........
WGA Annual Conference 2023 – Origins: A Return to Networking, Publishing, Genre, and Craft
June 2 – 4, 2023
Online and In-Person at
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Origin is defined as the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived, but what does that mean for a writer?
The WGA looks forward to facilitating a return to networking, publishing, genre, and craft in another hybrid-focused conference. Our hope is that participants are able to make new connections, foster old ones, and network with other writers and industry professionals over the course of an entire weekend. We look forward to presenting panels, workshops, and masterclasses that will allow literary folks to delve into a plethora of themes and genres.
As writers we have the ability to examine alter egos, create and destroy worlds, and establish origin stories for ourselves — and for our characters — when and where we see fit. Let’s explore these ideas and more, in-person and/or virtually, from June 2 – 4 at Fort Calgary. Spotlight speakers include Alice Major and Waubgeshig Rice, who will be joining us in-person for keynotes on Friday and Saturday, respectively, and Emily St. John Mandel, who will be joining us virtually on Sunday for an in-conversation chat to discuss craft and her novel, The Sea of Tranquility (Random House, 2022).
Why Attend a WGA Conference?
We know that a writer needs to reflect, imagine, try things out, listen, go deep, get into flow--be in solitude. But writers also need time and space to meet one another, share experiences and knowledge, meet with an editor to see if they're on the right track, and to grow professionally. This is what our conference offers. We make every effort to plan relevant professional development sessions, engaging keynote speakers, and time for welcoming and celebrating writers. We'd love to have you as part of our Alberta writing community.
Testimonials
Here is what our attendees have said:
Being around other writers gives me energy and refocuses me. Gets me back on track about my own writing. Gives me new ideas, new contacts and brings me up to date with what's happening in the literary world. i.e.... I didn't know there was a 'one page novel!"
It is a wonderful way to network with fellow writers in the writing community."
It is the place where we put dimension to our online contacts and studies in the literary arts. It is where we re-assert our identity as writers."
It's a wonderful weekend of community, something we all need once in a while. The WGA has many different members' opinions and tastes to attend to, and the conference manages to cover a pretty good range of them. Plus, WGA members and conference speakers all seem open and friendly to meeting new-to-them writers. It's a great chance to build one's community and resource bank."
The blue pencil alone was worth the price of admission for me. The wordplay and keynote speech were also good information and a lot of fun. I think writers can learn a lot and have fun with these kinds of formats."
If you belong to an organization, you don't get much value for your membership fee if you don't take part. And the annual conference is the best way of taking part in a whole lot of things in one swoop."
Videos
Inclusivity
The WGA conference is open to all adult and young adult writers. We make an effort to cover a wide range of topics relevant to contemporary writers, and to hold our meetings in accessible venues.
Sponsors
The WGA is grateful to the following:
