With over 1,300 members, the Federation of British Columbia Writers is still growing! We have writers in every genre, in every region, at every stage of the literary journey. We are an organization ‘for writers, about writing.’ We help writers connect, hone their skills, showcase their work and achievements, and support their journey toward publication. Join us! We hold brick-and-mortar events when possible. Check out some of our upcoming events here | what our members say “Writing is such a solitary act—it craves community to balance out its nature and ensure growth. The FBCW gets this and does so much to bring writers together for readings and workshops. The online connections generated via the newsletters alone are worth more than the cost of a membership. Add to that the hard or digital copy magazine stuffed with sage advice and belonging to the FBCW is a no-brainer.” Derek Hanebury Poet, Port Alberni
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Members Get a Copy Delivered for Free WordWorks Magazine – A literary community publication focused on supporting writers through their journey. The magazine is distributed three times a year to 1,800 plus writers, libraries, and more. As well as being a showcase for members' writing, WordWorks is written ‘for writers, about writing.' All members can opt to receive a free copy of the print edition in the mail. The magazine in made possible by BC Gaming. All members have the option to receive their included copies as digital or print editions. | Member Exclusive Program Writing Circles – The Federation of BC Writers has launched a new program for members to help support each other in the writing process. These circles each have a unique focus based on membership requests. Members can sign up by logging in and signing up through the form. |
Member Exclusive Program Contest Bank - Once you are signed in, a new option will appear for you in the programs menu called "Contest Bank." We know that contests are a great way to build a CV, so the Federation regularly watches for contests for our members and posts them in one easy-to-find spot. | Member Exclusive Program: We know that word of mouth and recommendations are some of the most compelling reasons to pick up a book. The idea behind this program is to share the love, to share our favourite books and pieces from other members. Learn more about Member Book Love here | Online Programs, Workshops & Events - We offer a wide range of workshops, readings, webinars, and more. A perk of membership is being able to request specific programming from our team. Most of the topics and speakers come from member requests. Check out upcoming online events and register here. Register, and a Zoom link will be sent to you via email. Most events are free regardless of membership with the option of making a donation. For paid events, members get a reduced rate. |
Fireside Chats are one of our favourite events at the Federation. At each chat, a member of our team will interview an established author from our community. We also ensure there is time for questions from our audience. Past fireside chats have featured Jessica Brody, Joseph Dandurand, and Betsy Warland. Register to attend our the next chat here. | Calling all poets! This one is for you. In/Verse is a (nearly) monthly, curated poetry reading with poets from around BC. Host Susan Alexander takes our audience on a journey of discovery, as we hear from established and new voices in the British Columbia poets' scene. Each session features several artists who share some of their work and engage in conversation about their process and experiences. Join us for these inspiring events. Register for the next session here. | Six times a year, our very own Megan Cole sits down with an established author to talk about their process and learnings in this cross genre educational series that is sure to captivate and inspire! Register to attend our the next chat here. |
ReadOn Newsletter - A regular update on fellow member books and publications. Entries shared from our Member Book Love program appear in this newsletter. To place an ad for your book in readON, click here To find out more about Member Book Love, click here | WriteOn Newsletter – A bi-weekly update about what’s going on for writers in BC and the Yukon. In this newsletter, we keep you in the loop on upcoming Federation events, promotions, contests, and more! This newsletter is supported with ads benefiting the writing community. To place an ad, click here | Discounted Rate for Members Annual FBCW Literary Contests – Prizes and recognition; four categories of contests each year, judged blind, that invite creativity in every genre - and discounted submission rates for our members. |
Members Exclusive Perk Professional Directory – A place to market your professional skills or to find skilled help for your writing project. Not to be confused with our writer profiles, the professional director is designed to help those of us who offer services as writers to market our skills. | Coffee and Tea: Festival Hospitality Rooms – These rooms are a partnership with festivals around the province and provide a space for participants to relax, network, and get some writing done while inspired by their surroundings. | Members Exclusive Perk Writers’ Profiles – Our members' writer profiles are hosted on the Federation website so you can connect with other members and beyond. Profiles are indexed and searchable by category, genre, services, workshops, locations and more. This is your space to talk about yourself as a writer. |
Tax Implication – Being a member of an organization like the Federation of BC Writers is an important way to demonstrate to the CRA that you are a practicing artist. Consult with your accountant and the CRA website here for more details. | Every year, the Federation asks a notable person in the literary field to be our ambassador. The role includes a small thank you honorarium. With the role, we ask folks to share news about the Federation, join us for a digital fireside chat, and engage in one or more other activities of their choice such as a workshop, magazine article, or other idea that resonates with the person taking on the role. | ![]() Advocacy – We live in a rapidly changing world; writers in BC need an organization that speaks to them and for them |
what our members say “The moment I joined the FBCW I gained a sense of community and belonging. Besides publishing a gorgeous magazine full of writing-related articles, personal essays, and member book launches, the FBCW also offers events, workshops, seminars, and other educational opportunities. It’s all about writer-to-writer connection and promoting writers in the greater community.” Barbara Black Poet, Vancouver | what our members say “I find it incredibly comforting to belong to a cavalcade of BC Writers, each of us creating our art, wrangling words, shaping and sharing our respective imaginings.” Bill Engleson Author, Denman Island |