Writers' Corner
As a Freelance Writer for over 22years, I want to provide resources for those interested in writing in any form whether white papers, poems, song writing, fiction etc. etc., or for those wanting information about how to get published and/or about self-publishing etc.. There is a myriad of information on writing that I would love to present here. Anyone wanting to submit an event etc. can contact me at heather.rennalls@oxford.net.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario is building an internal database of community resources and currently seeking entries from Indigenous professionals and Indigenous Service Providers from across Ontario Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gieAcnQJ
Local
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Oxford County Authors
"Join host Ashley Quinton as she speaks to talented local authors from Oxford County. Community Produced by Pam Livingston. " (From Rogers TV website) Also visit Rogers TV Oxford County Facebook
"Join host Ashley Quinton as she speaks to talented local authors from Oxford County. Community Produced by Pam Livingston. " (From Rogers TV website) Also visit Rogers TV Oxford County Facebook
Kai Thomas on unearthing lesser-known histories in his debut novel
Local Writing Groups
- Norwich Writer's Circle - meets the 4th Wed. each month at the Norwich Public Library, 10 Tidey St., Norwich, ON., from 5-6 PM, teens & adults welcome, next meeting: Wed. Sept. 27th,
- Woodstock Writer’s Circle - meets the last Wed. each month at the Woodstock Public Library, 445 Hunter St., Woodstock, ON., from 6-8 PM in the Meeting Room, next meeting: Wed. Sept. 20th
- Thamesford The Write Stuff Writing Group - meets the 3rd Tues. each month at the Thamesford Public Library, 165 Dundas St., Thamesford, ON., from 2-4 PM, next meeting: Tues. Sept. 19th
The Book Band News
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Book Spotlight:
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
You Are the Medicine: 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance
Asha Frost
About The Book:
"Indigenous Medicine Woman Asha Frost invites readers to learn the healing medicine of the 13 Ojibway moons and the spirit animals that will guide their wisdom journey.
The Medicine you have been searching for lives within you. Follow the path of the 13 Ojibwe Moons with Animal Spirits and Ancestors as your guides as you unlock your connection to your own unique, inherent healing power. Through storytelling, ceremonies, and Shamanic journeys, learn to apply ancient wisdom to your life in ways that are respectful and conscious of the stolen lands, lives, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
The Medicine you have been searching for lives within you. Follow the path of the 13 Ojibwe Moons with Animal Spirits and Ancestors as your guides as you unlock your connection to your own unique, inherent healing power. Through storytelling, ceremonies, and Shamanic journeys, learn to apply ancient wisdom to your life in ways that are respectful and conscious of the stolen lands, lives, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
Discover how to:
– Ground and root into your own lineage and meet your Ancestral guides.
– Practice self-care and rest on your journey.
– Return to Ancestral ways of cleansing and purifying.
– Trust and surrender so you can manifest and thrive.
– Release self-doubt, fear, disconnection, and insecurity." ( You Are the Medicine by Asha Frost: 9781401963507 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books)
– Ground and root into your own lineage and meet your Ancestral guides.
– Practice self-care and rest on your journey.
– Return to Ancestral ways of cleansing and purifying.
– Trust and surrender so you can manifest and thrive.
– Release self-doubt, fear, disconnection, and insecurity." ( You Are the Medicine by Asha Frost: 9781401963507 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books)
Biography
Asha Frost, Energy Healer, Visionary, Spiritual Teacher & Mentor
"The best-selling author of You are the Medicine, Indigenous healer, oracle deck creator, mentor and mama. My life work is to help you to connect to the medicine that has always been within you. The spark. The illumination. The power. It’s all there, waiting to be seen, felt and claimed.I grew up on and currently live on Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee land. My maternal and paternal lineage and relatives originate from many First Nations across Ontario, Canada (Turtle Island). I am from the Crane Clan (Aji-jaak Dodem) and hold membership at Neyaashiinigmiig (Cape Croker) First Nation.
I believe if you are drawn to Indigenous Medicine ways, that you too, have power and beauty in your own lineage waiting to be discovered. " (Asha Frost | Medicine Woman and Spiritual Mentor)
"The best-selling author of You are the Medicine, Indigenous healer, oracle deck creator, mentor and mama. My life work is to help you to connect to the medicine that has always been within you. The spark. The illumination. The power. It’s all there, waiting to be seen, felt and claimed.I grew up on and currently live on Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee land. My maternal and paternal lineage and relatives originate from many First Nations across Ontario, Canada (Turtle Island). I am from the Crane Clan (Aji-jaak Dodem) and hold membership at Neyaashiinigmiig (Cape Croker) First Nation.
I believe if you are drawn to Indigenous Medicine ways, that you too, have power and beauty in your own lineage waiting to be discovered. " (Asha Frost | Medicine Woman and Spiritual Mentor)
Asha Frost (Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Praise
“You Are the Medicine is a profound and beautifully written book offered by Indigenous Medicine Woman Asha Frost. With a sensitive lyricism and nuance in her writing she shares stories inspired by her Ojibway ancestry following the lunar calendar of 13 moons. This book reveals how to claim our inherent capacity for healing in all ways. Inviting us to connect to our own ancestral wisdom by sharing hers, she generously and lovingly shows us the way home. A must read for our times.” --Colette Baron-Reid, Author and Oracle Creator
“I have deep respect for Asha Frost and the sacred work she does. In You Are the Medicine, Asha takes us on a journey sharing deep wisdom through mesmerising storytelling and embodied wisdom. Through rituals and sacred journeys she then lovingly guides us to recover the power and beauty of ourown ancestral lineages. This beautiful book will breathe life into your soul and reconnect you to the medicine that has always been whispering within.” — Rebecca Campbell, Best-selling Author, Mystic, and Mother
“This book contains the cure to what ails us in these times: disconnection and having forgotten who we are. Allow yourself to be taken on this transformative journey to remembering who you are, what you came here for, and how to access your power anytime, anywhere, anyplace.” — Kate Northrup, Best-selling Author of Do Less
“You Are the Medicine is an act of great, and maybe undeserved, generosity. If you are interested in including activism and decolonization work as a part of your spiritual practice, Asha Frost leads you into the potency of her Indigenous culture while also guiding and imploring you to reckon with the implications of the borrowing.” — Kimberly Ann Johnson, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Sexological Bodyworker, Birth Doula, and Author of Call of The Wild (From You Are the Medicine by Asha Frost: 9781401963507 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books)
“I have deep respect for Asha Frost and the sacred work she does. In You Are the Medicine, Asha takes us on a journey sharing deep wisdom through mesmerising storytelling and embodied wisdom. Through rituals and sacred journeys she then lovingly guides us to recover the power and beauty of ourown ancestral lineages. This beautiful book will breathe life into your soul and reconnect you to the medicine that has always been whispering within.” — Rebecca Campbell, Best-selling Author, Mystic, and Mother
“This book contains the cure to what ails us in these times: disconnection and having forgotten who we are. Allow yourself to be taken on this transformative journey to remembering who you are, what you came here for, and how to access your power anytime, anywhere, anyplace.” — Kate Northrup, Best-selling Author of Do Less
“You Are the Medicine is an act of great, and maybe undeserved, generosity. If you are interested in including activism and decolonization work as a part of your spiritual practice, Asha Frost leads you into the potency of her Indigenous culture while also guiding and imploring you to reckon with the implications of the borrowing.” — Kimberly Ann Johnson, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Sexological Bodyworker, Birth Doula, and Author of Call of The Wild (From You Are the Medicine by Asha Frost: 9781401963507 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books)
NaNoWriMo Community Meetup
Thursday, January 26, 1:00 PM PST (Your Time Zone)
All writers in the NaNoWriMo community are invited to join us for a virtual meetup! We'll get to know each other as writers, participate in timed writing sprints, and talk about the writing life.
Thursday, January 26, 1:00 PM PST (Your Time Zone)
All writers in the NaNoWriMo community are invited to join us for a virtual meetup! We'll get to know each other as writers, participate in timed writing sprints, and talk about the writing life.
- Sep 28, 2023 04:00 PM
- Oct 26, 2023 04:00 PM
- Nov 22, 2023 04:00 PM
- Dec 19, 2023 04:00 PM
NaNo Prep Season is Here! Are you getting ready to write with us this November?
"Whether this is your first time tackling a novel or your fifteenth, our NaNo Prep 101 Workshop is ready to help you prepare to reach your goal.
This September and October, we'll provide focused NaNo Prep activities for you to use to dive into your imagination and get to know your story better. By the time November rolls around, we hope you'll be more prepared than ever to reach 50,000 words on your novel draft."
"Whether this is your first time tackling a novel or your fifteenth, our NaNo Prep 101 Workshop is ready to help you prepare to reach your goal.
This September and October, we'll provide focused NaNo Prep activities for you to use to dive into your imagination and get to know your story better. By the time November rolls around, we hope you'll be more prepared than ever to reach 50,000 words on your novel draft."
Every week, tackle one straightforward preparation exercise.
If you feel like you can do even more, check out that week’s additional resources… then come discuss how your weekly NaNo Prep is going on our forums.
The Course Outline
If you feel like you can do even more, check out that week’s additional resources… then come discuss how your weekly NaNo Prep is going on our forums.
The Course Outline
- Develop a Story Idea (September 12-18)
- Create Complex Characters (September 19-25)
- Construct a Detailed Plot or Outline (September 26 – October 2)
- Build a Strong World (October 3-7)
- Organize Your Life for Writing! (October 10-16)
- Find and Manage Your Time (October 18-24)
Conferences
The Book and Periodical Council (BPC) - "The Umbrella Organization for Writing and Publishing in Canada. The BPC acts as a forum for its members to network, identify common goals and coordinate action to benefit the Canadian writing and publishing industry." (From website) This site lists academic, editing, library, publishing & writing conferences.
Writing Conferences in Canada
1. Surrey International Writers’ Conference
When: Annually in October - Oct. 20 - 22, 2023 + master classes Oct. 18 & 19, 2023, 31st annual
Where: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
The Surrey International Writers’ Conference is the “most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada.” Open to writers of all levels and genres, the conference offers an opportunity to show off your work to the international literary marketplace as well as to hone your craft and business skills.
2. The Vancouver Writers Festival
When: Annually in October
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
In the cultural heart of Vancouver, B.C., on Granville Island, this festival invites authors, poets, spoken word performers and graphic novelists to celebrate the art of the story. It takes place for six days each October and continues throughout the year through special events and the Incite reading series.
In its own words: “The Vancouver Writers Fest turns reading into a community experience, bringing people together to share thoughts, explore ideas and witness brilliant conversations.”
*3. Kingston WritersFest
When: Annually in September -September 27-October 1 2023
Where: Kingston, Ontario
Writers and readers in attendance will get to participate in thought-provoking discussions and unique events that champion artistic expression and development. Hosted in a notably literary city, this festival is all about “the power of the written word to create a strong, engaged community.”
4. WordFest
When: Annually in April and October - October 11 to 15, 2023
Where: Calgary, Alberta
A not-for-profit charitable arts organization, WordFest “brings readers and writers together through a premier international writers festival and year-round literary events.” Throughout the year, book clubs and other activities are available to those who want to engage with fellow writers and readers. Guests can enjoy readings, workshops, panel discussions and presentations that work toward connecting Calgarians through transformative ideas.
5. Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story
When: Annually in spring - June 2-4, 20223
Where: Wingham, Ontario
This annual festival includes readings, workshops, masterclasses and lectures, as well as opportunities to mingle with other writers. It also includes the Alice Munro Short Story Contest for youth and adults. Submissions open in January.
The festival is open to writers from anywhere, but you have to be a Canadian writer to enter the contest.
6. Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival
When: Annually in April - April 27-30, 2023 25th Anniversary
Where: Montreal, Quebec
This bilingual (English/French) festival features programming for adults and children. Attendees enjoy workshops, readings and lectures from speakers across genres of writing and art.
The festival is free to attend, but you’ll have to pay a fee for select activities.
7. gritLIT
When: Annually in April - April 19-23, 2023
Where: Hamilton, Ontario
This four-day festival is a celebration of Canadian authors. Its purpose is to highlight local writers and engage with the community.
In its own words, “gritLIT brings the best contemporary Canadian writers to Hamilton to engage with local booklovers, to inspire and to be inspired by Hamilton authors, to promote a love of reading in young audiences and to celebrate the exchange of diverse ideas, experiences and viewpoints. ”
*8. Toronto International Festival of Authors
When: Annually in October - Sept. 21 - Oct. 1, 2023
Where: Toronto, Ontario
Since 1974, this popular festival has highlighted authors of contemporary literature. It includes 11 days of readings, interviews, artist talks, round-table discussions, book signings and several special events.
IFOA features novelists, poets, playwrights, short story writers and biographers from Canada and around the world.
The Toronto Star called this Canada’s “premier literary festival” and “a top destination for both international superstars and up-and-coming writers.”
9. Lakefield Literary Festival
When: Annually in July - July 14 -15, 2023
Where: Lakefield, Ontario
In its own words, the festival “a celebration of the rich literary heritage of Lakefield and the surrounding area which includes the works of Catharine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie and Isabella Valancy Crawford, among others, all of who lived and wrote in Lakefield. .” It includes author readings and masterclasses in writing for all ages.
Admission price per event ranges between about CA$20 and CA$35.
10. LitFest Alberta
When: Annually in October - Oct. 12-22, 2023
Where: Edmonton, Alberta
LitFest celebrates nonfiction through readings, lectures, panel discussions and workshops. It covers diverse topics — from food writing to feminism. Several events are free. Paid events run about CA$12 each.
11. The Ottawa International Writers Festival
When: Annually in October and April - Spring: May 4-7, 2023, Fall Oct. 25-30, 2023
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
This festival celebrates ideas and imagination! In its own words:
“Twice a year, we convene an international celebration of ideas to recharge our imaginations. From politics to poetry, science to music, history to thrillers, we celebrate the full diversity of the word and the gifted writers who guide us in our exploration of the world.”
Programming includes a poetry cabaret, town-hall style discussion, and fiction and nonfiction readings. To celebrate writing “outside the pages of books,” the festival often includes staged play readings, feature films, documentaries, CD launches and songwriter circles.
12. When Words Collide
When: Annually in August
Where: Calgary, Alberta
Readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents and other artists attend this festival, which highlights commercial and literary fiction. When Words Collide welcomes writers of most genre fiction, YA, children’s books, nonfiction and poetry. (From Writers Conferences 2023: 60 Events Worth Attending, by Dana Sitar, Feb. 2, 2023)
When: Annually in October - Oct. 20 - 22, 2023 + master classes Oct. 18 & 19, 2023, 31st annual
Where: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
The Surrey International Writers’ Conference is the “most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada.” Open to writers of all levels and genres, the conference offers an opportunity to show off your work to the international literary marketplace as well as to hone your craft and business skills.
2. The Vancouver Writers Festival
When: Annually in October
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
In the cultural heart of Vancouver, B.C., on Granville Island, this festival invites authors, poets, spoken word performers and graphic novelists to celebrate the art of the story. It takes place for six days each October and continues throughout the year through special events and the Incite reading series.
In its own words: “The Vancouver Writers Fest turns reading into a community experience, bringing people together to share thoughts, explore ideas and witness brilliant conversations.”
*3. Kingston WritersFest
When: Annually in September -September 27-October 1 2023
Where: Kingston, Ontario
Writers and readers in attendance will get to participate in thought-provoking discussions and unique events that champion artistic expression and development. Hosted in a notably literary city, this festival is all about “the power of the written word to create a strong, engaged community.”
4. WordFest
When: Annually in April and October - October 11 to 15, 2023
Where: Calgary, Alberta
A not-for-profit charitable arts organization, WordFest “brings readers and writers together through a premier international writers festival and year-round literary events.” Throughout the year, book clubs and other activities are available to those who want to engage with fellow writers and readers. Guests can enjoy readings, workshops, panel discussions and presentations that work toward connecting Calgarians through transformative ideas.
5. Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story
When: Annually in spring - June 2-4, 20223
Where: Wingham, Ontario
This annual festival includes readings, workshops, masterclasses and lectures, as well as opportunities to mingle with other writers. It also includes the Alice Munro Short Story Contest for youth and adults. Submissions open in January.
The festival is open to writers from anywhere, but you have to be a Canadian writer to enter the contest.
6. Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival
When: Annually in April - April 27-30, 2023 25th Anniversary
Where: Montreal, Quebec
This bilingual (English/French) festival features programming for adults and children. Attendees enjoy workshops, readings and lectures from speakers across genres of writing and art.
The festival is free to attend, but you’ll have to pay a fee for select activities.
7. gritLIT
When: Annually in April - April 19-23, 2023
Where: Hamilton, Ontario
This four-day festival is a celebration of Canadian authors. Its purpose is to highlight local writers and engage with the community.
In its own words, “gritLIT brings the best contemporary Canadian writers to Hamilton to engage with local booklovers, to inspire and to be inspired by Hamilton authors, to promote a love of reading in young audiences and to celebrate the exchange of diverse ideas, experiences and viewpoints. ”
*8. Toronto International Festival of Authors
When: Annually in October - Sept. 21 - Oct. 1, 2023
Where: Toronto, Ontario
Since 1974, this popular festival has highlighted authors of contemporary literature. It includes 11 days of readings, interviews, artist talks, round-table discussions, book signings and several special events.
IFOA features novelists, poets, playwrights, short story writers and biographers from Canada and around the world.
The Toronto Star called this Canada’s “premier literary festival” and “a top destination for both international superstars and up-and-coming writers.”
9. Lakefield Literary Festival
When: Annually in July - July 14 -15, 2023
Where: Lakefield, Ontario
In its own words, the festival “a celebration of the rich literary heritage of Lakefield and the surrounding area which includes the works of Catharine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie and Isabella Valancy Crawford, among others, all of who lived and wrote in Lakefield. .” It includes author readings and masterclasses in writing for all ages.
Admission price per event ranges between about CA$20 and CA$35.
10. LitFest Alberta
When: Annually in October - Oct. 12-22, 2023
Where: Edmonton, Alberta
LitFest celebrates nonfiction through readings, lectures, panel discussions and workshops. It covers diverse topics — from food writing to feminism. Several events are free. Paid events run about CA$12 each.
11. The Ottawa International Writers Festival
When: Annually in October and April - Spring: May 4-7, 2023, Fall Oct. 25-30, 2023
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
This festival celebrates ideas and imagination! In its own words:
“Twice a year, we convene an international celebration of ideas to recharge our imaginations. From politics to poetry, science to music, history to thrillers, we celebrate the full diversity of the word and the gifted writers who guide us in our exploration of the world.”
Programming includes a poetry cabaret, town-hall style discussion, and fiction and nonfiction readings. To celebrate writing “outside the pages of books,” the festival often includes staged play readings, feature films, documentaries, CD launches and songwriter circles.
12. When Words Collide
When: Annually in August
Where: Calgary, Alberta
Readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents and other artists attend this festival, which highlights commercial and literary fiction. When Words Collide welcomes writers of most genre fiction, YA, children’s books, nonfiction and poetry. (From Writers Conferences 2023: 60 Events Worth Attending, by Dana Sitar, Feb. 2, 2023)
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
TBA
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
|
"The Ontario Writers’ Conference is dedicated to the celebration of writing by inspiring, educating & connecting writers of all levels; providing participants with an opportunity to network with writers and other publishing professionals; and encouraging writers to publish, promote and sell their work." (From Ontario Writer's Conference website)
|
TBA
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
38 Canadian writing conferences and literary festivals:
5 Helpful Writing Resources for the First-Time Author
The Hardest Question for a Writer: "What Do You Write About?"
- CanWrite! - allows writers to meet with people of like interest from across the country
- Professional Writers Association Annual Conference - includes a mix of professional and social activities.
- The Writers’ Union of Canada Conference and AGM - consists of panels, lectures & workshops all open to the public
- Write! Canada - an annual three-day meeting of Christian writers in Guelph, Ontario
Contests
The Canadian Writers’ Contest Calendar
Canadian Adult Contests
Writing Battle
James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award
Aesthetica Creative Works Competition (UK)
Canadian Adult Contests
Writing Battle
- At 10:00 PM EST, receive a prompt and start writing. You have 5 days to write a 2000-word story.
- Deadlines: Annual (November, February & May)
- Deadline: Annual (April)
- Deadline: May
- Deadline: May
- Entries are accepted between 1 April and 21 June each year.
- Deadlines: July
- Deadline: Annual (November)
- Deadline: Various
- Deadlines: Various
- Deadline: October
- Deadline: Annual (February, April and November)
- Deadline: May 31
- Deadline: Annual (varies by contest)
James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award
- Deadline: Annual (May)
- Eligibility: Aboriginal students “up to 12 years old” and “13–18 years old.”
Aesthetica Creative Works Competition (UK)
- Deadline: Annual (August).
- Aura Estrada Short Story Contest
- Deadline: October 1
- Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition (Ire)
- Deadline: Annual (31 July) (From the Canadian Authors Association - National Capital Region (CAA-NCR) website)
- Canadian Authors - lists of Canadian contests and opportunities
- Contests for short fiction & poetry
- Dreamers Writing Contest - Stories of Migration, Sense of Place and Home, Deadline: January 31, 2020
- FreelanceWriting - Writing Contests - Poetry, Short Story, Essay, Screenwriting & More
- White Mountain Publications - List Canadian Writers' Contest Calendar 2023 Index
Creative Writing Camps
Events
- Freedom to Read - Freedom to read can never be taken for granted even in Canada
- TD Canadian Children's Book Week - connects Canadian authors & illustrators with children & teens across Canada
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
AAWW Asian American Writers' Workshop
|
RSVP HERE
"This February, we’re welcoming a powerhouse line-up of Asian American novelists to the Workshop’s virtual stage, featuring Jessamine Chan, Jean Chen Ho, and Weike Wang in conversation on their highly anticipated 2022 releases, The School for Good Mothers, Fiona and Jane, and Joan is Okay. Jessamine, Jean, and Weike will join us to discuss humanity and womanhood, exploring connections between their individual and collective work." |
RSVP HERE
"The Asian American Writers' Workshop, in partnership with PEN America and Singapore Unbound, will convene a bilingual reading of work from the forthcoming anthology Picking Off New Shoots Will Not Stop the Spring: Witness Poems and Essays from Burma/Myanmar 1988-2021, followed by a conversation with editors Brian Haman and Ko Ko Thett, and contributors Ma Thida and Mae Yway on the anthology and the state of free expression in Myanmar." (From AAWW website) |
Festivals
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
The Writers' Union of Canada
The Writers' Union of Canada "is the national organization of professionally published book authors. The Union was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers."
For a full list of Canadian Festivals and Reading Series throughout Canada visit The Writers' Union of Canada website.)
The Writers' Union of Canada "is the national organization of professionally published book authors. The Union was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers."
For a full list of Canadian Festivals and Reading Series throughout Canada visit The Writers' Union of Canada website.)
- BookFest Windsor
- Canadian Festival of Spoken Word (CFSW)
- gritLIT - is Hamilton’s annual literary festival, a four-day celebration of Canadian authors
- International Festival of Writers (IFOA) - is a celebration of words and ideas, of writers and readers.
- Kingston WritersFest
- Literacy Arts Windsor - to recognize, read, and celebrate Canadian authors
- The Festival of Literacy Diversity (FOLD)
- The Word On The Street - renowned for the quality and diversity of its event programming
- The Toronto International Festival of Authors - Canada’s largest & longest-running celebration of words & ideas
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Oct. 12 - 15, 2023
BookFest / Festival du Livre Windsor 2023: Dates: October 12-15, 2023. Conditions permitting, we hope to hold a hybrid event with in-person activities (following up-to-date safety protocols) and live virtual events. Publicists, please indicate whether your author is willing and able to travel subject to government restrictions.
BookFest Author Submission Guidelines 2023 – Literary Arts Windsor
www.literaryartswindsor.ca/submissions/
BookFest Author Submission Guidelines 2023 – Literary Arts Windsor
BookFest / Festival du Livre Windsor 2023: Dates: October 12-15, 2023. Conditions permitting, we hope to hold a hybrid event with in-person activities (following up-to-date safety protocols) and live virtual events. Publicists, please indicate whether your author is willing and able to travel subject to government restrictions.
BookFest Author Submission Guidelines 2023 – Literary Arts Windsor
www.literaryartswindsor.ca/submissions/
BookFest Author Submission Guidelines 2023 – Literary Arts Windsor
KWF Returns: September 27-October 1 2023
2023 Festival Update
Already looking forward to our 15th annual Kingston WritersFest?
Our full Festival Pass and Writers Studio Pass are now available, grab yours now and secure access to our full lineup.
Details are at the links below.
Price includes all taxes and handling fees.
Already looking forward to our 15th annual Kingston WritersFest?
Our full Festival Pass and Writers Studio Pass are now available, grab yours now and secure access to our full lineup.
Details are at the links below.
Price includes all taxes and handling fees.
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Annual Festival
44th Edition: September 21 – October 1, 2023
The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) is Canada’s largest and longest-running literary festival, presented with a vision to inspire, empower and connect through the art of stories. Join us annually every fall, to meet, hear and learn from the world’s leading contemporary authors.
Programme information will be announced in 2023. (From Annual Festival (festivalofauthors.ca))
Want to know more about our festivals and other activities? Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox: Annual Festival (festivalofauthors.ca)
Programme information will be announced in 2023. (From Annual Festival (festivalofauthors.ca))
Want to know more about our festivals and other activities? Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox: Annual Festival (festivalofauthors.ca)
Check out podcasts from the Toronto International Festival of Authors
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
"Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada (SC-CC) is devoted to connecting people, reflecting culture, and inspiring learning and creativity through the art of storytelling." (Storytellers of Canada)
Virtual Writing Groups
- Cambridge Authors are invited to attend monthly meetings, either via video conference or face-to-face, that take place the first Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm. They are also welcome to join the private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1602147873421603 where members are free to share positive and helpful stories and advice.
- WritersCafe.org - is an online writing community where writers can post their work, get reviews, befriend other writers, and much more..
Other Writing Groups
High Notes Movie Club - Monthly Zoom Group
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
"Lively, interactive discussions about uplifting movies for those touched by mental illness.
Hosted by Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman, award-winning Illustrator & Movie Blogger, Speaker and Social Media Influencer & Consultant, www.MoviesForMotivation.com. Emmanuel has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CBC Radio and The Globe & Mail. Emmanuel shares his lived-experience with clinical/seasonal depression and his easy-to-use tips for self care & self motivation. He inspires individuals to increase their resilience and indestructible optimism through the magic of cinema!" (From High Notes website)
Hosted by Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman, award-winning Illustrator & Movie Blogger, Speaker and Social Media Influencer & Consultant, www.MoviesForMotivation.com. Emmanuel has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CBC Radio and The Globe & Mail. Emmanuel shares his lived-experience with clinical/seasonal depression and his easy-to-use tips for self care & self motivation. He inspires individuals to increase their resilience and indestructible optimism through the magic of cinema!" (From High Notes website)
Writing Retreats
"Don’t miss out on our second annual intensive master class series which will be held from Thursday, March 16th to Sunday, March 19th 2023.
Details of our faculty and workshops are now released, learn more by clicking the link below!
Don’t forget to also participate in the best of KWF’s 15th anniversary Festival, at special early bird pricing!
Price includes all taxes and handling fees."
Details of our faculty and workshops are now released, learn more by clicking the link below!
Don’t forget to also participate in the best of KWF’s 15th anniversary Festival, at special early bird pricing!
Price includes all taxes and handling fees."
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Late Summer Writing Retreat at Arowhon Pines in Algonquin Park
Tuesday Sept 5 – Friday, Sept 8
Arowhon Pines Resort
Arowhon Pines Road
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
"Give yourself four days of writing time – a long weekend of instruction, inspiration and creativity. Award yourself with time away from distractions, with no dishes to do, delicious food at every meal, and with the leisure you need to sit with your feet up and write.
The retreat will feature both instruction and guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian. You’ll also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your creativity. All writing levels welcome. Whether you’re just beginning or have a novel in progress, please join us."
(From Quick Brown Fox website)
For more information or to register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
The retreat will feature both instruction and guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian. You’ll also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your creativity. All writing levels welcome. Whether you’re just beginning or have a novel in progress, please join us."
(From Quick Brown Fox website)
For more information or to register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
Fall Colours Writing Retreat in Muskoka
Friday, October 20 – Monday, October 23
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
"Give yourself four days of writing time – a long weekend of instruction, inspiration and creativity. Award yourself with time away from distractions, with no dishes to do, delicious food at every meal, and with the leisure you need to sit with your feet up and write.
The retreat will feature both instruction and guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian. You’ll also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your creativity. All writing levels welcome. Whether you’re just beginning or have a novel in progress, please join us." (Quick Brown Fox)
The retreat will feature both instruction and guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian. You’ll also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your creativity. All writing levels welcome. Whether you’re just beginning or have a novel in progress, please join us." (Quick Brown Fox)
Toronto Peoples' Library
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Toronto People's Library - A movement striving to amplify literary works + stories by people from our BIPOC communities.
Links to Freelance Writing Jobs
- ARC POETRY MAGAZINE - Canada's Poetry Magazine
- Aspiring Canadian Poets Contest - Recognizing & Developing Unpublished Canadian Poets
- Canadian Festival of Spoken Word
- CBC Books - Home for writers and original writing
- Event Poetry and Prose - Western Canada’s longest-running literary magazines
- Hamilton Poetry Centre - Established in 1983, supports & encourage the writing & appreciation of poetry
- League of Canadian Poets - Supporting poets & poetry in Canada
- National Poetry Month
- Poetry in Voice (Les voix de la poésie) - Ensures all Canadians speak the language of poetry
- Poetry Institute of Canada - Celebrating uniting writers & poets
- Poetry London
- Poets & Writers - American, has tools for writers
- Spring Pulse Poetry Festival - Northern Ontario’s largest poetry/arts festival
- The Art Bar - Canada's longest running poetry-only, weekly reading series
- The Artists of Colour - Telling Our Stories Through Art
- The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry - Raise awareness of poetry plays in our cultural life
- The Ontario Poetry Society - Provides support & encouragement in all aspects of poetry
- Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) - Canada’s largest and longest-running festival of words and ideas
- Toronto Poetry Slam - A twice-monthly spoken word competition judged on poems presented, all ages
- Tower Poetry Society - A non-profit organization established to promote poetry and encourage poets since 1951
- Young Writers - A site for young writers
Poetry Contests:
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Diana Brebner Prize - Deadline Sep. 4, 2023
Prize $500
Prize $500
The Diana Brebner Prize is awarded yearly for the best poem written by a National Capital Region poet, who has not yet been published in book form. The prize honours the late Diana Brebner, an award-winning Ottawa-based poet who was devoted to fostering literary talent among new, local writers. (From
Contests - Arc Poetry)
Contests - Arc Poetry)
Arc Poetry Magazine Contests:
- Arc Award of Awesomeness - deadline Mar. 31, 2023, price 50/50 cash
- Archibald Lampman Award - deadline Mar. 31, 2023, prize $1,500
- Diana Brebner Prize - deadline Sept. 4, 2023, prize $500
- Tamarack Prize - awarded to an outstanding poem published in Arc, prize $250
- Critics’ Desk Award - award given annually to a feature review & brief review in Arc, prizes $250 feature, $100 brief
- Poem of Year - deadline Feb. 1, 2023, prize $250
- Aspiring Canadian Poets Contest - Recognizing and Developing Unpublished Canadian Poets
- Contests for short fiction & poetry
- Dreamers Haiku Contest - deadline May 31, 2023
- Freelance Writing - Helping freelance writers to succeed since 1997
Poetry Conferences
League of Canadian Poets Annual Poetry Festival and Conference - Hosted each year in a different Canadian city
Poetry Publications
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Tower Poetry - publishes a poetry book twice a year, summer and winter. Deadlines for TOWER POETRY submissions are February 28th for the Summer issue and August 31st for the Winter issue each year. Submit by email to: info@towerpoetry.ca." (For further information on Submission)
Poetry Reading
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Antler River Poetry (formerly Poetry London) Readings 2023 Season
Poetry Workshops: Zoom Workshops
"Antler River Poetry is delighted to announce the readers for our upcoming poetry reading season. Check out the list of poets and dates below and follow the links for photos and bios. This year we will be returning to in-person (masked) events. To protect vulnerable community members, Antler River Poetry is asking all attendees to wear masks. Masks will be available at the event for those who do not have one."
Antler River Poetry 2023 Reading Season ended
Poetry Workshops
The Hamilton Poetry Centre Workshops
"The Hamilton Poetry Centre offers free public workshops throughout the year. These are a place to share your work in progress and receive supportive and thoughtful feedback from your peers. New and experienced poets welcome!
Please bring 12-15 copies of one poem to share with fellow workshop participants.
Workshop dates: the following Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m.
Workshop location:
Westdale Branch of Hamilton Public Library, 955 King St. West, Hamilton, Ontario
Telephone: (905) 546-3456 (From Hamilton Poetry Centre website)
Please bring 12-15 copies of one poem to share with fellow workshop participants.
Workshop dates: the following Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m.
- TBA
Workshop location:
Westdale Branch of Hamilton Public Library, 955 King St. West, Hamilton, Ontario
Telephone: (905) 546-3456 (From Hamilton Poetry Centre website)
Tower Poetry Society
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
2023 Workshop Schedule ended
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
TORONTO POETRY SLAM is a twice-monthly spoken word competition, where the judges vote on each poem presented. Open to a all ages to attend, compete/perform on stage.
Home venue is the Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON (From the Toronto Poetry Slam website)
Home venue is the Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON (From the Toronto Poetry Slam website)
Dwayne Morgan Creates
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Check out Dwayne Morgan's YouTube channel for his latest videos
YouTube Links of Live Performances
- I Am A Tribute - Opening Spoken Word piece of Tribute a Dance Show on the history of Blacks in Dance in Canada
- Black Woman recorded for International Womens's Day 2021
- Why Black Women Whisper at Spoken Soulfest 2019
- What Happens When the Unstoppable Ball Hits the Immovable Pole -Poetic Storytelling at UWI in Trinidad for Ink Quest - a poem written during intermission based on the theme of a poem performed by another poet in the first half of the show
- Amani works with Wordsmiths in Trinidad on Spoken Word Performance Piece
- WORD UP Intro - June 2011 (From Imani Arts Biz)
(Image from LinkedIn)
Dwayne Morgan, winner of the $10K Celebration of Cultural Life Award from the Toronto Arts Foundation on April 25, 2022.
Congratulations Dwayne!
Congratulations Dwayne!
US Mint begins shipping quarters honoring Maya Angelou
Author of The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman Ernest J. Gaines, Dies At Age 86
January 15, 1933 - November 5, 2019
Remembering Toni Morrison
February 18, 1931 - August 5, 2019
Remembering Derek Walcott
January 23, 1930 - March 17, 2017
Nobel Prize-winning Poet & Playwright
Publishing Links
- Access Copyright - a collective voice of creators and publishers in Canada writers, visual artists & publishers
- Agent Query.com - The Internet's largest free database of literary agents
- Ask a Literary Agent – An agent and author answers aspiring authors’ questions about writing & getting published
- Author's Publish - a free copy of their eBook "Submit, Publish, Repeat"
- Editors’ Association of Canada - The Voice of Canadian Editors
- Oxford County Library - offers resources for independent authors
- Publishers Archive.com - Directory of book publishers, literary awards, book events & more, American
- Pub Rants – American blog with writing & publishing tips
- The Book and Periodical Council (BPC) - The Umbrella Organization for Publishing in Canada
- Windsor Public Library
- Writer's Guild of Canada - List of Agents
- Writer's Relief, Author's Submission Service - American
Workshops
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Check out the various workshop and course schedule for all levels of writers listed on Brian Henry's website Quick Brown Fox.
Online Welcome to Creative Writing class Tuesday afternoons, Sept 28 – Dec 7
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
To reserve your spot, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Check out Firefly Creative Writing Workshops & Retreats
BIPOC Stay At Home Writing Retreat
A weekend-long Stay At Home Retreat run for and by People of Colour
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
Hello Firefly community!
"It’s Asifa, Kim and Mary here, three of the coaches at Firefly. We are thrilled to offer a “Stay At Home Retreat” for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC)
to come together, write, connect, exhale, explore, and lovingly witness each other’s words.
Our goal is to create space for and with People of Colour to lean into our writing voices. There will be room to wade into the themes that don’t get a lot of attention in predominantly white circles such as white supremacy, microaggressions, immigration, colourism, racism, colonialism, intersectionality, and the complexity and contours of our identities as we define them. But you can also decide not to dive into these topics and just enjoy writing for the sake of it. We'll spend lots of time just having fun with words.
This will be a weekend of writing in the moment, sharing, and getting full-hearted, supportive feedback from one another. We’ll use guided visualizations, silent writing time, and discussion to invite our creativity to play. We’ll also have plenty of screen breaks and chances to share in small groups.
This is our first time all facilitating together, and we’re excited to work as a team of three around a (virtual) table with people who get it, who don’t question each other’s lived experience and have likely experienced many of the same things.
Beginner and seasoned writers are very welcome!"
(From Firefly Creative Writing website)
"It’s Asifa, Kim and Mary here, three of the coaches at Firefly. We are thrilled to offer a “Stay At Home Retreat” for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC)
to come together, write, connect, exhale, explore, and lovingly witness each other’s words.
Our goal is to create space for and with People of Colour to lean into our writing voices. There will be room to wade into the themes that don’t get a lot of attention in predominantly white circles such as white supremacy, microaggressions, immigration, colourism, racism, colonialism, intersectionality, and the complexity and contours of our identities as we define them. But you can also decide not to dive into these topics and just enjoy writing for the sake of it. We'll spend lots of time just having fun with words.
This will be a weekend of writing in the moment, sharing, and getting full-hearted, supportive feedback from one another. We’ll use guided visualizations, silent writing time, and discussion to invite our creativity to play. We’ll also have plenty of screen breaks and chances to share in small groups.
This is our first time all facilitating together, and we’re excited to work as a team of three around a (virtual) table with people who get it, who don’t question each other’s lived experience and have likely experienced many of the same things.
Beginner and seasoned writers are very welcome!"
(From Firefly Creative Writing website)
This retreat will be offered again next winter.
Click here if you’d like to get on our list for early bird registration for future seasons or sign up for our newsletter here.
Click here if you’d like to get on our list for early bird registration for future seasons or sign up for our newsletter here.
Writer's Clubs with Membership
- London Writer’s Society - Since April of 2020, our meetings are online Zoom format. To participate subscribe to our newsletter to be informed of meeting details, including topic and Zoom procedures.
- The Sudbury Writers’ Guild - check them out on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/SudburyWritersGuild/
- The Writers’ Community of Simcoe County - meets 3rd Sunday each month at Down by the Bay, 121 Mississauga St. E., Orillia, ON, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Ottawa Romance Writers - Our members-only meetings are a discussion of Ottawa Romance Writers business, upcoming events, and the goings-on in the romance writing world (1:00-2:15pm).
Writing Jobs
- Brian Scott - Subscribe to his Morning Coffee Newsletter
- Brian Scott - Video tutorials on "How to Start A Successful Freelance Writing Career"
- Canadian Freelance Writing Jobs - Jobs for Canadian Writers
- Savvy Writers & e-Books online - 11 Websites to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
- The Book and Periodical Council - lists online job boards
Writing Links
- Brian Henry - check out his creative writing courses & workshops
- Brian Scott - a wealth of information including jobs, writing & poetry contests
- Canada Arts Connect - opportunities, resources & more
- Canadian Authors - writers helping writers since 1921
- Canadian Links of Interest to Writers - an extensive list
- Canadian Literature - a Quarterly of Criticism and Review
- Canadian Writer's Journal - an annotated list of internet links & information useful to writers
- Clear Writing Literacy - Literacy information & referral network
- Diaspora Dialogues (DD) - supports diverse writers to turn their craft into a career
- Dreamers Creative Writing - dedicated to writing that is from the heart
- Firefly Creative Writing - offering cozy and joyful creative writing workshops & coaching in Toronto, Ontario
- Freefall Writing
- A Guide to Effective Instruction in Writing Kindergarten to Grade 3
- The Book Band - places new authors and ideas into your hands
- The League of Canadian Poets
- Library Archives of Canada
- Morel Magazine - a forum celebrating Southwestern Ontario
- National Film Board of Canada
- Professional Writers Association of Canada - Serve Canadian non-fiction freelance writers across the country
- Storytellers of Canada – Conteurs du Canada is devoted to connecting people, reflecting culture, and inspiring learning and creativity through the art of storytelling.
- The Ontario Writers' Conference
- The Other Side of the Story – an informative blog with over 500 articles on writing fiction
- Silver Pen Writers Society
- Storytellers of Canada -supports the art of oral storytelling through its storytellers & listeners
- Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
- Word Writes Canada - Canadian Links of Interest to Writers, an extensive list
- Writescape ...escape to write
- Writer's Circle - Blog on writing tips
- The Book and Periodical Council -
- The Eyeopener - Ryerson University’s independent student newspaper, and has been since 1967
- The Word Guild - Growing Communities of Christian Writers Across Canada
- The Writers' Community of Durham Region - offers forum where writers can find support, education & networking
- Writers Guild of Canada
- The Write Life - American, helps writers create, connect & earn
- Writer's Resources - American, lists of websites, books etc. for writers
- The Writers’ Trust of Canada - to advance, nurture & celebrate Canadian writers & writing
- The Writer’s Union of Canada
- Toronto Romance Writers (TRW) - a robust branch of Romance Writers of America founded in 1986
International Conferences/Workshops
- This summit of international authors and aspiring writers features conferences led by some of the worlds most talented authors, journalist, poets, playwrights, screenwriters and literary agents. Stimulating talks, interviews, readings, Q&As and workshops.
- ASJA Writers Conference
The American Society of Journalists and Authors annual writers conference is one of the premier events in the United States for professional independent writers, with more than 600 attendees each year. - Freefall Writing Calendar
- Geneva Writers’ Conference
The international conference brings together English-language writers for high-level instruction, inspiration, support, advice, networking and feedback. Writing genres covered include fiction, creative non-fiction, children’s writing and poetry. (From The Book and Periodical Council (The BPC))
Writer's Quote
(Image from the Internet)
(Image from the Internet)
Tip 11: Format your email properly.
"Use good email formatting structure. Write an enticing subject line so your recipient is compelled to open your email. Understand proper email salutations and closings." (From 30 Writing Tips To Make Writing Easier website by Karen Hertzberg)
"Use good email formatting structure. Write an enticing subject line so your recipient is compelled to open your email. Understand proper email salutations and closings." (From 30 Writing Tips To Make Writing Easier website by Karen Hertzberg)
Quote: “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” ~ Maya Angelou ~
