News

WGA (YYC) Write Night at the Rose & Crown Pub in Acknowledgement of Mental Health for Writers

January 14, 2020

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | Doors 6:00 (social time)Writing prompts or self-directed freewrite 700—8:15 p.m.Rose & Crown Pub, private room upstairs, 1503 4th St SW, Calgary.Seating is first-come, first served.  With a nod to “Blue Monday” (the supposed most depressing day of the year occurring two days before this session) — we will gather at our private room at the Rose for a conversation about mental health and writing. Join WGA’s Samantha Warwick for some social time, a short talk about mental health—and up to 75 minutes

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Blue Monday (Edmonton)

January 13, 2020

Monday, January 20, 20206:30 – 8:30 pmGlass Bookshop – Unit C215, 10200 102 Ave. NW On Blue Monday we talk about writing and mental health. Join us at Glass Bookshop on Monday, January 20th to hear from writers talk about their mental health journeys. Our guest speakers are Rayanne Haines and Shawn Hamm. There are still a few open mic spots available. If you are interested in reading your work and or/speaking about your writing and mental health please contact

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Drink the Wild Air 2020 – Cancelled

January 11, 2020

Date: March 20-22, 2020 Place: Nestor Lodge, Kamp Kiwanis in Bragg CreekAges: The retreat is for young writers ages 12-19. Cost: $215 (Price includes meals – Friday dinner to lunch on Sunday, overnight accommodations, classes and evening activities.) Drink the Wild Air 2020 has been cancelled. A Message from Colin Matty Dear Friends of WordsWorth, The best of the season to one and all! This is Colin Matty, Director of WordsWorth, with a timely announcement and thoughts of the new year. Drink the Wild Air is our homage to the

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2020 WGA Annual Conference in Partnership with the AWCS – Registration opens Feb. 11

January 10, 2020

WONDER–Reclaim Your Curiosity Friday May 22 (Alberta Literary Awards) + Conference May 23-24, 2020Calgary Public Library, Downtown Central Branch 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB Hotel info (Alt Hotel) coming soon! Registration will open February 11th, 2020 – stay tuned for full program of speakers & sessions! Join the Writers’ Guild of Alberta and the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society for a weekend of inspiration, professional development and networking opportunities! This year we’ll explore themes of WONDER, CURIOSITY & RETROSPECT. We’ll offer sessions that delve into topics such

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WGA 2020 Mentorship Program Participants Announced

January 10, 2020

In January 2020, twelve Alberta writers will begin their participation in the WGA’s annual mentorship program. 2020 marks the eighth year for the program, which pairs emerging writers with established Alberta authors to develop the emerging writer’s literary work, and also to provide support and encouragement. This program has seen many of its participants grow and succeed as published authors. This year’s participants are: The mentorship program runs for four months. A celebration of this program, complete with the emerging

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Announcing the WGA’s New Regional Event Facilitators

January 1, 2020

Thanks to support of the Rozsa Foundation, we have contracted facilitators in four rural or remote regions to organize events for writers and establish a stronger WGA presence in the regions. If you would like to get in touch with any of our faciliators, please let us know and we will make it happen. Please join us in welcoming the new reps! Lethbridge Michelle Greysen is a long standing WGA member and past WGA board member and also past board member and National

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Short Story Glow Up Writing Workshop (Grande Prairie)

January 1, 2020

Rotary Training Room,Grande Prairie Public LibrarySaturday, February 8th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Join local author and 2019 Governor General’s Literary Awards finalist Sue Farrell Holler in this exciting writing workshop for wordsmiths. This short story writing workshop is designed to help write a first attempt or glow up a draft for GPPL’s Collins Writing Contest. This year’s theme is “After Dark”. This workshop is a partnership between GPPL and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta and is suitable for ages 16+. Supplies

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WGA Holiday Office Hours

December 19, 2019

The WGA offices will be closed from noon on December 20, 2019 to January 3, 2020. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, January 6. We wish you all the best of the holiday season and the new year!

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Book Women Podcast Series

December 16, 2019

Three Metis aunties just trying to figure out the world of publishing, and chatting about books. Learn more about masinahikan iskwêwak – Book Women Podcast – HERE Music Credit for All Episodes: Broke for Free – “Something Elated” Episode 13- masinahikan iskwêwak – Book Women Podcast- Métis Aunties Reflect In our last episode for this season, we dive into our reflections of the project. Specifically, we discuss thoughts going forward, improvements, what we actually learned. We also discuss the importance

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2020 Banff Retreat

December 15, 2019

Registration for the 2020 Banff Retreat is now closed. The Banff Retreat will take place February 14 – 23, 2020. Our annual Banff Retreat is a self-guided retreat and a great opportunity to connect with fellow writers and enjoy uninterrupted writing time among amazing scenery at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Participants will have accommodation in the Hotel at Professional Development Centre (PDC), in a private room with a desk. Writers attending the retreat will have access to the

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3rd Annual Kemosa Scholarship for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Mothers Who Write

December 13, 2019

The Writers’ Guild of Alberta is happy to announce the launch of the 3rd Annual Kemosa Scholarship for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Mothers Who Write! This year, author Jeananne Kirwin and has enthusiastically joined in the effort to help give voice to Indigenous mothers. Together, we share the vision of effecting positive changes in our community through stories. Because of the generosity of our sponsors, we will award three scholarships this year: 1st place $3000, 2nd place $2000, 3rd place $1000. We are

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Call for Applications: Regional Event Facilitators

November 27, 2019

We are seeking contract facilitators to expand our programming in rural and remote regions. The role of the Regional Event Facilitator is to start a series of events for writers in their respective region (Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, or Airdrie, and surrounding communities) and pursue sponsorships or other resources that may help the events continue regularly. Event formats may include (but are not limited to) professional development presentations, writing workshops or classes, or open mics. The full job description

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Flash Writing Contest

November 20, 2019

The University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and Mama na Mtoto initiative for regional maternal, newborn, and child health in Tanzania is presenting this flash writing contest. The WGA is happy to partner with these groups to offer administrative and promotional support. Flash Fiction or Flash Non-Fiction on the subject of: Mothers and/or Motherhood Around the World. Contest Guidelines: Submissions are evaluated on originality, creativity, quality of writing, and adherence to the theme. The prize of one entry to

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WRITERS’ GUILD OF ALBERTA HOLIDAY PARTY (YYC)

November 20, 2019

Wednesday, December 11 Doors 6:00 | 7:00—10:00pm (or later!)Rose & Crown Pub & Restaurant  Private room upstairs1503 4th St SW, Calgary | FREE for WGA membersNon-members $5 at the door (cash only)Seating is first-come, first served. RSVP HERE   Kick back and relax with your literary friends over a pint of cheer and some complimentary comfort food. Cozy up to the crackling wood burning fireplace to enjoy three readings by local authors Wakefield Brewster, Ian Kinney and JoAnn McCaig.As always, Shelf Life Books will host their

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WGA Edmonton Holiday Party: It’s a Wonderful Quiz!

November 19, 2019

Wednesday, Dec 11 9910 underneath The Common. 9910 109st Edmonton, AB$5 WGA members. Non-members $10. Pay at the door or WGA site Doors 6:30. Refreshments served at 7. Quiz at 8pm. The WGA Presents: It’s a Wonderful Quiz! A literary pub quiz for writers and literature lovers alike. Divided into 3 rounds: Edmonton books and literature, Canadian literature, International books, authors, and literary trivia. Lots of bonuses and a special final round and other surprises.  Do you know who was the

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