The Write Way

We all know that good readers have a huge edge in school. But what about good writers?

There’s no doubt that knowing how to express one’s self clearly is a skill that benefits us all life long. Writing a persuasive argument can get us good marks on school essays, help us close a deal at work, or get our views in front of city council. And keeping one’s imagination sharp by penning stories and poems keeps our mind open to everything life has to offer. Vancouver moms can take advantage of a number of resources to get them on the writer’s path and there are options for all ages.

Just opened at 25th and Main is a lovely new children’s book store called Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush, which not only caters to readers but strives to engage budding writers. Visitors to the Writing Room can make up stories based on the three different items displayed there, or kids can bring in a book review they have written and trade it for a coupon worth 10 percent of their purchase. They can even add their own twist to the tale in an ongoing story being written at the shop. Owner Portia Belmont feels so strongly about encouraging wordsmiths, in fact, that she’s penned an original Child’s Charter of Writes that you can enjoy on her website.

And launching another season in Metro Vancouver is the Young Writers’ Club, founded by our own SavvyMom writer, Peggy Trendell-Jensen, and now a pet program of the Lynn Valley Literary Society. The club (for kids in Grades 5 and up) holds workshops based at Mollie Nye House, a community-use heritage home in North Vancouver, but members don’t have to be local. Everyone stays in touch through a monthly newsletter that arrives in the post, and an online forum that links up members near and far. The club offers writing advice and exercises, contests and challenges, and publication in their annual anthology.

Those interested in learning more are invited to the Young Writers’ Club Open House, taking place on Sunday, September 21 from 2 to 4 pm, where the whole family is invited to meet the directors, check out the clubhouse and enjoy some refreshments.

On the west side of Vancouver, you’ll find Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art, where children as young as five can get in on the author act. “Word Collectors” is their workshop for the earliest writers, and the ability to print confidently is not required. A range of writing workshops and bookclubs is offered for all age groups, with a special study group offered for home schoolers. 

And lest you parents get “notebook envy,” don’t forget it’s never too late to pick up the pen. Check out The Momoir Project for information about classes especially designed to get Vancouver moms sharing their stories. Your great-grandchildren will be glad you did! 

Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush
www.huckleberrychildrensbooks.com
4387 Main St. 

Young Writers’ Club
www.youngwritersclub.ca
940 Lynn Valley Rd.

Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art
www.christiannehayward.com
3696 West 8th Ave.

The Momoir Project
www.themomoirproject.com

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