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Women share their stories in this intercultural group reading

Culture Chats invites everyone to hear about the experiences of diverse women in a reading event this Saturday at the Tommy Douglas library branch

Women are sharing their stories in a reading event at the Tommy Douglas library this weekend – and you’re invited.

The Culture Chats Intercultural Women’s Writing Group is holding a reading event on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Burnaby Public Library branch at 7311 Kingsway.

The event is the culmination of a six-month program that offered training and support for women from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, with workshop sessions from literary instructors and authors.

It was the second cohort to go through the program; a collection of writings was released in a booklet in March to share the stories of the first cohort who went through the program last year. Selected stories from both groups will be released on the Culture Chats website, www.culturechats.org, on Oct. 19.

“This project provides a platform for diverse women to voice their emotions and experiences and contribute to the mainstream public conversation about community life,” said Asmita Lawrence of Culture Chats in a press release. “We are working with some local partners, such as What’s On Magazine, to publish selected writings of these women who speak English as a second language.”

Participant Tanya Kan said she has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of writing, peer feedback and intercultural discussions with the group. She quoted Paolo Coelho in expressing how glad she was to learn about the program, as she had been searching for something just like it to help her put her thoughts to paper: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Women interested in writing and community are invited to apply for the next intake of the program, which will likely be in early 2020 (subject to funding availability). To register or to inquire, email culturechats@gmail.com.

The Saturday reading is free, and you don’t need to register ahead – drop-ins are welcome.