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| https://books2read.com/All-That-Shimmers |
When you become part of a writing group, you tend to develop some close friendships. In joining the Headwaters Writers’ Guild in April 2007, I had no idea how that journey would become such a huge part of my life.
Founded by Nancy Rorke and Janet Bellinger after taking
courses with Ed Wildman (who had trained with Natalie Goldberg), the HWG was
never a large group. We fluctuated between 5-20 members depending on the year, the
season, or the Sunday. We met every second Sunday in various locations for various
reasons. When I first joined, we met in the basement at the Orangeville Public
Library. Then were unceremoniously kicked out when they wanted to charge us
rent. A few times, we met in the boardroom at the Meridian Credit Union since
we held a bank account there.
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| One of our many great events! |
As luck had it, one of our members was a pastor’s wife.
She made arrangements for us to move to the basement of Tweedsmuir Church up
the street for a few years. Then the library hired new management and had a
change of heart. We were allowed to use the community room provided we assist
with their new programming – WOW, or Words the Orangeville Way. And we did!
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| Open Mic Night! |
Open Mic Nights, author panels, guest speakers, workshops,
all went under the banner of WOW. Many of our writers participated and it was a
great way to meet new writers to bring into our fold. We also offered retreats at
Eramosa Eden in Rockwood, which was partly owned by two of our members, sisters
Gloria and Alberta Nye. Our local coffee shop, Mochaberry, was often our after
meeting destination.
Christmas parties over the years were held at a variety
of locations. King’s Buffet was a favorite, also potlucks at the library, and another
local buffet, the name of which escapes me.
My very first retreat with the group was the first time I
dared to put a book out for critique. And regretted it! My story, my words, my
baby was picked apart. I was devastated! BUT, I did go back and made some
changes. In 2010, I found an agent, then a publisher. While The Bookstore Lady
underwent many more changes and edits, I was grateful for the support of the
group.
Why the longwinded reminiscence? Nancy Rorke passed away
at the end of this October. I hadn’t seen her for a few years as she’d suffered
health issues and I’d gone down my own rabbit hole, but her fire-cracker spirit
has lived on in things I write. She was always heavy-handed with writing criticism
within the group, but always with the best of intentions. She could be a great
shoulder to lean on when you needed writing or moral support.
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| Patricia Gallant, Diane Bator, Nancy Rorke, Judy Zarowny at Authors & Armchairs 2011 |
Our lives went in separate directions a few years ago,
but I still think of her fondly. She was one of those people who made me more
determined than ever to “make it.” To be a published author and to share my
stories with the world.
Thank you, Nancy, for your love, your endless support,
and your spirit. You will live on in many hearts.
Love Always,
Diane
