Support the Vancouver Genre Writers
What a long strange trip it’s been. When I started this group back in January of 2018, I didn’t think anyone would even show up, let alone think I’d make so many amazing personal and professional connections with local genre writers. Before the pandemic we regularly had 18 to 24 people coming out for our Tuesday night social meetups at 12 Kings, ran several great workshops and roundtable discussions, and even ran a year-long critique introductory group. Had it not been for the pandemic, we’d still be trucking along and working on new ways to expand our reach so we can inspire as many local genre writers as possible to get their stories onto the page. And even despite us having to shut down our physical meetups and the heavy attrition as members disappeared to focus on their mental health these past few years, the support network I’ve been able to build through this group has been instrumental in keeping me motivated and productive when it all seems like being creative on top of everything else is just too much to ask.
Which is why I believe it’s time we get back to getting the word out. From the beginning, I have always wanted this group to be accessible to any Vancouver-area writer in need of community. Meetup.com used to be our go-to for this kind of thing, but their aggressive pricing models (nearly $600 CAD per year!) and increasingly poor performance mean it’s time to drop meetup.com for good.
So how can you help?
Get the Word Out!
The simplest way to help is word-of-mouth recommendations to other writers. At a convention or in a writing class? Tell people about us! Have local writer connections on social media? Shout VGW out!
Put up a flyer.
Simply download one of our flyers, print them out at a local print shop, and ask if you can post them in your local book store, game shop, library, or anywhere you think writers like you are regularly visiting.
We also need money.
I know, it’s annoying, isn’t it? Everyone wants a piece of your wallet these days. The simple truth is that the more funding we have, the more we can do for you and the group. Your contributions could help pay for web hosting fees, Discord upgrades, advertising (flyers and fiction publications), workshops, roundtable discussions, guest speakers, readings, and a presence at events like Word Vancouver or even FanExpo where we can book a table to sell VGW author books and promote the group.
One-Time Donations
Can’t justify a subscription? No worries, you can still make a one-time donation whenever you have a bit of spare cash!
Are You a Discord Nitro Subscriber?
We want your boosts!
Help us boost the server so we can gain access to new features like higher resolution streaming, advanced role customization, better server branding, and more.
Alternate Payment Methods
Don’t want to use Stripe? You can either slip me (Mark) cold hard cash at one of our meetups, or contact me directly through Discord for an email address to which you can send a money transfer. Just make sure it’s me before you go sending money off to someone. In the Discord server, my name should be pink with a little crown icon next to it.
-Mark Feenstra
Thanks for your time and support!
VGW Would be nothing would be nothing without the support of our members. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming meetups and workshops, and together we can welcome new members into our little family.