Tag Archive | contests for writers

BrainStorm Poetry contest for consumers!

Mar9

Eighth annual BrainStorm poetry contest

ImageEnter the storm and speak your mind:
NISA’s eighth annual BrainStorm poetry contest opens Jan. 4, 2010

The Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) is pleased to announce its eighth annual BrainStorm Poetry Contest, which runs from Jan. 4 to March 19, 2010 and is open to poets worldwide.

The annual contest is an effective way for NISA to showcase the work of its readers and other mental health consumers. This year, NISA hopes to receive more submissions from poets outside North America, in order to raise awareness and to educate the public on the realities of mental health in different geographic regions. Subject matter is entirely open and needn’t focus on one’s struggle with mental health; however, the BrainStorm contest is open exclusively to consumers and survivors of mental health services.

The contest is intended as a fundraiser for NISA’s literary magazine, Open Minds Quarterly, as well as a way of supporting consumers and survivors of mental health services by awarding prizes to the top three winners. Learn more about contest regulations and download entry forms here. Inquiries may be directed to Dinah Laprairie at
n
op*******@ni**.ca

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

or +1-705-675-9193 ext. 8286.

BC Writers February 2010 E-Vox

Mar4

The VOX
Fed. of BC Writers monthly E-newsletter
February 18, 2010

•       FED NEWS
•       WORK OPPORTUNITIES
•       CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS
•       CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
•       WORKSHOPS/COURSES/CONFERENCES
•       LAUNCHES
•       EVENTS

FED NEWS

Welcome New Members:
Amber Harvey

May 13, 2010
FED OF BC WRITERS AGM 2010
6:30pm to 10:00pm
Alliance for Arts & Culture boardroom
938 Howe Street, Vancouver
Speaker: Lorraine Murphy, Social Media Maven ~ “Social Media Marketing for Writing”
Board elections, new constitution, state of the union
Door prizes, refreshments, member book sales, connecting with the writing community

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

February 24
Saskatoon
SAGE HILL WRITING EXPERIENCE
The Sage Hill Writing Experience is a renowned summer residential writing program that draws students from across Canada, offering learning opportunities for writers at varying stages of development in a unique environment in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley. Spring and summer programs provide writers with outstanding professional development opportunities at several levels in fiction, poetry and other creative writing disciplines.
Term: One year, with the likelihood of renewal; 20 hours weekly in Saskatoon office plus flexible hours on-site during the programs. Salary negotiable; benefits included.
For details, see our website: www.sagehillwriting.ca

CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS

March 19
THE PROFESSIONAL WRITERS ASSOC. OF CANADA NEW WRITING AWARDS
Open to PWAC members and non-members.
Awards will be given for feature-length stories (over 1,200 words) and shorter pieces.
Entries must have been published in a paying Canadian print or web media outlet in 2009. The first prize in each category has a $500 value, including a free PWAC membership for a year (if eligible).
Entry requirements are available at www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards <http://www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards> .
April 15
EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS POETRY CONTEST
Open to Canadian poets who have never won first prize in a poetry contest
Poems may be on any theme in any style, maximum 36 lines (counting stanza spaces).  Poems may be previously published but may not have won any previous contest prizes.  Blind judging: no author id anywhere on same page of poem; include a cover page with name, address, phone number, and email, along with poem title(s).  Prizes: 1st – $25 and 1-year membership to Ontario Poetry Society; 2nd – 1 year membership; 3rd – $10; 12 honorable mentions.  All prize winners will also recieve a Fancy Certificate.  Cost: $5 for up to 3 poems, additional poems $2 each.  Mail entries and payment to: The Ontario Poetry Society, 31 Marisa Court, Thornhill ON, L4J 6H9.  Include SASE for winners list.
April 30
SHORT STORY CONTEST AND POETRY CONTEST
The contest is open to everyone, but eligible San Luis NightWriters will be entered in a drawing for a scholarship to the 2010 Central Coast Writers’ Conference.  Entries must be based on the theme: Trust/Betrayal.  Prizes: 1st – $75, 2nd – $50 (for both short story and poetry).  Entry fee: $10 for first story/poem, $5 for each additional entry.  Email SL*******************@ya***.com for more information.
May1
THE VICTORIA WRITERS SOCIETY 9TH ANNUAL WRITING COMPETITION
Submit your best poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction. The contest is open to all residents of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. entry fee is $15 per entry.
first prize of $100, second prize of $50 and two Honourable Mention prizes of a $30 Munro’s gift certificate in each category.
For more information go to victoriawriterssociety@gmailcom.
May 15
SUBTERRAIN LUSH TRIUMPHANT LITERARY AWARDS
Website:  http://www.subterrain.ca
Submit fiction of up to 3000 words, creative non-fiction of up to 4000 words, or suites of up to 5 poems.  Cost: $25 (includes subscription).  Prize: $750 in each category, plus paid publication.

May 31
THE BURNABY WRITERS’ SOCIETY
Open to all BC residents, explores the many meanings of “Water”.  Prizes of $200, $100 and $50, as well as honourable mentions, will be awarded for the best one-page submissions of either prose or poetry, interpreting the theme of water in any way you wish. Work can be in any form or genre, as long as it is complete on one page.  The entry fee is $5.00 per entry, or 3 entries for $10.00.  Winners will be invited to participate in a public reading, in fall 2010. For complete guidelines go to the website, www.bws.bc.ca  or e-mail in**@bw*.ca .

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

March 15
CARTE BLANCHE
looking for submissions for Spring 2010
The Montreal-based online literary magazine, www.carte-blanche.org is looking for fiction, non-fiction and graphic fiction writers, poets, translators, and photographers from across the country and around the world.We publish high-quality, cutting edge and good old fashioned great writing from both emerging and established writers. New for this year, carte blanche has been invited to participate in the 2010 Journey Prize.
Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Translations, Graphic Fiction, Photography
www.carte-blanche.org/submissions.html for complete submission guidelines

April 15
OTHER TONGUES: MIXED-RACE WOMEN SPEAK OUT
Co-editors Adebe D.A. and Andrea Thompson are seeking submissions for an anthology of writing by and about mixed-race women of Black/white heritage, publication in Fall 2010.
More info and Guidelines at:  www.adebe.wordpress.com    www.andreathompson.ca

WORKSHOPS/COURSES/CONFERENCES
 February 18 – April 8
THURSDAYS 6:30 – 9:30 pm
POETRY: WORKING IN A SERIES
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
For those who want to explore the long poem, poetic series, or sequence.  Whether achieved by digression, accretion, or constellation, the series is a way toward a book of poetry that is an organic whole.  Price: $240.  Location:  Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria St., Nelson.
February 26, 9 am – 4 pm
AN ALL-DAY WORKSHOP WITH PAUL NELSON
The process of training your ear to capture the chaotic energy of the moment is sometimes called Organic Poetry, where composition is an occasion of experience or experiment in consciousness.  Cost: $60.  Payment & Reservations:  Wordstorm Society of the Arts, 1560 Arbutus Drive, Nanoose Bay, V9P 9C8.  Location: TBA in Nanaimo or Parksville.
Vancouver – Langara College
March 2 (on campus) Remainder of course onlineWebsite
NOVEL OPENINGS: CRAFTING A BETTER BEGINNING
http://www.langara.bc.ca/continuing-studies/new-courses.html#CREA1006
This online mentorship course aims to provide emerging writers with the guidance they seek to get those all-important first chapters into shape for submission to agents and publishers. Over eight weeks students will work independently with instructor, author June Hutton (Underground), and with each other, providing valuable feedback on the key elements of their work. contact Kathryn Ellis 604-323-5979 or ke****@la*****.ca
March 6 – April 10
SATURDAYS 10 am – 1 pm
CRITIQUING YOUR WORK: FICTION AND CREATIVE NON-FICTION WITH RITA MOIR
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
Fed member Rita Moir will hold six consecutive critiquing sessions.  Writers will do assignments, as well as critiquing their creative non-fiction and fiction manuscripts in progress.  Scene setting, character, and dialogue.  Bring a lunch!  Price: $180.  Location: Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria Street, Nelson.
March/April
Fraser Valley
THE SURREY WRITERS SCHOOL
presents the following half-day spring workshops – $45 each.
Sat. Mar 27 – Guildford Library, 15105 – 105 Avenue
10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Writing a Memoir: How to Get Going
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. p.m. Blogging for Writers
Sat. May 15 – Semiahmoo  Library, 1815 – 152nd Street
10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.  Hero’s Journey
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Story: Art & Craft
Saturday, April 17 – Semiahmoo  Library, 1815 – 152nd Street
10:15 – 11:30 p.m. free presentation: Databases for Writers
For further information and registation details
check the website www.surreywritersschool.com or call 604.535-1601
May 28 & 29
WRITE ON, VANCOUVER
A mini-conference for fiction writers, sponsored by the Romance Writers of America, Greater Vancouver Chapter
Website:  http://www.rwagvc.com
Special guest keynote speaker: Laura Resnick.  Workshops, industry panel, editor appointments.  For registration information & bookings, contact Sally Collins, Sa**********@sh**.ca.
May 28 – June 1
SUMMER FICTION WRITING SEMINAR IN SOZOPOL (BULGARIA)
Website:  http://ekf.bg/sozopol/apply
Intensive daily workshops, roundtable discussions, readings, and lectures by faculty and fellows.  Fiction writers from English-speaking countries are invited to apply; ten applicants will be selected for participation and funding.

LAUNCHES

Surrey
April 10, 1 p.m.
THE BALLAD OF KNUCKLES McGRAW
Readings, entertainment, door prizes and refreshments – all with a cowboy theme –
mark the launch of Surrey author, storyteller and creative writing instructor
Lois Peterson’s second novel for children (Orca Book Publishers).
Newton Library, 13795-70 Avenue, Surrey.
The launch will be followed by a free writing/storytelling workshop for children ages 6-11
(2:30-4 p.m.). For more information check www.loispeterson.net.

EVENTS

Victoria
Sunday, February 21, 8 pm
THE BIG ROCK SHOWDOWN
Website:  http://www.davemorrisisa.com/showdown
Hosted and co-produced by storyteller and improviser Dave Morris, the Big Rock SHOWDOWN will feature performers from all artistic pursuits: stand-up comedians, musicians, actors, poets, storytellers, dancers, M.C.s, and improvisers, in a cabaret-style performer competition.  The audience decides the winner of the $100 cash prize.  Tickets: $10 ($7 for students).  Location: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street, Victoria.

From the desk of Sylvia Taylor, Executive Director, Federation of BC Writers
604-683-2057
fe**********@gm***.com
www.bcwriters.com

Susan J. Katz wins fourth place in the Seventh Annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Poetry Contest

Feb17

Susan J. Katz won fourth prize and $250 for “The Bowpicker”, a narrative in which two visits to a seabird-watching festival, three decades apart, reveal the differences between youthful romance and long-married love. The judges said, “The poet majors on what she actually saw at the Annual Seabird Festival and what she expected to see. The joy of reading these verses does not just rely on that contrast, however, but on the unusual yet amazing subject matter which is so deftly and unobtrusively introduced into the natural flow of the poem.”

Full Results of 2009 Tom Howard Poetry Contest — and More!

Feb17

2009 Tom Howard Poetry Contest Results 

First Prize, $2,000: Rita McGregor, Baby Girl

Second Prize, $1,000: Carmine Dandrea, In the Delhi Station 
Third Prize, $500: Tony Peyser, What I Did in the 20th Century 
** Fourth Prize, $250: Susan J. Katz, The Bowpicker 
For a complete review of the winners and their poems, go to:

Importance of Opening Lines in Prose and Poetry Contests!

Feb1
We are on schedule to announce the winning and commended entries for the 2009 Tom Howard Poetry Contest on February 15. The cash winners will be announced in this Newsletter and a full list of winners will be posted on http://writeway.exactpages.com and http://writing-events.blogspot.com
The Annual $5,550 Margaret Reid Poetry Prize for Traditional Verse is open! The annual $5,550 Tom Howard Short Story, Essay and Prose Contest is also now open for entries, but will close on March 31, so now is the time to lodge your story or essay before the judges are swamped by the last-month rush! And also open of course is the current $5,550 Tom Howard Poetry Contest for Verse in All Styles and Genres.
As you know, these Newsletters are issued only twice a month (usually on the first and fifteenth days). Sometimes it’s necessary to get information across more quickly, so I’ve started a blog, http://writing-events.blogspot.com One of its purposes is to provide news of my own poetic endeavors (currently “A Salute to Spanish Verse”), but it will also be used to provide Contest help and information.
For example, in my last Newsletter, I mentioned the importance of an eye-catching title to rivet the judges’ attention to your entry right from the start, and I listed some of the titles from the Tom Howard collection, Escape to Paradise and Other Poetic Fancies.
But almost equally important are your first lines and your first stanza. On the current blog, http://writing-events.blogspot.com, I’ve provided some good examples from the above book.
The website for the Tom Howard Poetry Contest is http://tomhowardpoetry.bravepages.com
The latest Margaret Reid anthology is Love & City Dreaming: Poems by Margaret Havill Reid. Margaret’s range and versatility in this book provide an excellent guide to the verse we are seeking for the Margaret Reid Prize.
You’ll also find plenty of rousing titles and attention-getting opening lines in our previous anthologies of winning entries such as SAILING IN THE MIST OF TIME: Award-Winning Poems in which 108 award-winning and commended poems are gathered together in a large-format, 196-page book!
For more information, I recommend my Write Ways to WIN WRITING CONTESTS: How To Join the Winners’ Circle for Prose and Poetry Awards, If you’ve been wasting your time and money sending great stories or magnificent poems to Contests that immediately place them in the reject basket, here’s a book to set you on the right path.
This year, the prize pool for our prose and poetry contests has been increased to $5,550 (including a First Prize of $3,000). Entry fees have not been raised. The entry fee for the prose contest remains at $15 for each short story or essay up to 5,000 words in length. There are ten cash prizes in all, but the judges do reserve the right to award extra cash prizes if they so desire. For the last prose contest, the judges awarded no less than $500 in additional prizes, bringing the total prize pool up to $5,850 instead of the advertised $5,350!
To enter your poems in our current poetry contests, you will find full information at http://margaretreid.exactpages.com OR http://poetrycontests.exactpages.com. You will note that although the prize-money has been increased, entry fees do remain at $7 for every 25 lines.
Unlike almost all other poetry contests, we impose no limits on the number of lines or number of poems you may submit.
You can also visit the home page of http://www.winningwriters.com and click on the contests at the top left of the screen.
As stated above, the Tom Howard Short Story, Essay & Prose Contest is open. Entries will close on March 31, 2010. Again, let me make it clear at once that we are seeking entries in ALL categories, including “literary” fiction, but most particularly we would like to award prizes to popular, everyday, mainstream stories, essays and prose, as even a casual glance at our anthologies of winning and commended entries such as Keep Watching the Skies! An Anthology of Prize-Winning Short Stories will soon make plain. You’ll find full details at http://shortstorycontest.0catch.com
One of the key recommendations in my Write Ways to WIN WRITING CONTESTS is that you take a look at some of the entries that have won prizes in previous contests. This will give you some idea of the types and varieties of stories and prose pieces that have won prizes in the past. The books I recommend here are the two “Watching” books: “Watching the Skies” above, and WATCHING TIME: Anthology of Prizewinning Essays & Short Stories.
And finally I notice Amazon are still selling the new, expanded edition of “Write Ways…” for only $11.25 (which is considerably less than the original edition, even though the new edition has more pages and lots more valuable information): Write Ways to WIN WRITING CONTESTS: How To Join the Winners’ Circle for Prose and Poetry Awards, NEW EXPANDED EDITION
Keep writing on!
All my very best wishes!
John

BC Writers January E-Vox

Jan27
VOX
Fed. of BC Writers E-newsletter
January 22, 2010

FED NEWS

Welcome New Members:
Caitlin Johnston, Carollyne Haynes, Christine Sutherland, Julie Karey, Peggy Herring, Kahlee Keane, Erica Warren, Jane Munro, James McCann, Stephanie Innes, Alma Lightbody

WORK OPPORTUNTIES

Google Settlement Speaker
The Interior Authors Group of Kamloops BC www.interiorauthorsgroup.ca is seeking a speaker able to inform and lead a discussion on the Google Settlement at one of their monthly meetings at the Kamloops Art Gallery, 7:00pm second Thursday of the month.  Please advise availability and cost to President Ted Joslin te*******@te***.net

Writer’s Residency U of Calgary
The Markin-Flanagan Distinguished Writers Program is accepting submissions from emerging Canadian writers for a 10-month residency at the University of Calgary from August 15, 2011 to June 15, 2012.
Please send your submission by mail or courier to Daniel Maher, Interim Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Room SS 1352, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4 by Monday, February 15, 2010. Please reference ANN 2011 – 2012 in your application.
For information on the Markin-Flanagan program, visit www.markinflanagan.com, or contact Janice Lee at 403.220.8177 or le**@uc******.ca.

CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS

January 31
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.
January 31
WRITING CONTEST FOR STUDY ABROAD
Website:  http://lowres.uno.edu/contest.cfm
The University of New Orleans offers this contest for study abroad in the summer of 2010.  Full fee waivers, including housing allowances, will be granted to one writer each in the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.  Winners may attend any of UNO’s 2010 study-abroad writing programs: Writing Workshops in San Miguel de Allande, Mexico; Writing Workshops in Montpellier; The Ezra Pound Center for Literature, Dorf Tirol, Italy.  Open to anyone writing in English who has not yet published a book of 45 pages or more in the genre of application.  Prose submissions should not exceed 4,500 words (about 15 pages double spaced).  Poetry submissions should not exceed 5 pages and may include a maximum of 3 poems.  Submitted work must be unpublished at the time of submission.

Jan 31
OH CANADA POETRY CONTEST
Foundation for Public Poetry/Fondation Poésie Publique. Taken from the Canadian national antherm, rewrite only one line: ” True patriot love in all thy sons command.”
Winner will receive $20 and a copy of Leonard Cohen You’re Our Man. The winning line will be sent to the House of Commons requesting that the National Anthem be amended.
Entrants must submit their 1 line via email to: pu**********@gm***.com with the subject line “Oh Canada submission”. Entrants must live in Canada.
February 1
MALAHAT REVIEW – NOVELLA CONTEST
Website:  http://www.malahatreview.ca/novella_contest/info.html
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. Check the website for full contest details.
February 1
ANNUAL OKANAGAN SHORT FICTION CONTEST
Website:  http://www.okstorycontest.org
This contest invites all southern interior writers east of Hope, west of the Alberta border, north of the US border, and south of William’s Lake to submit their original unpublished works of fiction.  Author Laisha Rosnau will select the best three stories to be awarded cash prizes.  Entry fee: $15.
February 1
CREATIVE NON-FICTION ON THE SUBJECT OF “MIGRATION”
Website:  http://www.lakejournal.ca
Accepted creative non-fiction forms include personal essay, lyric essay, narrative essay, and memoir.  The prize is $250 and publication in LAKE: A Journal of Arts and Environment.  Length: 2500 words maximum.  Entry fee: $20 (includes a one-year subscription to LAKE).  Submit entries to: LAKE: A Journal of Arts and Environment, Department of Creative Studies, UBC Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna BC, V1V 1V7.
February 14
POSTCARD STORY COMPETITION
The Writers’ Union of Canada is hosting its 11th annual competition. A Postcard Story is a short piece of 250 words or less. Grand prize is $500. Open to all writers of all genres.
February 28
ROSE & CROWN 2010 NEW NOVELS COMPETITION
Website:  http://www.roseandcrownbooks.com/comprules.html
Your book must never have been published in any form and you must own all rights to the work.  Open to anyone of any age, worldwide.  Manuscripts must be a minimum of 40,000 words and a maximum of 150,000, on any subject as long as they are in keeping with the described aims of the Rose & Crown imprint – Christian Inspirational Romance.  Cost:  £18.  First prize £200, second prize £100, plus guaranteed publishing contract offers for both.
March 20
FISH ONE-PAGE STORY PRIZE 2010
Website:  http://www.fishpublishing.com/annual-one-page-story-prize.php
Flash fiction is a wonderfully entertaining thing to read and a challenging thing to write, but the readers of the Fish Anthology love it; this is another chance to get a story, however small, into the anthology.  Maximum length 300 words.  Entry fee: €12 (online entry), €15 (postal entry).  First Prize:  €1000.

March 30
FISH POETRY PRIZE 2010
Website:  http://www.fishpublishing.com/annual-fish-international-poetry-prize.php
No restrictions on style or theme – but poems must be in English and less than 200 words.  Entry fee:  €12 (online entry), €15 (postal entry).  First prize:  €1000.
March 31
FREEFALL POETRY & PROSE CHAPBOOK CONTEST
Website:  http://www.freefallmagazine.ca/pdf/ChapbookContestRulesforWebsite.pdf
Winners will have their work published in a limited edition Chapbook and receive 25 copies.  Poets: submit up to 15 pages of poetry.  Prose: submit fiction or creative non-fiction up to 5000 words.  Complete a contest entry form and include the $10 reading fee.
April 30
Short Story Contest and Poetry Contest
San Luis Obispo NightWriters
Website: SL*******************@ya***.com
1st Place $75, 2nd Place $50—for both short story and poetry. Finalists receive certificates.
Contest is open to everyone, but eligible NightWriters will be entered into a drawing for a scholarship to the 2010 Central Coast Writers’ Conference
Entries must be based on the theme: TRUST/BETRAYAL.
Entry Fee: $10 for first story or poem, $5 for each additional story or poem

May 31
1ST BOOK COMPETITION
Website: www.thewritersstudio.ca/news/1st-book-competition/#entryform
Writer’s Studio at SFU’s 1st Book Competition is a national literary contest seeking original, book-length manuscripts in English by emerging Canadian writers who haven’t previously published a book. The winning manuscripts, in each of the three contest categories of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, will be published in 2011 by Anvil Press.

JACKPINE SONNET CONTEST
Website: http://www.geist.com/contest/jackpine
Arc and Geist magazine hope to reinvigorate a Canadian-made form. As always, there are cash prizes, but the poet will be published in Geist, Poetry Is Dead and the Tyee.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
February 10
WORDWORKS MAGAZINE – “LAUNCHED”
If you are a Fed member who has published a book since September 2009, take advantage of an opportunity to have your work showcased in the Fed’s Literary Magazine.  Just email your book information by attachment to the Fed office as “LAUNCHED Submission” – fe**********@gm***.com.  Include: Publicity bio, publisher’s copy, cover image in jpeg format, publisher name, year/month of publication, ISBN, and price.

February 15
ISLAND WRITER MAGAZINE
Website:  http://www.victoriawriters.ca
The Victoria Writers’ Society seeks submissions of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry, as well as articles & interviews on the craft of writing, for the summer issue of Island Writer Magazine.  Submissions are accepted from writers on Vancouver Island  & the Gulf Islands.

PAGE FORTY-SEVEN ANTHOLOGY
Website: http://www.be-a-better-writer.com/read-short-stories-online.html
Page Forty-Seven is an online anthology of literary short fiction. We invite original work from new and established writers and pay $25-$75 per story. Please visit our website for guidelines, submission form and sample stories.

WORKSHOPS/COURSES/CONFERENCES

Denman Island
February
WINTER WRITER’S RETREAT
Ivan Coyote. Memoir Writing, 4 days February 9 to 12;   $300.00
Matt Rader. Poetry Writing, weekend February 13 & 14; $150.00
Heidi Greco. Editing & Manuscript Preparation, 4 days February 17 to 20; $300.00
Salons with the writers will be held on Friday evening, Feb 12 and Saturday evening, Feb 20.
For more information and registration go to www.artsdenman.com , on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Denman-Island-Arts-Centre/195801237014, Twitter http://twitter.com/denmanisland , or leave a message at the Denman Island Arts Centre (250) 335-1224.

Vancouver
February 18 – April 8
THURSDAYS 6:30 – 9:30 PM
POETRY: WORKING IN A SERIES
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
For those who want to explore the long poem, poetic series, or sequence.  Whether achieved by digression, accretion, or constellation, the series is a way toward a book of poetry that is an organic whole.  Suitable for those with poems in progress or ideas for a series.  Price: $240.  Location: Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria St., Nelson, BC
February 18, 7:30 pm
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL PRESENTS SPOKEN WORLD: WORDS. MUSIC. ACTION!
Website:  http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/specialevents
When wordsmiths and musicians hit the stage for Spoken World, get ready for an evening of sensory overload.  Featuring Ivan E. Coyote, Shane Koyczan, Ariana Waynes, and Skeena Reece in an event that shifts beyond words and music into a new artistic realm.  Tickets: $20 ($18 for students & seniors), call 604-629-8849.  Location: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St., Granville Island.

Vancouver
March 5
SECURE FOOTING IN A CHANGING LITERARY LANDSCAPE
Website: http://www.writersunion.ca/ww_prodevelopment.asp
Authors Betsy Warland and Ross Laird will outline the current changes in the literary industry, explore the innovative digital opportunities, and discuss the creativity, economics, and community of a writer’s life.  This workshop costs just $45 and includes a lunch.  Location:  YWCA Vancouver, 535 Hornby St., 4th floor.
Nelson

March 6 – April 10
SATURDAYS 10 AM – 1 PM
CRITIQUING YOUR WORK: FICTION AND CREATIVE NON-FICTION WITH RITA MOIR
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
Fed member Rita Moir will hold six consecutive critiquing sessions.  Writers will do assignments, as well as critiquing their creative non-fiction and fiction manuscripts in progress.  Scene setting, character and dialogue.  Bring a lunch!  Price: $180.  Location: Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria St., Nelson, BC

Program: April 19, 2010 – April 24, 2010
Application deadline: February 05, 2010
WRITING WITH STYLE (Spring)
A unique opportunity for writers to participate in a week-long workshop at The Banff Centre. Amidst a diverse community of writers, you will encounter new ideas and gain confidence in your own style and voice, while shaping and editing your work-in-progress under the guidance of an experienced writer and editor.
Self-directed Writing Residencies
Set amid the beauty of Canada’s oldest and most renowned national park, The Banff Centre offers an exceptional environment for creativity. Self-directed writing residencies provide time, space, and facilities for individual research, editing, and manuscript development. Writers structure their own time, and are free to maintain privacy or to engage with other artists and activities at The Banff Centre.
More information: 1-403-762-6100, ar*******@ba*********.ca, www.banffcentre.ca

Vancouver
May 28th – 29
Write On, Vancouver
A mini-conference for fiction writers presented by Romance Writers of America®
Greater Vancouver Chapter www.rwagvc.com
Special Guest Keynote Speaker: Laura Resnick. Workshops, industry panel, editor appointments. For all registration information and bookings please contact Sally Collins at Sa**********@sh**.ca

Victoria
June 24 – 27, 2010
CANWRITE! 2010 – THE CANADIAN AUTHORS’ ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Theme: “Applying Technology to Your Writing”
Website: http://www.canauthors.org/conference.html
Keynote speaker – Patrick Taylor, bestselling author of the Irish Country Doctor series.
John Chandler from Alandale Training Corporation will share computer tips and tricks to make your writing life easier;
Learn how to enhance presentations and book launches by creating Power Point presentations;
Find out how to increase sales through social networking (ie blogs, MySpace, Twitter);
Explore the world of EBooks;
Let Rodger Cove, Vancouver Film School show you how to structure stories for the screen;
Early registration bonus – Patrick Taylor will accept six 1500-word pieces of fiction – to be submitted no later than May 15, 2010 – and give one-hour, one-on-one evaluations with the authors on Thursday, June 24th, 2010 as part of CanWrite!  See the website for all details and registration information.  At the Harbour Towers Hotel, 345 Quebec Street, Victoria.  Info: Jean Kay, Conference Coordinator, jk**@ca********.org.

Bulgaria
May 28-June1
SUMMER FICTION-WRITING SEMINAR IN SOZOPOL
Intensive daily workshops, roundtable discussions, readings and lectures by faculty and fellows. Fiction writers from Bulgaria and fiction writers from English-speaking countries, including but not limited to the U.S. and the U.K., are invited to apply. Ten applicants will be selected for participation and funding. website at: http://ekf.bg/sozopol/apply
ONLINE
RYERSON UNIVERSITY WRITING CLASSES
Website: http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce_2009-2010/calendar/default.aspx?id=5&section=course&sub=subject&disc=%7b89831E51-A3AE-11D4-AE93-00E029501EB1%7d&mode=disc_list
Be the writer you’ve always dreamed of becoming.  Talented instructors help unlock and develop your talents in short fiction, novel, poetry, or dramatic writing.  Explore specialized genres.  Learn to tell your life story.  Enhance business writing skills.
SELKIRK COLLEGE: ECOPOETICS 210
Website:  http://selkirk.ca/programs/uas/uascourselist/humanities/writing/writing/
This brand-new course is offered online, making it accessible to everyone.  Though it’s named Ecopoetics, students won’t just be writing poetry, but also looking closely at non-fiction and fiction in the context of environmental writing.
PUBLIC READINGS
Parksville
January 23
WORDSTORM OCEANSIDE WORDWORX
Website:  http://www.ascentaspirations.ca/oceansidewordworx.htm
An Open Mic starts the evening off with writers bringing one piece to read/perform (maximum 3 minutes).  Sign up when you arrive!  Bring a friend!  Featured performers: Leslie McBain & Patricia Smekal.  Refreshments provided by the Oceanside Community Arts Council.  Admission: $3 (which goes to support the OCAC).  Location: The Oceanside Community Arts Council Gallery, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville BC.
Nanaimo
January 28, 6:30 pm
WORDSTORM
Website:  http://www.wordstorm.ca
Featuring Kim Goldberg with Rumblings from the RED ZONE – where poetry meets modern dance, with Holly Bright and Allannah Dow, and Doug Burnet Smith.  An Open Mic will start the evening off – sign up with the host for the evening.  Location: Nanaimo Centre Stage, 25 Victoria Road, Nanaimo BC.
ON THE EDGE READINGS SERIES
free public readings by a range of Canadian writers.
Jan 28 – Fabiola Nabil Naguib
Feb 25 – Sina Queyras
March 18 – Rachel Zolf and Richard Lemm
March 25 – Pam Mordecai and Salimah Valiani
All readings are at 7 pm on Thursday evenings in SB 406 at Emily Carr University, Granville Island, Vancouver (except for Sina Queyras who will be off campus). The On
Note: There is free parking in the parkade under the ECU South Building after 7 pm.

February 12
WORDS AT WORK
Nora Ryan will read from her novel Marie’s Story hosted by Victoria International Development Education Association. This first person narrative of a young Haitian girl struck by a mysterious illness puts a human face on AIDS. www.noraryanbooks.com

Feb 12
LOVE HURTS II POETRY SLAM
University of the Fraser Valley
poets register immediately before the performance and have three minutes to present an
original poem. Judges are randomly selected from the audience. In round
one, poets compete for applause. In round two, finalists present a
second poem and compete for cash and prizes. There are no props. Love or angst poetry is suggested but not mandatory. Doors open and poets register in the UFV Chilliwack theatre
lobby at 7 p.m. The slamming starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information
call 604- 792-0025, local 2471.
Saturday, March 13, 11 am
RWA MEETING
Website:  http://www.rwagvc.com/meetings.html
Presenter Russ Crossley will speak on “Cliff Hangers”.  Location:  Burnaby United, 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby.
1ST Thursday of every month
Pandora’s Collective Presents
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
In the spirit of Vancouver all poets are welcome. Come out and bring your best, favourite, newest, oldest poems, and share in an evening of literary surprises. Hosts: Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni
Time: 7-9pm
Feb 23rd: Jen Currin and Christine LeClerc
March 23rd: 4 Poets; Daniela Elza & guests
Location: Cambie Bakery and Cafe – a fantastic selection of fine vegetarian foods, teas, coffees and pastries!
312 Cambie Street (North of Hastings), Vancouver B.C.
Contact: bl*************@ya***.ca
www.pandorascollective.com

2nd Tuesday of every month
Pandora’s Collective Presents
WORD WHIPS – THE NORTH SHORE EDITION
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 Fran Bourassa and Suzy Malcolm
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
(Sept – June. We are not meeting July and August)
Location: Starbucks in Indigo Books
1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Contact: Suzy (bt*****@te***.net) or Fran (fb*******@nv****.ca or 778-835-6775)

PUBLISHING

THE EDITOR’S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA/ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES REVISEURS
Professional Editorial Standards
the voice of Canadian editors, is pleased to announce the release of a new edition of its pivotal publication on editing in the English language, Professional Editorial Standards.
Last revised in 1999, the new Professional Editorial Standards has been updated thoroughly to reflect changes in technology and the skills and knowledge required by editors today.
Visit www.editors.ca to download a free copy of Professional Editorial Standards.

OOLICHAN BOOKS – NEW HOME
Oolichan Books is moving Fernie. Randal Macnair of Fernie has acquired a majority partnership in Oolichan Books from founder and long-time publisher Ron Smith.
For further information please contact Randal Macnair at 250-423-7461 or at ra****@oo******.com or visit www.oolichan.com.
_________________________

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

Sunday Morning Tidbits.

Jan27

Pandora’s Events
Tuesday, Jan 26th
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 Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm (4th Tuesday of each month – except December)
Location: Britannia Library, Gallery Room
1661 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC
Contact: bl*************@ya***.ca
or visit http://www.pandorascollective.com/openmics.html
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Pandora’s Collective Presents
WORD WHIPS – THE NORTH SHORE EDITION
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 Fran Bourassa and Suzy Malcolm
2nd Tuesday of every month
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
(Sept – June. We are not meeting July and August)
Location: Starbucks in Indigo Books
1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
PRESS RELEASE
March 15th, 2010
Pandora’s Collective and the Vancouver Artist’s Collective will be putting on a fundraiser at the Cottage Bistro.
Mark your calendars!
For volunteer opportunities please contact bl*************@ya***.ca.
PRESS RELEASE
The South Delta Artists Guild’s
Poets & Painters Book
is now available!
This book was inspired by an art and poetry exhibition that was hosted by the South Delta Artists Guild and was a collaboration between the South Delta Artists Guild and two writers’ groups, Pandora’s Collective and World Poetry Café. Poets were invited to write a poem inspired by a work of art. Alternatively, poets could submit poems that artists interpreted in paintings. The result was a very successful exhibit that was well attended by the public, the artists and the poets. It was an inspiring show of 95 paintings and 95 poems. This book contains many of the images and poems from the show.
To order the book please go to www.SouthDeltaArtistsGuild.com and download the order form.
Other Events
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Afternoon with Dead Poets 2
The Café for Contemporary Art
140 East Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC
You’re invited to listen to five poets reading poems from one of their favourite dead poets.
Poems of Charles Bruce (1906-1968) read by Sandy Shreve
Poems of Edwin Muir (1887-1959) read by Chris topher Levenson
Poems of R. S. Thomas (1913-2000) read by Russell Thornton
—ten minute intermission—
Poems of Al Purdy (1918-2000) read by Rob Taylor
Poems of Nazim Hikmet (1902-1963) read by Kate Braid
Emcee: David Zieroth
In each presentation you will hear a brief introduction to the poet followed by a reading of selected poems, 15 minutes in total.
Cafca is one block up from Lonsdale Quay and the Seabus. Bring your friends and enjoy the coffee and art. Seating is limited.
For more info: Cafca at http://cafeforcontemporaryart.com/
or David at dz******@te***.net

Thursday, January 28th,
PRISM Turns 50!!!
8:00PM to 12:00AM
The a’s Lounge, The a Koerner Building , 6371 Crescent Road, UBC Campus, Vancouver , BC
http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?show=y,y,y,y,y,y&bldg2Search=n&locat1=408&locat2=#showMapCampus

$15 dollars (which includes a copy of the Winter 2010 Retrospective edition)
Hello PRISM lovers!!!
Can you believe that PRISM international is 50 years old? It’s not every day that a literary journal reaches the big 5-0, so we’re rolling out the red carpet and throwing a big bash to celebrate. It’s going to be a night of libations, music, amuse-bouches and literary shenanigans.
We’ll have readings from Bill Gaston, Deborah Willis, George McWhirter , Elizabeth Bachinsky, as well as toasts from past and present PRISM editors.
You’ll also go home with our extended 50th Anniversary Retrospective issue, which includes writing by Margaret Atwood, Seamus Heaney, Raymond Carver, Michael Ondaatje, Carol Shields, Italo Calvino, Irving Layton, and many more!
Feel free to bring your friends!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at pr***@in*********.ca
We’ll see you on the 28th!!
From PRISM 2009/2010 Editors: Rachel Knudsen, Elizabeth Ross, Nadia Pestrak and Dan Schwartz
 
Tuesday February 16th
Spoken INK
James Street Café – 8:00 p.m.
February Guests: Bonnie Nish & Sita Carboni
Spoken INK is an open mic/reading series brought to you by the Burnaby Writers’ Society, and held every third Tuesday (September to June) at the James Street Café, just one short block east of Boundary Road on Canada Way at Smith (NE corner) in Burnaby.
Open mic sign-up time is 7:30 p.m., featured readings begin at 8:00 p.m.
Contact: bw*****@gm***.com
PRESS RELEASE
Mary Duffy has let us know that her cousin, Mary Barry, will be performing during the Olympics. We hope that you can make it to one of her performances. She is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter, travelling all the way from Newfoundland.
Mary Barry – Upcoming Performances:
Feb. 20th on Granville Island on the Francophone stage, 30 minute set (6:00 – 6:30pm)
Feb. 21st at the Backstage Lounge on Granville Island, 10:30 pm for 90 minutes.
Feb. 22nd, also at the Backstage Lounge on Granville Island, 30 minute set (10:30pm)
Feb. 23rd at a French club called the Adrenaline, 9:30 – 11:00 pm, 2 sets.
“Mary Barry delivers a sweet sound like a consummate New York jazz performer … with an expressive voice that flows over you, so sultry and passionate, the music enfolding and gripping you with a velvet covered touch. Barry is that good of a writer, her music fits in wonderfully, carrying on the timeless quality of excellent jazz.” – Read more at http://www.marybarry.ca/
PRESS RELEASE
Have you spent too many hours hunched over the computer?
Yoga for the People is a newly opened 2000 sq ft yoga studio with the primary aim of stimulating social awareness and community development. All classes are drop in, pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $10/class. Please help to support this wonderful new studio. For information on teachers, yoga classes and schedules visit www.yogaforthepeople.ca
Radha Yoga has a long history of offering Hatha yoga community classes and Hidden Language Hatha Yoga (bring your journal). Classes are only $12-13/class or pay as you can. Visit http://www.radhavancouver.org/ for details.
Other Things
 PRESS RELEASE
The Malahat Review Novella Prize
Deadline: February 1, 2010
Submit a single work of fiction between 10,000 and 20,000 words. No restrictions as to genre, subject matter, or aesthetic approach. Fee: $35-$45 (includes subscription). Prize: $500 plus paid publication. Details: http://www.malahatreview.ca/novella_contest/info.html
PRESS RELEASE
Coffee Shop Author writing contest
Deadline: registration, March 15; completion, April 30, 2010
Writers must complete a book-length work, with the bulk of the writing happening on location at their chosen coffee shop. Registration is required. Fee: $30. Prize: Trip for two to Fernie, B.C., and tuition to the 2010 Fernie Writers Conference. Details: http://www.coffeeshopauthor.com/
PRESS RELEASE
The Ontario Poetry Society Presents:
Emerging From The Shadows Poetry Contest
Open to Canadian Poets who have never won First Prize in a Poetry Contest
First Prize – $25 and a One Year Free Membership ($25 value) & A Fancy Certificate
Second Prize – One Year Free Membership ($25 value) & A Fancy Certificate
Third Prize – $10 & A Fancy Certificate
Plus 12 Honourable Mention Awards of A Fancy Certificate Each
Plus All winning entries to be published in a chapbook and all poets whose work appears in the chapbook will get 1 free copy of the book per poem published inside.
Rules and Guidelines:
Poems may be on any theme and in any style.
Maximum length per poem is 36 lines and the stanza spaces count as lines.
Poems may be previously published, but not previously have won any contest prizes.
Blind judging: No author I.D. to be anywhere on the same page as the poem, back or front. Include a cover page with your name, address, phone number and e-mail along with your poem title(s).
Contest Deadline: April 15, 2010 postmark date
Entry fee: Up to 3 poems for $5 & additional poems $2 each.
There is no limit to the number of submissions per poet.Submit your entry in hard copy along with payment to
The Ontario Poetry Society, 31 Marisa Court , Thornhill , L4J 6H9
Enclose a #10 s.a.s.e. for Winners List
Contest Judge is Debbie Okun Hill
Additional chapbooks will be available for sale at $5 each.
PRESS RELEASE
subTerrain Lush Triumphant literary awards
Deadline: May 15, 2010
Submit fiction of up to 3,000 words, creative non-fiction of up to 4,000 words or suites of up to 5 poems. Fee: $25 (includes subscription). Prize: $750 in each category, plus paid publication. Details: http://www.subterrain.ca

Bonnie Nish
Executive Director
Pandora’s Collective
www.pandorascollective.com

Fwd: Poetry/Fiction Contest reminder

Jan18
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: The Antigonish Review <ta*@st**.ca>
Date: 2010/1/11
Subject: Poetry/Fiction Contest reminder
To: su********@gm***.com

The Antigonish Review Announces Two Writing Contests — 9th Annual GREAT BLUE HERON POETRY CONTEST & 5th Annual SHELDON CURRIE FICTION PRIZE $2,400 in Prizes! Deadlines : Fiction entries must be postmarked by May 31, 2010                      Poetry must be postmarked by June 30, 2010 Guidelines :   Previously published works, works accepted for publication or simultaneous submissions are ineligible. No electronic submissions, please. Fiction entries must be t yped, double-spaced, one side of page only – poetry must be single-spaced. Please include a separate cover sheet containing your identifying information as well as the titles of all entries. Your name must appear ONLY on the cover page. Sheldon Currie Fiction Prize : Stories on any subject. Total entry not to exceed 20 pages. First prize: $600 & publication; Second prize: $400 & publication; Third prize : $200 & publication Great Blue Heron Poetry Contest : Poems on any subject. Total entry not to exceed 4 pages. Maximum 150 lines. Entries might be one longer poem, or several shorter poems. First prize: $600 & publication; Second prize : $400 & publication; Third prize: $200 & publication Entry Fee : Canada $25.00; the United States $30.00 (US funds); All others $40.00 (US funds) for either contest. Bonus: You may enter both contests for an additional $10.00. You may enter as often as you like; only your first entry in each category will be eligible for a subscription which will begin with the fall issue, 2010. Make cheques or money orders payable to The Antigonish Review. Mail submissions to: The Antigonish Review Contest, Box 5000, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, B2G 2W5. For further information, email TA*@st**.ca , Phone 902-867-3962 or visit our website at <www.antigonishreview.com>. ENTRIES WILL NOT BE RETURNED; only winners will be notified by September 1, 2010 . List of winners will be available at our web site: www.antigonishreview.com. We acknowledge the support of: St. Francis Xavier University; The Canada Council, The Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage; and the Publications Assistance Program and the Canada Magazine Fund of the Government of Canada.



—

Book News Vol. 5 No. 3

Dec23
Banner

Vol. 5 No. 3

In other news

VPL Writer in Residence

The Vancouver Public Library is pleased to announce that they will be accepting applications for their sixth writer-in-residence in 2010. Complete details can be found on their website.

Lucy Maud Montgomery

A rare first-edition, first-impression edition of Anne of Green GablesRead more. sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York for $30,000 US on Friday afternoon.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year!
From all of us to all of you, we wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday, and of course, we hope that you have plenty of time to read books that will inspire, enrich and entertain you.
This is the last Book News of 2009. We’d like to thank each of you for your support of the Festival. We have some exciting events shaping up for the spring which we will let you know about as soon as we are able. And stay tuned for an announcement about a membership drive that will be very important for the Festival in 2010.
The VIWF office will be closed between December 19 and January 4. We look forward to hearing from you in 2010.
Sincerely,
Hal Wake, Camilla Tibbs, Sandra Millard and Ann McDonell
P.S. We’re trying out a new format for Book News. Please let us know what you think.

Special Event

Header
Spoken World
Get your tickets before they’re gone! Tickets for the Vancouver International Writers Festival’s spoken word extravaganza with Ivan E. Coyote, Shane Koyczan, Ariana Waynes and Skeena Reece and Sal Ferreras are going fast. View highlights from Spoken World 2009 on YouTube.
Read more Header

News & Features

Header
Wary book publisher plan to delay the release of electronic versions of their books in 2010. E-books and related issues will be the big story for the coming year. Full story.
Legal battles are looming over who owns the rights to publish e-books by writers like Wiliam Styron and Joseph Heller. Full story.
Kirkus, an outfit that gave pre-publication reviews to thousands of books is shutting down. Full story.
The posthumous publication of crime writer Steig Larrson’s third novel in North America is some time off, so booksellers are bringing in the foreign edition. Full story.
Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English usage, the gracefully written bible of grammar, has a new edition coming out. Full story.
Rachel Cusk wonders if there really is something called ‘women’s writing’. Full story.
This piece about book publicity in the New Yorker would be really funny if it weren’t so close to the truth. Full story.
Here is a best book list for 2009 from the Georgia Straight. Full story.
The Guardian lists the decade’s best unread books. Full story.

Books & Writers

Header
There is a new collection of George Packer’s essays first published in the New Yorker. Full story.
This is a rather mixed review of Tao Lin’s Shoplifting from American Apparel. Full story.
Rhea Tregebov delighted audiences at the Festival this year and her novel The Knife Sharpener’s Bell received kudos from the Globe and Mail. Full story.
There is a new collection of essays by the Nigerian master Chinua Achebe. Full story.
The Bedside Book of Beasts: A Wildlife Miscellany by Graeme Gibson has impressed the Guardian. Full story.
A lovely piece from Ann Patchett on a writer’s life. Full story.
Stacey May Fowles reviews Of Hockey and Hijab, essays on Islam and Muslim life. Full story.
Richard van Camp’s new collection of stories is reviewed in Quill and Quire. Full story.

Community Events

Header
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Youth poetry slam featuring Brendan McLeod. Monday, December 28 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
IAN FERGUSON
Reading by the award-winning playwright, humourist and author of How to Be a Canadian. Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 2:00pm. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (1961 East Mall). More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.
ESCAPE CLAUSE: A SPECULATIVE FICTION ANTHOLOGY
Hear selected readings from Escape Clause, stories of wonder and delight, from speculative fiction writers. Featuring Linda Demeulemeester, Eileen Kernaghan, Casey Wolf, Ari Goelman, Clelie Rich, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, and Maryke Hendrikse. Monday, January 18 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
GREG MORTENSON
The author of Three Cups of Tea is coming to Kidsbooks in January! His powerful presentation will highlight his new adult book, Stones Into Schools; Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan. Adult tickets include a copy of the new book. For tickets and details, visit www.kidsbooks.ca.
ANN ERIKSSON
Join author in a discussion of her most recent book In the Hands of Anubis. January 21, 2010 at 7:00pm. Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art, 3696 W. 8th. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
DOUGLAS BURNET SMITH
Author reads selections from Sister Prometheus: Discovering Madame Curie and from his forthcoming collection, Surface to Air. Monday, January 25 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
2010 HAIKU INVITATIONAL
While the cherry blossoms bloom from March through May, you are invited to write your haiku with fresh inspiration. The poems will be judged during the summer and winners announced in the fall 2010. Winning poems will then be featured during the 2011 festival. So start planning now to submit your cherry blossom haiku this coming spring. The deadline for the next round of haiku submissions will be May 31, 2010. More information at www.vcbf.ca.

Produced by the Book News Collective.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival: 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca

Call for Submissions

Dec23
Happy solstice everyone!
Last year the first Monday’s Poem of 2009 was given over to a collaborative poem of couplets about snow … some of you may remember last year’s snow!
86 poets participated — you can find the poem here: http://www.leafpress.ca/Mondays_Poems_2009/Snow/Snow.htm

Well this year it is temperature more than snow defines winter. We invite you to send couplets — what’s it really like out there on the streets/fields/forests … or in those unprepared homes during this time of high fuel prices? The working title: “Cold”.

Please do read last year’s poem at the link above to get a feel for line length. Notice: no end-of-line rhyme for this project. We’ll accept lines up to 5:00 p.m. on December 31, 2009. We invite you to pass this invitation along.

Ursula, Marianne, Suzanne

Ursula Vaira, Publisher
Join the Leaf Press Facebook group
for calls for submission, events, news
Leaf Press
www.leafpress.ca
250 390-3028
P.O. Box 416
Lantzville, B.C.
V0R 2H0