The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and writers across the province are getting ready to attend or host special events. This week’s groundUP includes live readings and social events in Kelowna and Victoria, a virtual webinar with children’s author Rachel Poliquin, the Oy Vey Funniest Children’s Book Awards on Zoom, a writing retreat on Cortes Island with Caroline Adderson and Kathy Page, and a book launch in Nanaimo.
Scroll down for all the details.
Note: the Federation of BC Writers is not directly affiliated with most of the following organisations or groups.
Submit your event or call-out to our next blog post here, or contact Rachel at rachel@bcwriters.ca.
Joan Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s Book Awards!
Saturday, May 13, 11:00 am Pacific
Free on Zoom
Share a giggle and join in the fun! Celebrate the winners of the 2023 Joan Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s Book Awards – live on Zoom. Join here.
For more information, visit https://www.vclr.ca/jbs-oy-vey-award/
WriteOn! Kelowna: Kelowna Writers Social + Reading
Wednesday, May 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Third Space Cafe, 1708 Dolphin Ave, Kelowna, BC
An opportunity to meet local writers and enjoy some captivating readings. Between the reading sets there will be time to socialize. Books and refreshments available for purchase; admission by donation. Everyone welcome! Supported by the Federation of BC Writers.
For more information visit https://fb.me/e/rf0NinyJm, or contact Meaghan at meaghan@bcwriters.ca
Zoom Webinar: Finding the Fun in Children’s Nonfiction
Tuesday, May 23, 7:30 PM Atlantic time
Cost: $14
Non-fiction is NOT fiction’s boring cousin. Join Hackmatack nominee and children’s non-fiction author Rachel Poliquin as she explores the use of fictional elements like character development, world-building, and dialogue in non-fiction writing and learn a few tips and techniques to create wildly entertaining and educational books for kids.
Earth-Shattering Prose with Gregor Craigie, Jen Neale, Frances Peck, and Eliza Robertson
Thursday, May 25th Doors 6:30 pm; Open Mic 7:00 pm; Featured Readers 7:30 pm
Paul Phillips Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road, Victoria, BC
Admission: $5 CASH or pay what you can
Free refreshments
May is reading month! Join us as we explore the theme of earthquakes and other human atrocities. Local CELEBRITY Gregor Craigie will read from On Borrowed Time; Frances Peck will read from her debut, The Broken Places; Jen Neale will read from her novel-in-progress about the Vancouver earthquake; and Eliza Robertson will read from her brand new true-crime book, I Got A Name: The Murder of Krystal Senyk.
Please bring CASH for admission and books.
Find out more about the readers and the event here: https://www.susansanfordblades.com/wild-prose-reading-series.
Call for Applications: Powell River Public Library Children’s and Youth Writer in Residence
Residency Dates: September 15 – October 27, 2023
Application Deadline: Friday, June 2 at midnight
Queries: Mel Edgar, edgar@prpl.ca
The Powell River Public Library invites applications for the Writer in Residence contract, a 6-week community engagement residency supporting emerging and established authors writing for children and youth. The residency aims to foster an appreciation for writing through innovative public programming, including school visits, outreach to community organizations, and in-person programs such as workshops, writer’s groups, and live performances.
For more information, visit www.prpl.ca/writer-in-residence
Book Launch – Beach Moose & Amber: Finding My Jewish History
Sunday, June 4, 2023 3pm – 5pm
Unitarian Hall, 595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC
Free event
Join author Sharon Easton as she celebrates the launch of Beach Moose & Amber: Finding My Jewish History, which tells a remarkable story of escape through the Russian Revolution, Nazi-occupied Lithuania, and on to rural Nova Scotia. Sharon beautifully honours her mother’s last wish — not to be forgotten.
Presentation and Q & A, followed by book signing and refreshments. Book Sales by Visa, Debit or Cash. Book available May 28, 2023 at Amazon and IngramSpark
For more information, visit facebook.com/sharoneastonauthor or sharoneaston.com
Writers’ Retreat – A Secret Garden: Writing Childhood Memories
Co-facilitated by Caroline Adderson and Kathy Page
September 17-23, 2023
Hollyhock, Cortes Island, BC
Fee: $750 CAD (includes meals and accommodation)
Register by June 18 for 15% discount
Join authors Caroline Adderson and Kathy Page as they explore the “creative Eden” of childhood. Whether you want to use childhood experiences directly as subject matter in fiction, memoir or poetry, or translate the powerfully imprinted memories and sensations into “emotional autobiography,” or capture the child’s point of view when writing juvenile fiction, this retreat aims to make more available this resource that is unique to you.
Designed for both new writers and those with an established practice, this workshop/retreat is not intended as an exploration of trauma, but to help you turn memory into material and write more resonantly and empathetically.
For information, visit https://hollyhock.secure.retreat.guru/program/secret-garden
