Entertainment - Entertainment News

POSTED: Monday, Oct. 19, 2009

Bellingham Country Club a gathering spot for writers and publishers

Mary Margaret Michaelson didn't know any Whatcom County writers when she moved to Lynden six years ago. Now she's a published author and knows dozens of local people involved in writing, publishing and related fields.

Michaelson, 64, hopes to get to know more literary types as president of Whatcom Writers and Publishers, formerly called Whatcom Communications Association.

"We're always encouraging local writers and anyone with an interest in writing to join us," said Michaelson, who produced a book on pioneer Phoebe Judson, "the mother of Lynden," and serves as a volunteer assistant curator at the Lynden Pioneer Museum.

About the club: Along with writers and publishers, members also include editors, indexers, historians, librarians and readers.

"The networking opportunities are wonderful," Michaelson said. "It really is a great chance to learn so much useful information, and to find people who are interested in the same aspects of writing and publishing you are."

Guest speakers have included literary business people, such as Chuck and Dee Robinson of Village Books, and successful writers such as Jo Dereske.

Major events: An inaugural holiday party is planned for Dec. 9 at Bellingham Golf and Country Club. The Prawns, a local jazz band, will play. Michaelson, an extrovert and former professional singer, might belt out a tune or two. Everyone is welcome. Admission is $25, with an RSVP to Michaelson.

The club's next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 21. Meetings start at 6 p.m., preceded by socializing at 5:30. Anyone can attend for a minimum $5 charge, which covers beverages.

Why she joined: "My brother, Dave Michaelson, invited me to attend meetings with him," Michaelson said. "He's now living in Harrington, in Eastern Washington, but he's still a member. It was something great we could do together."

Member stories: "Fred Su has published 'An American Sin,' a story of the Vietnam experience from an Asian-American soldier's viewpoint in the U.S. Army," Michaelson said. "It's really a fascinating book."

"Janet Oakley is curator of education at the (Skagit County Historical Museum) in La Conner," she said. "She writes a historical blog and she's a great source of local information."

Michaelson said Ken and Dorothy Morrow have self-published several local histories of the small community of Nelson, B.C.

"The Morrows are our resource for information on successful niche publishing," she said.

CLUB AT A GLANCE

Name: Whatcom Writers and Publishers (formerly Whatcom Communication Association).

Purpose: Bring together people interested in any aspect of writing and publishing.

Meets: 6 p.m., third Wednesdays, Bellingham Golf and Country Club.

Year started: 1980s.

Number of members: About 70.

Contacts: 201-7373 or michaelsonmary@yahoo.com.

Leadership: Mary Margaret Michaelson, president; Nanette Davis, vice president; Carolyn Leeper, secretary; Linda Scott, treasurer.