“It’s Time!” The Algoma Writers Collective – initial formative steps

Over the past three months, Judy Penz Sheluk, Marianne Perry, Lisa Tucker, and I have been mapping out how a Sault / Algoma region-based writing group could be created and placed on a solid, sustainable path. Our initial planning is reflected in this blog post – the Algoma Writers Collective (AWC). There will be much more information distributed here and on other platforms in coming weeks, but the core ACW concepts are readily summarized:

• An ACW that welcomes all Sault and Algoma region writers, with membership open to anyone working in any literary genres / any age / background / philosophical views – so long as you are serious about your writing craft
• A website / digital platform will be created for ACW members’ purposes (including where members can access sound information concerning writing, upcoming events, workshops, promote their own works, and (perhaps most importantly) – an ability to better navigate the often choppy, treacherous publishing world waters
• A modest annual fee to cover ACW costs (100% breakeven proposition) – and an assurance that members will take the ACW / its objectives to heart
• ACW networking
• The initial ACW leadership (the four of us named above) are committed to getting the ball rolling. There has been excellent interest expressed in the Sault Ontario literary community and from welcome Sault Michigan / Eastern UP sources. Once the preliminary ACW membership is determined, the Collective’s membership will decide on a more formal Collective structure / defined leadership role(s)
• It is certain that there are more published Sault / regional – based authors now than ever before. Developments that include the Algoma U ‘Algomian’ literary review and several talented Sault types scoring some fine publishing awards over the past few years have given our entire literary community significant critical mass. This blog post will be emailed to everyone I can think of regarding ACW membership, and what our community can achieve together ….
• And — closely aligned with this post’s ‘Its Time’ motif, please see my companion blog posted today (and circulated across the Sault / regional writers / photographers – the ‘Fresh Eyes – Sault Ste Marie in 2025′ book project and a unique opportunity to see / be part of creative work that will take shape right before the entire City’s eyes (May 7 through 11, 2025). To my knowledge, this ‘Fresh Eyes’ concept has never been previously undertaken anywhere in Canada -and why not here? I shall be grateful if you could circulate this post to anyone you think might have an ACW interest. Kindly contact me at [email protected] with your expressions of interest. Best to all, Bryan