Donna Marrin, founder of the Markham Village Writers, talks to Open Book about the writing group, their on-line magazine and her own creative projects. Find resources for both readers and writers at their well-trafficked website…you won't be disappointed!
Open Book:
Tell us about Markham Village Writers.
Donna Marrin:
We’re a group of writers who share a passion for writing. Some of us write short fiction, some write poetry, some write creative non-fiction, some are working on novels. The common thread is that we all love to write and we’re also interested in the work of our fellow writers.
OB:
You founded the group in 1999. What inspired you to start Markham Village Writers?
DM:
Once my daughter had grown up and didn’t need as much of my attention, I realized that I hadn’t written anything in ages. That really bothered me because creative writing had always been an important part of my life. I needed motivation and I knew that joining a writing group would be the solution, but none existed in the area. So, I decided to create one. I found a meeting location, did some advertising, and the Markham Village Writers was born.
OB:
What a marvelous idea. How many members do you have in your group?
DM:
The numbers fluctuate, since people move through different stages in their lives, coming and going. Right now, we have 26 members, with a solid core group of about 10, and there are always approximately 15 to 18 in attendance at each meeting.
OB:
Tell us about your group meetings. What is the itinerary?
DM:
Meetings begin with a quick discussion of any writing news, but most of our time is devoted to taking turns reading our work aloud and providing feedback. Having to read aloud at every meeting keeps all of us in the habit of writing on a regular basis.
OB:
The group's website is wonderful. You offer great writing tips, list events, post stories. How do the website and the group complement each other?
DM:
The site at www.markhamvillagewriters.com provides a high-profile place where members can put their work out there for the world to see. When I developed the site, my intent was to build awareness of the fine writers we have right here in Markham, but I also wanted to create a venue where writers throughout Ontario, and eventually the rest of Canada, could go to find interesting information and great resources, and to read and share stories and poetry. It’s more of a monthly “magazine” for writers than just a website. Building readership is an ongoing objective—I try to advertise the site as often as I can. Hopefully, word-of-mouth attention draws readers too.
OB:
What's the best writing advice you've been given?
DM:
Most definitely—read voraciously! A good writer reads all the time. We need to study the work of others to learn what does and doesn’t work. It’s also important to make time to write. Like anything, it gets easier when it becomes a habit.
OB:
What Canadian writers do you admire and why?
DM:
Honestly, I admire all the writers out there who, no matter how many times they’ve been knocked down, get right back up, dust off, and try again. And again. And again. It’s not easy—baring your soul on paper and having it rejected. I truly admire people who have so much faith in themselves, they will never give up.
OB:
What are you currently working on?
DM:
My entire life is a work in progress! I make my living as a writer and editor in the advertising/marketing field, which chews up a huge chunk of my life. I work on the website in my spare time. I have four different books (two fiction, two non-fiction) brewing in my head, all fighting each other to come out soon (I really need to retire!!). I’ve written over 200 pages of short stories and poetry, some of which I’ve had published, and some you’ll find on the site. I’m also into quilting and embroidery and have designed several patterns (which are destined to be included in one of those non-fiction books I mentioned above). Life excites me. There are new opportunities around every corner and I know that the best is yet to come!
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Donna Marrin established the Markham Village Writers’ Group (MVWG) in September, 1999. In 2004 she arranged a collaboration of the Markham Village Writers and the Markham Group of Artists to produce an anthology of short fiction and juried artwork, The Collected Works, which is catalogued in Library and Archives Canada. Donna volunteered for three years as editor and contributing writer for the Markham Arts Council publication, Arts In Motion.
To celebrate the MVWG’s 10th Anniversary in 2009, Donna launched the ezine-style website for writers, www.markhamvillagewriters.com. The site provides a listing of current literary events in Ontario, along with stories and poetry, monthly interviews with people in the industry, and loads of helpful resources for writers.
Donna’s publication credits include creative non-fiction, informational articles, poetry and short fiction published in the Canadian Writer’s Journal; Prevention; the 2008 and 2009 business editions of Superbrands Canada coffee table books; CanadaOne.com business ezine; The Toronto Star; Absolute Write ezine for writers; Mocha Memoirs literary ezine; and other publications.
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