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  • October Writers' Social

    • 15 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us for a Writers' Social on Tuesday, October 15th from 7:00 - 8:15 PM Pacific by registering here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) and a Zoom link for the event will be sent to you. When it’s time for the event you can click on the Zoom link to join the event.


    Many of us strive for a connection with our fellow writers. This members-only monthly event is designed to bring us together for casual chats with breakout rooms. Join us to talk craft, career, and connection for about 75 minutes over Zoom. Meet new people and get the most out of being a part of a provincial organization! Below are the proposed discussion groups for October's meeting (subject to change). Please consider which discussion group you would like to join before you arrive, and email meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you would like to suggest a future discussion topic. See you soon!


    Discussion Groups:

    • Writing routines to set you up for success

    • All about poetry

    • Memoir/CNF writers connect 

    • Summer Writing Challenge alumni

    • General writing discussion

    • YA and middle grade Fiction

    • Writing and publishing short stories


    Digital Doors Open at 6:55, Event Starts at 7:00 PM Pacific

    Show details

  • Regional Spotlight: Tri-City Wordsmiths

    • 22 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 pm Pacific for a Regional Spotlight featuring the Tri-City Wordsmiths with host Meaghan Hackinen and readers Trevor Atkins, Margarita Escobar, Tamara GorinCarmy Stubbs, and Rohini Sunderam . Register here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) and a link will be sent to you. When it's time for the event, click on the link to join the live Zoom event. We look forward to seeing you there!

    Digital Doors Open at 6:55 pm!

    *This event will be recorded.

    Trevor Atkins lives on the west coast of Canada and has been working with words for much of his life. Now he's enjoying writing historical fiction for younger readers.

    Trevor has written a children's book with his daughter, "The King and Queen's Banquet" (2019), and a historical novel for middle-grade readers and up, "The Day the Pirates Went Mad" (2021), featuring the young adventurers Emma Sharpe and Jack Randall.

    Most recently, Trevor has also been published in a pair of themed anthologies from Wild Ink Publishing. Currently, Trevor is putting the finishing touches on the sequel to "The Day the Pirates Went Mad", which is expected to release early 2025. So, keep a weather eye on his social media for upcoming announcements about that. Find Trevor online: https://www.facebook.com/Trevor.Atkins.author



    With a background in journalism early in her career, Tamara Gorin is an award winning poet and essayist, a graduate of the SFU Writers Studio (2006). She is a member of Editors of Canada - BC and the Federation of BC Writers. Tamara owns Western Sky Books, an independent bookstore and art gallery in Port Coquitlam/kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, BC. She sits on the Board of Tri-Cities Wordsmiths and the organizing committee of the Tri-Cities Literary Festival.








    Rohini Sunderam is a Canadian of Indian origin. After many years as an ex-pat living and working in the Kingdom of Bahrain, she now calls Port Coquitlam her home. While in Bahrain, for several years Rohini managed The Bahrain Writers' Circle, and Second Circle poetry group, and hosted several poetry events. A semi-retired advertising copywriter, she has published five books: Corpoetry, Desert Flower: Five Lives One Day in Bahrain, (all previously published by Ex-L-Ence Publishing), Twelve Roses for Love, a collection of short stories and A to Z Flowers, Poems & Bible Verses a collection of flower poetry arranged as a journal. Her poems have appeared in Dilliwali (Publisher Busra Alvi Razzak), Quesadilla & Other Adventures (2019), The Society of Classical Poets’ Journals VII, VIII & XII. A short story was shortlisted in The Atlantis Short Story Contest (2013) published by Expanded Horizons, (2018). A CNF entry and Flash Fiction story were long listed in separate WOW Women on Writing contests, Winner: Oapschat, U.K 2014. Her latest success is a short story published by The Missouri Review Fall 2022 issue (digital, print, audio, featured prose and an author interview). Find Rohini online: www.bwcbh.com 



    Margarita Escobar enjoys writing women’s fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. In 2023, she published her short story collection, ‘Under a Weeping Willow.’ Each tale traverses the intricacies of the human condition with themes of love in all its forms: courage and hope, loss and grief and what it means to grow older.

    She is a former ICU nurse and midwife who has been writing in her native language, Spanish, for as long as she can remember, but nowadays, she writes in English and Spanish.

    She lives with her husband in Pitt Meadows. 

    Find Margarita online: linktr.ee/_Margarita.B.Escobar_ 

     


    Carmy Stubbs is a lover of the Word and its power for transformation and healing. Through her poetry, short stories, writings, and illustrations, she explores the creative force of the Heart and the finding of one’s true voice. Carmy is the author of the novel The Six Knowings of ASAIRA, a metaphysical fantasy, where all her loves ~ the poems, the magic, the storytelling, and the search for the Divine~ weave themselves alchemically through text and illustration. Find Carmy online: https://www.carmystubbs.com





    Meaghan Hackinen (FBCW host): is a bike-obsessed bookworm on a lifelong hunt for exceptional cycling routes, both on and off the pavement. Her cross-continental bike race memoir,Shifting Gears, was released by NeWest Press in 2023. Meaghan is the 2024 women’s winner of the Tour Divide, a self-supported 4,400-kilometre mountain bike race down the Continental Divide from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Read her reflective essay on The Radavist.

    Show details

  • Sunday Webinar: Scene Stealing: Creating Textured Scenes Using Your Five Senses

    • 27 Oct 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Scene Stealing: Creating Textured Scenes Using Your Five Senses

    Member Price: $15

    Non-Member Price is $25

    **This event will be recorded. Registrants can access the recording for 30 days.

    Description:

    Each scene in a memoir is an opportunity to immerse the reader in the fabric of your story.  Describing the action rather than summarizing allows the reader to come to their own conclusions. Learn how to use your five senses to craft scenes that fuel your reader’s imagination.

    Outcomes: 

    In this session, we will discover how you can use scenes to propel your story forward. We will use a range of props and tricks that will help you create vivid scenes filled with sensory detail. Techniques that you can use over and over again to help to jog your memory. We will also create mini outlines of scene and discuss choosing scenes that stay in your memoir.

    Intended audience: 

    Memoir and Creative Nonfiction writers of all levels.

    Additional notes:

    Writers should bring a notebook, pen, and something that has a strong scent such as a herb, a bottle of vanilla, or anything that conjures up a strong response and an image that is significant to them. 

    Bio: 

    S. Lesley Buxton’s essay “Talking to the Dead” was a finalist for a 2024 National Magazine award. She is the author of the award-winning memoir, One Strong Girl which was translated and published in France in 2022. Buxton's work has appeared in a variety of Canadian magazines and anthologies including: Hazlitt, Reader’s Digest, This Magazine and the Caitlin Press anthology, Love Me True. She is the coauthor of “Time to Wonder” with Sue Harper—a series of books for children about the museums of BC. Buxton has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    Digital doors open at 1:55 pm, event starts at 2:00 pm


    Show details

  • November Writing Challenge

    • 30 Oct 2024
    • 8:30 AM
    • 2 Dec 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    For many writers, November is a time to take on a big project. Many of us aim to get a first draft of 50,000 words completed. This year, we have put together a new program merging the formats of our previous NaNoWriMo events and our Summer Writing Challenge.

    Join us over zoom for a month of withing with sprints, check-ins, and tips and tricks to keep you writing. The Kick-off and First Page Challenge events will be recorded and available to participants for the month.

    What’s Included:

    • 1 Kick-off Event with Planning and Goal Setting Activities
    • 12 Writing Sprints
    • 4 Check-Ins
    • Weekly Emails with Reminders, Tips, and Exercises
    • 1 Wrap-Up Open Mic Event
    • A surprise or two

    * Note: The Federation of BC Writers is running a week-long Writing Intensive from Nov 18-21. There are no sessions between the two events that are running simultaneously, but they each use a different zoom link.

    Schedule:

    Wednesday

    Oct 30

    12:00 pm

    Kick-off event

    Friday

    Nov 1

    9:30 am

    First Pages Challenge

    Sunday

    Nov 3

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 4

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 4

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 7

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Sunday

    Nov 10

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 11

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 11

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 14

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Sunday

    Nov 17

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 18

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 18

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 21

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Sunday

    Nov 24

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 25

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 25

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 28

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Monday

    Dec 2

    7:00 pm

    Wrap-Up Open Mic


    POLICIES

    RECORDINGS

    • The last day to watch the recordings is January 06, 2025.
    • Reach out if you have any tech challenges related to access of the recordings by December 6th so that we can help you in the timeframe available.

    REFUND POLICY

    • Full refunds will be issued up to October 31st.
    • No refunds are possible after October 1st at 11:59pm except in the case of severe illness, death, or other urgent situations determined on a case-by-case basis.

    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

    • We are an organization that cherishes the work of writers and artists. To that end, we ask that all participants respect the intellectual property of our presenters, recordings, and material shared. Do not reproduce or distribute Writing Intensive materials without written permission.
    • Similarly, if other participants share information or excerpts from their projects, please respect their intellectual property.

    LIABILITY

    • In registering, participants understand and agree that the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW), its board, staff, presenters, and members are not liable for any damages or losses arising and waive any of the above from any and all liability.
    • The FBCW provides a space for presenters to share their experiences and insights with participants. The writing industry is a complex and ever-changing environment.  As such, the FBCW does not endorse any specific information shared in our programming as being complete or accurate in all scenarios. Participants have a responsibility to research and make informed decisions on any information given or implied.
    • Difficult and triggering topics can arise as part of artistic practices that are unforeseeable for staff, volunteers, and other participants. The FBCW is not liable for any damages or harms caused by participating in our programming.

    PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

    • The FBCW is an organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion and that taking part in the program means that participants are expected to be respectful, inclusive, and support the dignity of all people regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, language, ability, nationality, ability, health status, religion, and socioeconomic status. All people have identities that intersect the categories above. Examples of behaviour that undermine the above are: crude jokes, unwanted communication, statements minimising others’ experiences/histories, and threats.
    • Participants are expected to arrive a few minutes before sessions start. This allows for any technical issues to be resolved without the group being disrupted.
    • If a participant is late, we ask that they reframe from asking “what did I miss” type questions so that the event can proceed smoothly. Staff and facilitators will do the best they can to assist if vital information has been shared, but the recording should be able to resolve any questions of this nature.
    • We ask that participants be mindful of the amount of time they speak at events. All participants should have the ability to join in. Participants are expected to keep comments on topic and under a minute so that as many people as possible can participate.
    • Participants understand that if they are muted, it is not an intentional slight to them, but is needed to keep the session moving forward. Participants can be muted at the discretion of the FBCW facilitators.
    • Difficult topics can arise participants understand that we cannot always know or understand other people’s histories. To help make the space as welcoming and safe as possible, if a participant’s is to share information or read excerpts from works that contain certain themes (outlined below), they will identify this prior to reading it to the group. (e.g. sexual assault, extreme violence, self-harm/eating disorders/suicide ideation, abortion/miscarriage, mental illness, graphic adult content).
    • Participants are expected to understand, be sensitive to, and respect the fact that the work of writers, and their opportunity to read their work may be triggering and/or therapeutic to them. Artistic works require vulnerability and the safety to be vulnerable, especially with sensitive topics. Participants agree to do their best to maintain a safe and supportive space for the sharing of the work, regardless of its nature.

    ACCOMODATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY

    • The Federation of BC Writers strives to make our events accessible to folks across ability and neurodivergence. We will do what we can to make our programming available to all people.
    • Our programming is based on zoom which means there are some limitations on what can be accomplished, but also advantages such as closed captioning and the ability to join from anywhere.
    • Accommodations are assed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Accommodations that would significantly hinder the ability of other participants to be involved or participate are not possible.
    • Some accommodations may be beyond our financial and administrative capabilities. In such cases, we will seek funding or alternatives if possible.
    • Sessions normally last for an hour. Participants are welcome to step way from their computers if they need to while turning off their camera and microphone, but we will not be able to fill people in on what they missed. Participants are asked to return to the recording in such instances.


    Show details

  • Combo Registration: November Writing Challenge + Writing Intensive: Ready to Publish?

    • 30 Oct 2024
    • 8:30 AM
    • 2 Dec 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The Federation of BC Writers is excited to launch two major events in November. To streamline the process for those interested in both events, one can bundle them the two together with an added discount.

    Event details for both are below.


    SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

    • Self-Editing
    • Writing Bios
    • Social Media Planning
    • Getting Ready to Pitch
    • Researching Comps and Genres
    • Researching Publishers and Agents
    • Editing Sprints
    • And more

    We are finalizing our roster of speakers, please check back as we update the list. The list of speakers will be updated as contracts and presentation titles are finalized.


    ZOOM LINK

    • The Zoom link will be sent out on November 12th and will be included in most communications to you after that date.
    • We will be using the same zoom link for the duration of the event.
    • Please watch your email for a confirmation of registration email.
    • If you do not receive it within 24 hours of registration, please check you spam folders.
    • Contact us at events@bcwriters.ca if you have not received your confirmation by Friday November 15th to ensure we can get you the needed information.


    RECORDINGS

    • Sessions, (except social/discussion-based events) will be recorded and made available for 45 days after the last session. (An increase from the 30 days given for past events)
    • Recordings will be accessibly until 11:59 on January 6th. 2025


    WHAT TO EXPECT

    • Our goal is to help you on your journey to publication. You do not need to be ready to publish to attend. Participants who have a work in progress, an idea for a project, or have a finished manuscript will benefit the most from these sessions.
    • Sessions will be a combination of talks, activities, and workshops.
    • Most sessions will be 1 hour in length. Q&A may extend the session longer, but participants are not required to stay.
    • Participants are encouraged to have a pen and paper handy for all sessions.
    • If you are working on a specific project, it is advisable to consider who you plan as your intended audience to help you get the most out of the sessions. Don’t stress about this, but it is helpful to consider if you are writing for the general population, a specific community, or friends and family.


    RATES

    EARLY BIRD (UNTIL OCT 31 AT 11:59PM)

    • FBCW MEMBERS: $60
    • GUEST: $80

    REGULAR (AS OF NOV 1st)

    • FBCW MEMBERS: $75
    • GUEST: $95

    SCHOLARSHIP:

    • Limited scholarship-based discounts are available for those experiencing financial difficulties.  Please email us at events@bcwriters.ca to inquire.


    SCHEDULE

    MONDAY

    10:30:AM: Tech Help and Welcome

    11:00 AM:

    2:00 PM


    TUESDAY

    9:30 AM: Researching Comps and Genres

    11:00 AM: Demystifying Publishing Platforms with Suzanne Anderson

    2:00 PM: TBA


    WEDNESDAY

    9:30 AM: Editing Sprint

    11:00 AM: TBA

    2:00 PM: Researching Publishers and Agents


    THURSDAY

    9:30 AM: Social Media Planning

    11:00 AM: TBA

    2:00 PM: TBA


    FRIDAY

    9:30 AM: Bio Writing

    11:00 AM: TBA

    2:00 PM Wrap-Up Social


    For many writers, November is a time to take on a big project.  Many of us aim to get a first draft of 50,000 words completed. This year, we have put together a new program merging the formats of our previous NaNoWriMo events and our Summer Writing Challenge.

    Join us over zoom for a month of withing with sprints, check-ins, and tips and tricks to keep you writing. The Kick-off and First Page Challenge events will be recorded and available to participants for the month. The Kick-off event and First Page Challenge will be recorded and available to participants for the month.

    What’s Included:

    • 1 Kick-off Event with Planning and Goal Setting Activities
    • 12 Writing Sprints
    • 4 Check-Ins
    • Weekly Emails with Reminders, Tips, and Exercises
    • 1 Wrap-Up Open Mic Event
    • A surprise or two

    * Note: The Federation of BC Writers is running a week-long Writing Intensive from Nov 18-21. There are no sessions between the two events that are running simultaneously, but they each use a different zoom link.

    Schedule:

    Wednesday

    Oct 30

    12:00 pm

    Kick-off event

    Friday

    Nov 1

    9:30 am

    First Pages Challenge

    Sunday

    Nov 3

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 4

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 4

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 7

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Sunday

    Nov 10

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 11

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 11

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 14

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Sunday

    Nov 17

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 18

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 18

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 21

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Sunday

    Nov 24

    10:30 am

    Weekend Warrior Writing Sprint

    Monday

    Nov 25

    9:30 am

    Writing Sprints

    Monday

    Nov 25

    7:00 pm

    Writing Sprints

    Thursday

    Nov 28

    12:30 pm

    Check-in

    Monday

    Dec 2

    7:00 pm

    Wrap-Up Open Mic


    POLICIES

    RECORDINGS

    • The last day to watch the recordings is January 06, 2025.
    • Reach out if you have any tech challenges related to access of the recordings by December 6th so that we can help you in the timeframe available.

    REFUND POLICY

    • Full refunds will be issued up to October 31st.
    • No refunds are possible after October 1st at 11:59pm except in the case of severe illness, death, or other urgent situations determined on a case-by-case basis.

    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

    • We are an organization that cherishes the work of writers and artists. To that end, we ask that all participants respect the intellectual property of our presenters, recordings, and material shared. Do not reproduce or distribute Writing Intensive materials without written permission.
    • Similarly, if other participants share information or excerpts from their projects, please respect their intellectual property.

    LIABILITY

    • In registering, participants understand and agree that the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW), its board, staff, presenters, and members are not liable for any damages or losses arising and waive any of the above from any and all liability.
    • The FBCW provides a space for presenters to share their experiences and insights with participants. The writing industry is a complex and ever-changing environment.  As such, the FBCW does not endorse any specific information shared in our programming as being complete or accurate in all scenarios. Participants have a responsibility to research and make informed decisions on any information given or implied.
    • Difficult and triggering topics can arise as part of artistic practices that are unforeseeable for staff, volunteers, and other participants. The FBCW is not liable for any damages or harms caused by participating in our programming.

    PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

    • The FBCW is an organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion and that taking part in the program means that participants are expected to be respectful, inclusive, and support the dignity of all people regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, language, ability, nationality, ability, health status, religion, and socioeconomic status. All people have identities that intersect the categories above. Examples of behaviour that undermine the above are: crude jokes, unwanted communication, statements minimising others’ experiences/histories, and threats.
    • Participants are expected to arrive a few minutes before sessions start. This allows for any technical issues to be resolved without the group being disrupted.
    • If a participant is late, we ask that they reframe from asking “what did I miss” type questions so that the event can proceed smoothly. Staff and facilitators will do the best they can to assist if vital information has been shared, but the recording should be able to resolve any questions of this nature.
    • We ask that participants be mindful of the amount of time they speak at events. All participants should have the ability to join in. Participants are expected to keep comments on topic and under a minute so that as many people as possible can participate.
    • Participants understand that if they are muted, it is not an intentional slight to them, but is needed to keep the session moving forward. Participants can be muted at the discretion of the FBCW facilitators.
    • Difficult topics can arise participants understand that we cannot always know or understand other people’s histories. To help make the space as welcoming and safe as possible, if a participant’s is to share information or read excerpts from works that contain certain themes (outlined below), they will identify this prior to reading it to the group. (e.g. sexual assault, extreme violence, self-harm/eating disorders/suicide ideation, abortion/miscarriage, mental illness, graphic adult content).
    • Participants are expected to understand, be sensitive to, and respect the fact that the work of writers, and their opportunity to read their work may be triggering and/or therapeutic to them. Artistic works require vulnerability and the safety to be vulnerable, especially with sensitive topics. Participants agree to do their best to maintain a safe and supportive space for the sharing of the work, regardless of its nature.

    ACCOMODATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY

    • The Federation of BC Writers strives to make our events accessible to folks across ability and neurodivergence. We will do what we can to make our programming available to all people.
    • Our programming is based on zoom which means there are some limitations on what can be accomplished, but also advantages such as closed captioning and the ability to join from anywhere.
    • Accommodations are assed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Accommodations that would significantly hinder the ability of other participants to be involved or participate are not possible.
    • Some accommodations may be beyond our financial and administrative capabilities. In such cases, we will seek funding or alternatives if possible.
    • Sessions normally last for an hour. Participants are welcome to step way from their computers if they need to while turning off their camera and microphone, but we will not be able to fill people in on what they missed. Participants are asked to return to the recording in such instances.


    Show details

  • November Writers' Social

    • 12 Nov 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us for a Writers' Social on Tuesday, November 12th from 7:00 - 8:15 PM Pacific by registering here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) and a Zoom link for the event will be sent to you. When it’s time for the event you can click on the Zoom link to join the event.


    Many of us strive for a connection with our fellow writers. This members-only monthly event is designed to bring us together for casual chats with breakout rooms. Join us to talk craft, career, and connection for about 75 minutes over Zoom. Meet new people and get the most out of being a part of a provincial organization! Below are the proposed discussion groups for November's meeting (subject to change). Please consider which discussion group you would like to join before you arrive, and email meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you would like to suggest a future discussion topic. See you soon!


    Discussion Groups:

    • Writing strong scenes

    • All about poetry

    • BIPOC writers connect

    • Summer Writing Challenge alumni

    • Challenges faced by Memoir and CNF writers

    • General writing discussion

    • Submit your discussion topics to meaghan@bcwriters.ca


    Digital Doors Open at 6:55, Event Starts at 7:00 PM Pacific

    Show details

  • Book Club for Writers: "Immersion & Emotion" by Michelle Barker & David Griffin Brown

    • 14 Nov 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Member Price: Free (with donation options)

    Non-Member Price: $10

    **Digital doors open at 6:55 pm; event starts at 7:00 pm

    **Portions of this event will be recorded and made available to registrants to view for 30 days. Breakout room discussions willnotbe recorded.


    The Federation of BC Writers invites you to participate in our newest programming initiative: Book Club for Writers! This online book club for writers offers an opportunity to read and discuss books related to the craft of writing.Book Club events are 75 minutes long and feature a combination of small group discussion using breakout rooms, large group discussion in the main room, as well as an opportunity to hear the author’s insights and ask questions.


    Our November pick is Immersion & Emotion: The Two Pillars of Storytelling, by Michelle Barker and David Griffin Brown. We are thrilled that both Michelle and David will be joining us to answer audience questions and share their insights. Register here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) to receive the event link, discussion questions, and reminders. Purchase the book, review the discussion questions, and when it's time for the event, click on the link to join the live Zoom event. We look forward to seeing you there!


    BOOK BLURB:

    There are two pillars to effective storytelling: immersion and emotional draw. Immersion is what transports readers into your story world. Emotional draw is what keeps them there. This book will take you deep into the craft workshop of the Darling Axe's two senior editors. Michelle and David's core editorial philosophy is simple: every element of a story must serve the reader's experience.


    PRESENTER BIOS:


    Michelle Barker is an award-winning author and a senior editor with The Darling Axe. Her most recent publication, co-authored with David Brown, is Immersion and Emotion: The Two Pillars of Storytelling. Her novel My Long List of Impossible Things was a Junior Library Guild gold standard selection. The House of One Thousand Eyes won numerous awards, including the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, and was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year. She is also the author of A Year of Borrowed Men, finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Her poetry, short fiction and non-fiction have been published in literary reviews around the world. Michelle holds a BA in English literature (UBC) and an MFA in creative writing (UBC) and lives in Vancouver on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.


    David Griffin Brown is an award-winning short fiction writer and co-author of The Two Pillars of Storytelling. He holds a BA in anthropology from UVic and an MFA in creative writing from UBC, and his writing has been published in literary magazines such as the Malahat Review and Grain. In 2022, he was the recipient of a New Artist grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, which was awarded based on a proposal for his manuscript, Sleeping Cutie and the Destruction of Southgate Mall. As the founder and senior editor of the Darling Axe, David is committed to helping authors bring out the best in their work. He lives in Victoria on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.


    STEPS:

    1. Register here to receive the discussion questions and event link

    2. Purchase your print or electronic version of the book

    3. Read the book and consider the discussion questions (emailed two weeks before meeting)

    • Find Immersion and Emotion in print on Amazon
    • Purchase the ebook on Kindle or Epub

    4. Join the Book Club meeting using the Zoom link to discuss your responses and hear from the authors!


    Please email Meaghan@bcwriters.caif you have any questions, or would like to suggest a book.

    Show details

  • Sunday Webinar: The Mighty (Red) Pen: An Overview of Editing

    • 17 Nov 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    The Might (Red) Pen: An Overview of Editing

    Member Price: $15

    Non-Member Price is $25

    **This event will be recorded. Registrants can access the recording for 30 days.

    Description:

    What is editing, exactly? Most of us have an intuitive understanding that editing is the process of making our writing better. But it’s not one singular task or process, but several stages that happen over time. What are the types of editing – for example, what’s the difference between a developmental edit and a copy edit? What kinds of editors are out there to be hired, or that you might encounter at a publishing company in different stages of the publishing process?

    Outcomes:

    Participants will gain a more thorough understanding of the stages of editing, the lingo and language of editing, and get some practical ideas about when to consider hiring an editor (and how to go about choosing someone.) This session does not include instruction about how to edit, but rather is an overview of the role of editing, the types of editing, when they are needed in the writing process, and the definitions and terminology used in editing and by editors. Session will include an intro to a few important tools used by editors (reference books, etc.)

    Intended audience:

    All writers who are learning about writing and editing, anyone who has felt unsure about the jargon and shorthand of editing

    Bio:

    Christina Myers is a writer, editor, and former journalist. Her novel The List of Last Chances was longlisted for the Leacock Medal, shortlisted for the Fred Kerner prize, and won the 2023 Canadian Book Club Award in the fiction category. Her latest book, Halfway Home: Thoughts from Midlife, was published by House of Anansi in spring 2024. She teaches fiction and non-fiction through SFU's creative writing continuing studies, and was the 2023 Ambassador for the Federation of BC Writers. She is a member of Da'naxda'xw First Nation, and lives in Surrey, BC, with her rowdy family: one spouse, two kids and, at present count, four cats.


    Digital doors open at 1:55 pm, event starts at 2:00 pm


    Show details

  • Writing Intensive: Ready to Publish?

    • 18 Nov 2024
    • 11:00 AM
    • 22 Nov 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us for 5 days of digital learning from November 18 to 22, Online.

    All times are in Pacific (Vancouver) time. Our event is focused on the steps towards publication.


    KEY DETAILS


    SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

    • Self-Editing
    • Writing Bios
    • Social Media Planning
    • Getting Ready to Pitch
    • Researching Comps and Genres
    • Researching Publishers and Agents
    • Editing Sprints
    • And more

    We are finalizing our roster of speakers, please check back as we update the list. The list of speakers will be updated as contracts and presentation titles are finalized.


    ZOOM LINK

    • The Zoom link will be sent out on November 12th and will be included in most communications to you after that date.
    • We will be using the same zoom link for the duration of the event.
    • Please watch your email for a confirmation of registration email.
    • If you do not receive it within 24 hours of registration, please check you spam folders.
    • Contact us at events@bcwriters.ca if you have not received your confirmation by Friday November 15th to ensure we can get you the needed information.


    RECORDINGS

    • Sessions, (except social/discussion-based events) will be recorded and made available for 45 days after the last session. (An increase from the 30 days given for past events)
    • Recordings will be accessibly until 11:59 on January 6th. 2025


    WHAT TO EXPECT

    • Our goal is to help you on your journey to publication. You do not need to be ready to publish to attend. Participants who have a work in progress, an idea for a project, or have a finished manuscript will benefit the most from these sessions.
    • Sessions will be a combination of talks, activities, and workshops.
    • Most sessions will be 1 hour in length. Q&A may extend the session longer, but participants are not required to stay.
    • Participants are encouraged to have a pen and paper handy for all sessions.
    • If you are working on a specific project, it is advisable to consider who you plan as your intended audience to help you get the most out of the sessions. Don’t stress about this, but it is helpful to consider if you are writing for the general population, a specific community, or friends and family.


    RATES

    EARLY BIRD (UNTIL OCT 31 AT 11:59PM)

    • FBCW MEMBERS: $60
    • GUEST: $80

    REGULAR (AS OF NOV 1st)

    • FBCW MEMBERS: $75
    • GUEST: $95

    SCHOLARSHIP:

    • Limited scholarship-based discounts are available for those experiencing financial difficulties.  Please email us at events@bcwriters.ca to inquire.


    SCHEDULE

    MONDAY

    10:30:AM: Tech Help and Welcome

    11:00 AM:

    2:00 PM


    TUESDAY

    9:30 AM: Researching Comps and Genres

    11:00 AM: Demystifying Publishing Platforms with Suzanne Anderson

    2:00 PM: TBA


    WEDNESDAY

    9:30 AM: Editing Sprint

    11:00 AM: TBA

    2:00 PM: Researching Publishers and Agents


    THURSDAY

    9:30 AM: Social Media Planning

    11:00 AM: TBA

    2:00 PM: TBA


    FRIDAY

    9:30 AM: Bio Writing

    11:00 AM: TBA

    2:00 PM Wrap-Up Social


    POLICIES

    RECORDINGS

    • Our presenters are provided with contracts that stipulate the length of time that recordings are available. We are obligated to respect these contracts. No extensions are possible. We have increased the time frame by 15 days to enhance your experience.
    • The last day to watch the recordings is January 06, 2025.
    • Reach out if you have any tech challenges related to access of the recordings by December 6th so that we can help you in the timeframe available.

    REFUND POLICY

    • Full refunds will be issued up to November 4th.
    • Refunds for half of registration fees will be be issued until November 17th 11:59pm.
    • No refunds are possible after November 17th at 11:59pm except in the case of severe illness, death, or other urgent situations determined on a case-by-case basis.

    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

    • We are an organization that cherishes the work of writers and artists. To that end, we ask that all participants respect the intellectual property of our presenters, recordings, and material shared. Do not reproduce or distribute Writing Intensive materials without written permission.
    • Similarly, if other participants share information or excerpts from their projects, please respect their intellectual property.

    LIABILITY

    • In registering, participants understand and agree that the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW), its board, staff, presenters, and members are not liable for any damages or losses arising and waive any of the above from any and all liability.
    • The FBCW provides a space for presenters to share their experiences and insights with participants. The writing industry is a complex and ever-changing environment.  As such, the FBCW does not endorse any specific information shared in our programming as being complete or accurate in all scenarios. Participants have a responsibility to research and make informed decisions on any information given or implied.
    • Difficult and triggering topics can arise as part of artistic practices that are unforeseeable for staff, volunteers, and other participants. The FBCW is not liable for any damages or harms caused by participating in our programming.

    PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

    • The FBCW is an organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion and that taking part in the program means that participants are expected to be respectful, inclusive, and support the dignity of all people regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, language, ability, nationality, ability, health status, religion, and socioeconomic status. All people have identities that intersect the categories above. Examples of behaviour that undermine the above are: crude jokes, unwanted communication, statements minimising others’ experiences/histories, and threats.
    • Participants are expected to arrive a few minutes before sessions start.  This allows for any technical issues to be resolved without the group being disrupted.
    • If a participant is late, we ask that they reframe from asking “what did I miss” type questions so that the event can proceed smoothly.  Staff and facilitators will do the best they can to assist if vital information has been shared, but the recording should be able to resolve any questions of this nature.
    • We ask that participants be mindful of the amount of time they speak at events. All participants should have the ability to join in. Participants are expected to keep comments on topic and under a minute so that as many people as possible can participate.
    • Participants understand that if they are muted, it is not an intentional slight to them, but is needed to keep the session moving forward.  Participants can be muted at the discretion of the FBCW facilitators.
    • Difficult topics can arise participants understand that we cannot always know or understand other people’s histories. To help make the space as welcoming and safe as possible, if a participant’s is to share information or read excerpts from works that contain certain themes (outlined below), they will identify this prior to reading it to the group. (e.g. sexual assault, extreme violence, self-harm/eating disorders/suicide ideation, abortion/miscarriage, mental illness, graphic adult content).
    • Participants are expected to understand, be sensitive to, and respect the fact that the work of writers, and their opportunity to read their work may be triggering and/or therapeutic to them. Artistic works require vulnerability and the safety to be vulnerable, especially with sensitive topics. Participants agree to do their best to maintain a safe and supportive space for the sharing of the work, regardless of its nature.

    ACCOMODATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY

    • The Federation of BC Writers strives to make our events accessible to folks across ability and neurodivergence. We will do what we can to make our programming available to all people.
    • Our programming is based on zoom which means there are some limitations on what can be accomplished, but also advantages such as closed captioning and the ability to join from anywhere.
    • Accommodations are assed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Accommodations that would significantly hinder the ability of other participants to be involved or participate are not possible.
    • Some accommodations may be beyond our financial and administrative capabilities. In such cases, we will seek funding or alternatives if possible.
    • Sessions normally last for an hour. Participants are welcome to step way from their computers if they need to while turning off their camera and microphone, but we will not be able to fill people in on what they missed. Participants are asked to return to the recording in such instances.


    Show details

  • Sunday Webinar: Perfecting & Subverting Point of View

    • 24 Nov 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Perfecting & Subverting Point of View

    Member Price: $15

    Non-Member Price is $25

    **This event will be recorded. Registrants can access the recording for 30 days.

    Description:

    What point of view to use is one of the most important decisions a writer has to make. Point of view helps readers connect with the story, changes the tone of the work, and can add depth and richness to a story. Experimenting with point of view can add new levels of skill to your writing. In this workshop, we'll go over the rules of point of view and learn when and how to break them, and practice the different ways to approach POV with guided generative writing exercises.

    Outcomes:

    Participants will leave the session with enhanced understanding of point of view and possibly two first drafts of stories

    Intended audience:

    Writers of every skill level

    Bio:

    Finnian Burnett is a writer whose work explores the intersections of the human body, mental health, and gender identity. They are a recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts grant, a finalist in the 2023 CBC nonfiction prize, and a 2024 Pushcart nominee.

    Their work appears in Blank Spaces Magazine, Reflex Press, The Daily Sci-Fi, and more. Their two novellas-in-flash, The Clothes Make the Man and The Price of Cookies, are available through Ad Hoc Fiction and Off Topic Publishing respectively.

    When not writing or teaching, Finnian enjoys cold weather hiking, Star Trek, and cat memes.

    Digital doors open at 1:55 pm, event starts at 2:00 pm


    Show details

  • December Writers' Social

    • 10 Dec 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us for a Writers' Social on Tuesday, December 10th from 7:00 - 8:15 PM Pacific by registering here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) and a Zoom link for the event will be sent to you. When it’s time for the event you can click on the Zoom link to join the event.


    Many of us strive for a connection with our fellow writers. This members-only monthly event is designed to bring us together for casual chats with breakout rooms. Join us to talk craft, career, and connection for about 75 minutes over Zoom. Meet new people and get the most out of being a part of a provincial organization! Below are the proposed discussion groups for December's meeting (subject to change). Please consider which discussion group you would like to join before you arrive, and email meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you would like to suggest a future discussion topic. See you soon!


    Discussion Groups:

    • Editing and revision

    • All about poetry

    • Memoir/CNF writers connect 

    • Summer Writing Challenge alumni

    • General writing discussion

    • Submit your discussion topics to meaghan@bcwriters.ca


    Digital Doors Open at 6:55, Event Starts at 7:00 PM Pacific

    Show details

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