A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
WRITERS & EDITORS NETWORK [WEN]
2001 – 2011
It was the spring o
f 2001, and a few colleagues – a mix of writers and one experienced editor – were discussing how convenient it would be to have a place in Mississauga where writers and editors could mingle and socialize, and above all – network.
One friend, professional editor Marjorie Green, had already launched a thriving group in the east end: The Writers’ Circle of Durham Region [WCDR]. She had assembled a winning combination of inspiring guest speakers, a convenient location and good food! Why couldn’t we do the same?
With Marjorie’s expertise to guide us, we gathered the necessary components: a small roster of qualified speakers who would agree to address our monthly meetings in exchange for a hearty breakfast; a welcoming location with easy access to transit links, and a group of friends and colleagues interested in getting together once a month to increase their writing and editing smarts. All we needed was a communications scheme to attract like-minded residents of the western GTA, and we were all set.
Over the summer of 2001, we scrambled to build the necessary framework for our dream: an initial mailing list of community newspapers to advertise our project; contacts at local public libraries who would post our monthly flyers, and one or two appealing and generous speakers to get us rolling and encourage prospective members to come back for more. We still needed a venue.
By the end of the summer, we had found a small sports bar whose owners agreed to let us meet there once a month. The proprietors would supply us with a tasty breakfast and – best of all – our new home was close to the subway and Mississauga transit.
After ten years, a new location, and a parade of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, the Writers & Editors Network has achieved what the founders had hoped for: good food at a warm and friendly gathering place where editors, authors, and gifted speakers can connect. Our members come from many professions and backgrounds. Some have amazing stories to tell, and many have seen their work published in print or online. A few, whom we call charter members, have been with us from the beginning. They share in our memories, and have helped WEN to grow and blossom.
Happy 10th Anniversary WEN! Many thanks to all those responsible for our success!
by N. Patricia Armstrong, co-founder