Ever get stuck with an  plot, character or industry question and suddenly find yourself lost in “research” online even more confused or overwhelmed by the volume of “helpful” information out there? What if you could talk to someone? Ask them those burning questions and find the guidance you were really looking for?

The WCYR has gathered together 6 local writers and industry professionals who will speak about their experience in a round-robin format, to answer those burning questions. In 15 minute intervals, participants will rotate around the room visiting each professional for a mini-group session. No more than 5 participants will visit during each interval, so be sure to register early – space is limited.

Introducing Your A.M.A Professionals:

Sheila Horne ~ Finding Humanity: Writing Believable Characters

Sheila Horne is the author of three novels: Sunshine Girls, Paper Sun, and Place in the Sun. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and literary magazines. Sheila graduated from the George Brown Creative Writing Program. She focuses on writing believable characters, their relationships with their friends, children, parents and partners. When she is not writing she facilitates writing workshops. And can be found in her favourite coffee shop coaching and encouraging a new writer. Read more about Sheila at https://sheilahorne.com.

Erika MacNeil ~ The Fine Art of Flashing: Tips, Tricks, & Advice on Writing Flash Fiction

Dancer by training, teacher by trade, Erika’s love of the arts bring her joy. By no means an expert, she has entered several flash fiction contests with varying degrees of success, and has her short fiction published in local anthologies. Her experience with poetry and lyrics lends itself to narrative efficiency and unconventional turns of phrase. Discover publications that accept this unique form of writing, as well as contests, and other resources to support your storytelling and anecdotal sharing.

Hyacinthe Miller ~ Under the Hot Bright Lights: Getting Police Stuff More Right than Wrong

Hyacinthe is an award-winning author of short stories, magazine and newspaper articles, contemporary women’s fiction and non-fiction. Her fiction has been published in Herotica 7, Whispered Words, and Allucinor: The Elements of Romance. Her debut novel, KENORA REINVENTED is about a former librarian manager turned private investigator starting over her way. Hyacinthe has worked in the policing sector for 4 decades, and she has family in homicide detection. Look for Hyacinthe at https://hyacinthemillerbooks.com.

Carol Newall ~ Memory Mining: Looking For Windows Into the Past

In 2011 Carol inherited a cardboard memory box stuffed with old sepia photos, letters and documents—the last bits and pieces of her late grandmother’s life. For months she examined the photos and reread the correspondence, but found only a few vague clues about Winnie’s life. Ten years later, having traced online resources, interviewed family members, searched her brain for illusive memories, and dug through archives, she was able to learn how Winnie, a reluctant British child immigrant, found a home and a life in Canada. Discover more about her story at https://carolnewall.com.

Douglas Owen ~ The Gate Keeper Keys: All Things Publishing

Douglas Owen owns and runs DAOwen Publications, a micro-press publishing company. Known as a talented writer, Doug focuses his efforts on editing and publishing talented authors from around the world. Doug’s expertise is in editing, manuscript formatting, cover design, and publishing. You can find Doug at https://daowenpublications.ca.

Carol Teal ~ Making Words Dance: Poetic, Lyrical, & Description in Writing

Carol Teal & her partner David Joyce delight and engage audiences with original songs of life’s delights and dilemmas! Serious, sensitive, and audaciously funny with a side of vaudeville thrown in for good measure (feather boa included) they leave audiences with a tune in their heads and a song in their hearts. Carol leads workshops in the Amherst Writers and Artists Method on songwriting, creative writing, and memoir. Learn more at http://tealandjoyce.ca.

Light refreshments will be served. Lug a Mug and a friend. Register early. See you there!

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