WordBridge: Lethbridge Writing Conference
February 7-8, 2020
Keynote Speakers: Robert J. Sawyer and Thornten Nesch
Pre-Conference February 7, 2020
Good Times Comedy Club
314 – 7th Street, Lethbridge AB
Events Include:
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Memoir Morning
All memoirs matter. Whether writing for publication, for family and friends, or for yourself, learn why memoirs are important (you might be surprised). Along with best-selling non-fiction author, Elizabeth Mclachlan, explore in a positive, supportive environment the difference between memoir and other forms of life writing.
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Cellar Dwellers: Writing Workshop for Teens
Cost: $10
Writing can be hard… But having a story inside you, just begging to be let out, is even harder! In this interactive hands-on workshop, YA author Danika Stone (Switchback, All the Feels, Internet Famous) helps teens tackle their own writing projects using a variety of creative approaches
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: How to Book Launch
Do you have a book coming out? Or are you writing one? Come out and see how it’s done. Local authors will be having a WordBridge Book Launch. Speakers will also discuss helpful tips for preparing and presenting book launches, readings, and store signings
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Artsy Fartsy Fest
Connect with the Writing Community in southern Alberta. Whether you are a writer, reader, editor, or illustrator – all are welcome.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Lethbridge Public Library, Theatre Gallery
810 – 5th S, Lethbridge, AB
Door Open at 9:30 am
Conference from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Starting at 9:30 AM:
Registration, Coffee & Connect
The library doors do not open until 9:30 AM. Do not come early, as you will be waiting outside until 9:30 AM
Starting at 10:00 AM:
Greetings & Housekeeping MC: Dr. Robert Runte
Starting at 10:15 AM:
Live Action Slush*, Theatre Gallery
What are editors thinking as they read your manuscript? The most popular panel last year. Writers submit (anonymously) the first page of their manuscript to be read aloud by a moderator who chooses submissions randomly from the slush pile. Panelists then indicate where they personally would have stopped reading a submission and provide constructive feedback. Writers and audience learn important do’s and don’ts.
Starting at 11:15 AM:
Things You Should Know*, Theatre Gallery
Soften up the hard way; learn from us. Learning how to be a better writer and/or how to get published can be a steep learning curve. The things that prove most problematic are not always the things we anticipated. We all have had those “I wish I’d known then, what I know now” moments. An interactive panel discusses key tricks of the trade that they learned the hard way and take suggestions and questions from the audience.
Day Jobs & Side Hustles*, Community Room
What else could you write—for money? Writers’ conventions often focus on books and journals, but there are many other opportunities that require and promote writing skills. Copy-writing, technical writing, report writing, speech writing and so on may not be something you have ever considered, but any of these disciplines can provide experience working with words—and a chance to get paid!
Starting at 12:15 PM:
Storytelling vs. Beautiful Words*, Theatre Gallery
Is great writing about the narrative or about the language? Which is more fundamental: the ability to tell a good story, or the ability to write beautifully? Some literary journals demand “cutting edge”, “experimental” or “pushing the boundaries” writing in their submission guidelines. Others ask for stories “with a beginning, middle, and end”, or “a strong narrative”. Is storytelling more commercial? Does beautiful writing bring more critical acclaim? Are these qualities mutually exclusive?
Flattening the Learning Curve with Mark Leslie*, Community Room
Overcoming Barriers to Self-Publishing. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, of Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishingfame, answers your questions about self-publishing. The author of three books on self-publishing, he was Director of Self-Publishing and Author Relationsfor Kobo and the creator of Kobo Writing Life.He is Canada’s leading authority on successful self-publishing
Starting at 1:15 PM:
Lunch Break
You have the options of bringing a bag lunch, pre-purchasing a lunch when you get your tickets, or purchasing a lunch offsite.
Starting at 2:00 PM:
Live Action Slush, Theatre Gallery
What are editors thinking as they read your manuscript? The most popular panel last year. Writers submit (anonymously) the first page of their manuscript to be read aloud by a moderator who chooses submissions randomly from the slush pile. Panelists then indicate where they personally would have stopped reading a submission and provide constructive feedback. Writers and audience learn important do’s and don’ts.
Starting at 3:00 PM:
Striving for Mastery*, Theatre Gallery
Like sharks, writers have to keep moving forward or drown. As good as you are now, future-you is going to look back and think, “I could have done that better.” Improvement is not automatic. It takes quality feedback, reflection, and continuous effort to build on your strengths and identify weaknesses. Take charge of your writing journey through a growth mindset, self-discipline, and conscious planning.
Writing Collaborations *, Community Room
Does writing always have to be a solitary labour? Collaborations can often lead to projects that make significant contributions to a genre, for a community, or about an issue. Simply collaborating with one other writer can help keep one focused, enthused, and working to deadline. What are the pros and cons, risks and benefits of collaboration?
Starting at 5:00 PM:
Keynote Speakers, Snack & Chat
An evening with Robert J. Sawyer and Thorsten Nesch
The WGA is proud to be a sponsor of the WordBridge Lethbridge Writing Conference!