How many of you became interested in writing because you felt compelled to share a personal story? On Saturday, Dec. 10, at the regular breakfast meeting of The Writers’ Community of Durham Region (WCDR), author Wayson Choy will speak about writing stories based on one’s life. Readers of his works will agree that he is a master at communicating personal experiences through creative non-fiction and memoir writing. He is perhaps most acclaimed for The Jade Peony, a novel of Vancouver’s Chinatown published in 1995. The novel was cited by the Literary Review of Canada as “One of the 100 Most Important Books in Canadian History”, and won both the Trillium Book Award and the City of Vancouver Book Award. In 2010, it was selected as one of five books for the CBC’s annual Canada Reads competition. Choy has lived in Toronto since 1962. In 2005, he was named a member of the Order of Canada. He is presently working on his fifth book – a novel.

 

The meeting will be held at the Ajax Convention Centre on Beck Crescent, south of Highway 2, off Chambers Drive, which is just off Salem Road.

 

 

After the meeting, for an extra fee of $10 per person, breakfast attendees can take part in a mini workshop titled “The Not Necessarily for Playwrights Dialogue Writing Workshop.” Facilitated by Mike Khashmanian, this workshop will discover the world of creating believable dialogue. Michael is a mediator, playwright, actor, poet, song writer and the driving force behind the Durham Theatre Festival. As an alternative, WCDR members attending the breakfast may choose to pay $10 extra to attend a 15-minute, one-on-one blue-pencil session with a published professional or editor after the meeting.

 

At the WCDR monthly breakfast meetings, experienced and aspiring writers gather, learn and connect. The December meeting will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration fees include a gourmet breakfast. Fees are $20 for members who pre-pay, or $25 at the door. The non-member rate is $25 and MUST be pre-paid. Tickets for the breakfast are not available at the door.

 

 

The Writers’ Community of Durham Region (WCDR) is dedicated to raising the profile of writers of all kinds, and at all levels, by offering a forum through which they can find support, education and networking opportunities. As a non-profit umbrella organization, WCDR has worked since 1995 to draw together individuals and groups with common interests in promoting the art and skill of writing, fostering literacy, and providing moral support to members. Visit www.wcdr.org .