Group Rewards
Posted on: August 30, 2013
I have been a member of a wonderful organization, CWILL BC (Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC) for the past three years. This organization provides information and support to local children’s authors and assists in promoting our books. I have found my membership to be most beneficial. The monthly meetings are well-organized and informative. I have learned so much through the mentorship program and the master classes. Throughout the year special events are planned as well. In June, CWILL BC celebrated a 25 year anniversary with an event The Walking Read. Many of us attended dressed as a favourite character. It was fun to mingle with Anne of Green Gables, Mary Poppins, The Paper Bag Princess, Red Riding Hood and the Wolfe, and so many more. I came as Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.
Elizabeth Bennet and Anne of Green Gables
Dorothy and the Scarecrow at The Walking Read
Magical creatures were everywhere
More great pictures can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cwillbcphotos/sets/72157633430613663/
This event was also a fund-raiser for Family Support & Resource Centre at BC Children’s Hospital and included a silent auction. I was excited to learn I was the highest bidder for “Tea with an Author”. This included afternoon tea with an author, a child of my choice and myself. The following month, author P.J. Sarah Collins, her ten-year old daughter, and a good friend’s six-year-old daughter met me at Truffles in Van Dusen Gardens for tea. What a lovely time we had. The young women dressed in their finest, were extremely well behaved and asked us questions about our books.
Tea with an author
We all enjoyed the wonderful tea time treats, overlooking the beautiful gardens. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Being able to meet and mix with other authors is motivating. I have made some wonderful new friends through CWILL BC.
Do you belong to a special group that has been beneficial to you in some way?
9 Responses to "Group Rewards"
August 31, 2013 at 1:21 am
I enjoyed seeing so many colourful costumes and tea with an author sounds like an excellent idea.
I belong to several booksellers groups and the help they give is invaluable.
August 31, 2013 at 7:01 am
The costumes were amazing. The authors’ creativity came out strong. I think it was Maya Maya Angelou who said, “We can not go it alone.” Which is why support groups are invaluable.
August 31, 2013 at 11:06 pm
This looks magic Darlene – I love the way everyone got into the spirit of it all so well – the costumes are gorgeous!
September 1, 2013 at 1:01 pm
It was magic. I was amazed at the costumes and how well organized the event was.
September 1, 2013 at 12:11 am
AW! SO SO SO COOL!!! I would have dressed up as Vordak the Incomprehensible! (AWESOME books!) 😀
September 1, 2013 at 1:02 pm
I wish you could have been there! Perhaps you can dress as Vordak the Incompehensible for Halloween thsi year.
Darlene Foster's Blog 
August 30, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Tea with an author, what a great idea! I can think of a few authors I’d like to have tea with (you included). I think it’s amazing that there’s an organization providing support specifically to children’s authors, I would never have guessed that such a thing existed.
August 31, 2013 at 6:55 am
I do hope one day to have tea with you. The bigest probem will be deciding which tearoom to meet at as there are so many wonderful places in your area. I am indeed fortunate to have CWILL available.