Federation Vox

September 17, 2009

Federation News

Sunday, September 27, 3 pm WORD ON THE STREET: LITERARY WRITES WINNERS Join us for readings by the winners of this year’s Literary Writes Contest in Poetry, judged by Fed member Patrick Lane. Poetry Tent, Homer Street at Georgia, Word on the Street, Vancouver Public Library. http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver Sunday, September 27, 3:30 pm WORD ON THE STREET: A VERSE MAP OF VANCOUVER
Come listen to readings by Fed poets Julia Van Gorder, Lynda Grace Philippsen, Daniela Elza, Pam Galloway and Bernice Lever from A Verse Map of Vancouver (Anvil Press, 2009. With photographs by Derek von Essen). Hosted by former Vancouver poet laureate, Fed member and Verse Map editor George McWhirter. Poetry Tent, Homer Street at Georgia, Word on the Street, Vancouver Public Library. http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver Sunday, September 27, 11 am-5pm WORD ON THE STREEET: FEDERATION OF BC WRITERS TABLE
Stop by our table at The Village around the Vancouver Public Library. If you’re interested in volunteering to help staff the table, email bc*******@sh**.ca. http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver SECOND PRINTING OF IMAGINING BRITISH COLUMBIA We were pleased to hear that Imagining British Columbia: Land, Memory & Place (Anvil Press, 2008), which features nonfiction work by Federation members, has gone into a second printing. Edited by Daniel Francis, the anthology will be on sale for $15 at the Federation table at Word on the Street. Get your copies now! http://www.bcwriters.com/anthology.php
Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24, 6:30 -8 pm VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL: FED-SPONSORED OPEN MIC Come read your poetry, fiction or nonfiction at one of two open mics were hosting at the Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. 7 minute readings. 6 pm signup. Agro Café, 1363 Railspur Alley, Granville Island, Vancouver. DOWNLOAD COOL WRITING RESOURCE
Download a free copy of SFU’s The Writer’s Studio Guide to Publishing in Literary Magazines and Entering Contests. www.writersstudio.ca NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to new members Sonni Bone, Moneca Litton, Anne Murray, Susan Safford, and Samantha-jane Mugridge. Writer in Residence Monday, November 2, 5 pm | September-May 2010

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY WRITER IN RESIDENCE

Applications are invited from creative writers for the term position of Saskatoon Public Library/Canada Council for the Arts Writer in Residence. Remuneration: up to $30,000 for a nine-month term. Criteria are based on Canada Council guidelines; position subject to Canada Council funding. http://www.saskatoonlibrary.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=22&Itemid=91

Job Opportunities

October 13
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION DIRECTOR
Applications for the Director, Communications Division, Canada Council for the Arts, should be submitted to Manon Dugal, Director, Human Resources, at co**********@ca***********.ca quoting competition number 8000. For a complete job profile, please contact Rachelle Malone at 613-566-4414 extension 4114 or send an e-mail to co*********@ca***********.ca. All applications can also be sent by fax to 613-566-4323. The Employment Application Form must be completed and submitted in order to be considered for this position.
ARTSNB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ARTSNB is an arm´s length arts funding agency dedicated to the facilitation and promotion of the creation of art, as well as administering funding programs for professional artists in New Brunswick . Encouraging the enjoyment, awareness, and understanding of the arts, artsnb supports the artistic community by advising the government on arts policy, unifying and speaking for the arts community and providing financial support to artists. The Executive Director for artsnb is responsible for leading and managing programs and activities, generating revenue, fundraising, developing policies and programs, hiring and supervising staff, and organizing public awareness and promotional activities. The ED is a non-voting member of the Board of Directors and participates in all Board activities, providing advice and information on current and emerging trends and issues in all arts disciplines. A bilingual administrator with a passion for the arts, the ED should possess exceptional relationship and promotional skills, the ability to think strategically, and financial and management aptitude. A Masters degree or equivalent education, experience in administration, and knowledge of current cultural issues is also essential. If interested, call Dan Martin at (506) 855 8169.

VOLUNTEER WEBMASTER

Pandora’s Collective is looking for a volunteer webmaster who can donate a few hours of time and experience each month. Those who are interested can e-mail Bonnie at bl*************@ya***.ca Publishing News

Joseph Boyden and Fed member Gail Anderson-Dargatz are just two of several prominent Canadian writers teaming up with the literacy foundation ABC Canada to launch a set of easy-to-read fiction books for adults with poor reading skills.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2009/09/07/quick-read-literacy.html Grant Shilling reviews Fed member’ M.A.C. Farrant’s new book Down the Road to Eternity: New and Selected Fiction which collects work from eight previous collections of fiction, from 1991 to 2007.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/down-the-road-to-eternity-new-and-selected-fiction-by-mac-farrant/article1274415/

On September 4, Canadian writers and publishers had their last chance to opt out of the Google Book Settlement, condemned by dozens of international authors’ associations worldwide. Federation members Mona Fertig, Katherine Gordon, and Kim Goldberg, with fellow authors Patricia Robertson and Sarah Sheard , launched an internet blitz to raise awareness and ensure that this country’s copyright owners had the chance to protect their legal rights. Visit http://www.blog.sarahsheard.com for a Canadian author’s perspective. The Writers’ Union of Canada filed a formal statement of objections with the US Courts over the Google Settlement. For more information, visit http://www.writersunion.ca/index.asp. Conferences, Courses & Workshops Saturday, September 19, 1-4 pm
GEIST POETRY WORKOUT
Website: http://geist.com/events/geist-poetry-workout
A workshop to strengthen your poetic muscles! Poets Elizabeth Bachinsky and Gillian Jerome will put you through your poetic paces. Ten exercises. Ten poems. Super fun. $50 (includes a one-year Geist subscription for yourself or a friend). Workshop Bundle: Register for two fall workshops for only $75 (this option also includes a one-year Geist subscription). Listel Hotel, 1300 Robson St., Vancouver. For more information, call Geist at (604) 681-9161 or e-mail ge***@ge***.com. Sunday, September 20, 1–4:30 pm
THE ART OF THE SHORT REVIEW
Website: http://geist.com/events/art-short-review
A hands-on workshop for anyone who wants to write what they think—in as few words as possible. Patty Osborne, a regular contributor to Endnotes, will lead participants through the process of honing in on what needs to be said in a short review and what is the best way to say it. Bring along a book you want to review, a pen or pencil and a pad of paper. By the end of the workshop you will have written a short review! Workshop: $50 (includes a one-year Geist subscription for yourself or a friend). Workshop Bundle: Register for two fall workshops for only $75 (this option also includes a one-year Geist subscription). Listel Hotel, 1300 Robson, Vancouver. For more information, call Geist at (604) 681-9161 or e-mail ge***@ge***.com.

Tuesdays, September 22 to October 20, 6:30 – 9pm

BE YOUR OWN HERO – A LEGACY IN THE MAKING

Fed member Patricia Donahue uses the book A Raven In My Heart: Reflections of a Bookseller by Fed member Kay McCracken as the vehicle for this course. UBC-O at Kelowna. Course # OW100FO9A Tuesdays, September 22 – November 10, 2009
INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL & STRUCTURAL EDITING: FICTION & MEMOIR
This fall the Author-Editor Clinic will offer an eight-week online class taught by Barbara Sjoholm. Weekly readings and assignments will cover the many elements of fiction and memoir that overlap: theme, storyline, characters, voice, and narrative shape. Cost: $299.

Wednesdays, September 23 – October 21, 6:30 – 9 pm

RIGHT BRAIN WORKOUT

Join Patricia Donahue for her approach to the fine art and craft of short story writing. UBC-O at Kelowna. Course # OW500F09A

Saturdays, September 26, October 3, October 17 9:30 am – 2 pm

LAUNCHING YOUR NOVEL WRITING Is there a best seller prowling through your imagination or your computer’s hard drive? Patricia Donahue will show you how to set it free. UBC-O at Kelowna. Course # OW600F09A Saturday, September 26, 10 am-4:30 pm TURN THE PAGE WORKSHOP The Vancouver Island Chapter of the Romance Writers of America presents Turn the Page, an all-day workshop featuring: “The Hero’s Journey – Creating Characters Hollywood Style” with Lee McKenzie (GVC member); “Critiquing and Critique Groups: Blessing or Curse?” with Susan Lyons (GVC member); Six Things to Build Your Writing Career You Thought You Could Leave till Later” with literary agent Sally Harding of The Cooke Agency (Sally is based in Vancouver); Pitch appointments are available with Sally Harding. The cost is only $10 for RWA members ($25 for nonmembers). Location: Bowen Park Complex, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo. You can find all the information and a registration form at http://www.vicrwa.ca/. Wednesdays & Saturdays, September 26 – November 18, 2009 (8 x 2-hour sessions) “THE CHARACTER GENRATED PLOT IN DRAMA AND PROSE FICTION” AND “MASTER CLASS WORKSHOP” (online)
Website: http://www.masterplayworks.com/. Or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103761412129
How to write well? Begin by learning or refreshing your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned writer exploring a new genre, a dramatist or prose fiction writer just starting out, The Character Generated Plot and Master Class workshops take you quickly, with depth and precision, to the heart of your characters and the story you need them to tell. Led by Governor-General’s Literary Award-winner Kent Stetson, C.M. October 1 – December 31 WRITING AS WITNESS In a three-month online course with Fed member Lorraine Gane explore the personal narrative—essay, memoir, poem or autobiographical fiction—through lectures and exercises designed to trigger sensory recall, stimulate the imagination and awaken new ways of seeing. Participants will open to their own voice and expand their knowledge and use of the narrative form. Gane is a poet, writer, teacher and editor. Her writing has been widely published in North America and she teaches writing at Royal Roads University. She is working on a new poetry collection, The Blue Halo, and several other writing projects. The fee of $115 a month includes consultations, feedback on writing, email support, resources kit and more. For more information: ga*********@sa********.com Saturday, October 10, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
TURNING FACT INTO FICTION
Website: http://www.gailanderson-dargatz.ca
Fed member Gail Anderson-Dargatz will give a series of presentations on craft and the writing life at the Salmon Arm campus of Okanagan College this fall. In this presentation, Gail talks about the practical (how to research) and the emotional (what will mom say?) implications of writing from real life. For more information and to register, call 250-804-8888 or visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/csreg. October 15 – November 5, Thursday Evenings from 7 – 10 pm
OPEN STUDIO STORYBUILDING WORKSHOPS
Author and Fed member Craig Spence will be holding this series of workshops at the Fort Gallery in Fort Langley. The cost of the entire StoryBuilding Open Studio is $120; contact Craig at 778-574-5435 for details. To register, contact Betty Spackman at 604-308-4579 or be***********@ho*****.com. Saturday, October 24, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
BUILDING BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS
Website: http://www.gailanderson-dargatz.ca
Fed member Gail Anderson-Dargatz talks about how to create real, plausible characters. From writing sparkling dialogue to creating scenes that will draw emotion from your reader, learn how to create those believable characters that will haunt the reader long after the book is closed. For more information and to register, call 250-804-8888 or visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/csreg. Saturday, November 7, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
THE TEN MOST COMMON MISTAKES FICTION WRITERS MAKE
Website: http://www.gailanderson-dargatz.ca
Fed member Gail Anderson-Dargatz talks about the ten most common mistakes of fiction writers and ways to overcome them. We all seem to stumble over similar issues as we learn this complicated craft; Gail offers solutions and approaches to avoiding these pitfalls. For more information and to register, call 250-804-8888 or visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/csreg. Saturday, November 28, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
THE BUSINESS OF WRITING
Website: http://www.gailanderson-dargatz.ca
Fed member Gail Anderson-Dargatz discusses the business side of writing life; from finding an agent to self-promotion, Gail will offer tips on navigating the complex publishing industry. For more information and to register, call 250-804-8888 or visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/csreg. OUT OF PROVINCE October 1-November 12 SEATTLE AUTHOR-EDITOR CLINIC Wanting to get your novel, memoir, or nonfiction manuscript in shape? The Seattle-based Author-Editor Clinic has been helping authors revise and polish their books-in-progress since 2004. One reasonable rate for a complete read and thorough editorial critique that will cover topics such as structure, plot, characters, voice, timelines, and narrative pacing. For details, see our website at www.authoreditorclinic.com or contact our session manager Kyra Freestar in**@au****************.com , 206-300-2601. October 16-17 TRAVEL & WORDS CONFERENCE
The Travel & Words conference will provide a forum for writers interesting in learning how to sell travel stories in new ways in a rapidly changing world. It’s the first annual Northwest
Travel Writers’ Conference, offering a wealth of story ideas and contacts, plus help in developing and marketing articles and photography in print and online. Conference speakers and panelists include historians, tourism representatives, editors, PR and Internet experts, and travel writers. They’ll show how to keep up with market trends, produce income online, and find and maintain useful contacts. Vancouver, Washington. More info: www.travelandwords.com November 5-6
LOOKING FOR AN AGENT
If so, check out the Backspace Agent-Author Seminar in New York City. Two days of panels, workshops, and small-group meetings with only literary agents on the program—Janet Reid, Colleen Lindsay, Paige Wheeler, Scott Hoffman, Jeff Kleinman, Holly Root, Miriam Kriss, and many more—over 20 literary agents in all. Registration is limited to 120. More information on the conference website: http://www.backspacewritersconference.com . Questions can be directed to Karen Dionne at ka*********@bk**.org , or you can telephone Christopher Graham at 732-267-6449 Markets

Check websites for application guidelines. October 1
CALL FOR ADOPTION STORIES
Have you spent years wondering what caused your birth parents to give you up for adoption?
Have you watched school children play on your street, wondering if one of them could be the baby you surrendered to social services? Have you wondered about the family history of your adopted child? If you have thought about such issues and are willing to write about your experiences in a personal essay, the editors of a new anthology of adoption stories to be published by TouchWood Editions want to hear from you. Editors Bruce Gillespie and Lynne Van Luven (Fed member) are looking for personal accounts, clearly and honestly written, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 words in length, for publication in an anthology reflecting an exchange of ideas and feelings by birth parents, persons once surrendered for adoption, and adoptive parents. You do not need to be a professional writer to contribute to this anthology, but you will be required to work with an editor to hone your submission. Please submit by October 1 a 300-word proposal that outlines the story you would like to tell, along with a short biography and your contact information. If you’ve already written a piece that fits the anthology’s focus, feel free to submit it. All essays must be submitted electronically, as Microsoft Word or Rich Text Files (RTFs), to editors Bruce Gillespie and Lynne Van Luven at ad************@gm***.com. All first-draft essays must be received by December 15. November 15, 2009
CELEBRATING POETS OVER 70
Tower Poetry Society and the McMaster Centre for Gerontological Studies are soliciting poems written after the age of 70 by poets everywhere. A maximum of four typed poems may be submitted. Send poems (any theme, any style) and a 50-word biography by email to Ellen Ryan (ry****@mc******.ca ) or by mail to: “Celebrating Poets over 70”, Tower Poetry Society, c/o McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Box 1021, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 1C0. Individuals with poems selected will receive a free copy of the anthology. Reprints acceptable; include previous publication info. April 1, 2010
WITNESS: BLURRING BORDERS (VOLUME XXIV)
Website: http://witness.blackmountaininstitute.org/submit/
Witness is published annually in November. In addition to general submissions, for this volume they are seeking work that addresses border crossing (both literal and figurative), immigration, and diaspora communities. Unsolicted manuscripts are welcome between September 1st and April 1st, 2010; submit your unpublished work through their online submission manager. Please limit submission to one story, one essay, or five poems at a time; there is no word limit. Pays: $10 per printed page. Check the website for full details. SEVEN BY TWENTY MAGAZINE 7×20 takes twitter-length fiction and poetry: 140 characters or less. No simultaneous submissions, no more than 1 submission/month, no serials, no horror, no pay, reprints encouraged. Uses one-time electronic rights. Send to: 7x*****@gm***.com with subject “Submission.” TUPELO PRESS
Website: http://www.tupelopress.org/submissions.php
Accepting fiction (short fiction and novel manuscripts) and creative nonfiction manuscripts year-round. Submission guidelines on website.

Awards and Contests

Check websites for submission guidelines. Monday, September 21, 2009 NSI FEATURES FIRST 2009 Website: http://www.nsi-canada.ca/nsi_features_first.aspx Canada’s National Film Institute offers a development program for filmmakers working on a first or second feature film. Applications must be received by 4:30 pm Central Time , September 21st. Up to five teams are selected each year for this workshop, based on the strength of the creative and market potential of a project. Part-time training lets you keep your day job, and no relocation is required. Hone your script and learn about the business of feature film development. $50 application fee required. September 26, 2009 – Midnight NIGHT ON THE TOWN The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) and Monday Magazine invite writers and poets to create prose or poetry in celebration of Downtown Victoria’s night life! Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in each category and first-prize winners will be published in Monday Magazine. First Prize: dinner & overnight accommodation at one of downtown’s best hotels; Second Prize: dinner & an evening at the theatre; Third Prize: dinner & a movie. Maximum length 350 words and entries must include the following three words: “Celebrate”, “downtown” and ” Victoria”. Email your entry to in**@do**************.ca. September 30, 2009 (to January 31, 2010) CANADA SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION Website: http://www.screenplay-competition.com/ Screenplays must be a maximum of 15 pages in length (standard industry format), totalling more than 1 minute and less than 15 minutes screen time. After September 30, there are subsequent deadlines, but the entry fee increases with each deadline (see website for details). Entry fee: $25 for September 30, 2009. Prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 will be awarded (with option and purchase agreements), as well as 10 finalist prizes to be announced. September 30 KEN KLONSKY NOVELLA CONTEST Quattro Books will publish the two best novella manuscripts (15,000 to 42,000 words) in the spring or fall of 2010. http://www.quattrobooks.ca/ September 30 TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID POETRY CONTEST Submit poems in any style, theme or genre. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded, plus five High Distinction awards of $200 each and six Most Highly Commended Awards of $100 each. http://www.winningwriters.com/contests/tompoetry/tp_ guidelines.php
October 1, 2009 2009 CAKETRAIN CHAPBOOK COMPETITION Website: http://www.caketrain.org/#competitions This competition in the poetry genre will be judged by Michael Burkard. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize and 25 copies of their chapbook, which will be published in a limited run in 2010. Visit website for full details. October 9, 2009 WINSTON COLLINS/ DESCANT PRIZE FOR BEST CANADIAN POEM Website: http://www.descant.ca/contest.html This prize is offered annually in memory of Winston Collins, a writer and enthusiastic teacher of literature. Maximum length: 100 lines of poetry, typed and double-spaced. The winner will receive $1000, plus payment for publication, and two honorary mentions will receive $250 plus publication. Entry fee: $29 (includes GST and a one-year subscription to Descant. October 15, 2009
THE CAPILANO REVIEW CONTEST
Website: http://www.thecapilanoreview.ca/contest.php
Entries of prose (fiction or non-fiction) to a maximum of 2,000 words, or of poetry to a maximum of 300 lines are sought for this contest. The winning entry will be published in issue 3.10 (Winter 2010), which will include an Olympics feature. Non-Olympic content will be considered, but they encourage writers to submit work that engages the subject of Olympics, sports, or the idea of “the body”. Prize: $1000. Entry fee: $35 for Canadian entries (includes one-year subscription). October 18, 2009 – 4 pm
2009 STC TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST
Website: http://www.stc-cwc.moogo.com
Showcase your organization’s best documentation and have your work recognized globally! The competition is open to all technical communication professionals; you do not need to be an STC member to participate. Entry fee: $75 members, $100 non-members. Submissions must have been produced within the past 24 months. October 25, 2009, 5 pm VIFW POETRY & SHORT STORY CONTEST Prizes will be awarded to the top two entries in both the poetry and creative short fiction categories. First place winners in each category will be published in subTERRAIN magazine and all winners will be published on the Festival website at www.writersfest.bc.ca More info: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/news/writingcontest09 November 1, 2009 MALAHAT REVIEW Submit work in any of our three marquee genres: poetry, short fiction, or creative non-fiction. Poetry: up to 3 poems per entry (max. 100 lines each); Short Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction: one piece (max. 2500 words). Fees: $35 CAD for Canadians $40 USD for US entries $45 USD for entries from elsewhere For more information: Enquiries: ma*****@uv**.ca. http://www.malahatreview.ca/open_season/info.html.

November 1, 2009

AEON AWARD The contest promotes writing in the speculative fiction genres. http://www.albedo1.com/html/aeon_award.html November 1, 2009
CBC LITERARY AWARDS
Website: http://www.cbc.ca/literaryawards
The CBC Literary Awards Team is awaiting your original and unpublished works (short story, poetry, or creative non-fiction). You could win $60,000 in cash prizes. Entries are accepted in both of Canada ‘s official languages and prizes are offfered for each language. In addition to the cash prizes, they offer publication in Air Canada’s enRoute Magazine, and visibility for the winners and their entries provided by CBC. Word counts: short story, 2000 – 2500 words; creative non-fiction, 2000 – 2500 words; poetry, 1000 – 2000 words. First prize in each language in each category is $6000, and second prize is $4000. November 1, 2009
MALAHAT REVIEW OPEN SEASON AWARD Submit work in any of our three marquee genres – poetry, short fiction or creative non-fiction. Poetry: up to three poems per entry (max 100 lines each); Short Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction: one piece, (max 2,500 words). Fees: $35 CDN for Canadians, $40 USD for U.S. entries and $45 USD for international entries. Inquiries: ma*****@uv**.ca http://www.malahatreview.ca/open_season/info.html
November 7, 2009 WRITING CONTEST FOR POETRY & FICTION
ONE COOL WORD MAGAZINE – Website: http://www.onecoolword.com
Judges will be Fed member Rita Wong and Patrick Friesen. Fiction Judge: Lee Henderson (2009 BC Book Prize Winner). 1st prize – $250, publication, year subscription and entry to all 2010 OCW parties. First place fiction receives Lee Henderson’s The Man Game. First place poetry also receives books by Rita Wong and Patrick Friesen. Runners up: publication, year subscription and entry to all 2010 OCW parties.
Entry fee: $20 (includes subscription valued at $25). Additional entries $5.
Submit to: wr************@on*********.com" target="_blank">wr************@on*********.com. Guidelines on the website. November 30, 2009 PRISM CREATIVE NON-FICTION CONTEST Prism international’s Creative Non-Fiction Contest is now accepting entries. Fame and fortune await! Grand Prize is $1500. If you want to know which entries for the contest have succeeded in the past, please go to our previous winners in past issues, such as “The Death of Pedro Ivan,” by Amanda Hale, which appears in PRISM (47:2). Or better yet, subscribe! http://prism.arts.ubc.ca/contests.php December 1, 2009 FICTION CONTEST Enfield & Wizenty launches a fiction contest to celebrate our third season as a national fiction imprint of Great Plains Publications. $5,000 advance for the most outstanding submission of literary fiction. Please note that we’re not interested in genre novels—crime, science fiction, romance etc. Simultaneous submissions are fine, but do let us know. www.enfieldandwizenty.ca December 1, 2009 FIDDLEHEAD’S LITERARY CONTEST $1000 for best short fiction; $500 for two honourable mentions in short fiction. $1000 for Ralph Gustafson Prize for Best Poem; $500 for two honourable mentions in poetry. The winning entries will be published in the Spring 2010 issue of The Fiddlehead (No. 243) and on our website. The winning authors will be paid for publication in addition to their prizes. Entry fee: $30 for entry in either category. http://www.thefiddlehead.ca December 31, 2009 DELACORTE PRESS CONTEST FOR A FIRST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL Website: http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests Open to US and Canadian writers who have not published a young adult novel. Prize: $1500 cash, publication, and $7500 advance against royalties. Guidelines on website. December 31, 2009 2010 GRIFFIN POETRY PRIZE Website: http://www.griffinpoetryprize.com/rules.php Two categories, Canadian and International, comprise this $100,000 prize. Each category has a $50,000 value. The prize is for best collection of poetry in English published in the preceding year; books must be submitted postmarked no later than December 31, 2009. January 1, 2010 Lake Magazine‘s Creative Non-Fiction Contest. The theme is “Migrations” with a prize of $250 and publication in Issue #4 of LAKE : A Journal of Arts and Environment. 2500 words maximum. Entry fee of $20, includes a 1-year subscription to LAKE starting with issue #4. No limit to the number of entries an author can submit, but each entry requires a $20 fee. Creative non-fiction forms include personal essay, lyric essay, narrative essay, and memoir. www.lakejournal.ca January 31, 2010 WILLIAM SAROYAN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR WRITING Website: http://library.stanford.edu/saroyan/ This award, given by Stanford University Libraries in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation, recognizes newly published works of fiction and non-fiction with a $5,000 award for the winner in each category. The prize is designed to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan literary legacy of originality, vitality, and stylistic innovation. February 1, 2010 MALAHAT REVIEW – NOVELLA CONTEST Submit a single work of fiction, with a minimum length of 10,000 words, and a maximum length of 20, 000 words. No restrictions as to genre, subject matter, or aesthetic approach apply. Fees: $35 CAD for Canadians $40 USD for US entries $45 USD for entries from elsewhere. Enquiries: ma*****@uv**.ca. http://www.malahatreview.ca/novella_contest/info.html More information on awards, contests and submissions deadlines available on the Federation of BC Writers website at http://www.bcwriters.com/awards.php Events / Central

Tuesday, September 29, 12:30 – 1:50 pm
POLYPHONY: A TWO-VOICED POETRY READING
With Robert Bringhurst and Jan Zwicky
This event is part of the Minds & Music Series. Admission is free. Location: UBC Okanagan, Arts Building Room 103, Kelowna. Thursday, October 1, 7:30 pm
FED MEMBER LORNA CROZIER READING WITH DON GAYTON AND LINDSAY DIEHL
This event celebrates the launch of issue #3 of LAKE: A Journal of Arts and Environment. Tickets: $20 ($8 Students), available at Department of Creative Studies, UBC Okanagan, or at the door. Location: Kelowna Art Gallery, 1315 Water Street, Kelowna.
Wednesday, October 14, 7 pm
WENDY MORTON
Wendy Morton has published five books of poetry and is the force behind the phenomenon Random Acts of Poetry. Location: UBC Okanagan, Student Services Room 026, Kelowna. Monday, October 19, 2 pm
STAN PERSKY
Stan Persky teaches philosophy at Capiliano University and is the author of several books. Location: UBC Okanagan, Arts Building Room 374, Kelowna.
Thursday, October 29, 4:30 pm
BARRY MCKINNON
Barry McKinnon has won several prestigious poetry prizes over his extensive career. Location: UBC Okanagan, Arts Building Room 103, Kelowna. Events | Central

Thursday, September 17, 7:30 pm
NELSON BOOK LAUNCH Fed member Anne DeGrace launches her third novel, Sounding Line. In the novel, Pocket Snow has a lot on his mind even before the unidentified flying object crashes into the water at Perry’s Harbour, sending local fishermen scrambling. Nelson Library. Events | Fraser Valley

Thursday, September 24, 7:30 pm CELEBRATING LOCAL TALENT The Community Arts Council of White Rock and Surrey presents an evening of short readings by four local authors. Cristy Watson, Ian Lauder, Vaughan Chapman and Virginia Gillespie will be presenting a mix of poetry and other musings – even an excerpt from a novel that blends history and fantasy. Pelican Rouge Coffee House in Central Plaza (SW corner of 16th Avenue and 152nd Avenue), White Rock. Events | Lower Mainland & Sunshine Coast

Thursday, September 17, 7:30 pm BOOK LAUNCH: YARN BOMBING Knitting and anarchy, together at last! Join Federation member Leanne Prain for the launch of Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti at Three Bags Full Yarn Shop, 4458 Main Street, Vancouver. http://www.yarnbombing.com

Thursday, September 17, 7 pm
BOOK LAUNCH: HOUSE BENEATH
Website: http://www.hagiospress.com
Book launch for Fed member Susan Telfer, who will read from her first book of poetry, House Beneath. Refreshments provided. Location: Wild Bistro, 682 Gibsons Way , Gibsons.

Friday, September 18, 7 pm
BOOK LAUNCH: A LITTLE DISTILLERY IN NOWGONG
Website: http://www.centuryhouse.ca/
Join Ashok Mathur in celebrating the launch of his new book, A Little Distillery in Nowgong. This fantastical historical novel traces the lives of three generations of a Parsi family in India from the late 1800s to present day. The narrative follows the family from the intricacies of village life in the jungles of central India to the complications of urban life in turbulent pre- and post-independence struggles to contemporary diasporic realities in the United Kingdom and North America. Location: Century Restaurant & Bar (upstairs at Heist Lounge), 432 Richards Street, Vancouver.

Saturday, September 19, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

GEIST EVENING WITH EVELYN LAU

Evelyn Lau will read from her work, discuss the art of writing and answer questions from the audience. Lau is a Vancouver writer who has published eight books, including three volumes of poetry. Her most recent book of non-fiction, Inside Out: Reflections of a Life So Far, was published in 2002. Her poetry collection Treble was published by Raincoast in 2005. Admission is $5 or free for participants of Geist’s September workshops. Listel Hotel, 1300 Robson Street, Vancouver. http://geist.com/events/evening-evelyn-lau
Thursday, September 24, 6:30 pm
BOOK LAUNCH: MYTHOGYNY
Women Elders in Action invite the public to attend the launch of the anthology Mythogyny: the lives and times of women elders in BC. Location: Teck Gallery, SFU, Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver.

Thursday, September 24, 1 pm
RITA WONG
Fed member Rita Wong will be giving a poetry reading as part of the Robson Reading Series. Wong is the author of three books of poetry: sybil unrest (co-written with Larissa Lai), forage, and monkeypuzzle. In 1997, she received the Asian Canadian Writers Workshop Emerging Writer Award, followed by the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize in 2008. An Assistant Professor in Critical and Cultural Studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Wong has developed a humanities course focused on water, for which she has received a fellowship from the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. She is also a collaborator on Two False Creeks, a
research project led by Henry Tsang and Glen Lowry. Lillooet Room 301 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (1961 East Mall) at UBC Point Grey.

Saturday, September 26, 4 pm BOOK LAUNCH: GENERATION
Fed member Bernice Lever reads poetry from Generation, together with other Bowen Island poets. Refreshments. The Gallery, Artisan Square, Bowen Island. Monday, September 21, 7:30 pm
NEW BC POETS
An imaginative new poetry series which presents emerging and elder BC poets in a fresh format. Join Fed member Mona Fertig as she reads from her new book 4 Poets. This event also highlights over a dozen new poems by emerging poets Daniela Elza (Fed member), Peter Morin, Al Rempel, and Onjana Yawnghwe. Free. Location: Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Thursday, September 17, 7 pm
ON EDGE READINGS: JOANNE ARNOTT
Fed member Joanne Arnott will read to the public – everyone’s welcome. Her new chapbook, Longing: four poems on diverse matters has recently been published by Rubicon Press. Location: South Building Room 406, Emily Carr University of Art & Design, 1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver. Saturday, September 19, 8 pm BEST OF VAN SLAM 2009
CD release party featuring RC Weslowski, Nora Smithhisler, Chris Gilpin, Johnny MacRae, Steve Miller, Duncan Shields, Spillious, Lisa Slater, Scruffmouth, Zaccheus Jackson, Relevant, Fernando Raguero, Shannon Rayne, and Lucia Misch. Admission: $8-$12 and includes a copy of the CD. Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Braodway, Vancouver.

Sunday, September 20, 6 pm
BOOK LAUNCH: HOUSE BENEATH
Website: http://www.hagiospress.com
Book launch for Fed member Susan Telfer, who will be reading from her first book of poetry, House Beneath. Admission is free; refreshments provided. Location: Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Broadway, Vancouver. Monday, September 21, 7:30 – 9 pm
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NORTH SHORE WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION
The North Shore Writers’ Association will be having its annual general meeting September 21 from 7:30 to approximately 9 pm. Admission is free for members, and non-members are admitted by donation. Parking and refreshments are available. Location: Capilano Public Library, Potlatch Room, 3045 Highland Road, North Vancouver. Monday, September 21, 7:30
IVAN E. COYOTE – INAUGURAL READING
Acclaimed writer and performer Ivan E. Coyote will tell stories, read from some of her award-winning works, and talk about her writing process. Free. Location: Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Tuesday, September 22, 7 pm
BOB MCKENZIE: HOCKEY DAD
TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie shares confessions about his life as a hockey parent from his new book, Hockey Dad, followed by Q&A and book-signing. Location: Chapters on Broadway, 2505 Granville Street, Vancouver. Thursday, September 24, 7 pm
ROBSON READING SERIES: DAVID CHARIANDY and AMEEN MERCHANT
Website: http://www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca
David Chariandy and Ameen Merchant – two of Canada’s most exciting new novelists – will read from their debut novels. Location: UBC Library/Bookstore, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street (plaza level), Vancouver.
Friday, September 25, 6:30 or 8:45 pm
POE: LAST DAYS OF THE RAVEN AT VANCITY THEATRE
Website: http://www.vifc.org
A labour of love for actor Brent Fidler, who here adds writer, director, and producer to his credentials. This independent film explores the life and work of Edgar Allan Poe. Tickets can be pre-purchased online (above) or in person 30 minutes before showtime. Cost: Adult $10, Student/Senior $8 – plus VIFC membership, $2. Location: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street (at Davie), Vancouver. Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm
PLAY CHTHONICS READING
Readings by award winning poets Jordan Scott and A.F. Moritz. Graham House at Green College, 6201 Cecil Green Park Road, UBC. More information at http://playchthonics.blogspot.com/.

Sunday, September 27, 11: am – 5:00 pm The Word on the Street
The 2009 Festival will be jam-packed with author readings, exhibits, performances and all-round literary mayhem. Visit http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver for details. Library Square Homer and Hamilton Streets between Robson and Georgia

Sunday, September 27, 4:00 – 5:00 pm WORLD POETRY READS At the poetry tent at Word On The Street the hosts are Airadne Sawyer and Alejandro Mujica Olea. Featured poets include Anita Aguirre Nieveras, English and Tagalog, Ibrahim Honjo, English and Serbo-Croatian, Dilia Ochoa Alvarado, English and Spanish, Alex Winstanley, English. Sunday, September 27
WORD ON THE STREET: SFU BLUE PENCIL | Sign up now!
Website: http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver
National book and magazine festival – held downtown at Library Square in the concourse. Fun and educational for all ages, from 11 am – 5 pm. This year’s programming is packed with top authors! As well, FREE mini-consults will be offered by Clarissa P. Green, John Mavin, and Sandra Pettman, all alumni of SFU’s Writers’ Studio; they will provide on-site Blue Pencil consultations about 2-3 pages of your work-in-progress and answer your writing questions. Bookings for these consultations are available from 11 to 2 pm; BOOK NOW for your fifteen minute consult – call Kim Hockey at 778-782-5093. Location: Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver. Monday, September 28, 6:30 – 8:30 pm 802nd BIRTHDAY AND LIFE CELEBRATION OF RUMI World Poetry and the Vancouver Public Library a poetic birthday bash. We are honoured to welcome noted Rumi scholar Dr. Mesh Meshgini to present a biography of Rumi and comment on selected Rumi works. Rumi’s poems will be read by World Poets in different languages. Music, dance and a short talk on turning by Tanya Evanson will be included. Come celebrate Rumi. Vancouver Public Library, Alice MacKaye Room. Admission is free. Phone 604-526-4729. Monday, September 28, 6-9 pm
LITERACY AND BEYOND WINE TASTING GALA
Website: http://www.literacyandbeyond.com/
Wine columnist Anthony Gismondi hosts the 3rd annual event with dozens of BC Wines, West Coast cuisine, jazz, and live and silent auctions in support of Literacy BC. Location: Beyond Restaurant + Lounge, 1015 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

Wednesday, September 30, 8 pm
BOOK LAUNCH AND PARTY
Wear your plaid, dungarees, overalls, long johns and join West Coast contributors Charlotte Gill, Jaspreet Singh and John Vigna as we celebrate the launch of Cabin Fever, the Banff Centre’s newest literary journalism anthology. The Brickhouse (730 Main Street), Vancouver. Thursday, October 1, 7:30 pm MARGARET ATWOOD The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents Margaret Atwood: The Year of the Flood on October 1, featuring a dramatic reading with Ms. Atwood, accompanied by some of Vancouver’s finest performers. Singers and musicians Rebecca Jenkins, Linda Kidder, Jane Mortifee, Joel Bakan and Lorna Fortin will sing and play hymns written for The Year of the Flood and actors Donald Adams, Linda Quibell and Adrienne Wong will read selections from the novel. Tickets: $17/$15 (students, seniors). Service charges will apply. (www.vancouvertix.com). St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (Burrard at Nelson), Vancouver. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/specialevents.
Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. CROSS-BORDER POLLINATION
Rachel Rose’s Cross Border Pollination Series featuring Nancy Mauro (New York/New World Monkeys, novel), Brenda Miller (Bellingham/Blessing of the Animals, non-fiction), Peter Pereira (Seattle/What’s Written on the Body, poetry) and Shannon Stewart (Vancouver/Penny Dreadful, poetry). At the UBC Bookstore/Library, Robson Square (800 Robson St) Vancouver.

Upcoming

Sunday, October 18 to Sunday, October 25 BIG NAMES: VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL
The 2009 lineup has just been announced. Find out who’s coming and download a PDF of the
program guide here: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2009festival.

Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25 THE SURREY INTERNATIONAL WRITERS’ CONFERENCE Visit for details regarding the Conference Schedule, Registration, Opening Sessions, Workshops, Editor/Agent Interviews, Blue Pencil Cafe, Trade Show and Author Signing and Book Fair.http://www.siwc.ca/

Reading Series | Writing Groups

Mondays (ongoing), 8:00 pm
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Website: http://vancouverpoetryhouse.com/vanslam/
A poetry slam competition with frequent guest performers, the Vancouver Poetry Slam has been wowing audiences since 1996. 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays: Open Slam; 2nd Monday: Alternative Slam; 4th Monday: Youth Slam (ages 13 – 22). Tickets are generally $5. Location: Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). Second Tuesday of every month, 7 – 9 pm
WORD WHIPS – THE NORTH SHORE EDITION
Take a writing challenge! Pandora’s Collective provides the prompts, time to write, and the opportunity for sharing. See what you can whip up! Hosted by Fran Bourassa and Suzy Malcolm. Location: Starbucks in Indigo Books, 1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
WORD WHIPS WRITING SERIES
Ready for a writing challenge? Join guest host and Fed member Maureen Egan at the Britannia Library for “Word Whips”. They provide the writing prompts, 10-15 minutes to write each prompt, and the opportunity for sharing. See what you can whip up! Location: Britannia Library, Gallery Room, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver.
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 – 8:30 pm PANDORA’S COLLECTIVE PRESENTS WORD WHIPS WRITING SERIES Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. Ten – fifteen minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. Hosted by Fed members Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni. Britannia Library, Gallery Room,
1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
http://www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/branches/details/britannia_branch
Contact: bl*************@ya***.ca
or visit hmtp://www.pandorascollective.com/openmics.html First and Third Wednesday of every month, 8 – 12 pm
THE SPILLIOUS SPEAK AND SING
This event is open to musicians and spoken word performers, poets and storytellers, and anyone who wants to take the mic. Contact: Trevor Spilchen (tr************@ya***.uk). Location: The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street @ 29th Avenue, Vancouver.

First Thursday of every month 7: – 9:00 pm

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON Pandora’s Collective, in the spirit of Vancouver, welcomes all poets. Come out and bring your best, favourite, newest, oldest poems, and share in an evening of literary surprises. Hosts: Fed members Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni Third Thursday of every month, 7:00 pm POETRY AROUND THE WORLD Poetry Around the World invites poets, writers and artists to promote their cultural values through music, poetry, spoken word and art in a pleasant and friendly ambiance. This is a multicultural event, and everyone who wants to join in, is welcome.Chapters at Metrotown
4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. Contact: lu********@ya***.com Third Friday of every month, 8 pm – late
57 VARIETIES
Join hosts Rowan Lipkovits and Matthew Glick for an unplugged open stage/variety show. No sign-up; do what you want, when you feel. The venue changes constantly, so email ro***@bu*********.ca for more information. First Saturday of every month, 7 – 10 pm
THE EASTSIDE WRITERS
Feature performances with open-mic event to follow. Location: 20 West Hastings (Main & Hastings), Vancouver. Sunday, September 27, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm GRIND CAFE Writers of all ages & stages, genres & genders are welcome to join us at Word on the Street at the Vancouver Public Library for writing exercises, feedback, and community. Bring pen & paper or your laptop. We sometimes change the venue so before you attend the first time please email Fed member Margo Lamont at wo*********@sh**.ca. Last Words Fed member Margaret Thompson will be reading from Adrift on the Ark: Our Connection to the Natural World (Brindle & Glass, 2009) at 3 pm on Sunday, September 27, in the Canada Writes Tent at Word on the Street, Vancouver Public Library. Here’s an excerpt from “Peacocks & Lilies, For Instance” in Adrift on the Ark: The peacock’s display is mesmerizing, no matter how familiar a sight it is, and not least because it is so unabashedly sexual. I was on my knees weeding in the front garden one day when I became aware of Percy stealing up behind me. His perfect fan was already unfurled, gently billowing in a slight breeze. The small head with its crown of tiny tufted blue feathers sat rigid atop the column of his neck, framed by the extravagant blues and greens of his body, an Elizabethan courtier with eyes like wet black stones. His gaze was intent, almost as if he were a mute compelling my attention by the sheer force of his will. One step at a time, he edged closer, such a menacing, deliberate approach that a flutter of apprehension rippled in my stomach. When he was close enough for the edge of his fan to brush against me as it undulated, he stopped and inclined his head slightly. His beak parted. There was a faint noise, a silvery rustling, as he vibrated each tail feather along its entire length, a susurration that gained in intensity until it became visible sound, the shivering so rapid that the individual filaments of the feathers blurred. Then he turned his back on me, sweeping the fan around like a Victorian lady managing the train on her ball gown, and ruined the effect from my point of view (but not his own) by revealing his downy posterior. Reprinted with permission of the author. _______________________________

From the desk of
Carla Reimer, Executive Director
Federation of BC Writers
604-683-2057
bc*******@sh**.ca
www.bcwriters.com