IWA’s purpose is to give wings to immigrant writers.
I was active in a few writers’ groups, but none in Canada. One day, I searched the Internet and found the Immigration Writers Association (IWA) of Canada. It seemed right up my alley, only I was another Canadian immigrant afraid—like any immigrant—to publish in a language that is not her mother tongue. I signed up and participated in maybe two workshops, but that’s about it.
One day at a book fair, I met Gabriela Casineanu and found out about the first IWA’s anthology Building Bridges I solemnly promised myself that I will be more careful next year and maybe I will participate too. I was going through a period when I was hiding my artistic works from the eyes of the world. I think the fact that another Romanian woman had published and coordinated IWA—in fact there were two or three Romanians who published with IWA—gave me wings and encouraged me to write for the next anthology as well.
After contributing to three of IWA’s anthologies, I am convinced that the purpose of this association is to give wings to immigrant writers.When you’re in a new country—besides being hard to integrate—it’s also hard to find your artistic voice and have the courage to share your art. It is very important to meet the right people to guide you in the right direction.
IWA doesn’t just help immigrant writers relaunch their words in another language;. It also introduces a novice writer to all aspects of publishing a book. In addition, the works presented in the IWA anthologies are real or personified stories of immigrants. People find themselves in these stories, in universal themes of immigrant life.
I am grateful to IWA and the people behind this association for giving me the opportunity to share my words. My stories, although fiction, are inspired by real facts and people. I haven’t told my story yet. Or maybe this is just a piece of my story.
~ Marni Dieanu, contributor to IWA’s anthologies Grow Together | Moving Forward | Finding The Way
Writing is healing, it is soul therapy.
I am grateful to the Immigrant Writers Association (IWA), especially to Gabriela Casineanu, for the opportunity to share my story in the anthology Finding The Way.
Losing my daughter two years ago made me completely change my outlook on life. I didn’t think I would survive this tragedy.
But I found the strength.
What helped me the most was to write my story and that of my beloved daughter Mia. Writing is healing, it is soul therapy.
I encourage any person who goes through a tragedy to write about that experience. Even in a journal.
Thank you, IWA, for the beautiful friendships I developed after signing up as a member. I felt listened to and appreciated by all the people I met through this association.
I also appreciate all the resources made available to members to excel as authors, in Canada and internationally.
—Ramona Vizitiu, contributor to IWA’s anthology Finding The Way
Being an IWA member is a special experience
Exactly three years ago, I had the great pleasure to meet again—in Toronto this time—my friend Tedy Necula. He came to a film festival that featured a film directed by him “Coborâm la prima.” I’ve met there another Romanian who came late because a book launch taking place the same evening.
“What book?” I asked, curious. “Building Bridges, an anthology written by Canadian immigrants. They also have an association. You’ll find some Romanian names there, too.”
Obviously, I ordered the book and contacted several anthology contributors.
It didn’t take long to become an active IWA member, helping also with promotion (I work in digital marketing). I joined the IWA Board of Directors and contributed a chapter to the last three anthologies edited and published edited by the association. It is a special experience.
I learned a lot of things. And, the most important, I wrote—which is therapeutic for me. But it is also a special feeling when you receive feedback from those who have read your chapters.
I recommend. 🙂
—Emanuel Petrescu, contributor to IWA’s anthologies Grow Together | Moving Forward | Finding The Way