ARTICLES

Toronto Author Inspires Local Writers
By M. E. Wood

This weekend the Belleville Public Library held a writing workshop with award winning author, Rosemary Aubert. Aubert spoke to a group of interested writers about her experience as a writer and the process of writing.

When it comes to writing, success doesn’t necessarily mean financial gain, hence the term starving-writer. To date, Rosemary Aubert has had a successful writing career, having had 11 books published. Despite this success she hasn’t been able to leave her day job in the Toronto court system.

At present, Aubert is a mystery writer, having also dabbled in romance writing. The fourth book in her Ellis Portal mystery series, Leave Me By Dying, is due to be released in August.

The informal workshop lasted two hours. The 13 budding writers in attendance were entertained by Aubert’s exuberant and positive attitude. She kept an open dialogue, encouraging all to ask questions and make comments.

Tracy Riden, a writer and Quinte Writer’s Guild member couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed. “I could have asked questions all afternoon.”

This was also a good networking opportunity for aspiring writers. Aubert was quick to point out the importance of getting together with other writers and that “writing is a lonely profession”.

Aubert will be coming back this summer to do a week long writing workshop through Loyalist College’s Summer Arts Program; entitled, Writing a Novel from A-$. The daytime course which runs from July 7-11 costs $202.50. For more information on Aubert’s course contact Loyalist College at: 969-7900.

If you are a writer interested in networking with other writers, the Quinte Writer’s Guild meets the first Tuesday evening of every month at the Wharf Street Debating Club. Contact Pamela at 966-1755.

*published in the Belleville Intelligencer, April 2003