Jennifer Dai, 36, dreams of becoming a published author. She has been hard at work penning her memoirs of growing up in China and the difficulties and triumphs of immigrating to a foreign land.
The problem is the language barrier has been hard to overcome.
When she learned that award-winning author Caroline Adderson was offering free workshops for ESL writers, she jumped at the chance.
"It is somewhat easier to improve reading, speaking and listening, as we may get a lot of chance to practice," says the Richmond resident. "I found writing is the most difficult part for me. Because we are not familiar with the culture, we can't find the exact expression."
Since Feb. 2, Adderson has been offering a number of events, such as one-on-one consultations, interactive workshops, as well as children's writing workshops at the Minoru Place Activity Centre, Richmond Arts Centre and the Richmond Public Library. She is in residence until March 29.
In her Parent-Preschooler Writing Group Sunday workshops, Adderson has 10 budding authors.
"What I've done is guide them through a real family story and, on March 4, they go home with a hardcover book illustrated by award-winning illustrator Kathryn Shoemaker," Adderson said. "I don't know who is having more fun, them or me."
Dai added she's already noticed that her writing skills have improved in the short time she's been attending Adderson's workshop.
Many of the programs have already begun, but there is still time for the manuscript consultation and session two of Parent-Preschooler Writing Groups March 4 session. Adderson will also be hosting a Public Reading and Launch of her ESL students' Mini Books on Thursday, March 29 from 7-9 p.m. in the Richmond Public Library, Brighouse branch.
"Each student has one chapter in the book. It's thrilling as many are autobiographical stories."
This isn't the first time Adderson has been a writer in residence. She took part in a similar program for the Vancouver Public Library in 2008.
"For writers, it's really a great two-month position," she said, adding writers apply and get paid. "As a writer, most of our time is spent alone and this is an opportunity to share your knowledge and also get re-energized about your own writing."
For aspiring writers, it's a chance to glean helpful feedback and critique for free. "It's also fun for me to uncover great talent."
Adderson added that the public is encouraged to submit a 2,500-word manuscript and she will read it and offer feedback.
Adderson is available for one-hour manuscript consultation appointments. For more information or to register, call 604-276-4300 or visit www.richmond.ca/register.
Resources for writers
- Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande
- The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner
- A Passion for Narrative: A Guide for Writing Fiction by Jack Hodgins
- Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
- The Art of Fiction by David Lodge
