It’s been over 35 years that I have been a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada. Probably over 37 years writing. My dream job. How lucky I am. I took a course at Sheridan College with Paul Kropp who mentored me through my first novel, Blueberries and Whipped Cream. He insisted I join the Writers’ Union of Canada when the story was published, that the membership would pay for itself, and explained how to do author visits. That novel sold foreign rights to Australia and a film option too. Richard Bachman of A Different Drummer Books immediately ordered 30 copies. For the many books that followed, Burlington Public Library would host my launches with Canada Council grants, .At my first Writers’ Union AGM, I was tasked with proposing an award for the teacher/librarian or public librarian who did the most for promoting Canadian literature. I wasn’t versed in Robert’s Rule of Orders. After I finished reading the motion, a deep loud voice called from the audience, “Who’s going to pay for it?” Pierre Berton. My mouth dropped open. PIERRE BERTON! He was the guy who sat under the Weeping Willow tree and read the news on TV, he was on Front Page Challenge! My motion was shot down. I’m sorry to all the deserving librarians whether in schools or in libraries who should have received the never-to-reach-daylight award. But, if you’re going to have a motion defeated–it’s great that it’s your hero celebrity doing it..Over the years, I met many more writers from across Canada through the Writers’ Union. I’ve visited hundreds of schools and library. The membership has more than paid for itself.. Thank you TWUC. Thank you A Different Drummer Books. Thank you Burlington Public Library. Most of all a big thank you to all my readers.
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