Monday, February 28, 2011

IPP Excitement

Red River College's second-year Creative Communication students are so close! In just over a week we'll each be hitting the stage in the Presentation Theatre at the Convention Centre to present our babies. Almost literally.

The Independent Professional Projects are anything but neat -- at least during the process. My IPP was writing a book -- a book I've discussed in previous blogs. It's called Lockout: Exploring the rich history and uncertain future of Powerview-Pine Falls, Manitoba. The non-fiction story addresses the effects the paper mill closure has so far had on the town. It's a big deal because, as many locals know, the mill was the town's main employer. In the past ten years nearly 450 jobs have been lost in the town due to the declining newsprint industry. There are just over 1,000 people living in the community.

After 7 months of production -- three months of interviewing and research, two months of writing, and two months of rewriting, editing and printing -- I am thrilled to announce the story is almost here. Perhaps almost yours...for $20.

Upon sending the book to the printer, I'll admit -- I was terrified. Not only did I talk about other people's very emotional stories, but I talk about my own. Writing a book was an extremely vulnerable process. It still is. But as the IPPPs get closer and closer, I just want the world to see it!

It would mean a lot to me for people to attend my and my fellow classmates' presentations at the Convention Centre March 9-11. Presentations will run all day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I present on the first day. Other great projects you can catch at the IPPPs include documentaries ranging from topics like cats to arranged marriages. There will be novels about the service industry to non-fiction accounts of some notable Canadian journalists' most memorable moments. If you're still not convinced, there will be movie blog presentations to horror films to charity events. All in all, the IPPPs shouldn't disappoint anyone.

If mornings aren't your thing, but you're still interested in learning more about my book and Pine Falls, I will also be having a reading at McNally Robinson in the Prairie Ink Restaurant, Thurs. March 10 at 8:00 p.m.

For more information about the reading, click here: http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-10285/Yvonne-Raymond----Book-Launch/
For more information about my book/Pine Falls, click here: http://pinefallsbook.com/ (Note: the site is still in the making. More posts will be made once the book is out)
For more information about the IPPPs, click here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=171261859586803

Monday, February 14, 2011

Think About It

It's something I was reminded of today. It's something I think is worth passing along -- mostly to journalists, but it can apply to everyone: What's the message you're trying to send with your story?

Think about it.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Assuming I'll have to move

Number one: Be ready to work for free.

Number two: Be ready to move.

Those are the two tips I’ve remembered from journalists since I’ve wanted to be a journalist. I consider them cardinal rules. I consider them necessary steps in order to become a reporter. I have been preparing for both to happen since I began the Creative Communications program.

I’ve done a lot of work for free already. I don’t mind it. I love what I do and feel restless without journalism.

It’s number two that’s getting scarier and scarier as my graduation date approaches. It’s not because I am afraid of moving. I love the idea. Not knowing where you’re going to end up and under what circumstances is a total thrill for me. I crave that excitement. I crave that phone call that says: “We need you in Egypt tomorrow.” It’s my personality. I’m ambitious. I’m adventurous. I love feeling important. I want to make a difference.

But who gets left behind? Is it fair to leave the ones you love? For how long?

Leaving those who are important to me to the point they feel neglected is my fear. But then again, should fear stop anyone? No one said all fears play out.

Am I selfish?