Strawberry Creek Writing Retreat – APRIL 22 – 26, 2026
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta is excited to confirm that we will be hosting a self-directed writing retreat next spring in Strawberry Creek! Details:Strawberry Creek Writing RetreatApril 22 – 26, 2026Strawberry Creek Lodge*Specific Location and Directions will be made available to Participants Registration opens November 4th, 2025 at 10:00 AM.**The form will be made available at that time. Registration Fees$700 for WGA Members$795 for Non-Members* Located approximately 80 KM outside of Edmonton, this retreat offers participants an open model whereby
In Memoriam: Stephan V. Benediktson
Stephan V. Benediktson June 22, 1933 – October 14, 2025 We are sorry to learn that long-time supporter of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, Stephan V. Benediktson, passed away October 14, 2025. Stephan was a dedicated supporter of the arts and Icelandic culture who sponsored the WGA’s Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, named for his grandfather. An enthusiastic presence at our Alberta Literary Awards Gala, Stephan was always eager to meet the award winner and shake their hand, making
THE OLIVE READING SERIES (EDMONTON)
The Olive Reading Series returns November 12th for another night of features, open mic readings, and time to chat and connect with local writers. Wednesday, November 12th, 20257:00 PM – 9:00 PM MTRooster Bar & Kitchen 10732 82nd Ave (Whyte Ave)FREE The November reading will feature author of ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (2025), Marco Melfi, and multidisciplinary artist, Sara Campos-Silvius. As always, an open mic will follow. Remember to grab a chapbook of the featured works as well. The Olive Reading Series
CONNECTIONS BREWING PUB NIGHT (CALGARY)
The Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta are back for another Connections Pub Night! Tuesday, November 11, 20256:00 PM – 9:00 PM MTLast Best Brewing & Distilling607 – 11th Ave SWDownstairs in the beer roomCalgaryFREE Come ready to mingle and network with the Calgary literary community! This event is open to members of WGA and/or AWCS. Street parking is free after 6pm, and it is a 7 minute walk from 4th street c-train station.
2026 Strawberry Creek Retreat Registration
Register below for the 2026 Strawberry Creek Retreat. After your registration form is submitted successfully, you will be taken to the payment page where you can pay for your registration. You will also receive a notification email confirming your registration, which will contain additional details about the retreat. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties registering or with the online payment process, please contact us at [email protected].
CONTROVERSY @ NOON: THE THINGS THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT PUBLICATION
Wednesday, November 26, 202512:00 PM – 1:00 PM MTOnline (Registration Required) Free! Publication is often the goal for most writers: We want our hard work published and available to the greater literary community, to the world at large (and receiving compensation for doing the thing we love doesn’t hurt). But, like writing, publication — and life after publication — isn’t always what we think it will be or what we’ve prepared ourselves for. Our November Controversy @ Noon panel will
Pub Night & Open Mic (Edmonton)
Wednesday, November 19th, 20257:00 PM – 9:00 PM MTRooster Bar and Kitchen10732 82 Ave NWEdmonton FREE With temperatures dropping below zero, the WGA would love to see Edmonton writers cozy up with a warm drink at our November Pub Night and Open Mic! We welcome all genres of writers and have a strict time limit for each reader. Join us for our next pub night and open mic and sign up at the door to read. First-come-first-serve. This is a
EMERGING WRITERS’ CAFE AT THE ESKER FOUNDATION (CALGARY)
Hey Calgary! Join us for the launch of Emerging Writers’ Café at The Bookshop at Esker! Thursday, November 20th, 20256:00 PM – 8:00 PM MTThe Bookshop at Esker1011 – 9th Avenue SE (4th floor)CalgaryFREEAges 16+ We are excited to invite writers aged 16+ that may identify as emerging in the hopes of sharing, connecting, and learning. Come to share works in progress, brainstorm new ideas, access resources, spend focused time writing, and practice giving and receiving feedback! This is a
FREE WRITING WORKSHOP: WORKING WITH THE ABYSS, NOVEMBER 16, 2025 (EDMONTON)
Calling all Edmonton writers! As the sun goes down sooner, we invite you to join us for a workshop in Working with the Abyss. Sunday, November 16th, 20251:00 PM – 3:00 PM MT9722 102 St NWOrtona ArmouryEdmonton Please join us for a free writing workshop facilitated by celebrated poet Daniel Poitras. This workshop will be taking place in-person at the Ortona Armoury on November 16, 2025. About the Workshop Approaching the untouchable with the same tactics I approach ugly Indigenous
Save the Date: Holiday Party (Calgary)
We’re getting started a little early, Calgary! Save the date! Thursday, December 11th, 20257:00 PM – 11:00 PM MTCivic Tavern213 12th Ave SWCalgary The Writers’ Guild Holiday Party in Calgary will take place on December 11th around 7:00 PM MT. We are excited to be at Civic Tavern, and will be adding more information through the next months. It is a busy time so mark it on your calendars!
Poetry Parlour & Open Mic (Calgary)
Tuesday, October 21st, 20257:00 PM – 9:15 PM MTPachamama Soul Flavour Emporium#2110, 380 Canyon Meadows Drive SECalgary FREE Join host Ashley Frerichs for Poetry Parlour, our monthly poetry open mic & reading series. Open mic sign-up starts at 7pm. There are limited slots available and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. In October, to get into the Halloween spirit, we’ll have a prize for best costume! We’re so excited to feature a poet who’s very special
Coffee & Chat (Calgary)
Saturday, October 25th, 202510:30 AM to 12:00 PM MTJudith Umbach Library6617 Centre St NCalgary Please join host Ashley Frerichs for the next Calgary Coffee & Chat, a place for YYC writers to get together and gab about all things writing! Come enjoy some coffee (and Timbits!) and share your recent successes, struggles, and/or bounce ideas and questions off other writers in the community. Sessions will take place one Saturday every two months at Calgary Public Library locations. Please email Ashley
SAVE THE DATE: WGA CONFERENCE – JUNE 6 to 7, 2026 (EDMONTON)
Are you looking to sharpen your craft skills? Take part in guided networking time? Grow your literary community? Or pitch to an agent? The next Writers’ Guild of Alberta Conference will take place in person in Edmonton, Alberta from June 6th to June 7th. Each year we rotate between major cities to ensure writers have access to opportunities to connect, engage in workshops and development, and attend the Alberta Literary Awards Gala. There will more announcements to come for 2026’s
Pub Night and Open Mic (Edmonton)
Wednesday, October 16th, 20257:00 PM – 9:00 PM MTRooster Bar and Kitchen10732 82 Ave NWEdmontonFREE Do you have a fashionable toque you’ve been waiting to debut? Or an excerpt of a spooky mystery you’d like to share? Maybe you’ve got a poem about a raven lying around… Join us for our next pub night and open mic, toque or not, and sign up at the door to read. First-come-first-serve. This is a free event. All are welcome!
CONNECTIONS BREWING PUB NIGHT (CALGARY)
Tuesday, October 14th, 20256:00 PM – 9:00 PM MTLast Best Brewing & Distilling607 – 11th Ave SWIn the dining room (Main Level)FREE to members of WGA and/or AWCS Come ready to mingle and network with the Calgary literary community. To kick off the Halloween season, October will feature a haunting writing exercise facilitated by Ashley Frerichs plus tarot readings for writers! No registration required. Street parking free after 6pm. 7 minute walk from 4th street c-train station.
Tickets Available Now: Kathryn Mockler 2-for-1 Webinar Bundle
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta is excited to offer two ticketed webinars this fall with celebrated author Kathryn Mockler. Participants who purchase tickets will have access to both webinars. Registration Writers’ Guild Members: $25.00 Writers’ Guild of Alberta Student Members: $15.00Non-Members: $35.00 * * Membership can be purchased anytime and is valid for one year. Webinar One – In a Flash: Writing Very Short Narratives Saturday, October 18th, 202510:30 AM MT (Recorded) – this webinar is now included in a