What do you get when you invite sixty writers to a party?
For one thing, there is little chance that anyone is at a loss for words. The house of our Past President, Sharon Hamilton, buzzed with friendly and vibrant conversations throughout the evening of June 19. Right from the outset, this writer found himself inundated with meeting up with old friends, being introduced to a few new ones, and generally sharing a camaraderie with folks that have been a part of my writing world for the past two years.
I arrived just a bit early thinking that Sharon might need some help with preparations, but as always she had the task well under control. A delicious array of treats and snacks were laid out across two tables with a third offering non-alcoholic libations to keep our palates well lubricated for the never-ending discussions about writing, publishing, and the many enjoyable programs that make the Manitoba Writers’ Guild such a welcome home for its members, many of which, like me, are not always comfortable or graceful in social settings.
The first hour was all about mingling. It was a pleasure to see so many of my fellow Zoom participants in their actual skin and to be able to inquire about elements of their lives that were sometimes related and sometimes unrelated to their writing experiences. The crowd initially milled about the living and dining rooms but eventually were squeezed out toward the sunroom and the back yard, where colorful flower gardens and the trickling of a three-level water fountain provided a soothing complement to the perfect evening weather.
Eventually someone jingled their glass with a spoon and we were sequestered indoors for a speech by our ever-so-charming current President, David Williamson. David did what he was obviously born for and revelled us with a history of the Guild’s inception and development interpersed with humorous anecdotes that had us all chuckling. His dissertation included an itinerary of the wonderful programs the Guild offers to assist writers of all genres and stages in their writing journeys, some old and some new, and a vision of how the Guild is expected to grow and flourish in the future. We have come a long way baby, and we have so much more to look forward to, and David left everyone with a terrific sense of aspirations and prospects of things to come.
Following David’s presentation came the gift bag handouts, sending seventeen members home with lovely momentoes of the occasion. Pictures were taken of all the gift recipients and of the MWG Board members, ensuring that none of us can ever hide or deny our involvement in making the Guild what it is, for better or worse. There was subsequent mingling and chatting as the evening drew to a close and members slowly slipped away. If I had one wish, it would be that the Membership Party next year brings forth even more new members, more diversity, and some new and exciting programs that will reinforce all the reasons that I love this Guild. Thank you all for coming and for making the Manitoba Writers’ Guild the wonderful haven for writers that it is.