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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Writers' Community of York Region
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260920T000000
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DTSTAMP:20260914T001850Z
CREATED:20260920T160144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T001850Z
UID:7115-1789862400-1795219199@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:WCYR's 2026 Past\, Present\, and Future Writing Contest Anthology
DESCRIPTION:Submit your reflections on time: what carries forward from the past\, what we are living in the present\, or what future might lie ahead.\n\nEntry submission opens 20 September 2026.\n\nEntry deadline is 20 November 2026.\n\nEntry fee: $20 WCYR/WCDR members and $25 for non-members\n\nEnter Today!\n\nPoetry (up to 48 lines)\nFlash Fiction (150-300 words)\nShort Story (1\,000-1\,500 words)\n\nAny genre is welcome. \nPrizes in each category: \n\nFirst place: $50\nSecond place: $30\nThird place: $20\nHonourable mention: free copy of anthology\n\nAll entries fitting the theme will be included in the anthology\, available May 2027 \nFor full contest details. visit wcyork.ca/contest
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/wcyrs-2026-past-present-and-future-writing-contest-anthology/
CATEGORIES:Writing Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/3-Website.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261015T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261203T213000
DTSTAMP:20260917T124135Z
CREATED:20260916T190055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T124135Z
UID:7139-1792089000-1796333400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:"Video Game Writing Portfolio" with Kim Sparks
DESCRIPTION:This eight-week workshop will help you develop your video game writing portfolio. You will write elements for your portfolio\, including: a brief scene in script format\, character bio\, lore entry\, object description\, and barks/NPC dialogue. At the end of the course\, you will have a one-on-one meeting with Kim to discuss your portfolio and next steps. \nThursdays\nOctober 15 to December 3 – 18:30-21:30 \nWCYR members receive a $50 discount with the code: disc2026
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/video-game-writing-portfolio/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-16-145346.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261019T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261019T213000
DTSTAMP:20260917T124046Z
CREATED:20260916T185827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T124046Z
UID:7134-1792434600-1792445400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:"Screenwriting - The Basics" with Kim Sparks
DESCRIPTION:This seven-week workshop teaches you the basics of screenwriting while you complete a short script. You will learn how to format your screenplay\, create compelling characters\, write effective dialogue\, write scenes\, and develop your plot. At the end of the course\, you will have a one-on-one meeting with Kim to discuss your script and next steps. \nMondays\nOctober 19 to November 30 – 18:30-21:30 \nWCYR members receive a $50 discount with the code: disc2026
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/screenwriting-the-basics-with-kim-sparks/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-16-145346.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261027T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261027T183000
DTSTAMP:20260814T170048Z
CREATED:20260814T170018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T170048Z
UID:7012-1793125800-1793125800@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:The Business of Bookselling: Managing Records\, Taxes\, and Publishing Costs with Elise Abram
DESCRIPTION:Once your book is published\, you are running a small business. This workshop explores the practical\, financial\, and administrative responsibilities involved in publishing and selling books\, helping authors understand the often-overlooked aspects and hidden costs of the business. \nThis session examines: \n\nhiring freelancers\ntool subscriptions\nobtaining ISBNs\npublishing/distribution\nroyalties\nbookkeeping: sales and expense recording\nincome tax and HST reporting\n\nFocusing on the financial side of being an author\, participants will learn about the ongoing operating costs\, such as website expenses\, software\, and subscription services that are often overlooked when authors calculate the true cost of publishing. We will also discuss why accurate record-keeping matters\, and how good systems can make it easier to monitor the success of their books and prepare financial information. \nBy the end of the workshop\, participants will have a clearer understanding of the business side of publishing and the steps they can take to manage their writing activities more effectively. \nAbout Elise Abram: \nElise Abram is an author\, editor\, award-winning YA author\, and founder of EMSA Publishing. Since 2015\, she has helped authors through the publishing process\, offering services such as editing\, interior formatting\, cover design\, and distribution. A retired English teacher with over 25 years of experience\, Elise holds an MEd in Curriculum Studies. She now channels her passion for teaching into supporting writers\, working closely with authors on the craft of writing\, editing\, and publishing\, offering practical\, experience-based advice.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/the-business-of-bookselling-managing-records-taxes-and-publishing-costs-with-elise-abram/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-14-125432.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261114T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261114T143000
DTSTAMP:20260814T164352Z
CREATED:20260814T164352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T164352Z
UID:7000-1794661200-1794666600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Creative Writing Sessions: Playing with Words with Allison Hannah
DESCRIPTION:This is your opportunity to get your fingers moving and ideas flowing. We’ll write in a group using 7-minute writing games: themed lists\, music title prompts\, passing a prompt to another participant\, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to share a piece of writing with the group to receive some positive feedback. This session will appeal to writers at any level. \nIn partnership with The Writers’ Community of York Region (WCYR). \nAbout the Facilitator: \nAllison Hannah is a writing group facilitator trained in the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) method. She writes creative memoir and short fiction pieces using prompt sprints and is working on her first novel using the AWA method to develop scenes. \nRegistration will open on Eventbrite on September 30!
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/creative-writing-sessions-playing-with-words-with-allison-hannah/
LOCATION:Aurora Public Library\, 15145 Yonge St\, Aurora\, Ontario\, L4G 1M1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-14-122832.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Aurora Public Library":MAILTO:garmstrong@aurorapl.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261117T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261117T200000
DTSTAMP:20260814T170403Z
CREATED:20260814T170403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T170403Z
UID:7018-1794940200-1794945600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Read like a Writer with Elise Abram
DESCRIPTION:This workshop explores how writers can become stronger storytellers by learning to read analytically. Rather than reading only for pleasure or content\, participants will learn how to “read like a writer” by examining the techniques\, structural choices\, and stylistic decisions authors use to create engaging fiction. By approaching books analytically\, writers can turn every novel\, short story\, or memoir they read into a master class in the craft of writing. \nThe session also introduces practical strategies for active reading\, including annotation\, modelling with mentor texts\, and re-reading to examine how authors build suspense\, transition between ideas\, and shape character and plot. Participants will learn how to identify storytelling choices that draw readers in to gain tools participants can apply to their own writing. \nThis workshop is ideal for writers who want to deepen their understanding of craft\, sharpen their critical reading skills\, and discover how close reading can strengthen their own creative work. \nAbout Elise Abram \nElise Abram is an author\, editor\, award-winning YA author\, and founder of EMSA Publishing. Since 2015\, she has helped authors through the publishing process\, offering services such as editing\, interior formatting\, cover design\, and distribution. A retired English teacher with over 25 years of experience\, Elise holds an MEd in Curriculum Studies. She now channels her passion for teaching into supporting writers\, working closely with authors on the craft of writing\, editing\, and publishing\, offering practical\, experience-based advice.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/read-like-a-writer-with-elise-abram/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-14-130135.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261123T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261123T210000
DTSTAMP:20260922T182337Z
CREATED:20260920T224036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T182337Z
UID:7220-1795460400-1795467600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:The Business of Bookselling: Managing Records\, Taxes\, and Publishing Costs
DESCRIPTION:Once your book is published\, you are running a small business. This workshop explores the practical\, financial\, and administrative responsibilities involved in publishing and selling books\, helping authors understand the often-overlooked aspects and hidden costs of the business. \nThis session examines: \n\nhiring freelancers\ntool subscriptions\nobtaining ISBNs\npublishing/distribution\nroyalties\nbookkeeping: sales and expense recording\nincome tax and HST reporting\n\nFocusing on the financial side of being an author\, participants will learn about the ongoing operating costs\, such as website expenses\, software\, and subscription services that are often overlooked when authors calculate the true cost of publishing. We will also discuss why accurate record-keeping matters\, and how good systems can make it easier to monitor the success of their books and prepare financial information. \nBy the end of the workshop\, participants will have a clearer understanding of the business side of publishing and the steps they can take to manage their writing activities more effectively. \nReserve your spot today. \nAbout Elise Abram\nElise Abram is an author\, editor\, and founder of EMSA Publishing. Since 2015\, she has helped authors through the publishing process\, offering services such as editing\, interior formatting\, cover design\, and distribution. She has published over 100 books\, including 29 of her own\, and edited more than 300 manuscripts\, fiction and non-fiction\, in a variety of genres. She is also an award-winning YA science fiction author. A former archaeologist and retired English teacher with over 25 years of experience\, Elise holds an MEd in Curriculum Studies. She now channels her passion for teaching into supporting writers\, working closely
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/the-business-of-bookselling-managing-records-taxes-and-publishing-costs/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Members Only,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/image-mem-only-2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20270218T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20270218T210000
DTSTAMP:20260920T230737Z
CREATED:20260920T224559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260920T230737Z
UID:7225-1802977200-1802984400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:What’s your Brand?
DESCRIPTION:While raising the number of social media followers isn’t a magic formula for selling books or gaining traction with agents and publishers\, it is a trust signal to the people buying your books that you are a ‘in real life’ person whom they can relate to. \nOne of the questions I get asked the most is how do I know what to post? How do I change what I post depending on the platform? But most importantly\, what do you mean I need a brand? \nTopics covered: \n\nBrief overview of why use social media and when\nActivities to help you (whether published or not) to identify your brand\nHow to extend this to creating content for marketing\nApplication to social media\n\nReserve your spot today. \nAbout Diliny M. De Alwis Corlosquet\nI’m an author who has moonlighted as a product leader for over a decade. During that time\, I’ve helped sell million-dollar SaaS products through community building\, podcasting\, and thought leadership blogs. I’m still learning from my author journey\, but I would love to share what I’ve learned. I am the host of the podcast Myths & Samsara and have published seven books so far in YA Fantasy and Kidlit.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/whats-your-brand/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Members Only,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/image002.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20270317T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20270317T210000
DTSTAMP:20260922T182107Z
CREATED:20260919T230320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T182107Z
UID:7198-1805310000-1805317200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Brick by Brick: How to Build a Story
DESCRIPTION:Most writing craft courses and workshops focus on the tools for being a writer and how to use them: dialog\, setting\, pacing\, plot\, openings\, exposition\, point-of-view. And so on. \nAnd on and on and on. \nTheir aim is to add another tool\, or maybe even a set of tools\, to your writer’s toolbox. \nThe problem with that approach is the vast gulf in knowledge between having your toolbox filled with tools and applying those tools to create a story. \nThose craft workshops are the equivalent of telling a rookie construction worker\, “Here’s how to use a hammer\, saw\, level\, screwdrivers\, band saw\, power drill\, etc. Got that? Great! Now go build a house.” \nIn this workshop\, Douglas Smith\, a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction\,” takes a different approach. \nIn this workshop\, Doug will show how to design that house so that you can build it. You’ll learn how to create a blueprint for your story idea to take you from inspiration to story structure\, a structure you can then build\, brick by brick. \nOr rather\, scene by scene. \nReserve your spot now. \nAbout Douglas Smith\nDouglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.” His work includes the multi-award-winning urban fantasy trilogy\, The Dream Rider Saga; the urban fantasy novel\, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections Chimerascope\, Impossibilia\, and Borderlanz; and the writer’s guides\, Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction and Brick by Brick: How to Build a Story. \nDoug has won Canada’s Aurora Award four times\, as well as the juried IAP Award. He’s been a finalist for the Astounding Award\, CBC’s Bookies Award\, Canada’s juried Sunburst Award\, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction\, and France’s juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane. \nWebsite: https://smithwriter.com
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/brick-by-brick-how-to-build-a-story/
LOCATION:Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Drive\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 2P3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Members Only,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/image-mem-only-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20270414T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20270414T210000
DTSTAMP:20260920T230444Z
CREATED:20260920T225308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260920T230444Z
UID:7232-1807729200-1807736400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Consignment and Book Selling Tips for Authors
DESCRIPTION:We start with most writers’ goal of getting their book onto Indigo bookshelves and discuss why this is a bad goal to have and why an author should pursue it\, regardless. I put things “in perspective” with a discussion about my sales numbers using different channels. The attendees will then be told how and when to arrange book signings at Indigo and smaller independent book stores. I will also discuss other book selling events and the authors responsibilities and risks when participating in book these selling events in general. \nSales techniques\, particularly asking the right questions\, will be discussed along with how to enjoy the process even if selling is the last thing\, you are comfortable doing. \nWe will talk about specific things to do and not do\, say and not say when doing a book signing. \nWe will talk about the emerging trend to sign the book after the buyer has gone through the cash lineup. \nI will give my stats for selling at Indigo and other events as well as reviewing Author Gary D McGugan’s customer contact to sales conversion statistics. \nWe will touch on the Library Lending Rights Program. \nThere will be a Q & A opportunity at the end of the presentation. \nReserve your spot now.  \nAbout Bruce A. Hanson \nBruce Hanson has held 9 Book Signing events at Indigo stores in 5 cities across Ontario and Manitoba. His combined sales of his three books\, per event\, have ranged from a low of 29 books to a high of 57 books with an average of 36. Bruce worked for IBM Canada in Sales and in Sales support. He has participated in several local markets\, library book sales and other bookish events in Ontario. \nBruce ’s mystery thriller\, Double Cross\, was one of three finalists in the 2024 Whistler Independent Book Awards Young Adult/Children’s category. His Individual short stories\, some of which are included in his collection Murder & Other Love Stories have individually received seven awards ranging from Honourable Mention to 1st Place. \nBruce is a member of the Writers Community of York Region\, the Muskoka Authors Association the Barrie Writers Club and Crime Writers of Canada. Bruce has provided seminars for IBM’s new hire training program and was a guest lecturer for the Queen’s University Science and Technology MBA Program.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/consignment-and-book-selling-tips-for-authors/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Members Only,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/image001.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20270520T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20270520T210000
DTSTAMP:20260922T182503Z
CREATED:20260920T222824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T182503Z
UID:7212-1810839600-1810846800@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Begin With the End in Mind: A Backward Design Approach to Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:This workshop explores how to build a strong story by starting with the ending and working backward. Participants will learn how themes\, character arcs\, and conflict work together to shape compelling fiction with clear direction and a satisfying climax. This session examines how to identify thematic statements\, define character goals and motivations\, and create supporting characters whose skills and personalities actively contribute to the plot. The workshop also explores the major types of conflict and how conflict drives suspense. \nParticipants will learn how to: \n\nIdentify and articulate the main theme of a story.\nDefine character goals\, motivations\, and internal conflicts that provide forward momentum.\nDesign climaxes that resolve both the central conflict and the character’s internal arc.\nBuild supporting characters whose skills\, flaws\, and perspectives actively shape the outcome of the story.\nUnderstand the major types of conflict (internal and external) and how they develop from opening scene to climax.\nReverse-engineer plot structure by mapping key turning points backward from the ending.\n\nParticipants will learn how to build flexible story timelines that map major events from beginning to climax. \nWriters will leave the session with practical strategies for organizing ideas\, developing purposeful characters\, and structuring stories so that theme\, conflict\, and character arcs remain tightly integrated from the first to final scene. \nReserve your spot today.  \nAbout Elise Abram\nElise Abram is an author\, editor\, and the founder of EMSA Publishing. Since 2015\, she has helped authors through the publishing process\, offering services such as editing\, interior formatting\, cover design\, and distribution. She has published over 100 books\, including 29 of her own\, and edited more than 300 manuscripts\, fiction and non-fiction\, in a variety of genres. She is also an award-winning YA science fiction author. A former archaeologist and retired English teacher with over 25 years of experience\, Elise holds an MEd in Curriculum Studies. She now channels her passion for teaching into supporting writers and working closely with authors on the craft of writing\, editing\, and publishing\, offering practical\, experience-based advice.with authors on the craft of writing\, editing\, and publishing\, offering practical\, experience-based advice.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/begin-with-the-end-in-mind-a-backward-design-approach-to-storytelling/
LOCATION:Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Drive\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 2P3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Members Only,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/image-mem-only-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
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