In the heart of Saskatchewan's literary landscape, author Maureen Ulrich is gearing up to share insights into her journey as a writer. With an upcoming event scheduled at the Estevan Public Library on Thursday, February 8, Ulrich plans to offer a glimpse into her experiences navigating the world of publishing.

Ulrich, known for her captivating Jessie Mac Hockey Series and the immersive Winds of Change series, draws inspiration from diverse sources. Reflecting on her beginnings, Ulrich traces the genesis of her writing journey to her daughter's involvement in girls' hockey.

"At the time my oldest daughter, Robin, was playing girls hockey. I just thought I should write something that would address how gritty and passionate the girls are," Ulrich explained. Her debut novel, Power Play, not only celebrates the intensity of the women's game but also tackles issues such as bullying.

While Ulrich's literary repertoire extends beyond the realm of sports, with her Winds of Change series delving into historical fantasy, her involvement in Lampman's community theater scene also showcases her versatility as a writer.

For those eager to explore more of Ulrich's written work, additional information about her Winds of Change series and her endeavors as a playwright can be found in the full interview on SUN 102 in the audio file below.

Ulrich's event at the Estevan Public Library promises to be an engaging exploration of publishing avenues. Divided into thematic "periods," Ulrich will traverse her experiences in traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and indie publishing.

"I've designed it to be like 3 periods plus a warm-up and overtime," Ulrich explained. "In the first period, I'll be talking about my experiences in traditional publishing. My second period will be about hybrid publishing, where I have a professional publisher, but I have money in the game, and then the third period will be about indie publishing or self-publishing; which is where I'm at right now."

As Ulrich prepares to engage with aspiring writers and avid readers alike, she acknowledges the evolving landscape of publishing. "It's a far different game than it was in 2006 when I started down the road with the traditional publisher," she remarked. "It's incredible, and actually I just got an e-mail the other day from a Canadian printer whose prices are comparable to Amazon. So yeah, it's exploded."

With an abundance of local talent in Southeast Saskatchewan, Ulrich's event serves as a beacon for aspiring writers, providing valuable insights into the dynamic world of publishing.