Autumn is here, bringing new festivals, workshops, readings and other events. Scroll down to read more.
Note: the Federation of BC Writers is not directly affiliated with the following organizations or groups.
Submit your event or announcement to our next blog post here, or contact Rachel at rachel@bcwriters.ca.
8-Week Writing Workshops
October and November; 8 x 2.5 hour sessions
ONLINE via University of King’s College, Halifax
Taught by the University’s MFA faculty, these non-credit courses are for writers at all stages of their work, and authors from across the country. Courses include: Black Voices, Black Stories; Writing for Video Games; Food Writing; Writing Your Family Story; Introduction to Memoir; and Fiction Fundamentals.
Find out more or register at https://ukings.ca/programs/non-credit/writing-workshops/
Victoria Festival of Authors
October 11- 15, 2023
Various venues in Victoria, BC: Langham Court Theatre and W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
+ Zoom webinars and ONLINE via livestream
The Victoria Festival of Authors is Vancouver Island’s largest and liveliest celebration of books and book lovers. The 2023 Festival will be hybrid, offering in-person programming of regional authors, most offered by livestream for those viewing from home, as well as virtual programming of authors from around Canada. Visit https://victoriafestivalofauthors.ca/
Whistler Writers Fest
October 12-16, 2023
Multiple Venues, Whistler, BC
https://whistlerwritersfest.com/
This multi-venue, multi-artist event welcomes over 1,500 guests each year for a masterclass workshop series, reading events and panel discussions, plus a Literary Cabaret combining music and readings. In partnership with the Whistler Public Library, there are also workshops and readings for writers under 18.
Big Island Book Fest
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10am-4pm
Upper Floor, Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay, BC
The second BIG ISLAND BOOKFEST brings together 50 local and island authors. At this market-style event, patrons can meet authors from several genres including fantasy, thriller, true life, photography, and children’s lit. Enjoy author readings, live background music, complimentary face painting for children from noon to three, and paper art from Duncan’s origami specialist Ray Bartl.
Entry by donation. Proceeds from the Snack Canteen will go to local charities.
https://www.bigislandbookfest.com/
Vancouver Writers Fest
October 16-22, 2023
Multiple Venues, Vancouver, BC
This annual, week-long literary festival is one of the largest and most prestigious in North America. Tens of thousands of readers visit the cultural hub of Granville Island and venues around Vancouver to connect with local and international authors. Learn more at https://writersfest.bc.ca/
Surrey International Writers’ Conference
October 20-22, 2023 (Masters Classes: October 18, 19)
HYBRID: Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, Surrey, BC and Online
The most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada, offering writers in all genres – from beginners to experts – the opportunity to hone their craft. Learn more at https://www.siwc.ca/
Emerging Indigenous Writers Workshop
Saturday, October 21, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm PT
Vancouver, BC
APPLICATIONS DUE THURSDAY, SEPT. 28
Email hammerandsash@gmail.com to apply
Hosted by “Shadow of the Rougarou” director Jordan Waunch and Hammer & Tong https://hammertong.ca/ this one day workshop is designed to share industry knowledge with new or emerging Indigenous creatives wanting to learn more about collaborating in group writing room settings, developing film & TV concepts, and how to create a 30 second project pitch. Each individual will pitch to leading Indigenous pitch expert Joy Haskell (http://tinyurl.com/joyhaskell) and will be given feedback on their concept.
A light lunch and $200 honorarium will be provided for participation.
There is limited space for participation; more details will be sent to those selected.
Munro’s Books Presents: Mona Awad and Lauren Groff in Conversation with Kathryn Marlow
Saturday, October 21st, 7:00 p.m.
Dave Dunnet Theatre, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd, Victoria, BC
Tickets: $20
Join Munro’s Books in celebrating the release of two highly anticipated new novels by critically acclaimed writers Mona Awad and Lauren Groff, in conversation with CBC Radio’s Kathryn Marlow!
From the critically acclaimed author of Bunny comes Mona Awad’s Rouge, a horror-tinted, gothic fairy tale about a lonely dress shop clerk whose mother’s unexpected death sends her down a treacherous path in pursuit of youth and beauty.
Purchase tickets: https://awadgroff.eventbrite.ca
Gabriola Library Writers Open Mic Author Reading:
Friday, October 27, 1:00 – 2:15 pm
Gabriola Island Library, Folk Village, 575 North Rd, Gabriola Island, BC
Join author Maryanna Gabriel as she presents her book Walking the Camino; On Earth as It Is, the story of her solo 800-kilometre pilgrimage on the Camino in Spain, the challenges she faced and the obstacles she overcame. Gabriel is an artist and author who works from her studio on Salt Spring Island. Walking the Camino was the second-place winner of the Pottersfield Prize for Creative Nonfiction.
Port Theatre Spotlight Series: Middle Raged
Friday, Oct 27, 7:30 pm
Port Theatre, Nanaimo, BC
The Federation of BC Writers are Community Partners for this Spotlight Series presentation. MIDDLE RAGED is a hilarious stage show starring Geri Hall and Gary Pearson, which explores the time of life when you’re running out of time! Geri spent five seasons starring as a roving reporter and anchor on CBC’s iconic Canadian satire, This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Gary has written for MadTV, 22 Minutes, Corner Gas and the Ron James Show.
For ticket or more information, visit: https://www.porttheatre.com/event/spotlight-middle-raged/
The FBCW will have a table in the lobby. Come say hello!
Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable: Annual Fall Breakfast
Saturday, October 28, 2023 (Registration closes October 26)
Doors open at 8:00 am, and breakfast starts at 9 am
University Golf Club, 5185 University Boulevard Vancouver, BC
Join the VCLR for breakfast, as they celebrate the winners of the 2022 Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picturebook of the Year Award: the Fan Brothers, for Lizzy and the Cloud. The event includes a silent auction fundraiser, book signing, and book sales. Featured speakers are Sarah Ellis and Nancy Vo, author and illustrator (respectively) of As Glenn as Can Be, one of the four honour books for the Sheila Barry Best Picturebook of the Year Award.
To purchase your ticket, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sheila-barry-award-breakfast-tickets
Children’s Graphic Novel Writing & Illustration Festival
October 28 & 29, 2023
Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Massey Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces welcome families from across the lower mainland for two days of in-person programming, including workshops in our studios and performances of Dog Man: The Musical in our theatre. BC authors and publishers will exhibit and sell their books for children and youth.
Do you know any children who aspire to create their own illustrated characters and bring them to life through a comic or graphic novel? Join award-winning animation director, and acclaimed author and illustrator Jeff Chiba Stearns for a three-hour workshop designed for students aged six to twelve. Each registration includes a ticket to see Dog Man: The Musical.
https://www.masseytheatre.com/event/massey-presents-dog-man-the-musical/
Sechelt Arts Festival: Caitlin Hicks as Annie Shea
Sunday, October 29, 3.30 – 5.00 PM
