WGA 2025 Conference – Genre and Form Through Time (Calgary) — June 7-8, 2025

After you have checked in at the WGA registration desk, take advantage of the time before sessions to meet fellow conference attendees or chat with your peers.

Rebellious Creators: Writing in the Current Market Keynote - All Writers

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL

Session Description: Publishing numbers tell us a mere 35% of eight-to-eighteen-year-olds read for fun, only 34% of traditionally published books sell more than one thousand copies in their first year, publishers’ marketing budgets don’t travel as well as they did a decade ago, and a writer has a higher chance of being accepted into medical school than getting a publishing contract. 2025 doesn’t feel like a good time to be a writer—but was there ever a “Golden Age” for artists? In this talk, Natasha will discuss the challenges writers face and why this year is a GREAT year to be an author.

Ketnote Speaker: Guyanese-Canadian NATASHA DEEN is a best-selling author for kids, teens, and adults. Her novels include Lark Steals the Show (Crime Writers of Canada 2023 Award of Excellence Nominee), The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad (a Globe & Mail's Top 100 Books for 2022), and Spooky Sleuths: Don’t Go Near the Water (A 2023 CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens). When she’s not writing, she teaches with the University of Toronto SCS and spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house.

Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com

This session is sponsored by Read Alberta

The Writer's Material: Finding Your Form(s) - Novice Writers

ROOM: AA109 35

Session Description: How do we find our material as writers? How do we discover what is uniquely ours to write? How do we recognize when an idea is sufficiently interesting or worth developing? Furthermore, once we do find our material, how do writers know whether to develop a given idea into a poem or essay, short story or novel? How do different literary genres, with their conventions and expectations, help to determine and shape the work we do? In this session, we will discuss these questions (and many more!), and we will work through some low-stakes writing exercises designed to help participants begin to develop some of their own writing material.

Facilitator:Lisa Martin is the author of two full-length collections of poetry, One Crow Sorrow (Brindle & Glass, 2008) and Believing is Not the Same as Being Saved (University of Alberta Press, 2017). Her work has won a National Magazine Award for Personal Journalism and the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, and she was a finalist for the City of Edmonton Book Prize in 2018. How to Expect What You're Not Expecting: Stories of Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Loss, the anthology of literery essays she solicited and co-edited, won a 2015 IPPY Award. This spring, she has published two new books: a blend of memoir and scholarly review, Creative Writing in Post-Secondary Education (Bloomsbury, 2025), and her first novel, A Story Can Be Told About Pain (NeWest Press, 2025). She is Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at MacEwan University.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stillecstatic/

The Art of the Short Story (with the intent to publish) Workshop - Intermediate Writers

ROOM: AA119 35

Session Description:Hoping to publish short stories in provincial and/or national magazines, or a short story collection through a Canadian publisher? Many beloved writers of the 20th century perfected how to make every word count — learn to do the same. This workshop will explore the nuances of writing shorter pieces and publishing within the Canadian landscape

Facilitator:Kirti Bhadresa lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta on Treaty 7 territory. Kirti has fiction and non-fiction writing in many publications including The Fiddlehead, Prairie Fire and Room Magazine. Her first book, a short story collection entitled An Astonishment of Stars was published in October 2024 by ECW Press. The collection was on several most anticipated lists pre-publicationand went on to become an indie bestseller. Kirti's writing engages with themes of visibility, belonging and love, with protagonists who are quietly determined but rarely nostalgic. www.beingkirti.com

Jumping Genre Masterclass - Established Writers

ROOM: AA128 40

Session Description: Diving into new genres and writing for different audiences gives authors a chance to flex their imagination, experiment with different styles, learn new skills, and expand their creative foundation. Bring your questions and come for a discussion on the things writers need to consider when jumping genres or writing for new audiences.

Facilitator: Guyanese-Canadian NATASHA DEEN is a best-selling author for kids, teens, and adults. Her novels include Lark Steals the Show (Crime Writers of Canada 2023 Award of Excellence Nominee), The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad (a Globe & Mail's Top 100 Books for 2022), and Spooky Sleuths: Don’t Go Near the Water (A 2023 CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens). When she’s not writing, she teaches with the University of Toronto SCS and spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house. Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com

This session is sponsored by Young Alberta Book Society

The “Me” in Memoir Panel - All Writers

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL

Session Description:Memoir continues to rise in popularity, but there is a rawness and vulnerability attached to the genre that can be daunting, even downright scary for a writer. How do we craft our experiences truthfully and authentically without exposing too much? Too little? Conversations often occur regarding the precautions to take and the potential ramifications of writing about others, but what about the impact of writing on, and thereby revealing, one’s self? Join our panelists as they discuss the idea of self-preservation and more in memoir writing.

Panelists:Amy Lin, Caleigh Crow, Jessica Waite, and Anne Sorble (moderator)

Amy Linlives in Calgary, Canada where there are two seasons: winter and road construction. Her debut memoir Here After was named a Best Book of 2024 by Kirkus, The Globe and Mail, CBC Books, NPR, and ELLE. Her fiction has appeared in Ploughshares and she writes the Substack At The Bottom Of Everything where she wonders: how do we live with anything?

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Caleigh Crowis a playwright, director, and performer from Mohkinstsis. She is the co-founder of Thumbs Up Good Work Theatre. In 2024 she was honoured to receive the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama for her play There is Violence, There is Righteous Violence, and There is Death or, The Born-Again Crow. Caleigh is also a director, and had the pleasure of directing antigone lives* by Susanna Fournier for WhyNot Theatre, Yisstsiyi at the University of Lethbridge, and has assistant director credits at Vertigo Theatre and Theatre Calgary. She is proud to serve as President of the Board of Directors at Theatre Alberta.

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Jessica Waitespent seven years writing her debut memoir, all-the-while maintaining strong relationships with key people in the story. When The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards hit a national bestseller list two weeks before it was published and became a Globe and Mail Best Book of 2024, recommended by The Washington Post, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, Publisher’s Weekly and many other outlets, Jessica learned that no matter how hard we work to strike a balance between privacy and exposure, some things are outside a writer’s control. Still, she advocates for the healing power of story and the connective power of truth. Jessica lives on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstis / Calgary, Alberta.

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Anne Sorbie is a writer and a self-proclaimed liberal humanist (in the broadest sense). She has published four books, the latest of which is the (M)othering anthology (co-edited with Heidi Grogan). Her work has appeared online at CBC Books, and in a range of Canadian magazines and journals. One of her latest and deepest commitments is volunteering as an advocate for folks in long term care. As an act of social protest, Anne is currently writing about love and hope.

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You have the option of bringing your own lunch, grabbing lunch at a nearby local food establishment, or choosing to add-on lunch options when you're filling out the registration form.

If you choose to provide your own lunch at the conference, there is a cafeteria/food hall on site.

Writing Past Gender Workshop - All Writers

ROOM: AA109 35

Session Description: In 2025 and beyond, many writers will be looking to write past gender stereotypes and roles as readers look for their own changing views on gender in the literature they consume. As societal ideas of gender evolve, so does our representation of it in our works. This workshop will guide writers into creating characters that reflect diverse gender identities and break free from outdated stereotypes. We’ll touch on trans and non-binary narratives, writing women without stereotypes, and the importance of non-toxic masculinity. Learn how to expand your ability to write different kinds of characters in various forms and genres. Accessible to writers of all experience levels. Please come expecting to write.

Facilitator: Dr. Finnian Burnett is an author whose writing explores intersections of mental health, gender identity, disability, and life in a fat body. Their work has appeared on CBC books, in Blank Spaces Magazine, Pulp Literature, and more. Finnian has two flash fiction collections; The Clothes Make the Man and The Price of Cookies. When not writing or teaching, Finnian watches too much Star Trek and futilely tries to grow a garden. Finnian is represented by Stacey Kondla of The Rights Factory.

Website: www.finnburnett.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finnianburnett/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/finnwritesstuff.bsky.social

This session is sponsored by Alexandra Writers' Centre Society

Novella: Why Write One? - Intermediate Writers

ROOM: AA119 35

Session Description: Whether you have a novella-on-the-go or are just plain curious, this workshop will help answer the surely burning questions: what’s a novella and should you write (or continue to write) one? We’ll chat about the history, characteristics and reception of this unique and enduring genre. And, because we’re writers, we’ll do some writing.

Facilitator: Barb Howard has published five books, including 2 novellas, and more than 50 short stories and essays in magazines, journals, and anthologies across Canada. Her work has won the Howard O’Hagan Award for Short Story and The Canadian Authors’ Association Exporting Alberta Award, and been shortlisted for the High Plains Book Awards, the Alberta Trade Fiction Book of the Year, and several Alberta Literary Awards. Barb has been President of the Writers' Guild of Alberta, Author-in-Residence for the Calgary Public Library, and editor of FreeFall Magazine. Her most recent mentoring experience includes the 2024 Newcomer Arts Professional Program run by the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation, and the 2024 WGA Mentorship Program.

Website: Barbhoward.com

Instagram: bhoward717

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Intended Confluence: The Magic of Writing Hybrid - Established Writers

ROOM: AA128 40

Session Description: Hybrid writing is a catch-all term for works that live in more than one genre—poetry and prose, fiction and nonfiction, research and reflection, photography and verse, music and storytelling, translation and visual art. The only limit to the possibilities of hybrid work is the imagination. Whether it is the implied interpretation of a photo by a poem, or the reflective afterthought of fiction that emerges from research, a unique dialogue occurs at the meeting place between artistic forms. Using writing exercises, discussion and literary examples, this workshop will help unleash the magic generated by the confluence of writing hybrid.

Facilitator: Ellen Kartz holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and a professional writing certificate from Mount Royal University. As an active writer and freelance editor throughout her career, Ellen worked with and for the Edmonton Poetry Festival for many years as a volunteer coordinator, event planner, founding member, and board member. She was the Communications and Partnerships Coordinator for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta from 2015-2023. In 2018, she self-produced a one-person stage show and poetry/nonfiction chapbook, both titled The Tenderness of Stone, about a trek she made in 2016 through Nepal’s Khumbu Valley to Mount Everest Base Camp. In 2020, Ellen founded a small poetry chapbook press, Armistice Press, and launched a quartet of chapbooks by emerging queer Edmonton authors. Ellen performed a second stage show, If I Was Fearless, in November 2024, and launched a poetry chapbook, Gravity, through Agatha Press in the same month. Currently, she is the Executive Director for LitFest Alberta and the Edmonton Associate for Alberta Playwrights' Network.

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Revisionist Histories and Nods to the Future: Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Everything In Between Panel - All Writers

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL

Session Description: Writing speculative fiction oftentimes means borrowing from and reimagining themes and ideas from old myths, wives’ tales, folklores, legends, and history in general. How does the world around us inspire speculative and speculative-adjacent narratives? Are we consistently re-telling iterations of stories that have already been told, or does the ever-changing world ensure there will always be new stories to tell? How has speculative fiction – including horror, fantasy, science fiction, and everything in between — changed or evolved in the 21st century? What about the way audiences consume these works? Join us as we explore these questions and delve into how the dynamic interplay of how our current world climate, in every sense of that word, continues to shape the vibrant landscape of speculative fiction.

Panelists: BJ Wagner, Judy I. Lin, Lareina Abbott, and Deborah Willis (Moderator)

BJ Wagner developed a love for the natural world while growing up in the Canadian Rockies, and his imagination was shaped by parents who chose the bedtime stories of Tolkien over Seuss. Although he enjoyed writing as a hobby, the discoveries by NASA’s Galileo spacecraft focused his creativity on Jupiter’s moon Europa. While living in Banff, BJ wrote a novel to share with his family and friends. Years later, as life and marriage took him to unexpected places, he revisited his work and explored ways to sharpen his writing skills. He enrolled in online courses with the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, where he and a group of students formed a writing group. In this supportive environment, ideas flourished, skills were shared, and works faced critique. With their guidance, his story transformed into something special, and The Moon the Sun Forgot was born. BJ and his wife have journeyed to Antarctica, Tanzania, the Galápagos Islands, and the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, capturing the beauty of wildlife through photography. But once their memory cards reach capacity, the travel-weary couple are happy to return home to Calgary and their two cats.

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Judy I. Lin is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology, Song of the Six Realms, The Dark Becomes Her and the upcoming Avatar Legends: City of Echoes. She writes stories inspired by the legends and myths she grew up with in Taiwan and currently lives on the Canadian prairies.

judyilin.com

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Lareina Abbottpens Métis-themed dark speculative fiction short stories and novels, as well as memoir essays about her family’s Métis history. She received the 2023 Writers Guild of Alberta Howard O’Hagan award for her short story ‘Ma Soeur Marie,’ is a two time winner of the Writers Guild of Alberta Kemosa Scholarship, and is a finalist for the 2025 Writers Guild of Alberta Jon Whyte Memorial Essay award for her essay, ‘Laid Bear.’ Lareina is an alumna of the Audible Indigenous Writers Circle. She is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and her family names are Huppé, Desjarlais, and Cyr. She originates from a cattle ranch in northern British Columbia but currently lives and writes in Calgary/Mohkinstsis on MNA District 5 and Treaty 7 territory.

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Deborah Willis was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Her first book, Vanishing and Other Stories, was named one of the best books of 2009 by The Globe and Mail and NPR, and was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award. Her second collection, The Dark and Other Love Stories, was published in 2017 by Penguin Random House and was long-listed for the Giller Prize, won the Georges Bugnet Award for best work of fiction published in Alberta, and was named one of the best books of the year by The Globe and Mail, the CBC, and Chatelaine. Deborah’s first novel, Girlfriend on Mars, was released in 2023 from W.W. Norton (U.S.), Penguin Random House (Canada), and Serpent’s Tail (U.K.), and was translated into Italian, French, and Danish. It was long listed for the Giller Prize and shortlisted for The Leacock Medal for Humour. The New York Times, in a review, wrote of novel: "Every detail is sharply placed by Willis, who has a scorching sense of humor and a soft spot for humanity down here on Earth.""

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.sage to spirit. - Novice Writers

ROOM: AA109 35

Session Description: Processing our stories through poetry

Facillitator: Alycia Two Bears is a member of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation. A proud mixed blooded iskwew, they call Mohkinstsis home. She is a Two Spirit story teller, single mama to five amazing humans and a midwife in the making, who coaxes babies down from the stars with poetry, medicines and songs. Alycia has published in New Tribe Magazine, Red Rising Magazine, MBC Magazine, and Wilding and Sprout: Pregnancy Loss, Abortion and PostPartum Poetry Anthology. She has hosted poetry workshops through Red Rising Magazine, Sparrow Artspace, and the Buffalo Spirit Program. Her first collection, Two Spirit: Stories, Sex and the Ceremony Behind it all was-self-published and is available online. Her second collection of poetry, The Feast, is coming this spring from Wild Skies Press.

Facebook: Alycia TwoBears

Instagram: ms.twobears

Poetry: your.moon.woman

Website: www.goodwomanmedicine.ca

When They Won’t Die the Way You Want Them To: Dark Humour as an Opening to Telling Difficult Stories - All Writers

ROOM: AA119 35

Session Description:Life is funny, and people are funny – often unintentionally, and often at the darkest times. Through examples, discussion and writing exercises, we’ll explore how the use of dark humour can guide and support us in writing more freely and confidently about topics that feel fraught, and how the use of dark humour can engage our readers more deeply.

Facilitator: Leslie Greentree is the author of four books – Not the Apocalypse I Was Hoping For (University of Calgary Press, 2022), which was shortlisted for a High Plains Book Award, the award-winning short story collection A Minor Planet for You, and two poetry books: go-go dancing for Elvis, which was shortlisted for the 2004 Griffin Prize for Poetry, and guys named Bill. Leslie has won CBC literary competitions for short fiction and poetry, and the Sarah Selecky 2013 Little Bird short fiction competition.

Leslie is also an occasional essayist: “Tom Petty Just Isn’t There for You: Riffs on Waiting” appears in Waiting: an anthology of essays (University of Alberta Press, 2018); “Pink Smock Stories,” was shortlisted for a 2019 Writers Guild of Alberta award and the 2020 Humber Creative Nonfiction award.

Website lesliegreentree.ca

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Graphic Narratives - Established Writers

ROOM: AA128 40

Session Description: Demystify the processes behind creating a graphic narrative with practical advice to help you get started on your comics-related project. Teresa Wong will go through key topics such as visual storytelling, dialogue and narration, and paths to publication. This is an exercise-driven class, so bring your favourite art supplies. No previous drawing experience required.

Facilitator: Teresa Wong is author of the acclaimed graphic memoirs All Our Ordinary Stories and Dear Scarlet, both finalists for the City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize and longlisted for CBC Canada Reads. Her comics have appeared in The Believer, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s and The Walrus. A teacher of memoir and comics at Gotham Writers Workshop, she was also the 2021–22 Canadian Writer-in-Residence at the University of Calgary.

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Sleuthing Around: The Nuances of Mystery & Crime Writing Panel - All Writers

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL

Session Description: Join our panel of experienced writers as they discuss the many facets of mystery & crime writing. How do we craft stories in ways that feel fresh and draw the reader in immediately? Are there certain formulas and patterns that work across the board when crafting mystery and crime novels? Perhaps, most importantly, what are the ways in which mystery and crime writers retain their readers’ interest, and what tips and tricks can authors writing in this genre use to keep the momentum of their stories going while keeping the audience engaged?

Panelists: Gary Ryan, Susan Calder, P.D Workman and Niall Howell (moderator)

Gary Ryan is the winner of a Lambda Literary Award and recipient of Calgary’s Freedom of Expression Award. He drinks mochas and lives in Calgary, Alberta.

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Susan Calder is a Calgary Writer and has published six novels with BWL Publishing Inc. Four are part of her Paula Savard Mystery Series set in Calgary. The fifth is a standalone psychological suspense. Susan’s latest mystery novel, A Killer Whisky, takes place in Calgary during the 1918 Influenza pandemic, World War One, and Alberta Prohibition. Her short stories and poems have won contests and appeared in anthologies and magazines. She has published non-fiction articles, taught writing courses at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, and is a member of AWCS, Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta.

susancalder.com

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P.D Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author and multi-award winner, renowned for her prolific output of over 100 published works that span various genres. With a knack for crafting page-turners, Workman captivates readers with everything from cozy mysteries like the Auntie Clem's Bakery series to gripping young adult and suspense novels. Her stories resonate deeply as she masterfully weaves sensitive themes—such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction—into compelling narratives that evoke a powerful emotional response. Readers are drawn to her unique voice and empathetic portrayal of complex issues. With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling blend of thought-provoking storytelling and relatable characters that define P.D. Workman’s brand as an author of unforgettable page-turners—gripping tales that leave a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

Social media: @pdworkmanauthor on most social media

Niall Howell lives in Calgary, Alberta with his wife and kids. His debut noir novel Only Pretty Damned was shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Literary Fiction. His follow-up novel, There Are Wolves Here Too, was shortlisted by the Book Publisher's Association of Alberta for Mystery and Thriller book of the year. Niall's short fiction has been featured in The Feathertale Review and FreeFall. He is currently working on his third novel.

Writing Vibrant and Immersive Fantasy Worlds - Intermediate and Established Writers

ROOM: AA128 40

Session Description: Worldbuilding is an essential part of writing a fantasy story, regardless of whether it’s contemporary, historical or secondary-world fantasy. How do we write a story that is immersive for the reader and yet still advances the plot? How can the setting of a story become a character in itself? This workshop discusses various techniques and strategies of fantasy worldbuilding, as well as tips on how to include worldbuilding naturally in your story without encumbering the reader or overwhelming the writer.

Facilitator: Judy I. Lin is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology, Song of the Six Realms, The Dark Becomes Her and the upcoming Avatar Legends: City of Echoes. She writes stories inspired by the legends and myths she grew up with in Taiwan and currently lives on the Canadian prairies.

judyilin.com

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Featuring: Ellen Kartz, Natasha Deen, Lisa Martin, and Alycia Two Bears

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL

Session Desription:Would you like to have a snippet of your novel-in-progress or poem critiqued by a panel of seasoned writers? Our Live Edit Roundtable session gives registrants the chance to submit a small excerpt of writing before the conference, where our in-person panel will discuss the piece live. This is a great opportunity to sit in–even if your piece is not one of the lucky handful chosen–and learn from established local authors how to enrich and strengthen your craft skills.

Please note: There are limited submission spots available for this event, and we will be choosing pieces based on a lottery system. You have the option of remaining anonymous if your piece is chosen.

Submissions should be no longer than 1.5 - 2 pages, double spaced. You are welcome to submit prose or poetry in any genre. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 16, 2025. Please send submissions to Ashley at ashley.mann@writersguild.ab.ca.

This session is sponsored by Spotlight Editing Services

Facillitators:

Ellen Kartz holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and a professional writing certificate from Mount Royal University. As an active writer and freelance editor throughout her career, Ellen worked with and for the Edmonton Poetry Festival for many years as a volunteer coordinator, event planner, founding member, and board member. She was the Communications and Partnerships Coordinator for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta from 2015-2023. In 2018, she self-produced a one-person stage show and poetry/nonfiction chapbook, both titled The Tenderness of Stone, about a trek she made in 2016 through Nepal’s Khumbu Valley to Mount Everest Base Camp. In 2020, Ellen founded a small poetry chapbook press, Armistice Press, and launched a quartet of chapbooks by emerging queer Edmonton authors. Ellen performed a second stage show, If I Was Fearless, in November 2024, and launched a poetry chapbook, Gravity, through Agatha Press in the same month. Currently, she is the Executive Director for LitFest Alberta and the Edmonton Associate for Alberta Playwrights' Network.

Alycia Two Bears is a member of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation. A proud mixed blooded iskwew, they call Mohkinstsis home. She is a Two Spirit story teller, single mama to five amazing humans and a midwife in the making, who coaxes babies down from the stars with poetry, medicines and songs. Alycia has published in New Tribe Magazine, Red Rising Magazine, MBC Magazine, and Wilding and Sprout: Pregnancy Loss, Abortion and PostPartum Poetry Anthology. She has hosted poetry workshops through Red Rising Magazine, Sparrow Artspace, and the Buffalo Spirit Program. Her first collection, Two Spirit: Stories, Sex and the Ceremony Behind it all was-self-published and is available online. Her second collection of poetry, The Feast, is coming this spring from Wild Skies Press.

Facebook: Alycia TwoBears

Instagram: ms.twobears

Poetry: your.moon.woman

Website: www.goodwomanmedicine.ca

Lisa Martin is the author of two full-length collections of poetry, One Crow Sorrow (Brindle & Glass, 2008) and Believing is Not the Same as Being Saved (University of Alberta Press, 2017). Her work has won a National Magazine Award for Personal Journalism and the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, and she was a finalist for the City of Edmonton Book Prize in 2018. How to Expect What You're Not Expecting: Stories of Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Loss, the anthology of literery essays she solicited and co-edited, won a 2015 IPPY Award. This spring, she has published two new books: a blend of memoir and scholarly review, Creative Writing in Post-Secondary Education (Bloomsbury, 2025), and her first novel, A Story Can Be Told About Pain (NeWest Press, 2025). She is Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at MacEwan University.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stillecstatic/

Natasha Deen Guyanese-Canadian NATASHA DEEN is a best-selling author for kids, teens, and adults. Her novels include Lark Steals the Show (Crime Writers of Canada 2023 Award of Excellence Nominee), The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad (a Globe & Mail's Top 100 Books for 2022), and Spooky Sleuths: Don’t Go Near the Water (A 2023 CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens). When she’s not writing, she teaches with the University of Toronto SCS and spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house.

Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com

Take advantage of the time before sessions to meet fellow conference attendees and chat with your peers.

The AGM is free and open to all WGA members in good standing. Please make sure to check-in at the AGM.

Board nominations and seconding motions may be put forth at the AGM by WGA members who are in good standing with the consent of the nominee.

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL

More details to follow

ROOM: MACDONALD HALL