why PWAC inspires me
I’ve just returned from the PWAC conference in Toronto, an opportunity for members of the Professional Writers Association of Canada to mix with other attendees and presenters at MagNet, the annual conference organized by Magazines Canada. To quote Bob, a fellow member of my Toastmasters club … “Wow!”
The conference was well-organized, diverse in topics covered, and the PWAC-only events went off without a glitch. Possibly the most efficient and well-run annual general meeting the association has had in its 36 years of existence.
To understand PWAC, you’ve got to know that we probably have the most diverse membership of any group of professional creators in Canada. We are primarily comprised of freelance writers who do just about every kind of writing including writing and editing for magazines and newspapers, authoring and editing books, writing for websites and business clients, scriptwriting, speechwriting, documentary films, photography, teaching, presenting workshops and more.
With that wide array of talent comes a diversity of interests. But every year, we gather for a lighthearted interpretation of a Shakespearean play or piece of work to get our hearts pumping or touch our funny bones. This year’s performance of The Tempest did both, with Conference Queen, Kathe Lieber playing the lead role of Miranda, and Bruce Wilson playing her father, Prospero.
PWAC members Bruce Wilson and Kathe Lieber performing The Tempest
You can see by the photo above, that we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we definitely take the business of freelance writing with the seriousness it deserves. PWAC members such as Sandra Phinney, Mariellen Ward, Nathalie Kleinschmit, Suzanne Boles, Gordon Graham and Stephen Kimber inspired us with their presentations.
Ross Mavis, retiring Atlantic Regional Director, inspired us with his insights, warmth and friendship and was rewarded with a lovely Hawaiian shirt to go with the 50 other flowered shirts he has in his closet. No one can call Ross a dull dresser. And no one can call PWAC a dull organization.
Ross Mavis shows off the shirt he was awarded for service to the PWAC board
The conference had three distinct business-related highlights for me:
1) we passed a motion for criteria that will admit self and independently published authors to our membership.
2) we launched the newly-designed platform of writers.ca on which members will be able to attract new clients via their keyword search-friendly profiles, market existing work and forge new relationships in the publishing industry.
3) PWAC has purchased the URL: canadiancreators.ca that will eventually be the home of an even bigger project. Stay tuned!
There were many personal highlights as well, but I’ll save those for a more private forum.
Has PWAC touched your life? Has attending a writers’ conference changed your life? Are you looking to network with Canadian creators? Please join the conversation.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the
work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t
afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart.
Good information. Lucky me I found your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
we’re all inspired by one another. Sounds like an interesting conference, may it would be inspired as well.
That conference sounds like it was a lot of fun and very informative as well. i have not attending a writters conference. Do you think it would be something I should consider and would be a worthwhile endeavor?
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Hi Susan and thanks for joining the discussion.
If you want to further your writing goals or abilities, attending a writer’s conference is definitely recommended.
I often find I learn just as much from fellow attendees during informal discussion as I learn from the formal presenters. Plus you have the opportunity to make new business connections and new friends who share similar interests.
I can honestly say I’ve never attended a writer’s conference that I thought was a waste of time. You may also wish to seek our associations for illustrators and see what they have to offer. I’m not sure if they have the same sharing spirit as writers, but I can honestly say that I’ve found writers to be a very sharing and supportive group for the most part. Other than the occasional odd ball, whom I refer to in the “writers helping writers” post in this blog. Take a look!
Hi Doreen :
Sorry to be so late to this party. Others have said much what I would say. The only thing that I would add is that while I was initially not in favour of being part of MagNet every year, I can totally see that it makes sense. I learned so much from being able to personally meet with editors and publishers and others involved in the industry. The first year at MagNet (2009) when other writing and editing groups were there was the best, and if we can get everyone under one roof again, that would be the best scenario. We can’t operate in a vacuum, or just with one or two other writing/editing groups as I think it limits the possibilities and opportunities for professional development. I think this year showed that having PWAC@MagNet doesn’t lose our “PWAC soul” and can strengthen it.
Hi Christine. Thanks for joining the conversation.
I agree with you that attaching the PWAC annual conference to MagNet seems to be working out quite well. I like the way we have linked our special events to a region of the country, and am really looking forward to the BC focus next year.
It has saved the assn a lot of $$ by not roving conferences physically. We can still do so virtually, to preserve that PWAC spirit we all know and love, because as you say, there are so many benefits to partnering with MagNet that it just may not be economically feasible to consider moving our conferences in the foreseeable future.
Associations have to be flexible, but they also need to be practical, and it seems like we’ve found that blend in PWAC. Partnering with other creator groups is certainly a high priority for us, and hopefully, our professional development at MagNet will be even better next year.
Hi Jeannette and thanks for joining us again on the blog. It’s been awhile since your last visit!
Yes, joining professional groups not only brings us an array of support and expertise to tap into, but also fabulous friends who share our hopes, dreams, challenges and goals. Who better to brainstorm and strategize with than those who understand your situation from the inside?
Doreen — PWAC sounds like a great organization. I don’t belong to a writer’s association but I am a member of Public Relations Society of America and the Financial Women’s Association of New York. I’ve made important business contacts through these two groups but most of all I cherish the friendships I’ve made. Sounds like the members of PWAC are colleagues as well as friends.
Hello Doreen and thank you for always being such a great supporter of PWAC and all your efforts as National VP – PWAC is really truly so much more than a professional organization it is a national family of members who truly support one another’s success country-wide. I agree with others that being on our Board this past year has been an amazingly rewarding experience and I am very honored to be taking on another year serving not only my Region, the Prairies & North, but all members. YES – this is an exciting time for our profession!
Thanks, Michelle.
You are a perfect example of a long-time member who had never attended a national conference until last year. And then lo-and-behold … you caught the fever, realizing how much more enriching your membership could be by really getting involved in the assn. (We’re so glad you did!)
I think that’s true with every org. If we sit on the sidelines, we don’t really take full advantage of what is available. Once we tap into it … there’s no turning back! And it’s a win-win, for the individual and for the assn as a whole.
Hi Catarina, and thanks for dropping in on the blog.
If I’m not mistaken, you are also in Canada. I think you would really benefit from PWAC, as it sounds like you do a wide variety of writing. Check out our online directory of members. It’s search-friendly and quite intuitive, so if you were to join, you would write your profile using keywords with which you’d like to be associated. For me, the obvious choice is “chocolate.”
A great way for anyone to find a Canadian writer specializing in chocolate, or whatever field might be YOUR specialty. Check out the “Find a writer” box at http://writers.ca/.
Sounds like an interesting conference Doreen. Have never attended a writers forum. To be honest I didn’t even know they existed. Maybe it would inspire me as well?:-)
Comment Luv doesn’t work – so this is the article I posted yesterday: “What’s your online reputation worth?” http://catarinasworld.com/what%E2%80%99s-your-online-reputation-worth/
I can only echo the comments above. PWAC AGMs and conferences are like Folkfest for me. I live them fully and am saddened and sleep deprived when they fly by. Then I count down the months to the next one.
One of the highlights in my own top ten is working with this board and in addition, being on board for the many exciting things we are launching into for this grand 21st century. PWAC is on a roll.
Thanks for your comment, Rusti.
I know what you mean about the “folkfest” atmosphere. At PWAC we truly do have a feeling of comfort among members and at our events. There is no pretentiousness, and we make every effort to ensure that new members and conference virgins are well looked after and made to feel like part of the family.
Yes, I agree with you as to what a pleasure it is to be working on the PWAC board. We’ve been so fortunate to have gathered a terrific group of dedicated individuals (and staff) that are working hard and excited for our future. Thanks for your hard work as national treasurer. PWAC is definitely on a roll!
Thanks for this thread, Doreen! I initially joined PWAC (seven years ago) for the professional development and to meet other writers, but the membership experience has turned into a lot more — I’ve picked up business and marketing strategies, improved certain skills (public speaking, event planning), found inspiration in successful veteran writers, received paying assignments from fellow members, and occasionally been in the position to hire others. The opportunities just keep growing. I also find that the more you put into PWAC, the more you get back — I’m very glad that, three years ago, I got more involved by joining the Toronto Chapter executive board.
Thanks for your comment, Jaclyn.
Yes, I truly find that you get out much more than you put in … if you volunteer for an assn.
Thanks for all the efforts you make on behalf of PWAC-TO and all of PWAC. We really appreciate it!
I’m speechless – you’ve said it all, my PWAC friends! There’s a reason – many reasons – why I haven’t missed an AGM/conference since I attended my first, also in Toronto, in 1984. My only small complaint about this year’s edition is that we only had one sing-along. Otherwise, it was stellar.
Thanks so much for joining the conversation, Kathe. You are, afterall, our Conference Queen, having as you say, attended our national conferences for 28 consecutive years! That’s an amazing achievement and one that attests to the importance and appeal of our national conferences.
It was great to see so many new members out to the conference this year. Hopefully, like you and I … once they attend they will continue to do so annually.
Thanks for organizing our “buddy” system. I think pairing a new member/conference attendee with one of us veterans is a terrific idea that makes sure everyone feels like they’re “in the loop and in the action.”
Hi Doreen – glad you had a good time. Conferences, when they’re good, can be fantastic, if not life changing. I have to envy you on going to this one (if I was Canadian at least) but what better way than to share resources and problems. All of the groups you listed have commonalities and the varying groups that were set up , or you already have, seem fantastic. Clearly from the comments its a great supportive organization. That you are all able to mix the lighthearted with the work aspect of the group is also a good testament to it’s strength and sense of camaraderie. Love the Hawaiian shirt photo! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks, A.K. Always great to hear from you.
Yes, there’s something very unique about PWAC. We have technical writers, book authors, periodical writer, script and speech writers, corporate writers, bloggers, instructors, workshop presenters and more. PWAC really is a unique organization and I have learned much from it and all the members since joining in 1997.
And yes, we like to have fun together, too!
Thanks for the summary, Doreen. I wish I could’ve attended more sessions, but other matters pressed. Glad to hear you had a good time!
Thanks, Luigi, for dropping into the blog, and for doing the fab presentation on the new writers.ca.
PWAC is fortunate to have experts like you with such technical finesse among our membership.
I have added your terrific tech blog onto my blogroll, so that my readers can look to your for technical guidance.
This was my second PWAC conference/AGM and it was terrific to see so many people in person from across the country that I have only met once before or online. The sessions were jam packed with great tips, but the best part of the week was networking with other writers and helping each other with ideas for business building. I also enjoyed co-leading a 5K morning run with Virginia Heffernan and hope that more folks join in next year.
Thanks for your comment, Jane, and for joining the blog.
It was great spending time with you, and as you say … sharing ideas with fellow writers. Many PWAC members have helped me formulate ideas and travel with me for my chocolate travel book as I’ve gone thru the 3-year-long research stage. So fortunate to have that support and friendship.
Looking forward to more networking next year. But I doubt very much I’ll be up for that early morning run!
Wonderful testimonies to the power of PWAC (and networking, and learning, and meeting old friends and making new ones.) Although conferences like this can be downright exhausting, they are also invigorating and inspiring.
Well done everyone!
Thanks for dropping into the blog, Sandra, and for your wonderful presentation on travel writing. I found the segment on photography particularly helpful.
It was great seeing you in TO and inspiring one another.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…Lima’s culinary scene does not disappoint
Stephen Kimber taught me magazine writing at King’s College during my journalism degree. I learned a lot from him and still remember his urgings to ‘tell the story’. His words and teaching stay with me all these many years later (I took the degree in 1987/88).
That is so cool, Amanda!
Well, PWAC now proudly has Stephen as our new Atlantic Regional Director. I think he will be a terrific addition to our board and am thrilled to see him taking a more active role in our assn. PWAC definitely rocks!
Thanks for your comment. I will invite Stephen to drop by the blog and see if he’ll share a comment.
Thanks for this, Doreen. This was my very first PWAC conference/AGM and now that I’ve been I can’t believe I missed it for many years. Everything about it was amazing–from the people to the workshops to the meetings–and from now on, I’ll encourage people even more to attend. It was just a fantastic week and I was so sad when it was over. Guess I just have to look forward to next year.
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Thanks for dropping into the blog, Heidi.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your 1st PWAC conference.
I think for me it was a no-brainer to get involved with the national conferences right from Day 1 as my chapter was hosting the AGM the year after I joined, so I was immediately recruited to helping out on the AGM planning committee and don’t think I’ve ever missed a national conference since then. They really are a perk of membership that too many members never take advantage of. Let’s get the word out!
Hi Doreen et al,
I’ve been a member of PWAC for years and have met the most inspiring and interesting Canadians through the organization. Most of the people I love collaborating with are current or former members of this great organization and I’ve learned so much from many others. Lots of lessons come to mind, including negotiating with strength from Tim Perrin, planning for retirement from Julie Watson, discovering the joys of technology from Emru Townsend (who has unfortunately died since then), self-publishing from Paul Lima and creating a digital career from Marijke Vroomen Durning. The real strength of the organization is its grass-roots governance that forces people from all the different regions within Canada to build on diverse strengths together. I’m really excited about the possible creators’ cooperative too. Can’t wait to participate.
Yay, Tracey! You always come up with an interesting perspective. And I’m thrilled to learn that you are willing to help us with the research and facilitation of the Creators’ Cooperative. It will be fabulous when we can move forward on that goal, but for now, it will be a lot of behind-the-scenes work to strengthen our alliances. (There’s always room on the IRC if you’re interested.)
And yes, isn’t it the truth that so many people have come into our lives via PWAC, and whether they remain as current members isn’t the issue. We have affected our lives in a positive way and have remained good friends. Thanks for being one of mine.
Thanks for this post Doreen. You were one of the first people to speak to me at my first PWAC AGM in Vancouver. And you came to Regina for a workshop several years ago that helped our chapter get up and running. I’ve definitely been aided by PWAC in my writing career – so much so that I founded the Saskatchewan chapter – and you’ve been at the heart of that. My business has continued through hard times because of the ideas I’ve gained and contacts I’ve made at PWAC over the years. I’m echoing all the other speakers here, in saying how much the membership means to me – and how much I enjoy the AGMs! See you all next year!
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Thanks so much, Marie. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you and to seeing your grow the SK presence of PWAC. You’ve worked very hard to get it to where it is today!
Looking forward to seeing you at the “PWAC on the Prairies” event in Saskatoon in Sept. PWAC will definitely be rocking the Prairies, and hopefully …. further expanding our reach.
Doreen, since joining PWAC I have been catapulted from a hobby writer to a “real” writer in a few short years. Members from all corners of Canada have provided me with the confidence, the skill, and the drive to meet the “bar.” This “bar” raises and the inspiration I get from watching successes, like yourself, helps keep me moving to reach it.
This is the true value of membership in PWAC. There is no other organization where members truly help each other reach their goals. The level of success in our membership never ceases to amaze me. In fact, at times, it is daunting. Am I really hanging out with professionals who make a good living from their craft? Am I one of them? Each and every day I receive affirmation to both questions.
This is the take-a-way I received from attending my first conference since becoming a PWACer. The joy of meeting my mentors is indescribable. I feel elated and even more convinced than ever that I am part of this crowd – those professionals who make a living writing.
Without each and every PWACer, I am sure I would not be where I am today. I must send a big thank you to all PWACers and look forward to seeing everyone next year. I now have the income from my writing that enables me to do so.
Yay, Bonnie!
I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked this last few years and am proud that you’ve been reaching your goals.
It’s tremendous the way you and your team have organized the upcoming PWAC regional event for SK in Sept. Looking forward to seeing you again then.
Thanks for dropping into the blog and sharing your inspiration.
Thanks for sharing this Doreen. Really sorry I missed it. Next year, next year….
We missed YOU, Eve!
BC is lucky to have a terrific RD in Heidi Turner. I’m sure she’ll be giving you a full report. And next year … the regional theme will feature BC, so we’re really looking forward to that. See you then if not before.
Indeed, it was a great conference, Doreen. I arrived exhausted from a big medical meeting in Chicago, but it didn’t take long to get re-energized.
For me, the highlights of the conference were Sandra Phinney’s excellent travel writing workshop and the mid-career “take it to the next level” panel with Suzanne, Marijke, and Nathalie.
The single most important message that PWACers convey is that it is possible to write anything you want, at any age, and succeed — if you put your mind to it. It’s nice to be reminded of that when I go to MagNet and see people doing what they love while making a decent living. When I see how far some people have come in only a few years, I’m amazed. That includes YOU, Doreen.
Bruce (aka Prospero)
Thanks, Bruce.
Yes, I think we’re all inspired by one another. That’s what’s so awesome about PWAC, and by the PWAC board. Happy to be working with you. We have lots more great things to achieve in the year(s) ahead.
You know that PWAC has totally changed my life. Here are a few examples:
-Learning about the craft and business of freelance writing from writers who are happy and willing to share
-getting an almost instant reply to a message posted on a listserve about anything from help to find a story source to tech-related questions
-Watching the organization grow from 250 to 700 since I joined with more and more new and interesting members
-Making life-long friends, especially you Doreen!
I totally agree with the first two take-aways you had from the AGM. I don’t know about “stay tuned” but am interested to learn more. Right now I’m having fun with the new writers.ca!
Yay, Suzanne! Thanks for being the 1st to comment on this exciting post. And for being such a marvellous PWAC friend. Through your giving nature, willingness to share your knowledge and time and your devotion to the craft, you have made PWAC a better place to be.
The new URL I refer to will be part of the writer’s cooperative (now expanded to the idea of a Creators’ Cooperative) that we are investigating. Very exciting times for PWAC and its members. Glad to be a part of it.