A friendly lady at the Surrey Writer’s Conference encouraged me to join the Federation of B.C. Writers when I picked up a pamphlet. I did not need to be a published author to be a member. Connecting with locals sounded like an easy way to learn more about the world of writing so I bit.
Their website is www.bcwriters.ca so if you are in British Columbia this may be a good community to explore. You can post your author profile and links to your website here and introduce yourself. Other B.C. members are listed; perhaps you will discover your fave barista’s secret life. Authors have the opportunity to list their reading and signing events, check the calendar for upcoming contests with prize money, and find local writing groups across B.C.
The Federation of B.C. Writers has area representatives and I got invited to a meet and greet at a Nanoose Pub. Writers with extensive journalism and publishing backgrounds were welcoming and gladly shared information even though I have yet to write one book.
There’s now a newsletter in my email box informing me of a local poetry reading, various awards, and the opportunity to join an on-line critique group. Those who share resources and persist in writng, despite the distractions of reality, are a gift to aspiring authors!