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  • July Writers' Social

    • 8 Jul 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us for a Writers' Social on Tuesday, July 8th 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 this month's meeting (subject to change). Please email meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you would like to suggest a discussion topic for an upcoming meeting. See you there!


    Discussion Groups:

    • All about poetry 
    • Resources share: which writing resources (websites, books, newsletters, apps, etc.) have you found useful? Share and learn from others experience.
    • All about poetry
    • Memoir writing and the importance of self-care
    • Screenwriting
    • Connecting writers with chronic illnesses
    • Publishing formats: choosing between paperback, ebook, and audiobook
    • General writing discussion

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

    Show details

  • Book Club for Writers: "In / Appropriate" with special guests Kim Davids Mandar & Chelene Knight

    • 10 Jul 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Member Price: Free (with donation options)

    Non-Member Price: $10

    **Digital doors open at 6:55 pm; event starts at 7:00 pm Pacific Time

    **Portions of this event will be recorded and made available to registrants to view for 30 days. Breakout room discussions will not be recorded.


    The Federation of BC Writers invites you to participate in our newest programming initiative: Book Club for Writers! This online book club for writers offers an opportunity to read and discuss books related to the craft of writing. Book Club events are 75 minutes long and feature a combination of small group discussion using breakout rooms, large group discussion in the main room, as well as an opportunity to hear the author, contributor, editor, or special guest’s insights and ask questions.


    Our July 2025 pick is In | Appropriate: Interviews with Canadian authors on the writing of difference. We are thrilled that Kim Davids Mandar (editor) and Chelene Knight (interviewed in the collection) will join us to share their insights. Register here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) to receive the event link, discussion questions, and reminders. Purchase the book, review the discussion questions, and when it's time for the event, click on the link to join the live Zoom event. We look forward to seeing you there!


    BOOK BLURB:

    In | Appropriate is a collection of interviews with Canadian authors, exploring how they work through questions of difference, identity, and appropriation in their writing.

    Edited by Kim Davids Mandar, and introduced by Daniel Heath Justice, the collection features interviews with Ian Williams, Ayelet Tsabari, Sanchari Sur, Eden Robinson, Jael Richardson, Waubgeshig Rice, Amanda Leduc, Chelene Knight, Mahak Jain, Wayne Grady, Alicia Elliott, Farzana Doctor, Michael Crummey, Arif Anwar, and Angie Abdou.

    The interviews address questions of appropriation that go beyond race and culture, extending also to gender, sexuality, ability, age, and other categories of difference. They ask how writers work to represent an increasingly diverse and complex culture in ways that avoid falling into appropriation.


    PRESENTER BIOS:


    Kim Davids Mandar: In | Appropriate was published by Gordon Hill Press in 2020 (pandemic release) concurrent with completion of an MSc in Capacity Development (topic: Intercultural Competence) at the University of Guelph. Kim works full-time at Wilfrid Laurier University in Accessible Learning while completing her PhD at the University of Toronto (Leadership in Higher Education). Kim primary learning continues in transformative community development through the Association for Baha'i Studies and with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition in her home town of Guelph, Ontario alongside furry four-leggeds, friends, family and neighbours. Published creative writing includes: a flash CNF piece in Sustenance, Anvil Press; A CNF essay entitled My First Non-White Christmas, Prairie Fire.

    Chelene Knight is the author of five books including Safekeeping: A Writer’s Guided Journal For Launching a Book With Love (Anansi 2025), and Let It Go: Free Yourself From Old Beliefs and Find a New Path To Joy (HarperCollins Canada 2024). She is founder of her own creative studio, Breathing Space Creative through which she’s launched the BSC Writing Mentorships which are thoughtfully designed to help writers elevate their craft, shape and develop their manuscripts, and deepen their connection to who they are as creatives. www.breathingspacecreative.com


    STEPS:


    1. Register here to receive the discussion questions and event link

    2. Purchase your print or electronic version of the book

    3. Read the book and consider the discussion questions (emailed two weeks before meeting)

    4. Join the Book Club meeting using the Zoom link to discuss your responses and hear from the authors!


    Please email Meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you have any questions, or would like to suggest a book.

    Show details

  • Writing Intensive: Revision Quest

    • 14 Jul 2025
    • 9:30 AM
    • 18 Jul 2025
    • 3:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Join us for 5 days of digital learning from July 14 to 18, 2025 Online.

    ABOUT

    In this multi-session, recorded event, learn from top editors how to both revise your own work and address external feedback and suggestions. Cut the clutter, befriend the red pen, and take your draft from rough to refined. Workshops, presentations, and editing sprints will help you survive – and thrive! – in your very own revision quest.

    WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE

    • 9:30 am Introduction and Tech Help (July 14 only)

    • 9:00 am Guided Editing Sprints (4 sessions starting on day 2)

    • 11:00 am Main Sessions (5 Sessions starting on day 1)

    • 2:00 pm Bonus Sessions (2+ Sessions as presenters are available)

    All times are in Pacific (Vancouver) time.


    EVENT SCHEDULE

    MONDAY

    9:30:AM: Tech Help and Welcome

    11:00 AM: 'Self-Editing for Voice and Point of View' with Michelle Barker and David Brown, from the Darling Axe

    2:00 PM: 'Editing Books and Other Long-Form Manuscripts', a panel discussion, moderated by Frances Peck, with Leslie Vermeer and Iva Cheung


    TUESDAY

    9:00 AM: Guided Editing Sprint (30 minutes)  

    11:00 AM: '5 Ways to Unstick a Story' with Lisa Hislop

    2:00 PM: 'Unfiltered: Avoiding Filter Words to Strengthen Your Writing' with Tara Avery


    WEDNESDAY

    9:00 AM: Guided Editing Sprint (30 minutes)  

    11:00 AM: 'Save Your Darlings' with Mark Cameron

    2:00 PM: Editing workshop with Kyle Hawke


    THURSDAY

    9:00 AM: Guided Editing Sprint (30 minutes)  

    11:00 AM: 'Words Are Fun! Playing with Language to Explore, Expand, and Elevate Your Writing' with Genevieve Wynand

    2:00 PM: 'Starting Over: Tackling the Rewrite' with Rachel Dunstan Muller


    FRIDAY

    9:00 AM: Guided Editing Sprint (30 minutes)  

    11:00 AM: 'Twenty-One Revision Techniques' with Cheryl Klein

    2:00 PM: 'Ready, Set, SUBMIT!' with Jenn Sommersby


    ZOOM LINK
    • The Zoom link will be sent out in the days immediately before the event 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 hello@bcwriters.ca if you have not received your confirmation by Thursday July 10th 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.


    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

    • FBCW MEMBERS: $60
    • GUEST: $75
    • SCHOLARSHIP: Limited scholarship-based discounts are available for those experiencing financial difficulties.  Please email us at hello@bcwriters.ca to inquire.


    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.
    • Reach out if you have any tech challenges related to access of the recordings by August 15th so that we can help you in the timeframe available.

    REFUND POLICY

    • Full refunds will be issued up to June 30th.
    • Refunds for half of registration fees will be be issued until July 12th 11:59pm.
    • No refunds are possible after July 13th 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.



    Show details

  • Information Session: Fall 2025 Writing Circle Preview

    • 21 Jul 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register



    Join us for an information session about all of the Writing Circles that open for registration in September! Circle facilitators will be on deck to pitch their groups and explain how their Circles will function. We will also share general Writing Circle guidelines and expectations. We anticipate the preview will take about an hour with an additional 15 minutes for questions at the end (75 minutes total).

    Please note that registering for this event is separate from registering for a Writing Circle. Registration for Fall Writing Circles will open on Wednesday, August 6 at 12:00 pm. Visit https://bcwriters.ca/circles to view up-to-date descriptions and register.

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

    *This event is being recorded. If you cannot attend, please register and a link to the recording will be emailed to you within 48 hours of the event.


    NEW Fall 2025 Writing Circles 


    A Moveable Verse (poetry) 

    Do you find your words live in hedgerows, clipped and precise as a Spenserian sonnet or are your stanzas more likely to be rooted in free verse cottage gardens? Maybe you discover your poems along unmarked pathways and new fields? Let’s share where we find the seeds for our poems and together cultivate our poetry through mutual support, generative discussion, and respectful feedback.

    Max # of participants: 15

    Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 120 minutes


    Creating Memoir (memoir) 

    Though your memoir is a solo perspective, it doesn't need to be a solo process. Together we can reflect through some tough points, share readings and have time to explore a few writing activities to give a fresh outlook on the words in front of us… and help with the ones that are not in front of us… yet!

    Max # of participants: 10

    Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 90 minutes


    Curiosity Cafe (all genres) 

    A space for prose writers who regularly re-examine their creative process and occasionally encounter complex or unusual challenges in their work. This group is not focused on critique, nor is it centered on experimental writing as a genre or practice. Rather, it welcomes writers who are thoughtful about their craft and open to exploring questions that emerge along the way.

    Think of it as a peer consultation group: we come together to reflect, exchange ideas, and consider possible approaches to the writing dilemmas we face. A shared Google Drive may be used to post brief excerpts or discussion questions in advance to help guide our conversations. This is a space for reflection, not instruction—best suited to those with a strong foundation in writing and a curious, open mind.

    Max # of participants: 8

    Date/time: 1st Tuesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 60 minutes


    Exploring the Hybrid Memoir (memoir)

    Faith Adiele has said, "Hybrid lives deserve hybrid structures." This is a group for anyone working on, or interested in working on, a hybrid memoir. We will explore and discuss the many forms of the hybrid memoir. Some thoughts about how this group will unfold: sharing examples of hybrid memoirs we can read and discuss, discussions on various forms and structures (e.g. linked essays, braided forms, two timelines). Hoping to have a group enthusiastic about generating other discussion topics.

    Max # of participants: 7

    Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 90 minutes


    It’s a Mystery to Me (fiction) 

    What makes fiction work? This group is for writers of novel length fiction including mystery, other genres and general fiction. Participants will share their written work and provide feedback in a somewhat structured format in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The intention is to find areas where each writer can focus in order to improve their output. 

    While there is a need for the members to provide constructive criticism, there is also a desire to establish a supportive group of writers working through similar issues in producing an extended work.

    Max # of participants: 7

    Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 90 minutes


    Low Pressure, High Passion Creative Non-fiction Writing Circle (creative non-fiction)

    Are you working on a memoir, a personal essay, a long-form narrative nonfiction novel—or simply bursting with stories that need to be shared? Whether you’re polishing your first short story or shaping the chapters of your debut novel, this monthly Creative Non-Fiction Writing Circle might be just what your writing soul needs.

    Inspired by the monthly cohort model of SFU's The Writers Studio, this circle is all about craft, connection, and community. Each month, we gather online to discuss member submissions—shared the week prior via Google Drive—and offer thoughtful, constructive, and encouraging feedback. It’s a space where writers lift each other up, learn from one another, and keep those words flowing.

    Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the writing trenches, you’ll find encouragement, accountability, and genuine camaraderie.We meet once a month—low pressure, high passion. Limited spots to keep it personal and meaningful.

    Max # of participants: 7

    Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 60-90 minutes


    Next Steps: Writing to Reach your Literary Goals (various genres) 

    This group is for writers with administrative writing goals related but not limited to: preparing grant and/or residency applications, composing query letters for agents and/or publishers, writing pitches, composing or tweaking your CV, and any of that other potentially dry (yet important!) work that will help you take your writing to the next level! Group interests and needs will play a huge role in determining topic(s) covered in this writing group. We might also explore our writing “whys,” reflect on internal (and external) barriers to our administrative writing practice, and explore what it means to build habits in support of our writing goals.

    In each session, we will revisit or set goals, engage in group discussion and/or updates, and embrace a collaborative approach to resource sharing and learning. Each session will dedicate time to independently tackle an administrative writing task. 

    In short, this will be an encouraging and supportive group intended to help keep you accountable to your deadlines!

    Max # of participants: 20

    Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 120 minutes


    Reading Poetry for Self-Reflection and Dialogue (poetry)

    In this group, we'll read poetry together not to analyze form, but to inspire conversation. 
During each circle, we'll read 1-2 poems together on themes that are personally relevant to the group, like on our relationship to home, success, uncertainty, anger, sadness, or others that may emerge. Together, we’ll notice what the lines of these poems stir or illuminate within us. Our conversation may lead into some quiet writing time where you can reflect on our conversation (and maybe write a poem of your own). This group will be facilitated by Christine Bissonnette, a trainee Applied Poetry Facilitator through IFBPT.

    Max # of participants: 10

    Date/time: 2nd Sunday at 11:00 am

    Duration: 120 minutes


    Screenwriting 

    Open to screenwriters of all levels and anyone interested in the art and craft of screenwriting. We start with a 30 minute discussion on topics that the group selects, then we share and critique the work of members.

    Max # of participants: 10 

    Date and time: 2nd Sun at 11:00 AM

    Duration: 120 minutes


    The Penny Wonderfuls (genre fiction) 

    Hello! We are The Penny Wonderfuls, a circle for young speculative writers. Our group is for writers ages 18-28. We focus on genre writing, particularly fantasy, sci/fi, horror and humour. We meet once a month for writing check-ins, sharing motivation, discussing craft and celebrating each other’s work and progress! We are looking for active writers who are excited to talk shop and help each other along our writing journeys!

    Max # of participants: 10

    Date/time: 2nd Sunday at 11:00 am

    Duration: 90 minutes


    Tune In—Jamming (various genres) 

    Come and experience raw writing. Check in with others and see what hearts and voices create in the moment. Bring your ideas for prompts, prepare to discuss process and what arrives on the page when the mind is quiet and the heart and inner voices are free to play. All welcome.

    Max # of participants: 8

    Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am

    Duration: 60-90 minutes


    Workshop for Drafts (various genres) 

    This Writing Circle will be focused on getting other pairs of eyes on your work. If you are looking for some feedback on your writing, want to get help with plot points you’re stuck on, or just want some great conversation about story and structure, this is the spot for you! This small writing circle will focus on sharing current projects in order to hear others’ thoughts and even some help or guidance. We will focus on short stories and novels, (although poets can join too!) and all genres are welcome.

    Max # of participants: 8

    Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 90 minutes


    Women Who Roar (various genres) 

    Open to anyone over 30 identifying as female interested in memoir, poetry, essay, and narrative writing dedicated to writing check-in, motivation, accountability, and critique in a safe space.

    Max # of participants: open

    Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am

    Duration: 30-45 minutes


    Write For Your Life (memoir) 

    Are you beginning the journey of writing your memoir, are you stuck in the middle, or do you need a bit of accountability for the final stretch? In a supportive and encouraging format, find motivation and clarity for writing your memoir. We will share readings, offer opportunities to participate in peer review pods, exchange ideas and resources, and have regular check-ins on how your writing is going. This is a facilitated group where everyone gets a chance to have their voice heard. Write For Your Life and Leave a Legacy! 

    Max # of participants: 10

    Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm

    Duration: 90 minutes


    Visit https://www.bcwriters.ca/circles to view all Circles open for registration.

    Show details

  • Book Club for Writers: "Self Publishing in Canada" with special guest Suzanne Anderson

    • 18 Sep 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register



    Member Price: Free (with donation options)

    Non-Member Price: $10

    **Digital doors open at 6:55 pm; event starts at 7:00 pm Pacific Time

    **Portions of this event will be recorded and made available to registrants to view for 30 days. Breakout room discussions will not be recorded.


    The Federation of BC Writers invites you to participate in our newest programming initiative: Book Club for Writers! This online book club for writers offers an opportunity to read and discuss books related to the craft of writing. Book Club events are 75 minutes long and feature a combination of small group discussion using breakout rooms, large group discussion in the main room, as well as an opportunity to hear the author, contributor, editor, or special guest’s insights and ask questions.


    Our September 2025 pick is Self Publishing in Canada: A Complete Guide to Designing, Printing, and Selling Your Book. We are thrilled to have the author, Suzanne Anderson, join us! Register here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) to receive the event link, discussion questions, and reminders. Purchase the book, review the discussion questions, and when it's time for the event, click on the link to join the live Zoom event. We look forward to seeing you there!


    BOOK BLURB:

    Today more writers are turning to self-publishing to get their books into the hands of readers quickly. They are also taking control of their book and making money with the first book they sell. This book makes the process easy to understand as you are guided step-by-step to publishing your own book. This new edition gives current information for today’s self-publisher and includes a chapter on e-books.

    PRESENTER BIO:


    Suzanne Anderson is an author and publishing coach who helps writers navigate the world of independent publishing. She self-published her first book in 1997 and has written four more books since. A blogger, she also writes freelance and has had articles in Cadence Magazine and WordWorks. She has a website and Facebook group.

    Suzanne has been a guest speaker at Vancouver’s Word-On-The-Street, the Royal City Book Festival and the Okanagan Valley Writer’s Festival. She has given self-publishing presentations at many writers festivals in BC and presented workshops at Vancouver Island University, Camosun College, and Simon Fraser University. She has given workshops throughout BC on both self-publishing and creative writing.

    A member of the Federation of BC Writers, Suzanne volunteers in several capacities. She is the Cowichan Area Rep and is on three marketing teams, including the WordWorks distribution team and the social media team.

    The first edition of Self Publishing in Canada won a Writer’s Digest Self-Publishing Award Honorable Mention. The book was written about in the Vancouver Sun. Suzanne was a guest on CTV Toronto speaking about self-publishing.


    STEPS:


    1. Register here to receive the discussion questions and event link

    2. Purchase your print or electronic version of the book

    3. Read the book and consider the discussion questions (emailed two weeks before meeting)

    4. Join the Book Club meeting using the Zoom link to discuss your responses and hear from our presenter!


    Please email Meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you have any questions, or would like to suggest a book.

    Show details

  • Writing Intensive: 2AI Or Not 2AI

    • 17 Nov 2025
    • 9:30 AM
    • 21 Nov 2025
    • 3:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register



    Join us for 5 days of digital learning from Nov 17 to 21, 2025 Online.


    ABOUT

    Artificial Intelligence is a heated topic in writing communities around the world. It has led partly to the downfall of NaNoWriMo, created changes to publishing contracts, and added new levels of complexity to contests, submissions, and much more.

    The one thing we can say about AI with certainty is that it is here, and it is permeating our lives whether we like it or not.

    We’ll be honest, at the Federation of BC Writers, we have shied away from the topic as we did not want to invite controversy to our community, but the questions are many and the need for knowledge is ever growing. We are excited to host an entire week of discussions, workshops, and panels on the role AI is playing in the writing community.

    Join us for the Writing Intensive: 2AI Or Not to AI. We will discuss what AI and AI related terms mean, unpack the ways that AI threatens and complicates the careers of writers, and look to ethical uses for AI in enhancing and strengthening our creative and professional endeavours.


    EVENT SCHEDULE

    • 9:30 am Introduction and Tech Help (Nov 21 only)

    • 11:00 am Main Sessions (5 Sessions starting on day 1)

    • 2:00 pm Bonus Sessions (2+ Sessions as presenters are available)

    • Additional activities will be added over the summer as they are confirmed.

    All times are in Pacific (Vancouver) time


    ZOOM LINK
    • The Zoom link will be sent out in the days immediately before the event 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 hello@bcwriters.ca if you have not received your confirmation by Thursday November 13th 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.


    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

    • FBCW MEMBERS: $60
    • GUEST: $75
    • SCHOLARSHIP: Limited scholarship-based discounts are available for those experiencing financial difficulties.  Please email us at hello@bcwriters.ca to inquire.


    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.
    • Reach out if you have any tech challenges related to access of the recordings by August 15th so that we can help you in the timeframe available.

    REFUND POLICY

    • Full refunds will be issued up to October 1st.
    • Refunds for half of registration fees will be be issued until November 15th 11:59pm.
    • No refunds are possible after November 16th 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.



    Show details

  • Book Club for Writers: "How to Talk About Writing" with special guest Barbara Turner-Vesselago

    • 20 Nov 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
    • Zoom
    Register



    Member Price: Free (with donation options)

    Non-Member Price: $10

    **Digital doors open at 1:55 pm; event starts at 2:00 pm Pacific Time

    **Portions of this event will be recorded and made available to registrants to view for 30 days. Breakout room discussions will not be recorded.


    The Federation of BC Writers invites you to participate in our newest programming initiative: Book Club for Writers! This online book club for writers offers an opportunity to read and discuss books related to the craft of writing. Book Club events are 75 minutes long and feature a combination of small group discussion using breakout rooms, large group discussion in the main room, as well as an opportunity to hear the author, contributor, editor, or special guest’s insights and ask questions.


    Our final 2025 pick is How to Talk About Writing: A Fundamental Shift in Perspective (Vivid Publishing). We are thrilled to have the author, Barbara Turner-Vesselago, join us! Register here (bcwriters.ca/events-for-writers) to receive the event link, discussion questions, and reminders. Purchase the book, review the discussion questions, and when it's time for the event, click on the link to join the live Zoom event. We look forward to seeing you there!


    BOOK BLURB:

    This book provides invaluable advice for all who long to respond constructively to writers who seek their input, but who don’t know how or where to begin.  With insight and clarity, Barbara Turner-Vesselago distils the essentials of ‘How To Talk About Writing’ into six revolutionary discoveries

    Seasoned writing mentors and editors will be inspired to abandon old paradigms of editorial criticism. Those new to giving feedback will find straightforward tips—easy to comprehend and instantly rewarding to apply.

    PRESENTER BIO:

    Barbara Turner-Vesselago is the author of two successful writing books and a mentor to hundreds of published authors worldwide. Informative and user-friendly, this is a vital guide for writers’ groups, university seminars, and even for frank and informal one-on-one discussions between friends.

    STEPS:


    1. Register here to receive the discussion questions and event link

    2. Purchase your print or electronic version of the book

    3. Read the book and consider the discussion questions (emailed two weeks before meeting)

    4. Join the Book Club meeting using the Zoom link to discuss your responses and hear from our presenter!


    Please email Meaghan@bcwriters.ca if you have any questions, or would like to suggest a book.

    Show details

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