Writers' Circles
Writers' circles operate independently of the Haliburton Highlands Writers' and Editors' Network, and are listed here for your convenience. If you require further information about any of these circles, contact the individual listed. Please note that you do not have to be a member of HHWEN to take part in writers' circles.
Circles provide an opportunity for writers to:
- share their work
- test out how it resonates with others
- receive advice and editing (upon request)
- share knowledge and resources
- take part in debates or discussions on usage
- ask for marketing suggestions
- enjoy the company of fellow writers
Circles currently consist of published authors, working journalists, published poets, as well as lots of emerging writers. The key element of circles is to show appreciation for each others' work, to educate writers and to motivate members to keep writing.
Algonquin Highlands Writers' Circle
| Time: | Every second Saturday, 9:30am to noon |
| Place: | Club 35, Halls Lake - Hwy 35 between Carnarvon & Dorset |
| Contact: | Brenda Peddigrew ~ 705-489-3509 ~ brenda@soulwinds.ca |
The Algonquin Highlands Writers' Circle is also known as a Writers' Resonance Circle. The word "resonance" reflects the way we operate. When someone chooses to read, our first response is, "What resonates with me about your writing?" Editorial critique is offered second, and only if asked for. This style encourages and supports writers who are unsure of their work, or even if they should be writing at all.
We also take about a half hour during every meeting for a silent writing time, when something new or old may be worked on right in the room, along with a silent group of writers writing. The quiet allows for new ideas to begin and continued.
Occasionally, all day retreats are arranged at outside venues.
Fiction Writers' Circle
| Time: | TBA |
| Place: | TBA |
| Contact: | Don Buxcey ~ 705-286-3012 ~ annahdon@sympatico.ca |
This circle is currently on hold, but is expected to be revived in autumn, 2009. Anyone interested in joining this group is advised to contact Don Buxcey.
Typically, each person at a meeting would read his or her work aloud (although not everyone may have something new each session), followed by a period of positive feedback from the group,to acknowledge recognition of things that worked well, and suggest alternative ways to approach difficulties. Learning and improvement are always the focus.
Philosophy Circle
| Time: | Fridays at 9:00 a.m. |
| Place: | Haliburton |
| Contact: | Sneh Chakraburtty ~ 705-286-3984 ~ sneh.chakraburtty@sympatico.ca |
To be enlightened, Man must know his or her responsibility towards facets of culture. A methodical move en route towards “existing” must bond with the Laws of Being. A child becoming a youth and later a breadwinner should have the tools for moving towards the focus of living in middle age. Venturing towards retirement then becomes an intelligent withdrawal from acquisitiveness to an exploration. Who, why, where, when and how did I come to be born a human? That is what the Philosophy Circle is about.
The Horse Before the Cart
| Time: | First and Third Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. |
| Place: | R. D. Lawrence Place, Minden |
| Contact: | Linda Voycey ~ 705-489-3661 ~ lindavoycey@teksavvy.com |
Co-ordinated by a trained Toastmaster, meetings have dual aspects:
1. to study briefly some published successes,
2. to use these works as inspiration to create.
Each meeting focuses upon one particular skill, such as story beginning, character, humour, etc. Using these inspirations, the group enjoys a short silent writing time. This is followed by a
sharing of the creations.
This circle is expected to run to mid-June. Visitors or people returning from the south are welcome.
Travel Writers Group in the Highlands
| Time: | tba |
| Place: | tba |
| Contact: | Pauline Johnson ~ 705-489-3878 ~ pauline.l.johnson@sympatico.ca |
This is an informal group of individuals interested in promoting tourism in the Haliburton Highlands. They work with Amy Brohm, tourism marketing coordinator, to discuss publicizing the nature of the county’s character and the wealth of travel experiences available here. For further information about meeting dates or the nature of the group, please contact Pauline Johnson.
Wilberforce Writers’ Circle
| Time: | First Thursday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 noon |
| Place: | Wilberforce Outpost Historic House |
| Contact: | Hilda Clark ~ 705-448-2018 ~ hildaclark@gmail.com |
Sessions are informal times of writing, sharing, motivating, and encouraging each other to write. All writers and would-be-writers are welcome.