Yesterday, Erin and I had the pleasure of coming out to Rockway Mennonite Collegiate to take part in their annual Celebwrite celebrations. Erin and I presented to a creative writing class, and then were interviewed before the entire school about our writing. Though I fear my own part of the presentation was a bit rough around the edges, we enjoyed ourselves, we enjoyed the chance to read our works, and we might see if we can brush up our writing presentation so we can do these school presentations together. The life of a writing family might be of interest to some schools.
Rockway’s Celebwrite encourages its students to express themselves creatively, though stories, poems, writing exercises, and even movies and plays. We were privileged to hear what some budding writers and poets had to say, and these students gave it their all. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and talent on display there.
I’d like to thank the students of Rockway Collegiate for having us over and making us feel so welcome. Thanks to teacher Kristen Mathies for helping to arrange the visit, and to student Britney for interviewing us on stage.
Later that evening, I was also privileged to attend a reception at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in the old Seagram plant. It was a pretty formal affair attended by the mayors of Kitchener (who is a Rockway graduate, coincidentally enough) and Waterloo to show their appreciation and support for the region’s artistic community (support and appreciation which, I must say, are very much appreciated in this quarter), and to announce the nominees for the 2008 K-W Literary Awards, to be held next month.
I’m pleased to say that I have been nominated for the Literary Award this year. I am very honoured by this recognition. However, I note that among the other nominees is one Brian Henderson, the lead of Wilfred Laurier University press and a finalist for the 2007 Governor General’s Awards for his book of poetry, Nerve Language. I have a suspicion that I know who’s going to win. But at least, I can say that I designed and host his web site.