A great writers' gathering

First-ever Moose Jaw Writes event is a success

Melanie McFarlane talks about her book, ‘The Descendants

and the Missing Guardian,’ at Moose Jaw Writes

on Oct. 24, 2015 at the Moose Jaw Public Library. 

Photo by Lisa Goudy

By Lisa Goudy

More than a dozen authors gathered in one place on Oct. 24.

Taking over the entire second floor of the Moose Jaw Public Library, there were booths

A crowd listens to a readout session at
Moose Jaw Writes on Oct. 24, 2015 at
the Moose Jaw Public Library.
Photo by Lisa Goudy    

with authors selling their books in one room and sessions in the other room.

Authors in attendance at the first-ever event, Moose Jaw Writes: Celebrating Moose Jaw writers, past and present were organizer Melanie McFarlane, Rachel Runnalls, David Temrick, Eric Ortlund, Amanda Zimmerman, David Richards, Carol Ferguson, Joan Soggie, Gladie Russell and Andre Harden. Members from Moose Jaw writing groups the Moose Jaw Night Writers, Prairie Pens and Moose Jaw Muse were also in attendance, as was Post Horizon Booksellers.

Dave Richards prepares to read a portion of
his work at Moose Jaw Writes on Oct. 24,
2015 at the Moose Jaw Public Library.
Photo by Lisa Goudy    

It featured a variety of genres and forms of writing, including adult, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, children's, spiritual, short stories and screenplays. Writers present were published traditionally, self-published or published through a small press.

On top of that, an average of 15 non-writer attendees were at each session or readout featuring short readings and questions from authors and writing groups.

Andre Harden speaks during a session at Moose Jaw

Writes on Oct. 24, 2015 at the Moose Jaw Public Library. 

Photo by Lisa Goudy

For instance, in Harden's session, someone asked about mistakes he's made as a writer. To that, he replied, "When I started out, I would just write. Too much of it depended on my mood and not plotting out the story intellectually."

In Richards' session, he spoke to his inspiration for writing historical fiction: "I try and take a real thing," he said, "and somehow it sparks with me."

Comments from writers and attendees were all positive and it was clear why this was the case - it was a well-organized, well thought out event that gave everyone the opportunity to connect with writers.
It was an event designed for writers of all levels from aspiring to established authors. It was a place to look at a great selection of writing and to buy some if desired. It was a place to hear an author read his or her words from a published work and an opportunity to ask that burning question.

Many authors set up tables at the Moose
Jaw Public Library to sell their works and
interact with people at Moose Jaw
Writes on Oct. 24, 2015.
Photo by Lisa Goudy    

It was three hours to learn about all of the writing talent that is present in Moose Jaw and area and Moose Jaw has a lot of great writing talent to offer.

*** This article also appeared in the Nov. 4, 2015 edition of the Moose Jaw Times-Herald's weekly publication, UnCut.

Rachel Runnalls speaks about her book, ‘Hiding,’at Moose Jaw Writes on Oct. 24, 2015
at the Moose Jaw Public Library.
Photo by Lisa Goudy    

Carol Ferguson (right) interacts with someone at
Moose Jaw Writes on Oct. 24, 2015 at the Moose
Jaw Public Library. Photo by Lisa Goudy