Writers Unblocked Magazine Volume 1/ Number 1

When Centennial College Libraries launched the
Writing Circle initiative for college faculty and staff
back in 2019, I had no clear idea where we would
go. The concept was initially inspired by my former
life as a tenured librarian at the University of Guelph.
At Guelph University I participated in a highly
successful faculty writing retreat. At the time, the
experience had been positive and transformational;
I found community and managed to get a manuscript
ready for publication.
A message from
Jane Burpee
Director
Libraries and Learning Centres
I shared my vision at the first Centennial College
Writing Circle meeting: Libraries would offer
dedicated time and space to faculty and staff to
work on their personal writing projects - together.
Each attendee would use a block of time to write
individually and the rest of the time would be to
come together to share, talk and build community.
I envisioned building a community in which
Centennial writers would support each other, discuss
writing passions, and benefit from invited speakers
discussing topics related to writing and publishing.
While my own commitments took over and I slipped
away from these Friday afternoon delights, the group
passionately stayed together. They kept writing and
learning. When the pandemic hit, the Writing Circles
pivoted to Zoom and the group continued to meet
and reach their writing goals. Proud of each other’s
work, they looked for a vehicle to highlight the
outcomes of their creative journey.
I am delighted to introduce the inaugural issue
of Writers Unblocked. The contributions of the
members of the Writing Circle capture the beauty
of who they are as writers, demonstrating their
creativity and diversity as Centennial authors.
It has been a joy to read each submission and
I hope you enjoy reading Writers Unblocked.
VOL. 1 / NO. 1 • WRITERS UNBLOCKED
1