Speaker Forums

The Speaker Forums on Writing and Editing are free, but space is limited. Forums are on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Room 1808. To register, email printfutures@douglas.bc.ca .

Feb. 24: PREPARING YOUR PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO

Freelance writer and editor Kelly Lee Parry (Print Futures Class of 2005) provides practical tips on presenting your writing and editing portfolio. This session is tailored for first-year students in Print Futures who are preparing for their work term. Others are welcome, too.

See the Editors' Association of Canada's events calendar for details of Kelly's full-day seminar on promoting yourself as an editor.


Fall 2008 speakers included:

Sept. 23: CRAFTING COMMUNICATIONS FOR SCIENCE WORLD

What's it like to be the communications coordinator for a non-profit organization that is also one of Vancouver's most popular and zaniest tourist attractions?

As the voice of Science World , Pamela Findling (Print Futures Class of 2008) has adopted a whimsical style of writing that is part of the Science World brand in press releases, signs, website copy, newsletters, annual reports, and advertisements. Her writing is now peppered with terms like "sparking fascination" and "jump-starting imaginations" -- terms that seem removed from Print Futures but are all part of knowing her audience.

Every day, Pamela applies what she learned in school to working with designers, marketers, and development staff to create Science World's image. At the same time, she struggles to overcome misconceptions about the organization and communicate Science World's non-profit status to visitors, the media, and potential donors.

Join us for this inside look at Science World's message-making.

Nov. 25: BUILDING A CAREER AS A TRAVEL WRITER

While travel writer seems like a glamorous occupation, building a full-time career in this field is all about hard work, especially because there's so much competition from people who would happily to do your job for free. John Lee will talk about the practicalities of being a travel writer, focusing on markets, pitching, and dealing with editors, as well as what it's like to work for Lonely Planet.

Originally from the UK, John is a full-time, Vancouver-based travel writer. He recently worked on his 13th Lonely Planet guidebook project, writes regularly for the Globe and Mail , and has a travel column in BC Business . His award-winning work has also appeared in National Geographic Traveler , US Airways Magazine , Los Angeles Times , Chicago Tribune , Guardian Weekly , Sydney Morning Herald , and more than 120 other publications around the world. John's recent travels have taken him to Ireland, Malaysia, and New Zealand. You can read his stories and an extended biography at www.johnleewriter.com .

John's talk promises to be a highlight of the fall forum series, so register early.