Years ago, I organized a community workshop to teach people how to get their stories into the local paper, and I've had a couple of requests to do another one.
The first couple of sessions were great. The library hosted, and registration at the second session was full.
I've decided to host another workshop this fall. The event is free and for community members or non-profit groups who want to see issues they are concerned about in their local paper.
I teach participants how to identify a good story, how to focus the story idea, how to write a press release and who to send it to, among other things.
I always enjoy the workshops because it's a great chance to meet key stakeholders in the community, and people often come with fabulous story ideas.
Also, if you attended one of the previous workshops, a lot of the contact information for the Burnaby NOW has changed. We have a few new faces in the newsroom, and the beats have been juggled around, so I'll provide updates on that.
If you're interested in attending the workshop, go to go to www.bpl. bc.ca/events/mcgill to register. To participate, make sure you come with a story idea in mind, and we will work through various exercises to focus your idea. I've booked the program room at McGill library branch for Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. The workshop runs for an hour-and-a-half. Space will be limited, so sign up early.
SUMMER READING
I received a copy Bead Bai, a historical novel by local writer Sultan Somjee. The story is about an embroidery artist growing up in British East Africa in the early 1900s. This book came to my attention thanks to longtime Burnaby resident Elaine Miranda, who is Sultan's neighbour. Elaine read the book, loved it and sent this note:
"It is a wonderful fictional account of a young girl's journey from girl to woman to artist. It is set in Africa in the 1930s to 1940s, and it is also an incredible cultural learning experience. I have since had an opportunity to get to know Sultan on a more personal basis, and he is truly an inspirational man," she wrote.
The first person to email me with Bead Bai in the subject line will receive a signed copy of the book. (But you do have to pick it up at our office, which is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Bead Bai is also available on Amazon.com. For more information, go to thebeadbai.blogspot.ca.
Have an interesting story you'd like to share with the community? Send Here and Now items to Jennifer Moreau via email at [email protected].
