Print Futures: Professional Writing

A passion for punctuation and wizardry with words has helped a Douglas College graduate land a new national scholarship.

Helen Clay, a 2010 graduate of the Print Futures: Professional Writing program, is the recipient of the Editors' Association of Canada's (EAC) inaugural Claudette Upton Scholarship. The $1,000 prize supports continuing professional development in editing.

"Writing and editing is something I've enjoyed doing ever since I was wee," said Clay. "I love words and language and a well-punctuated sentence. There's a wit and elegance in good writing and a well-written piece can convey much more than just what the words are saying."

The U.K.-born New Westminster resident credits the Print Futures program with honing her passion for writing and language and giving her a leg up in the world of professional writing.

"The program is very hands-on and professional. They teach a very broad range of skills, from technical writing, to web writing to design and page layout, and get you used to meeting deadlines," said Clay. "The best thing about the program is the sense of community you get in class and with the great network of writing professionals out there who are also graduates of the program. There's no question that being a Print Futures graduate opens doors."

Maureen Nicholson, Print Futures Program Coordinator, is a past president of the EAC and a personal friend of Claudette Reed Upton-Keeley, the writer and editor for whom the scholarship is named and who passed away in 2008.

"I think Claudette would have been pleased to have someone as passionate about writing as Helen receive this award," said Nicholson. "Helen is very committed to being an editor and she's very active in the local branch of the EAC. It's a great honour for her and it bodes well for her future as an editor."

For Clay, whose background includes work in biochemistry, risk analysis and environmental management, the scholarship is an auspicious start for her new career as a wordsmith.

"When I came into the program, I knew editing was my strong point, but I was still a little surprised by the award," Clay said. "I used to think you couldn't make any money as a writer, but I've learned there are a ton of ways to make a living out of words."

Clay plans on keeping her hand in the game this summer with a number of projects.

"The program is intense and I didn't want to jump straight into a full-time job. I plan to take on some freelance writing, do some research for a historical fiction novel and develop my web site a bit. I also have a couple of book editing projects on the table, so I will definitely be using my editing skills right out the door."

Clay will collect her award at the EAC's annual conference in Montreal on May 29.

Published May 13, 2010

Links

Print Futures: Professional Writing
Information Sessions
Claywords
Editors' Association of Canada
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