MANDATE
To nurture a network of writers who support and challenge one another’s craft and professional development. To collaborate regarding writing and social activities that occur at the Club and occasionally elsewhere.
MEMBERSHIP
The Literature Section consists of a group of women who are preoccupied with words in one way or another. We vary in age, occupation, writerly focus, and professional experience. Among our members we have journalists, biographers, bloggers, novelists, poets, critics, academic writers, and editors. We welcome both established and emerging writers. Potential members must submit a current resume and writing samples of published works for review. We currently have about 20 members, but are always happy to welcome more.
MUSINGS: AN ANTHOLOGY
We were delighted with the success of the publication of our inaugural publication in 2021, Musings: An Anthology featuring the creative works of Heliconian members which is now sold out.
ABOUT SECTION MEETINGS
The section gets together on a regular basis on the first Wednesday of the month, in the Board Room of the Club, alternating between day and evening time slots to accommodate members’ personal schedules. The formal business meeting part lasts one hour but we also include time for socializing and a Craft and Practice session. Since Covid 19, the section sometimes holds virtual meetings using Zoom. When meeting at the Club, we now have the capacity to have hybrid meetings with a Zoom link for those who live at a distance or are unable to come to the Club. We use the Club's wide-lens camera to enable those tuning in from home to see everyone at the meeting.
To nurture a network of writers who support and challenge one another’s craft and professional development. To collaborate regarding writing and social activities that occur at the Club and occasionally elsewhere.
MEMBERSHIP
The Literature Section consists of a group of women who are preoccupied with words in one way or another. We vary in age, occupation, writerly focus, and professional experience. Among our members we have journalists, biographers, bloggers, novelists, poets, critics, academic writers, and editors. We welcome both established and emerging writers. Potential members must submit a current resume and writing samples of published works for review. We currently have about 20 members, but are always happy to welcome more.
MUSINGS: AN ANTHOLOGY
We were delighted with the success of the publication of our inaugural publication in 2021, Musings: An Anthology featuring the creative works of Heliconian members which is now sold out.
ABOUT SECTION MEETINGS
The section gets together on a regular basis on the first Wednesday of the month, in the Board Room of the Club, alternating between day and evening time slots to accommodate members’ personal schedules. The formal business meeting part lasts one hour but we also include time for socializing and a Craft and Practice session. Since Covid 19, the section sometimes holds virtual meetings using Zoom. When meeting at the Club, we now have the capacity to have hybrid meetings with a Zoom link for those who live at a distance or are unable to come to the Club. We use the Club's wide-lens camera to enable those tuning in from home to see everyone at the meeting.
SECTION ACTIVITIES
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
- Craft and Practice sessions with topics ranging from editing workshops, prompted writing, marketing, member readings, film screenings, pitching and publishing, and the occasional guest speaker.
- Participate and collaborate in Club-wide events such as Heliconians at Play and Ekphrasis.
- Plan and execute annual Literature Section Salon open to the public.
- Appoint a Writer in Residence in late spring for the following term which begins in September and ends in June.
- Host book launches for section members.
- Support other section members in their projects around the GTA.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
- Create a viable writers’ group.
CURRENT CHAIR
Christine Arthurs originally joined the Heliconian Club because she became enamoured with the humble yet elegant atmosphere of the hall, and the idea of “women living in the arts” resonated with her. Christine studied English literature at the University of Toronto. She began her career in the publishing industry as an editor. While raising five children she occasionally found time to write articles on a freelance basis. Her pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, Catholic New Times, The Catholic Register, and St. Michael’s Magazine. She was the Executive Editor of a non-fiction book that was nominated for a Heritage Toronto award in 2016. In addition to being an avid reader, she enjoys attending dance, music and theatre productions.
Christine Arthurs originally joined the Heliconian Club because she became enamoured with the humble yet elegant atmosphere of the hall, and the idea of “women living in the arts” resonated with her. Christine studied English literature at the University of Toronto. She began her career in the publishing industry as an editor. While raising five children she occasionally found time to write articles on a freelance basis. Her pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, Catholic New Times, The Catholic Register, and St. Michael’s Magazine. She was the Executive Editor of a non-fiction book that was nominated for a Heritage Toronto award in 2016. In addition to being an avid reader, she enjoys attending dance, music and theatre productions.
