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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Writers' Community of York Region
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DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250614T130000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250606T135935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250607T132940Z
UID:4042-1749888000-1749906000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:The Bookshelf
DESCRIPTION:The Writers’ Community of York Region is proud to present local\, Canadian authors at The Bookshelf. Our usual location is the Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket near the Lions Hall community centre (next to the Farmer’s Market) where local authors\, publishers\, and reading-related craftpersons from all over York region and the GTA will feature their own works.\nLearn the stories behind the books. Rub elbows with local talent. Have a cup of coffee and converse with authors in a multitude of genres.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/the-bookshelf/
LOCATION:Newmarket Farmers’ Market\, 200 Doug Duncan Drive\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 3Y9\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BookVendors
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Website-Bookshelf-e1749218349884.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250611T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250611T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250601T142003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T133802Z
UID:3990-1749668400-1749672000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Youth Write Now Open Mic
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Wednesday\, June 11 from 7-8 p.m. for the Youth Write Now’s Open Mic Night\, located in the Newmarket Public Library’s Multipurpose Room. Please come\, join the audience\, and support the next generation of local authors.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/youth-write-now-open-mic/
LOCATION:Newmarket Public Library\, 438 Park Ave\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 1W1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Open Mic
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Youth-Write-Now-Open-Mic-v2-e1748957872175.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250607T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250607T160000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250510T160343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T133943Z
UID:3767-1749303000-1749312000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:AGM & Nina Munteanu
DESCRIPTION:As the event year draws to a close\, please join us on Saturday\, June 7\, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the Aurora Public Library – Lebovic Room\, for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to discuss our past year as well as look ahead to the next. The AGM is free for members. \nFollowing the AGM\, we will host our final public event for the year. We are happy to announce that Nina Munteanu\, who was the guest speaker at this year’s Open House\, will be with us again to close off our year. This time\, we will discuss how to incorporate setting and place in writing\, with a focus on eco-fiction examples. Participants will have an opportunity to practice their writing skills during the session\, so please come prepared with a pen and notebook. Her guidebook\, The Ecology of Story: World as Character\, as well as some other publications\, will be available for purchase. \nThe Annual General Meeting will take place at 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. \nNina Munteanu’s presentation will take place at 2:30 – 3:50 p.m.\nPlease use the links below to confirm your registration. \n\nAGM and Speaker Event (for members) – $20.00\nAGM and Speaker Event (for non-members) – $25.00\nNina Munteanu Speaker Event Only (for members) – $20.00\nNina Munteanu Speaker Event Only (for non-members) – $25.00\nAGM Only (free)\n\nAbout Nina Muneanu\nNina Munteanu is a Canadian ecologist\, novelist and award-winning short story author of eco-fiction\, science fiction and fantasy. Nina teaches writing at U of T and writes for various magazines\, including essays on science and futurism. Her short work has appeared in Neo-Opsis Science Fiction Magazine\, Chiaroscuro\, subTerrain\, Apex Magazine\, Metastellar\, and several anthologies. She currently has 10 novels published and several non-fiction books on writing and science. Her book Water Is… (Pixl Press)—a scientific study and personal journey as a limnologist\, mother\, and teacher—was Margaret Atwood’s pick in 2016 in the New York Times‘ The Year in Reading. Nina’s most recent novel\, A Diary in the Age of Water released in 2020 by Inanna Publications\, is about four generations of women and their relationship to water in a rapidly changing world. Her novel Gaia’s Revolution is currently in production with Dragon Moon Press.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/agm-guest-speaker/
LOCATION:Aurora Public Library\, 15145 Yonge St\, Aurora\, Ontario\, L4G 1M1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:AGM,Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Website-3-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250601T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250630T235959
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250513T135422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T135422Z
UID:3796-1748736000-1751327999@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:June's Bookclub Meeting
DESCRIPTION:For June’s bookclub meeting\, we will be reading Sunshine Girls by Sheila Horne. \nSunshine Girls explores the complexities of friendship\, family dynamics and personal growth against the backdrop of the 1970s. The story revolves around four young women whose journey is marked by the transformative social and political upheavals of the time\, as well as their own struggles with identity\, independence and love. Ella realizes everything she trusted as a child is a lie. Raynie believes marriage is a woman’s easy way out. Jessie would rather face life stoned while Meg desperately wants a husband and family. But their values and friendship are soon tested when an accident sparks a series of life-altering events. \nHere is the sign-up form for June’s Bookclub meeting.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/junes-bookclub-meeting/
CATEGORIES:Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Book-Club-Website.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250522T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250522T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241214T152925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241215T141850Z
UID:2172-1747940400-1747947600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Writing the Narrative Podcast
DESCRIPTION:Description:\nNarrative podcasts are growing in popularity\, and they are an excellent way to showcase your stories. In this workshop\, you will learn how to tell a story using sound and dialogue; you will learn to write for the ear. We will listen to successful narrative podcasts\, both comedy and drama\, to understand how they differ from radio plays of the past. Part of the workshop will consist of a lesson about formatting a podcast script. There are two recognised formats\, and we will look at examples of both. During the workshop\, participants will be able to write a short scene\, focusing on the audio only. They will learn how to connect\nthrough sound. \nThe workshop will begin with an overview of the industry today. We will listen to different clips from popular narrative podcasts. We will then look at the different types of script formats writers use when writing\npodcasts. There will be a few writing exercises for participants to learn how to write for the ear. \nAbout Kimberley Ann Sparks\nKimberley Ann Sparks is an award-winning writer who works in film\, television\, video games\, and podcasts. She’s written episodes of preschool series which have been broadcast on Treehouse\, TVO\, and BBC Kids. She’s also written scripts and dialogue for AAA video games\, including Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.  Most recently\, she and her co-writer made the semi-finals of the Roadmap Writers Podcasting Competition. Kim has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. She is also a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Prime Time Television Program and UCLA’s Professional Screenwriting Program. She teaches writing courses at Toronto Metropolitan University. \nReserve your spot for this members only workshop. \nDate: Thursday\, 22 May 2025 \nTime: 7 – 9 p.m. \nLocation: Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Dr\, Newmarket\, ON L3Y 2P3
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/writing-the-narrative-podcast/
LOCATION:Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Drive\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 2P3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Narrative-Podcast-e1734190155450.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250507T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250507T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250307T165801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T165944Z
UID:3025-1746644400-1746648000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Book Club Meeting #3 - "Interstitial" by Roderick D. Turner
DESCRIPTION:The WCYR Book Club is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a member to jump in\, but you will need to grab a copy of the book we’re reading. \nThis club is all about bringing together authors and writers—it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the written word and dive deeper into the stories our members create. You’ll have about 6-8 weeks to read the novel\, and then we’ll meet up virtually to chat about it. It’s a great chance to ask the author questions and hear all about their publishing journey. \nThe best part? There are no extra fees to be a part of this experience other than buying the book. We can’t wait to read with you! \nBook: Interstitial\nAuthor: Roderick D. Turner\nGenre: Sci-fi\nCost: Ebook: $2.00 Paperback: $11.00\nStore: Amazon Canada \nClick here to register. \nSynopsis:\nA new dark age lurks in the shadows. One young man must face the fate that pursues us and guide our planet through the darkness. Our doom awaits. Are we being watched? The world is more complex than we know. What we see\, touch\, and experience\, just a small part of the reality we inhabit. For most of us\, the infinite layers of existence will manifest rarely\, if at all. A sense of trepidation\, a feeling of being observed\, an unsettling vision of something that is not there. But for some\, a select few\, that larger view of the universe is very real. And dangerous. Sam Carreira is about to discover what it means to exist beyond the physical world. To be present but absent at the same time. To see what most never see. Will he have the strength to battle overwhelming odds and achieve the impossible before it is too late?
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/book-club-meeting-3-interstitial-by-roderick-d-turner/
CATEGORIES:Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Website-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250426T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241212T130926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T131038Z
UID:2089-1745658000-1745686800@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:York Writers' Conference
DESCRIPTION:Are you seeking insight into the world of publishing\, from crafting compelling pitches to understanding market trends? Hoping to network with agents\, publishers\, and authors themselves? Join us to learn how to land an agent\, what publishers seek in manuscripts\, how to navigate the ever-evolving literary landscape\, and more. \nThis full-day in-person event will include sessions led by industry experts\, workshops\, a panel\, and opportunities for attendees to connect with and seek feedback from professionals in the industry. A light breakfast and lunch are included in the ticket price. \nSee the York Writers’ Conference website link (below) to read more or to purchase tickets.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/york-writers-conference/
LOCATION:Optimist Youth Club\, 55 Forhan Ave.\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L9Y 1R4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BookVendors,Conference,Speakers,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/YWC-Graphic-copy-e1734187143396.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250422T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250422T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250325T142620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142620Z
UID:3298-1745344800-1745352000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:National Poetry Month
DESCRIPTION:Come out to the Richvale Library on 22 April 2025 to celebrate National Poetry Month. Four York Region poets will be reading on the theme of “the canopy of family.”
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/national-poetry-month/
LOCATION:Richvale Library\, 40 Pearson Avenue\, Richmond Hill\, Ontario\, L4C 6T7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:National Poetry Month
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Richvale-Poetry.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250412T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250412T150000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250409T072342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T072412Z
UID:3500-1744455600-1744470000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Book Signing with Bruce A Hanson
DESCRIPTION:Award-winning\, local author Bruce A Hanson will be at Chapters Newmarket on Saturday April 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a book signing event. Drop by\, chat and take a closer look at his books: Double Cross (finalist in the 2024 Whistler Independent Book Awards)\, Murder & Other Love Stories (includes 5 award-winning stories) and Elephants In My Stew. Read Canadian.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/book-signing/
LOCATION:Chapters Newmarket\, 17440 Yonge Street\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 6Y9\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-09-032237.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250406T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250406T150000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250124T173840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T152429Z
UID:2644-1743944400-1743951600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Busting Editing Myths
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wondered what an editor does\, or why you might need your book edited before submitting to an agent or publisher? What about self-publishing? Anyone can do it\, so why should you pay someone to change the book you wanted to write? \nMJ Moores and Elise Abram take a look at six major editing myths to help you navigate industry and reader expectations. They will deconstruct common revision practices\, including the differences between developmental and stylistic editing\, proofreading\, critiquing\, and beta reading\, and provide excellent resources to help you on your journey. \n6 MYTHS\nMyth #1: I like the way I write. All I need is for someone to do a quick proofread when I am done\, just to find typos. \n \nMyth #2: I have my beta readers and their feedback\, so I’m good to go. \n \nMyth #3:  I only need one edit. I don’t have to hire an editor before I have representation or a publishing deal. \n \nMyth #4: My editor knows everything\, so I don’t need to. \n \nMyth #5: I don’t need to self-edit. The publisher will organize everything for me. \n \nMyth #6: My editor will make my manuscript publication ready. I am ready to publish it once it is returned from the editor.  \nBONUS \nThe Biggest Myth of All: Editing is too expensive. I can’t afford it.\n\n  \n\nReserve your spot for this workshop.\n\nMembers\nNon-Members\n\nYour Editors in Chief\nElise taught high school English (including Writer’s Craft) for 25 years. She is the owner/operator of EMSA Publishing\, providing services for independent and self-published authors\, specializing in editing\, interior and cover formatting\, and design. She is also an in-house editor for Conscious Dreams Publishing\, Charles Rivers Editors\, Dibbly/The Urban Writers\, and Castle Mount Media.  \nMJ taught high school English for 10 years (focusing on playwriting and running a writer’s group) before freelance editing for another decade\, and working as an in-house editor for Imajin Books\, and DAOwen Publications. After that\, she took on the role of acquisitions editor for Love Knot Books for 3 years\, which led to dividing her time between writing and coaching indie authors on the publishing journey.  \nBoth women have authored more than two dozen books each\, and are eager to share their combined knowledge.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/busting-editing-myths/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Event-2-copy-e1737739650901.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250402T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250402T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250316T145044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250316T145044Z
UID:3173-1743618600-1743624000@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Writing and Publishing Your Dream with Mit Gopaul
DESCRIPTION:Calling all York Region writers! Join us for monthly Writing Workshops presented by local writers from WCYR (Writers’ Community of York Region). \nApril’s workshop will be presented bby Mit Gopaul\, entitled “Writing and Publishing Your Dream – It’s Easier Than You Think.” \nFor more information or to sign up\, please visit RHPL Writer’s Workshops. \n 
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/writing-and-publishing-your-dream-with-mit-gopaul/
LOCATION:Richmond Hill Public Library\, 1 Atkinson Street\, Richmond Hill\, Ontario\, L4C 0H5\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Website-Library.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250401T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250630T233000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250521T143043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T123237Z
UID:3869-1743465600-1751326200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Inkwell Literary Festival Short Story Contest
DESCRIPTION:The Inkwell Literary Festival Short Story Contest is FREE and open to all aspiring writers aged 14+ in Ontario. \nYou can download a list of contest rules\, awards\, and specifics here. \nThe contest overview is explained in this YouTube video. \n 
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/inkwell-literary-festival-short-story-contest/
CATEGORIES:Writing Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/inkwell-contest-e1747837814667.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250326T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250525T170000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250326T124351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T124351Z
UID:3311-1742976000-1748192400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Writing Memoirs at Fleming College with Carol Teal
DESCRIPTION:We all have stories to tell about interesting slices of our lives. Join me at Haliburton School for the Arts for a week of Memoir Writing. May 26-30 in beautiful Haliburton\, Ontario to write the stories only you can tell! Whether you’ve already got a memoir in progress or only dreaming of one\, this course will help you get it on the page! \nTaught by WCYR member Carol Teal\, Accredited Memoir Book Coach by Author Accelerator & AWA Affliate. MFA Creative Writing. \nRegistration is now open! \n 
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/writing-memoirs-at-fleming-college-with-carol-teal/
LOCATION:Fleming College Haliburton School of Art and Design\, 297 College Drive\, Haliburton\, Ontario\, K0M 1S0\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Newsletter-Seminar-e1742993020807.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250324T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250531T233000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250409T074119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T081446Z
UID:3507-1742803200-1748734200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Timeless Tales V: The Letters Writing Contest
DESCRIPTION:Arts Society King (with King Heritage & Culture) is presenting our annual all-ages writing contest\, this year Timeless Tales V – The Letters. \nFive excerpts taken from diaries and letters in the King Museum archives are prompts sure to spark imaginative short stories. \nResidents of York\, Simcoe\, Peel and Dufferin are all eligible. Free to enter. $100 for the best stories in five age categories. The contest is open for entries and closes May 31. Rules and info are at https://artssocietyking.ca/events/timeless-tales-v-the-letters-writing-contest/
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/timeless-tales-v-the-letters-writing-contest/
LOCATION:Arts Society King\, 2920 King Road\, King City\, Ontario\, L7B 1L6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Writing Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Untitled-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Arts Society King":MAILTO:info@artssocietyking.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250323T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250323T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250311T110852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T145227Z
UID:3090-1742720400-1742738400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:The Link Spring Market
DESCRIPTION:Join our authors at The Link Spring Market. \nThe event will take place at Georgina’s unique Link Market on Sunday\, 23 March 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. \nCome out to support local authors and purchase your next great read!
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/the-link-spring-market/
LOCATION:The Link Marketplace\, 20849 Dalton Rd\, Sutton West\, Ontario\, L0E 1R0\, Canada
CATEGORIES:BookVendors
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Social-e1741691360450.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250320T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250320T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241214T152158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241214T152525Z
UID:2168-1742497200-1742504400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:AI for Authors: From Inspiration to Beyond the Final Edit
DESCRIPTION:Description\nA lot has changed in the AI space since generative AI tools such as MidJourney\, Dalle\, and ChatGPT went mainstream in 2022. The Writers’ Guild of America strike\, anti-AI policies at periodicals\, and voice actors suing TikTok represent the big societal reactions to these tools. We will touch briefly on legal issues and the outcomes of court challenges still in progress at the time of this writing. Despite the controversies and unresolved copyright issues\, generative AI tools offer an advantage to savvy authors. This workshop will help writers use AI tools to write better\, more creatively\, and with personal artistic flair. We will touch on AI tools for marketing\, publishing\, editing\, brainstorming\, researching\, and more. Even if every word of your next manuscript is handwritten on paper\, there will be takeaways you can use. This workshop cuts through the hype with information and practical instruction. Use it as guide to evaluate how much and how little AI assistance is appropriate to your writing practice. \nWe will begin with a state-of-the-art introduction to AI tools available to writers right now\, work through discussions and hands-on demonstrations\, and finish with questions and answers. We will explore both free and paid applications. Generative AI tools will include the current versions of: Midjourney\, Sudowrite\, ChatGPT (paid version versus free version)\, specialized chatbots\, plus the most prominent new applications. Even more important than tools will be demonstrations and discussions about which tasks not to automate\, and how to ensure your writing remains true to your voice and vision. There will be no judgement and plenty of open discussion depending on the needs and interests of workshop participants. Depending on the interests of the participants\, we will discuss legal issues related to copyright and the ethics of AI use. The workshop will emphasize hands-on instruction with the best AI tools. Demos will include using AI for feedback on a chapter\, chapter resumes\, research\, brainstorming\, outlining\, eliminating cliches\, exploring new genres\, and generating texts in precise styles (legal letter\, 19th century love letter\, instruction manual\, fictional transcripts written “in role” by character personas). The workshop will also focus on AI tools for editing\, an area undergoing exponential improvements. \nReserve your spot for this members only workshop. \nDate: Thursday\, 20 March 2025 \nTime: 7 – 9 p.m. \nLocation: Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Dr\, Newmarket\, ON L3Y 2P3
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/ai-for-authors-from-inspiration-to-beyond-the-final-edit/
LOCATION:Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Drive\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 2P3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AI-e1734189707148.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241217T152522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T233431Z
UID:2257-1739991600-1739995200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Book Club Meeting #2 - "Boss" by Deborah Armstrong
DESCRIPTION:The WCYR Book Club is open to anyone. You do not need to be a member to participate\, but you do need to purchase a copy of the book. This club is a coming together of authors and writers. It is a celebration of the written word\, and an opportunity for us to learn more about the writings of our fellow members. \nYou will be given 6-8 weeks to read the novel. At the end of the period\, we will come together virtually\, to discuss the story. You will have an opportunity to ask the author questions and the author will share insight with us about their publishing journey. \nThere are no additional fees to participate\, other than purchasing a copy of the book. The cost of the book may vary\, depending on the format chosen. \nBook: Boss\nAuthor: Deborah Armstrong\nGenre: Romance\nPages: 194\nCost: Ebook: $7.99. Paperback: $21.73\nStore: Amazon Canada \nClick here to register. \nSynopsis:\nBoss\, Book One in the Game Changer series\, tells the story of Dr. Jules Montgomery and Dane Andrews\, a retired naval sniper\, who found themselves in an unexpected situation that led to a night of passion. \nFive years later\, their fling unexpectedly comes full circle when Dane’s housekeeper\, Val\, reunites with her estranged niece and grandniece. Needing to bring the child back to her employer’s ranch while her niece handles a medical emergency\, Val sets the stage for a complex and emotional reunion\, allowing the characters to reconcile their past and navigate the challenges of newfound family ties. \nJules lost her parents to a senseless shooting. Dane is a decorated hero known for his shooting abilities. He’s killed many and would do it again to save innocent lives. Jules struggles to reconcile the man of her dreams with the man of her nightmares. \nDane has a brain injury due to an accident. He needs his service dog\, Lucky\, to alert him of oncoming seizures. Dane and Lucky are a charming duo throughout the story. To add to the enjoyment of this book\, Becca\, a precocious four-almost-five-year-old redhead and Bates\, Dane’s strong and silent wingman are also featured.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/book-club-meeting-2-boss-by-deborah-armstrong/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Book Club,Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/book-club-january-1-e1734449083235.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250214T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250430T235959
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250118T144147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250118T144642Z
UID:2569-1739491200-1746057599@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Seniors 55+ Literary Competition
DESCRIPTION:DISTRICT ‘E’ – 7th ANNUAL\nSENIORS 55+ LITERARY COMPETITION \n\nALL ONTARIO RESIDENTS WELCOME TO ENTER \n\n\n\nSubmit your original\, unpublished entry for – POEMS\, ESSAYS\, MEMOIRS\, SHORT STORIES. Note that all work must be written by the entrant\, who must be 55+ years of age.\n\n\nDownload the full details including copies of the judging forms (so you will know how each submission will be evaluated) and the application form.\n\nELECTRONIC ENTRIES ONLY OR QUESTIONS TO: districtEseniorsliterary@gmail.com \nCOMPETITION OPENS – FEBRUARY 14\, 2025 and CLOSES – midnight WEDNESDAY\, APRIL 30\, 2025 \nAwards Luncheon being hosted by Branch 171 Alliston\, 111 Dufferin Street South\, Alliston\, Sunday\, June 22\, 2025 – 1:00 pm \nFor more info on SENIORS’ LIT COMPETITION\, Contact Seniors’ Chair Bruno Scaturchio at 416-347-0621 or Dist E Sec/Srs Lit Co-Chair Betty-Jean Murray – 705-528-9292
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/seniors-55-literary-competition/
LOCATION:Competition
CATEGORIES:Writing Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image004-e1737210945871.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Royal Canadian Legion District 'E'":MAILTO:districtEseniorsliterary@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250119T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250310T235959
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241214T150916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T110223Z
UID:2158-1737244800-1741651199@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:7 Stories: A Writing Competition
DESCRIPTION:The 2025 version of the hugely popular 7 Stories writing competition! \nThis exhibition will feature 7 selected pieces of artwork from the GCAC Permanent Collection.\nWriting contestants are to select one of the seven images to base their written submission. \nCash prizes will be awarded to the winners of each of the 7 art pieces! \nVisit the venue website to see the artwork you’ll be writing about.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/7-stories-a-writing-competition/
CATEGORIES:Writing Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7-stories-poster-v3-e1734188924549.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250118T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250118T130000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241218T141010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241218T141107Z
UID:2266-1737198000-1737205200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Artist-Poet Gathering
DESCRIPTION:This is a  quarterly meetup between artists and poets in the Aurora Cultural Centre’s galleries in Aurora Town Square. Participants are invited to create spontaneous written and visual responses to the artworks on display within our current exhibitions. \nEach gathering begins with 1.5 hours of viewing\, social\, and creation time\, followed by a 30-minute sharing session with the option to present any work made. All writing/art materials are responsible of the participants. Please note that only dry media is permitted in this program. \nThe meeting will take place in the Homerooom Galleries (Level 1). \nThis is an opportunity for our writers (poets\, flash fiction writers) to meet with artists (some of whom have work currently on exbibit at the gallery)\, view the current gallery exhibits\, and create new work inspired by both the exhibits and the shared interactions between these distinct members of the creative world. Please sign up to participate through the Aurora Cultural Centre website or use the link below. \nCome on out and get inspired!
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/artist-poet-gathering/
LOCATION:Aurora Town Square\, 50 Victoria Street\, Aurora\, Ontario\, L4G 1R3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Networking,Write-in
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Artist-Poet-Gathering-January-18-e1734530974981.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Aurora Cultural Centre":MAILTO:Info@auroraculturalcentre.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250116T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250116T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20250114T115621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250114T234932Z
UID:2493-1737054000-1737061200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Legal Issues All Writers Must Consider
DESCRIPTION:Join us with speaker Natalie Shammas for an informative and engaging talk on the legal challenges writers face in their creative and professional journeys. This session will cover essential topics such as copyright basics\, contracts\, intellectual property\, and defamation laws. Learn how to protect your work\, navigate contracts\, and avoid common legal pitfalls that can impact your career. \nWhether you’re an aspiring writer or an established author\, this talk will provide valuable insights to safeguard your rights and set yourself up for success in the literary world. There will also be a Q&A session\, so come prepared with your questions! \nWho Should Attend: \nThis event is perfect for writers of all genres and experience levels who want to understand the legal side of their craft. \nReserve your spot for this members only workshop. \n 
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/legal-issues-all-writers-must-consider/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/legal-event.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241220T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241220T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T053554
CREATED:20241214T144854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241214T144854Z
UID:2143-1734721200-1734728400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:WCYR Open Mic Night
DESCRIPTION:Come out and enjoy a full and varied lineup of music and reading on Friday\, December 20\, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. \nJoin us at The Sticks Craft Beer Bar\, 13 Main Street South in Newmarket. \nPlease note that while the reader list for this event is full\, we welcome the presence of all comers in the audience.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/wcyr-open-mic-night/
LOCATION:The Sticks Craft Beer Bar\, 13 Main Street South\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 3Y1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Networking,Readings,SocialEvent
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Open-Mic-Dec-20-2024-e1734187704515.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR