3B EING A writer can > be a ionely business. aie Those who choose a scribbler’s career find themselves in seclusion most of their waking hours — like Robinson Crusce be- fore the man Friday appeared. With poets, novelists and play- wrights scattered all over the pro- vince. it’s no wonder that many don't feel part of a larger com- munity of writers that supports and nutures their own. it’s something the newly-elected president of the Federation of B.C. Writers wants to change. “*We want to_make ours an ef- fective and united voice, and we want to continue to support and provide information to writers about other writers, publishers, ne] 44 J think the powers-that-be generally distort what's happening, and it’s the job of the historian to get it straight. #9 — Danie! Francis markets, government grants and professional development,’ says Daniel Francis, a North Vancouver resident who was elected the fed- eration’s president in March. For thease who haven't heard, 8.C.'s largest writers’ organization is back on track and Francis has been assigned to help bolster its current membership of 300. A published author and histori- an, Francis will have to work hard to win back the 1,000 members the federation boasted during its heyday. tn 1989 a financial scandal rocked the organization and left it $50,000 in debt. Although there were accusations of unethical handling of federation funds, a criminal investigation was never Jaunched. Most of the 1,600 members jumped ship, leaving a small group SPOTLIGHT FEATURE Francis, who joined the federa- tion in 1987 after moving back to Vancouver from a 22-year stint as editor of a popular Canadian his- tory magazine, declined to discuss the ordeal. He says he is more concerned about putting the dark days behind the federation and starting over. “I see the federation as a responsible group of professional writers, and | want it to represent the best writers in the province,” _ he says, admitting, however, that “we're still in the stage of getting one foot on the floor.” Heading the list of current members are Stephen Leacock award-winner Howard White, and Vancouver novelist David Wat- mough (novice writers are also encouraged to join). With most of the $50,000 debt paid off and a new executive, former president and children’s author Linda Rogers believes the tederation, begun in the early '80s by a small group of local writers who felt alienated from national writers’ organizations, is now ina Position to get on with the business of serving its members. “Everyone has contidence in Daniel,’’ says Rogers, ‘He's very well organized." With nine Canadian histories under his belt and his 10th book on the way, Francis is more than qualified for the job. “There aren't a fot of people like me who can afford to do this,” he says of his career, mean- ing that he is in the rare company of writers whe have been able to use their craft to support themselves. However, like most professional writers, his career has had its peaks arid valleys. One high point was his term as editorial director of Horizon tory magazine based in Montreal. “A bunch of academics thought they'd save the country by doing this,” he laughs. ‘We published 120 weekly issues. It was a lot of fun but financially it was a disaster. We lurched from crisis to crisis.”’ His first experience writing a Canadian history textbook for Gn- tario schools was anything but fun. “It was heil, and | was sure | would never do another one,” he says. ‘‘We were told the book had to be politically correct, but it’s hard to find out what's politi- cally correct. We had consultants and advisers accusing us of being racist and sexist. It was very frustrating.’ He did go on to write two more school textbooks, however, both of which turned out to be positive experiences. Some of his books, such as Partners in Fur: The Indians and the Fur Trade in Eastern James See Federation page $4 ANNUAL iE SALE MAY 14 - 30 40% off ail in-stock picture frames. Choose from over 130 different frame styles, metal or wood, custom or do-it-yourself. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! BEACHCOMBER 680 SPA PRIVACY HUT PACKAGE to pick up the pieces. 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