Rebecca Bruns Memorial
Rebecca Bruns, a founding member of BATW and one of our shining stars, had her trajectory cut tragically short by illness. That she remains a muse to many of us is a testament to both her brilliance and her generosity of spirit.
Rebecca was a mentor in the true sense of the word, working hard, achieving success and sharing her every secret about writing, marketing, motivation. In BATW's fledgling years, a small number of aspiring writers gathered monthly at one another's homes, to hear manuscripts in progress read aloud. Rebecca's were invariably spellbinding, yet so too was her agility at helping others bring their work to a new level. She wrote, as she lived, with passion, honesty and creativity. Her metaphors, like her adventures, were gutsy and original.
To an exceptional friend, teacher and writer, we dedicate this webpage on the 10th anniversary of her passing.
Carol Canter
December 2004
The 2006 Rebecca Bruns Award Goes to Patricia Lee
By Lee Daley
The 2006 Rebecca Bruns Award has been awarded to Patricia Lee, founding member and first president of BATW. Patricia, a retired San Francisco school teacher, brought the same skills and traits to her presidential role as she did to her teaching career.
During BATW's early years, she steered the group's often chaotic but enthusiastic monthly membership meetings with patience, good humor and gentle but firm direction. She inspired others to volunteer their individual talents and held BATW's first few years of board meetings in her San Francisco home where she always served tea and cookies along with praise and encouragement.
Those of us who followed in her footsteps as subsequent BATW presidents- myself, Bruce Whipperman, Cori Kenicer - did so, in part, because of Patricia's example and tutelage. BATW has been blessed to have found its beginnings in such an altruistic and dedicated individual.
The Rebecca Bruns Award is presented yearly to a BATW member who exemplifies the character and essence as well as the achievements of Rebecca Bruns, a gifted and generous writer whose life and work inspired many.