The Writing Fairy

Durham College North Campus (Uxbridge, ON):
Fall 2006: September 27 through November 29

This course is for adults who aren’t quite sure they’re ready to call themselves writers, but who are compelled to arrange letters and words on print surfaces or computer screens to tell stories and share opinions. In other words, closet writers. During the day, participants will share their feelings about writing and explore a number of possibilities for realizing their passion more fully. A series of interactive exercises will help them recognize the uniqueness of their voices, and unleash the magic that only they can conjure up through their use of words. Oh, and with Dorothea at the helm, there will be way too much laughter during this inspiring day!

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“Friday at the Foster”
September 22, 2006 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Thomas Foster Memorial is 70 years old. Inspired by the Taj Mahal in India, the Memorial was built in 1936 for $250,000, and is made of solid imported marble and 22k gold mosaics. To commemorate this historic landmark, the Town of Uxbridge is holding a series of “Friday at the Foster” events. On September 22nd, local writing instructor Dorothea Helms, a.k.a. The Writing Fairy, will introduce four of her former creative writing students.

Lana Cutrara has been published in “The Globe and Mail,” “There’s No Place Like Home,” “Today’s Homes,” “Career Choices,” and “The Mom Project.” She enjoys her role as the Membership Co-ordinator for the Writer’s Circle of Durham Region (WCDR).

Bette Hodgins is a freelance writer and health care consultant who lives by the motto, “You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” An award-winner in two national writing contests, Bette has a writer’s enthusiasm for challenge and adventure.

Barbara E. Hunt has been published with CBC Radio One, “The Globe and Mail,” “The M.O.M. Project” and “Homemakers.” She is on the board of WCDR, teaches poetry, and is a finalist in LICHEN Arts & Letters Preview “One Hundred and One Words Non-Poetry Challenge.”

Connie Jamieson has enjoyed success in healthcare, outdoor recreation and other freelance writing. Her short fiction piece was a finalist in the Writers’ Union of Canada 2003 Postcard Story Competition; her “Opinion Shaper” articles appeared in Metroland newspapers in 2003; and her memoir won the Fall 2004 WCDR 24-hour non-fiction contest.

Come and enjoy a medley of literary voices as each writer shares her unique style!

4 km north of Uxbridge on Durham Road 1
Google Map to Thomas Foster Memorial

No advance ticket sales – Donations at the door

Sometimes even the best writers let down audiences when they read their work aloud. During this one-day workshop, Dorothea will share with you many of the guidelines that have made her a popular speaker and presenter, and won her speech contests during the years she spent as a member of International Toastmistress Organization (now called ITC). This one-day workshop helps writers develop their verbal skills in order to captivate audiences during author readings and book tours.

After a decade of hearing from clients, “I love to work with you because you’re so professional,” Dorothea decided to analyze what characteristics and approaches give a writer a professional edge. Find out about practices that take you from “amateur writer” to “professional.” This one-day workshop focuses on details about writing and styles, plus good business practices that help you attract and keep clients.

If your writing needs a creative shot-in-the-arm, you’ll find yourself jolted into uncharted fiction and non-fiction territory in this all-day workshop. Based on Dorothea’s popular 10-week Advanced Creative Writing course, this down-and-dirty writing day is not for the timid. Come prepared to participate in bold on-the-spot writing exercises and pry open your mind with a literary crowbar. If you enjoy stretching beyond the bounds of the expected, this workshop is for you.