Welcome to the WGA Annual Conference 2017: Juxtapositions! This is where writers from all across Alberta come together to socialize, network, learn, and celebrate writers and writing. We've asked over a dozen authors to share their talents and experiences in fiction, short story, poetry, and journalism through keynote speeches, author interviews, panel discussions and more. And Saturday night we'll take it up a notch with our Literary Awards Gala. Join us June 10 and 11 at Lister Centre, U of A campus in Edmonton!
Please click the links to jump to: Prices | Cancellation Policy | Conference Schedule | Presenter Profiles| Accommodation| Registration Form
June 10 - 11 | Full Conference Pass--Early-bird (to March 31) | WGA member $155 |
Non-member $175 | ||
June 10 - 11 | Full Conference Pass--Regular | WGA member $175 |
Non-member $200 | ||
Full Conference Pass--Student | $120 | |
Saturday only | $85 | |
Sunday only | $115 | |
Saturday, June 10 | Alberta Literary Awards Gala | $75 |
Bursaries Available | A limited amount of bursary funds are available to interested participants in financial need. To apply for a bursary, please send a letter to [email protected] explaining your financial need, how much funding you require, and how attending the conference would benefit your writing life at its current stage. The maximum bursary amount is 50% off conference registration. | |
Silent Auction | Once again, the WGA board will be hosting a Silent Auction at this year's conference with all proceeds directly supporting the programs and services offered by the WGA. Please stop by the Maple Leaf Room and check out the variety of donated items. Bidding will open on Saturday, June 10 at 11:30 am and end on Sunday, June 11 at 3:00 pm. Items up for bid this year include selections of books, Last Best Brewing gift certificate and other items, wine selection, Wordfest Festival passes, and a fitneff DT1 Sit Stand Desk. | |
With gratitude: | ||
Conference Schedule
SATURDAY, June 10 | |
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Registration |
1:00 - 2:00 PM Opening Keynote | Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains Yasuko Thanh in conversation with Diana Davidson |
2:30 - 3:45 PM | Breakout Sessions |
The Capacious Short Story Why choose the short story form? It has been described as something between an imaginative tale and a photographic sketch, but what about it is so special? Join Rea Tarvydas, Richard Van Camp and Deborah Willis as they discuss the nature of the genre, advantages and obstacles of writing short story, and where the genre is headed today. Moderated by Barb Howard. | |
Sponsored by | Multilingual Writers Forum Join Susan Ouriou, Jaspreet Singh |
Tips and tricks for promoting your work on social media Social media gives writers the chance to promote their work like never before. Mike Morrison will be sharing his insight into what has worked for promoting his successful guide Calgary By Bike and other endeavours. | |
3:45 - 4:00 PM | |
4:00 - 5:15 PM | Breakout Sessions |
Literature and the Political How do writers consciously and unconsciously engage the political? What are the dangers and the rewards? Join Paula Simons, Todd Babiak and Joan Crate as they discuss presenting the world as it is, and imaginatively presenting it in a new light. Moderated by Omar Mouallem. | |
Sponsored by | Kate and Karen’s Magical YA Emporium & Chat Table Come hang out with Kate Boorman and Karen Bass for an “all things YA” chat. The session will kick off with the two writers briefly interviewing each other about their path to publication, and flow into a discussion about all things wild and wonderfully YA: publishing trends, “issue books", the querying/submitting |
| (Not) Juxt Yoga! Juxta pose some slow, simple movement and breathing with writing/ journaling. Gentle yoga and timed writing with prompts will facilitate reflection, relaxation and creativity. No perspiration, just inspiration! Mats and blocks will be provided. Wear comfortable, layered clothes and bring a journal or notebook and pen. Led by yoga and meditation instructor Erin Michie. |
Alberta Literary Awards Gala Please join us for the Alberta Literary Awards Gala! Time: Cocktails and mingling at 6:30 pm, Buffet dinner at 7:15 pm Place: Maple Leaf Room, Lister Centre, University of Alberta (11613 - 87 Avenue)
Dress Code: Semiformal/festive attire
Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased here. | |
SUNDAY, June 11 | |
9:30 - 10:30 AM Sponsored by | On the Impossible, Ugly, Wonderful Meeting-Place Between Art and Business Breakfast and keynote with Todd Babiak |
11:00 AM - noon | AGM |
Lunch | |
1:30 - 2:45 PM | Breakout Sessions |
Word Play - Using Words to Their Fullest From idioms to homonyms, the English language provides vast opportunities to play with words. In this workshop, spoken word artist Ahmed "Knowmadic" will lead some creative writing exercises that will stretch your imaginations but won't leave you sore. | |
The Business of Writing – Grant Opportunities Whether you are an established or emerging writer, consider applying for grant support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA). The Literary Arts Project Grant Stream supports the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an unincorporated ensemble of artists. Funding is available for arts production, training and career development, marketing, and research. Join Paul Reich, arts development consultant at AFA, for a discussion of program eligibility, application requirements, and the assessment process; as well as tips for developing a proposal and budget. | |
2:45 - 3:00 PM | Coffee Break |
3:00 - 5:00 PM | Blue Pencil Cafe (Individual Critiquing with authors, 20 minute sessions) |
Photography by Monique at Hip Image | Need to update your author photo? We are pleased to offer attendees the opportunity to obtain professional head shots. Cost is $60. First come, first served during session breaks and pre-gala. |
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