Darlene Foster's Blog

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?