Grad reflects on life of writing and community building
If life had turned out differently, Candie Tanaka would be an accountant today. After high school, instead of chasing their childhood dream to become a writer, Candie received an accounting diploma. 鈥淚n most Asian families,鈥� laughs Candie, 鈥渨riting isn鈥檛 a real career.鈥�
Luckily for the arts community, the Writer鈥檚 Studio (TWS) graduate found their way back to their creative side. They became not only a writer but also a visual artist, community builder, social entrepreneur and library professional. With their first book鈥攁 young adult novel entitled Baby Drag Queen鈥攁bout to be released by Orca Books, Candie can now add 鈥減ublished author鈥� to their r茅sum茅.
Times were different back in 2013, says Candie, when they graduated from TWS. As a queer, trans writer of Asian descent, Candie recalls struggling at first to find a publisher interested in their work.
But times change, and as believers in karma would note, what you put out in the world has a way of coming back to you. And the energy Candie has poured into supporting other writers and artists has been plentiful.
As the Vancouver Public Library鈥檚 program coordinator, Candie has organized numerous public events and developed connections throughout the city. They鈥檝e also devoted considerable time and their own funds to creating a wide range of personal projects鈥攊ncluding a reading series for marginalized writers and an inclusive maker space for local artists and writers.
鈥淚n life, it鈥檚 important not to think about what you鈥檙e going to get from things,鈥� they explain, 鈥淲hen you connect the community, there should be no expectation of getting anything back.鈥� Giving a struggling writer an opportunity to read in public? That鈥檚 reward enough for Candie.
Candie has also become one of TWS鈥檚 most visible and active community members, organizing and hosting semi-monthly writing sprints and chats on Twitter.
鈥淲e invited Candie to lead our social media community because they were already doing amazing work in the Vancouver arts and writing scene,鈥� says TWS program director Andrew Chesham. 鈥淣o one is better suited, and we鈥檙e so grateful for the caring way Candie supports and nurtures our community.鈥�
Contributing tirelessly to the world of books and writing is now bringing tangible rewards Candie鈥檚 way. Through connections they made in their volunteer work, Candie was able to pitch ideas to Orca Books鈥攍eading to their first book contract. In 2022, Candie had an essay published in Resonance: Essays on the Craft and Life of Writing (Anvil Press, 2022), a textbook used in TWS. The same year, Guernica Editions chose three of Candie鈥檚 stories for the flash-fiction anthology This Will Only Take a Minute.
Sometimes, says Candie, things come together when you least expect it. Looking back, Candie recalls that even joining TWS was an unexpected opportunity. 鈥淭he Writer鈥檚 Studio was a dream I had for a long time, but I didn鈥檛 even get in when I first applied,鈥� they admit.
When a last-minute spot opened, Candie recognized the universe was sending them a sign. Despite the challenge of balancing evening classes and writing time with their library work, Candie seized the chance and made the most of their year in the program.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e disciplined and motivated, it鈥檚 not an issue,鈥� they explain. 鈥淭his was something I really wanted to do, and I would have done it no matter what.鈥�
A decade later, Candie remains grateful for the support and encouragement they received at TWS, for the lasting friendships they made, and for the opportunities that followed, including a highly coveted residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Candie says it鈥檚 all helped them grow surer of themselves and their writing over the years.
鈥淵ou just have to be patient, have confidence and never give up,鈥� notes Candie. 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e a creator, an artist, you have to keep doing what you want to do. When you鈥檙e on the right path, you鈥檒l see the signs.鈥�
By Kim Mah