To strengthen and build on the growth of the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW) over the last three years under the helm of Ann Graham Walker, several adjustments to the board and staff were made at the September 8 board meeting.

In August, Ellen Niemer, the Executive Director (ED) resigned for personal reasons. Since that time, President Ann Graham Walker, with the Executive Committee, has shouldered the ED responsibilities. In this time of transition to a new ED, Ann suggested she resign as President, step into the role of ED and the transition of Keith Liggett from Co-Vice President (planned for the April 2020 AGM) be moved forwards. As ED, Ann will create a smooth transition for Keith to step into the position of President.

On stepping down, Ann said, “It is the perfect time for me to do this. I can remain an asset for the fed as ED, contributing my long relationship with the membership and knowledge of how things work. The board has consolidated a dynamic team that will more than sustain the momentum we have built in the last three years, and I am looking forward to my new role, working with Keith.”

Liggett is a Fernie-based writer who organizes writing workshops around the province. He founded and led the Fernie Writers Conference for several years, then moved to organizing writing conferences and readings at St. Eugene Resort.

St. Eugene is a multi-faceted destination wholly owned by the Ktunaxa Nation. Initially published as a poet, Keith moved into fiction and then advertising (“Is there a difference?” he asks.).

After leaving advertising, he traveled the western US and Canada as a freelance ski journalist covering World Cup events and national championships. His weekly ski column was carried by between 50 and 70 papers at its peak. His work has appeared in over 100 papers and all the industry’s major journals. He’s published two collections of poetry and Island Lake Lodge: the cookbook, which won a Gourmand Award for Best Photography, Canada, 2010. The latest Whitefish Review published his poem spring.

Of being elected President of the Federation of BC Writers Keith said, “I am stepping into some big shoes. Ann revitalized the organization. She tripled the members. With her help in the ED position, we will continue to build the Fed and create an even broader base across the province.”

The Federation of BC Writers annual Spring Writes gathering (and AGM) will be held next year in Gibsons, April 24-26, 2020. Spring Writes will offer a mix of Two-Day Workshop Intensives, Workshops, Readings and Presentations, all the while connecting the writing community with social events during the gathering. Darrel McLeod will be a special guest leading a Workshop Intensive in memoir and reading from his widely-praised memoir Mamaskach. Details will be on the Fed website, www.bcwriters.ca , shortly.

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