Island

Being based on a large island, everything is a bit more limited. The West Coast of British Columbia, is peppered with smaller islands. They refer to my island as the mainland. I guess it is a perspective thing.

Since beginning my journey to become an author with a paycheck, I have been hungry to find a community. I subscribe to two online communities, belong to multiple associations, yet I’ve never met another aspiring author in person. A writer’s festival could be the key to in-body connection.

North Shore’s Writer’s Festival is based in my home-town of North Vancouver. I was drawn to its promise to bring Canadian writers and readers together. What an excellent opportunity for a solo trip!

I attended five seminars: Literary Trivia, Creative Writing 101, and several author talks. Was I disappointed? Only in myself. I had high hopes, and I failed to perform. I wished I had cornered the creative writing teachers and shown them my work. That I had asked that author the question that had my heart racing. I know that is what it takes: be bold, take risks. Instead, I followed the authors on Instagram and bought some books.

I am trying to be kind to myself. I enjoyed every seminar. I wrote poetry for the first time in years. I spoke with a few readers; I pitched my book. I visualized myself sitting on that stage, sharing my published book. There will be a next time. Next time I will be bolder.

https://northshorewritersfestival.com/