Everybody's Writing Their Own Story

Journey for Justice is the true story of a Winnipeg girl named Candace Derksen who was murdered in 1984.  Written by Winnipeg Free Press Justice Reporter, Mike McIntyre, the book walks you through the terrible event that will always be remembered as one of Winnipeg's most horrific crimes.

McIntyre and Derksen's mother, Wilma both came to Red River College and spoke to the Creative Communications students about the book and about the long 26 years that have passed since Candace's death.  Even though those years have taken a toll on Wilma and her family, they have been able to fight through it largely because of their faith and also because of their family and friends who were there for them through it all.

Another thing that helped Wilma through the struggle was blogging and writing.  Being a CreComm graduate herself, it was something that she was no stranger to and was something that she loved doing.  She wrote two books in the time that has passed since Candace was murdered, Confronting the Horror: The Aftermath of Violence and Have You Seen Candace?  The understanding that Wilma has for the media industry is what truly gives Journey for Justice the impact that it has.

During the trial of Mark Grant, McIntyre contacted the family and asked their permission to write a book on the long journey that the Derksens have endured.  Knowing his reputation as a writer and being familiar with his work, the family was open to the idea.  McIntyre spent time talking to the Derksens and asked them to relive the most awful moments of their lives.  They did their best to recall those tragic moments and helped McIntyre produce what could be the best true crime novel to come out of Winnipeg.

However, I feel if it wasn't for Wilma's knowledge of the media and the importance of it, I don't think the book would have the same affect that it does.  She worked closely with McIntyre, and from what it sounds like, not sparing many details.  And she also feels it's better to communicate your feelings and events in your to someone else like she does through her writing.  Similar to what she said in the seminar "everybody's writing their own story."