Tag Archives: Toastmasters

Writing

Toastmasters Improves Authors

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You are the leader you’re looking for. Billy Jean King

I’ve been a member of Sunshine Speakers Toastmasters for almost eight years. It has changed my life in so many ways: increased confidence, better communication and leadership skills, and given me the courage to believe in myself so I can make my dreams come true.

But nowhere is it more valuable than in my life as an author. I know that writers typically would rather hide away in their room and write instead of standing in front of people talking. When the presenters at last year’s Festival of Writers both told the participants they should join Toastmasters, you could see the fear on many of their faces. Yet from that one brave lady/Donna who is serious about her writing took the plunge and joined. She gave an amazing first speech(Ice Breaker) last week.

If an author is going to sell their books to other than their friends and family then sooner or later they will be required to make a clear, passionate speech about their book. And I don’t mean just stand at the front with your head down and drone on reading page after page . . . boring! I’d rather eat glass than suffer through such a presentation. That’s where Toastmasters come in. I know I wouldn’t be speaking in front of hundreds of people milling around at an RV show were it not for Toastmasters. Yet for the third time that’s what I’ll be doing Mar.19-22 at the Chilliwack Humdinger RV Show, twice a day. Everytime I’m talking about my books, I give thanks to all I’ve learned from Toastmasters.

A side benefit is the warm circle you find yourself in where you can promote your book. I gave a speech last week about our trip to Newfoundland, using my latest book as background. I know I will have sales from it.

Bottom line: If you’re uncomfortable speaking in front of people or  reading your story or book, you need Toastmasters. It’s a friendly, safe and fun environment to grow up in. Check out: www.toastmasters.orgfor a list of clubs near you. And check out our fun club in Powerll River, BC: http://sunshinespeakers.wordpress.com

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Sassyscribes online writers group
Sassyscribes is a friendly, encouraging group of writers with many levels of expertise from around the globe. No harsh critiquing , but rather a shoulder to lean on when necessary and a “KIP” …kick in pants if needed. Monthly meetings are held in Powell River.

Retreat 2 Write
An online writer’s retreat that at times morphs into the real thing …a retreat held in an exquisite setting in the Powell River area.

Driftwood by Dave
My husband Dave has sold his driftwood across Canada in many forms. From cute little ornamental pieces to large garden roots to glass topped tables, he does it all. He also carries cottonwood bark for carvers.

Powell River Writers Conference Created in 2003 to give writers and wannna be writers a place to learn the craft, this festival grown up into a conference is truly a celebration of the craft of writing and the joy of reading. Held in the spring as a two day affair it has motivated many writers to not only get started but continue on to become published authors.

The purpose of the society is to provide literacy and the craft of writing through writer’s festivals, public readings, and workshops. Secondary purposes are: to work towards building an international network of similar services and to research ways to improve and expand public access to resources dealing with reading and writing.”

Friesens Printing
This 100 year old printing company in Altona, MN are very helpful to work with. Printers of my second book, they worked patiently with me and turned out a professional looking product. Their BC rep Jorge Rocha works with several types of BC printers for specialized needs: jorger@friesens.com

Island Blue Print

A family run printing business in Victoria with a  long history of great customer service, they printed my third book. Contact: info@printoriumbooks.com

Precision Proofreading
Deborah Wright,  editor of RV Canada On A Dime And A Dream has a lifelong involvement with the joys and intricacies of the English language. A retired English professor with a wonderful sense of humour, she’s easy to work with. Punctuation Tips.com (Booklets)Deborah’s six “don’t be without” handy booklets on punctuation and grammar.

Sunshine Speakers Toastmasters

Powell River’s friendly, fun club is also one of  the strongest clubs on the west coast.If your communication and leadership skills  could use a boost, check us out. Our meetings are held 1st and 3rd Thursday at 12:05-12:55 pm, and 2nd and 4th Thursday from 7:00-9:00 pm in the lower board room of the School District offices. Call me for directions or information: 604-485-2732

Toastmasters International
Communication and leadership skills taught in a safe, friendly setting. It’s not just for those in public speaking, it’s for anyone interested in improving their communication skills. Join this international organization with clubs around the world. I’ve been part of Sunshine Speakers club in Powell River for almost 10 years, and without it I wouldn’t be the proficient presenter I am. Check out the club nearest you.

Gwen Enquist Author    
A new and exciting author burst onto the scene a few years ago when she came to her first Festival of Writers. Since then Gwen has published two books both of them “page turners.”

BC Association of Travel Writers
A member of the BCATW, an organization for those involved in writing about travel.

Miracle Thinking
An inspirational book written by Randy Peyser in California, with my story about our 2003 cross Canada trip included as one of many miracluous experiences. Unique stories are told in the book about those who could have given up but didn’t because they believed in miracles. My favorite quote from the book is “A tragedy is an opportunity for a miracle.”
It can be purchased directly from Randy or if you’re local from me for $20.

Practice Linkin’-Thinkin’ vs Stinkin’-Thinkin’ and watch your world expand.
Greet each day with the question “Who can I link up with today?’

 

 RV’ers Links

RV Times Magazine
Free BC magazine full of tips and stories from RV’ers, and many of my articles.

Snowbirds & RV Travel 

Free BC magazine that carries my series about our 2009 northern trip.

RV Lifestyle Experts

Jaimie Bruzenak, publisher and full-timer for longer than I’ve owned an RV has a web site and very useful newsletter. Her ezine “RV Home Yet?” is full of trips, tips and tidbits. I wonder how many times I asked Dave, “RV there yet” on a long trip?

RV Lifestyle magazine
Published seven times a year it has many interesting stories. Once a year it includes a BC campground guide.

RV West magazine
A free magazine out of Cranbrook, it’s practical and once a year includes an RV dealer directory.

Fulltimer RVer
If you’ve dreamed of selling everything and living the RV lifestyle full time, this is for you.

RV Bookstore
An online book store whose cyberspace shelves are brimming with every kind of book on RV’ing you could wish for.

RV Lifestyle Seminar
An annual June event held at the Okanagan College in Kelowna, RV’ers not only listen to presenters for three days but they also camp onsite making this an impromtu RV rally. Go to the college page, then click on RV Lifestyle Seminar.

Sanidumps.com
Never again will we wander around looking for a sani-dump because this site keeps adding new locations. A click on the map and you know exactly where you’re going to dump.