Member Review
The Union was begun because, in the early '70s, writers had no way of comparing experiences. But the results have been much greater than expected: Public Lending Right, benefits for the institutional copying of our work through Access Copyright, informed contract advice, a network to draw upon, and a collective voice. All writers in Canada have benefited — not only those who have joined the Union and pay their dues.
Member Profile
Julie Johnston
Julie Johnston was born in Smith Falls, Ontario. She graduated from the Universtiy of Toronto in 1963 in Physical and Occupational Therapy, and in 1984, from Trent University in Honours English. She began writing seriously in 1978 beginning with short stories, humour, feature articles and one-act plays produced for the Sears Drama Festival. Her first YA novel was published in 1992, and her second, in 1994. Both won Governal Generals Awards and her next two were short-listed for the same award. She wrote a screenplay based on her first novel for Roy Krost Productions in 1993. She has edited a book for young adults and published four more YA novels and a novel for adultrs. Currently, she is working on another YA novel. Johnston lives in Peterborough and spends summers on Big Rideau Lake. She is married and has four grown daughters.
