This week’s blog is packed with events and other writing opportunities: a call for submissions to the 7th annual Pottersfield Prize for creative nonfiction, a Kelowna Writers Social and Reading, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference, the Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Annual Breakfast, a Graphic Novel Festival, a series of free online workshops from the Canadian Artist Network for seniors, the Fraser Valley Writers Festival, plus author readings and 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.
OPEN: Pottersfield Prize for Creative Nonfiction
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2024 (early submissions encouraged)
For the seventh annual prize, Pottersfield Press is again looking for submissions from writers who can provide a manuscript of 30,000 to 150,000 words in any of the following categories: history, memoir, autobiography, biography, literary journalism, political or social commentary, travel writing or virtually any existing or new category that uses the nonfiction medium to tell a story or put forward an idea.
The First Prize winner will receive a contract for the publication of the winning book along with a $1000 advance on 10% royalty for all sales. The Second Prize winner will also see the publication of the book and a $800 advance on 10% royalties.
For submission guidelines and more information, visit https://www.pottersfieldpress.com/creative-prize-for-nonfiction
Kelowna Writers Social + Reading
Thursday, October 19, 6:30-8:30 pm
Third Space Cafe, 1708 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna (wheelchair accessible)
Admission by donation.
Calling all Kelowna Writers! Join us for an opportunity to connect with other local writers – everyone welcome! We’ll kick things off with an open mic and then listen to readings by Nils Donnelly, Cherie Hanson, Sharon Lancaster, and Mathew Wanbon. There will be time to socialize in the breaks. Books and refreshments available for purchase.
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/
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
Book Launch: Cars I’ve Known and Loved Before
Monday, October 23, 6:00-7:30 PM
Maple Ridge Library, 222470 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge, BC
Join author Jack Emberly in Maple Ridge as he celebrates the launch of his new book.
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
Seaside Centre, 5790 Teredo Street, Sechelt, BC
Join FBCW member Caitlin Hicks as she performs excerpts from the international stage play SIX PALM TREES, her award-winning novel A THEORY OF EXPANDED LOVE, and her latest 1968 sequel, KENNEDY GIRL. For tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/saf-talk-caitlin-hicks-tickets-677564402367
Canadian Artist Network: 8th Annual Maintaining Creativity Conference
Three ONLINE Sessions: October 30, November 1, and November 3, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific time
FREE
Geared towards often-underrepresented Senior Artists, the theme of MC8 is “Artists as Agents of Change.” Each session will last about two hours and include breakout sessions where everyone can discuss the day’s events.
Highlights include: Women Warriors for Change, Oct 30; Inclusion: Where are We? Nov 1; and The Original Gig Workers: Strategies Towards Economic Stability, Nov 3.
For more information or to register, visit https://www.csarn.ca/conference/
2023 Fraser Valley Writers Festival
Saturday, November 4, 2023, beginning at 1:30 PM
University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC (Room B101)
FREE and open to the public.
The University of the Fraser Valley looks forward to welcoming ten acclaimed authors from across the province for a one-day celebration of British Columbia’s literary brilliance. Headlining the event will be two Governor General’s Award winning authors: Lorna Crozier, poet and Officer of the Order of Canada, and Darrel J. McLeod, Cree novelist, memoirist, and former land claims negotiator. The event will include workshops for aspiring writers and panel discussions with a wide range of poets, fiction, and non-fiction authors.
For more information and to register for one of two free writing workshops, visit http://fvwritersfestival.com
Sidney Literary Festival Presents: An Evening with John Vaillant
Friday, December 1, 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
