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    • 30 Oct 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • 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 31st 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.


    • 30 Oct 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • 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.


    • 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
    • What's in a Contract
    • Social Media Planning
    • Royalties and Fees for Writers in Canada
    • Pitching
    • Submitting Short Stories to Anthologies, Contests Journal, Podcasts, and More
    • Using Scrivener to Unlock Series Potential
    • Researching Comps and Genres
    • Researching Publishers and Agents
    • Witing Bios
    • 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 15th 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: Pitching with Cadence Mandybura


    2:00 PM: Final Touches: Common Line Editing Issues with Michelle Barker and David Brown from the Darling Axe (editing)



    TUESDAY


    9:30 AM: Researching Comps and Genres Activity


    11:00 AM: Demystifying Publishing Platforms with Suzanne Anderson


    WEDNESDAY


    9:30 AM: Editing Sprint


    11:00 AM: Submitting Short Fiction with KT Wagner


    2:00 PM: Researching Publishers and Agents


    THURSDAY


    9:30 AM: Social Media Planning Activity


    11:00 AM: Panel on Royalties and Fees for Writers with Access Copyright and Public Lending Right


    2:00 PM: What's In a Contract with Jonathan Arkle (Partner) at Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP


    FRIDAY


    9:30 AM: Bio Writing Activity


    11:00 AM: Unlock Series Potential: Authoring Multiple Books in Oliver Evensen from Scrivener


    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 refrain 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.

    ACCOMMODATIONS 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 assessed 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.


    • 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


    • 7 Dec 2024
    • 10:00 AM
    • 8 Dec 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • 1 Athletes Way Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1
    Register


    Welcome to EditFest!

    Our goals for this event are to help writers make progress on self-editing their work, learn about working with professional editors, and meet editors in a "Speed Dating"-type activity. (We are planning additional events just like this one in other cities around BC for 2025.)

    The event features:
    • A writing/editing space with snacks, coffee, and tea for the full two days.
    • A printer on hand for black and white printing if you need or want to work on paper (by optional donation).
    • A seat in our common writing and editing space; coffee, tea, and snacks; a sounding board session; three workshops/presentations; and one live editing session (activity descriptions below).
    • Blue pencil sessions can be added at the time of registration or at the event, if space permits.
    • We will join our friends from the SFU Writers Studio at the Red Truck Beer Company a few blocks away on the evening of Saturday, December 7 for an unstructured evening gathering to make new friends and talk writing.
    • Parking, drinks, and food at the Red Truck Beer Company are not included.
    Full Schedule and Workshop Descriptions:


    Saturday 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

    An Editor's Tips for Self-Editing

    Spoiler Alert: Don't trust your spelling and grammar checkers. In this session, we'll go over some tips and tricks writers can use to get their manuscript in the best possible shape.


    Saturday 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

    Editors: What Do They Do?

    In this session, learn about the editorial process and the different levels of editing a manuscript might go through. We'll also touch on the different roles played by folks with "editor" in their title in traditional publishing, indie publishing, and magazine publishing.


    Sunday 10:30 AM

    What to Expect When You're Expecting (to Hire an Editor)

    In this session, we'll discuss not only the kinds of questions a writer should ask their potential editor, but also the questions an editor might ask of their potential clients. You've worked on that baby for ages; you want to be sure you're passing it into hands you trust.


    Sunday: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

    Live Editing Session

    In this session, we'll work from one attendee’s sample (submitted on Saturday) to highlight opportunities to strengthen one's writing. Tara and the team from Editors BC will offer helpful suggestions of line-by-line edits on our projector. You won't want to miss this event. The chosen submission will be selected based on the best opportunities for education, not the quality of work. Please don't make assumptions that the piece is viewed as "good” or "bad." Instead, see it as a great opportunity to highlight the kinds of changes that make a piece shine.


    Activity Descriptions


    The Sounding Board

    Book a short session to talk to an editor about an issue with your writing. Maybe you're struggling with character motivation or direction. Maybe you need a bit of outside perspective. Maybe you just need to talk out loud until clarity starts to set in. It's like therapy. But for your storytelling.


    Speed Dating for Writers and Editors

    Not every writer and editor are the right fit for each other. In these lighthearted speed dating sessions, writers and editors get the chance to meet, greet, and evaluate whether they might click--professionally.


    Blue Pencils (1000 words) $45 add-on

    In these appointments, an editor looks over a few pages of your work, offering suggestions and corrections where appropriate. Typically, blue pencils are most helpful for line and copy editing, where context for the entire work is less necessary.


    • 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 discussion topic for one of our 2025 Writers Socials. See you soon!


    Discussion Groups:

    • Editing and revision

    • All about poetry

    • Memoir/CNF writers connect 

    • Connecting writers with chronic illnesses

    • Young adult and middle grade fiction

    • BIPOC writers connect

    • General writing discussion


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

Supported by the British Columbia Arts Council

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