Message from the President
It was great listening to Rick Mofina speak about writing at our last meeting. His talk was wide-ranging, but I found his comments about locating a story in a place that you have only visited once or twice, or not at all, to be particularly interesting. It can be done. So, if your writing interests span the globe, but your budget keeps you close to home, you can place your characters in any locale with skilful use of the Internet and a good supply of travel books.
Rick also said that when he is working to tight deadlines, he doesn't have the luxury of writer's block. This reminded me of the times I have sat in front of my computer screen patiently waiting for inspiration to strike.
It also made me think of a writers' panel I attended a number of year's ago at a Bouchercon conference. One of the panellists, a well-known short story writer, said that every day when he reads the newspaper, he finds a multitude of storylines. He cuts them out and puts them in a file and when he feels like writing, he's never short of topics.
There are some people who get the news before it appears in the newspaper - crime reporters. At our April meeting, I look forward to hearing CCW member, Trish Dyer, a former crime reporter, who will be on a panel with Andrew Seymour, a current crime reporter with the Ottawa Citizen. It should be splendid evening.
You will see the notice of nomination for the 2009/10 CCW executive on page 10. We do not have a candidate for Vice-President. If this, or any other position, on the executive interests you, feel free to seek a nomination. A vote, if necessary, will be held before the May meeting. We also anticipate a need for volunteers for CCW's 20th anniversary celebrations next fall (and for BW?) and perhaps other activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know.
Katherine has filled the newsletter with her usual neat stuff, including another walk down memory lane with Vicki Cameron. Enjoy!
Ken Gibson
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