Exclusive to MapleLine Magainze ~ February 22, 2010

SOOKE, BC.  Those who write and read for both pleasure and profession have convened to create a new interest group that will present literary events and provide professional development related to writing and books.

Spearheaded by Mary P. Brooke (MapleLine Magazine), Kathe Drover (Reading Room Cafe and Bookstore) and Shirley Skidmore (Sooke Scribblers), the group's first two meetings have been well attended (10 and 12 attendees, respectively). To date the participants have hammered out a mission profile and are just days away from determining a name for the association of writers, editors, publishers and booksellers (plus a librarian and photographer to boot).

"Through workshops and seasonal weekend events this group will create a third plank of tourism-generating interest for Sooke, following in the footsteps of eco-tourism and the high profile of the visual arts in Sooke," said Brooke during the February 22 meeting. "We will promote Sooke as an enclave of literary creativity which will bring a new cross-section of visitors to our town," said Brooke, who is publisher/editor of MapleLine Magazine.

"There is so much talent in Sooke. We need to bring it together," said Kathe Drover, who owns and manages the Reading Room Cafe and Bookstore. Drover will lead the membership committee of the new group.

Both Brooke and Drover are directors on the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2010.

The workshop planning will commence by the efforts of author Britt Santowski, photographer Laurie Savoie and spiritual counsellor Cedona Holly. 

"Literary pursuits will lift up and spiritually reconnect Sooke with its bigger self," said Holly.

For starters, presentations by each member to those present at monthly meetings will provide an in-house style of professional development.

The group will continue to meet monthly, on the fourth Monday of each month. The next meeting will be held on Mon. March 22 at 1 pm, at the MapleLine Business Centre, 6707 West Coast Road.   MM