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 2000 plus writers, libraries, and more. As well as being a showcase for members' writing, WordWorks is written ‘for writers, about writing.' 

The magazine in made possible by BC Gaming. 

Member Perk

Added May 2023: 

Membership in the FBCW comes with access to the Writers’ Coalition Program -- an affordable health insurance program offered by not-for-profit insurer, AFBS. The program boasts the fastest application process in Canada and guaranteed acceptance* into the program, with no medical questionnaires necessary and no refusals based on pre-existing conditions.

The Writers’ Coalition Program 

Member Exclusive Program

Writing Circles  – this program  if designed to connect members to one another to support the writing process. Each circle has a unique focus. 

June 2023 Update: Our popular writing circles have been reformed to match the needs of our community.  All new circles will be occurring on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7PM.  Door open so that folks can socialize starting at 6:30PM. Watch the newsletter for registration dates.

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

Members Exclusive Perk

Writers’ Profiles – Our members' writer profiles are hosted on the Federation website so you can connect with other members and beyond. 

June 2023 Update: We are building a new website and are excited to share that the member profiles are a high priority for us.  Now is a great time to work on updating your bio.  Watch the newsletter for updates.

Members Exclusive Program

New for July 2023: The Saturday Socials program is our way of bringing writers together to experience greater community connections.  On the 2nd Saturday of every month at 11am PST, we will gather on zoom and chat about our projects, writer challenges, and whatever is on our mind.  Breakout rooms are available for nor nuanced conversation.

Sign-in to register for each month's event which can be found 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.

June 2023 Update: The Literary contest opens July 10th.  Watch the newsletter for details!

Discounted Rate for Members

Designed to provide interactive instruction on topics related to writing, the Sunday Webinars have been a staple of FBCW programming since we pivoted to provide more digital programming.

Join us once a month (with breaks over the summer) to explore craft. Topics are selected based on questions we receive and feedback from our members.

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

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

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.

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.

Calling all poets! This one is for you. 

In/Verse is a (nearly) monthly, curated poetry reading with poets from around BC.  Host Neil Surkan 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.

Pianist Andrew Sims creates a space for us all to be inspired. This monthly event has a simple, but creative premise. Andrew plays while we write.

Each session will start with a brief introduction to the music being played and from there we launch into a creative space wherein writers are serenaded by live music to inspire us. All are welcome.

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.

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.

June Update 2023: We are rebuilding our website and with it comes merged professional and member directories.

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.