Breakfast with the WCDR
Posted November 15, 2009 by Terry Fallis
Quite some time ago, I was invited to address a breakfast meeting of the The Writers’ Circle of Durham Region (WCDR). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed virtually all of the 50 or 60 talks/readings/signings I’ve done since the Leacock shock some 19 months ago, but I particularly look forward to speaking to groups of writers. Yesterday in Whitby with the WCDR was just such an occasion.
Over 120 writers came to breakfast at 8:30 on a Saturday morning. As I said in the opening of my talk, I was feeling quite chuffed at the turnout, but after tasting the amazing croissants served, I quickly recognized what had drawn such a large early morning crowd. It was wonderful to be in the midst of such passionate and dedicated writers. I’m still learning to wear the “writer” label but I certainly felt a kinship with the members of the WCDR. What a rich and supportive community they’ve created. There is so much going on in this group, from poetry circles and writing workshops, to book club readings and a scholarship/grants program. I was blown away by what this organization has achieved.
I had a great time and my talk seemed to go well, even though I yakked over my time limit. My thanks to Ruth Walker and Sue Reynolds for the invitation, not to mention the support of Shelley Macbeth of Blue Heron Books. I’m thrilled to be running a workshop at the Ontario Writers’ Conference in May (an annual event initially organized by WCDR) and look forward to reconnecting then with the many writers I met yesterday. Thanks everyone and keep writing…
Terry
Thanks for the kind words. FYI while WCDR started the Ontario Writers’ Conference, it is now its own organization and not part of WCDR.
Thanks for the clarification Rich, I’ll correct my post. Great to meet you on Saturday.
Hi Terry — the pleasure was all ours. Really! You are a wonderful guest and great speaker. Your interest in our events and activities was so genuine — you can be sure it was noticed by many people.
At WCDR, we are always pleased when Canadian writers receive recognition for their work. However, when it is clearly a nice person with a terrific narrative voice who is winning awards and accolades…well then, we are simply delighted.
I look forward to more books from Terry Fallis — “The Best Laid Plans” is brilliant and resonates for me on many different levels. Canadian politics.
Who knew?
You did and good for you.
Thanks for your kind words Ruth. Looking forward to coming back sometime…
Thanks for the plug, Terry. Very nice gesture — and unexpected!
I think I have you another gig, though. Good, right?
Also, Random House is sending you the books to sign if they haven’t already.
Great to finally meet you. Can we plan a Books and Brunch for the spring?
Shelley
Great to meet you Shelley. Love to do a Books and Brunch in the spring. Just let me know when and we’ll lock it in.
Terry
I finished The Best Laid Plans last night. What a hoot. I switched between reading and listening to the podcast version. What fun.
Loved the ending. I can’t wait for your next book.
Many thanks Rich. I’m glad you enjoyed it.