Writers abound within the Fraser Valley Brain injury Association (FVBIA) membership so the FVBIA Writer’s Bullpen was created to provide a place for writers with brain injuries to come together to hone their craft and share ideas.
In 2017, individual writers began submitting pieces to the FVBIA Newsletter as a means of sharing their thoughts and ideas through the Pay it Forward: Health and Wellness for ABI program, funded in part by the Brain Injury Alliance.
Feedback amongst readers was positive and more submissions were requested for future newsletters. Individual writers wanted an opportunity to meet with others sharing an interest in writing.
The Writer’s Bullpen Group was created in August 2018 with the goal of supporting people with acquired brain injuries in creating, planning and producing interesting, informative articles for the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association newsletter.
The group initially met for three weeks to share, give and receive feedback on their creations. Feedback from FVBIA newsletter subscribers was so positive, the group has continued to submit material for the newsletter.
One of the Writer’s Bullpen was a very successful, published author prior to her brain injury. She led the group and lent her expertise with editing and creative direction to the others.
In September 2019, she sent a quick email to share news with FVBIA staff and the other writers about successfully returning to professional writing after her injury.
One of her stories is in the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul books – “Think Positive, Be Happy”
Please pass my best on to the gang, I will aim for November. Please let them know that I have a story published in the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book released this Tuesday, called “Think Positive, Be Happy,” story chosen from thousands, one of the 101, it’s about volunteering at the horses at Valley Therapeutic. I hope to be doing a small event soon at The House of James, will keep you in touch.
Smiles,
Fran
