Helping out the write way

Author Shane Peacock is participating in the Innisfil Public Library's Writer in Residence program. The library last hosted a writer in 2004. Peacock will speak with budding local authors and students. Budding local writers could have some colourful months ahead, with Shane Peacock in town.

The Eastern Ontario author will participate in the Innisfil Public Library's Writer-in-Residence program over the next few months. During that time, he'll be visiting Innisfil schools, and promoting and organizing the library's annual Seepe Walters short story contest. Peacock will also provide individual consultations with local writers, critique manuscripts and discuss the publishing process. The library will also host a variety of related special activities, and help launch Peacock's new novel.

"With kids, I'm here to encourage them to read; it's about literacy," he said, during a meet-and-greet barbecue at the Lakeshore library branch last week. "But I also do work with the kids who want to write, to develop their skills. In the summertime, I'm working with the adult book clubs, doing presentations. I'll also be doing consultations with individuals who want to be published."

The library also participated in the program in 2004. It gives authors a chance to promote their published work, while providing local residents with an opportunity to learn writing techniques and skills from a seasoned professional, says Lakeshore branch librarian Marilyn Pillar.

"It gives people an opportunity to meet a published Canadian author," she said. "There's all kinds of budding authors in this community. The benefits for the community and library are worth the work. It really raises the profile of the library in the community. We're a small community, so if we can do things to bring culture to the (town), that's an important role for the library."

Peacock has written several books, including The Great Farini: The High-Wire Life of William Hunt, Unusual Heroes: Canada's Prime Ministers, and Eye of the Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His First Case. He has also completed documentaries and plays, and can offer insight into several different writing styles, said Pillar.

"Toronto people get to meet a lot of authors, but being so far outside of that, it's a really nice opportunity to get the benefit of their experience," she said. "He's going to work with our Acting Out program (for young actors). It's a reason for kids to come to the library, and zero in on a particular person."

Peacock is pleased to participate in the program.

"It's a wonderful honour," he said. "Most libraries in Canada have never had one writer in residence. It's enormous. If you are a person who wants to become a writer, it's very difficult to break into the industry. One of the best things you could do is speak to a professional writer, but that's almost impossible to do. Anybody who wants me to look at their manuscript here, I will do that. It's a tremendous opportunity, one people in this community should not miss."

The program is mainly funded through the Friends of the Innisfil Public Library. For more information on the program, visit www.innisfil.library.on.ca.