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X-WR-CALNAME:Writers' Community of York Region
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Writers' Community of York Region
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260119T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260221T235959
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260127T150759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T150759Z
UID:5625-1768780800-1771718399@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:7 Stories
DESCRIPTION:7 Stories is a writing competition inspired by art. Each year\, seven artworks are selected from the Gallery’s collection. Writers are invited to spend time with these pieces — to notice what stirs\, unsettles\, comforts\, surprises\, or lingers — and respond with an original story. Your story can be funny\, quiet\, haunting\, reflective\, hopeful\, or unexpected.
 There is no perfect response. Whatever the artwork evokes in you is the right answer. \nVisit the Art Gallery of Georgina’s 7 Stories webpage for more information\, submission guidelines\, and how to enter.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/7-stories/
LOCATION:Art Gallery of Georgina\, 149 High St.\, Sutton West\, Ontario\, L0E 1R0\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/7-Stories-image-e1769526381975.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260201T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260228T235959
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260119T143508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T155956Z
UID:5548-1769904000-1772323199@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Write Around the World: Online Writing Workshops for a Cause (February 2026)
DESCRIPTION:This February\, Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) invites writers everywhere to take part in Write Around the World\, a month of online\, donation-based writing workshops led by AWA-certified facilitators from around the globe. \nWrite Around the World welcomes writers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Workshops are grounded in the AWA Method\, which emphasizes respect\, safety\, craft\, and the belief that everyone who writes is a writer. \nProceeds from Write Around the World support AWA’s scholarship program and Power of Story initiatives\, which provide writing workshops to communities facing shared challenges—including caregivers\, bereaved family members\, and people living with chronic illness and invisible disability. \nWhether you’re new to writing or returning to the page\, Write Around the World offers a meaningful way to connect\, create\, and support powerful work through story. Sign up at amherstwriters.org
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/write-around-the-world-online-writing-workshops-for-a-cause-february-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WAW_IG.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Amherst Writers & Artists":MAILTO:info@amherstwriters.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260112T132347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T142123Z
UID:5490-1770145200-1770152400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Hermits & Flash Fiction/Nonfiction
DESCRIPTION:Join Carol Teal as she leads generative workshops for the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) event\, “Write Around the World”\, in February. Write with a small group on Zoom to timed prompts\, share our writing\, and receive supportive\, positive feedback about what is strong and working in this fresh-off-the-pen writing. AWA is a wonderful way to generate new ideas and write in a supportive community. These pay-what-you-can events from $14- $40 raise funds to support AWA scholarships for writers. Carol will lead sessions on “Hermits & Flash Fiction/Nonfiction” Feb 3\, 7:00 – 9:00 pm EST. \nPlease visit https://amherstwriters.org/write-around-the-world/#!event/register/2026/2/3/hermits-flash-with-carol-teal to register.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/5490/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-Workshop-e1768573268856.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Amherst Writers & Artists":MAILTO:info@amherstwriters.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260205T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260205T210000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260112T133039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T142213Z
UID:5498-1770318000-1770325200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Muse & Memoir
DESCRIPTION:Join Carol Teal to write from your memories and life. Humans are meaning making creatures. Look for themes in your life while we make meaning from experience. As we write to prompts geared to support creative reflection\, we may discover what we didn’t know we knew! This workshop is geared to source the threads to weave a longer memoir. You are the only one who can tell your story. \nCarol loves creative expression and has facilitated AWA groups since 2017. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University and is a certified book coach in memoir and fiction through Author Accelerator. Her work has been published by 101 words\, SBLAAM (Smoky Blue Literary & Arts Mag) and others. She enjoys teaching writing courses at a variety of venues\, including the Haliburton School for the Arts\, Haliburton\, ON\,  and The Arizona Senior Academy\, Tucson\, AZ. \nWhen she’s not reading\, writing\, or making music\, she enjoys traveling\, making pottery\, and hiking with David. Find more about Carol at www.inklinks.ca \nVisit https://amherstwriters.org/write-around-the-world/#!event/register/2026/2/5/muse-memoir-with-carol-teal to register.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/muse-memoir/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-Workshop-e1768573268856.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Amherst Writers & Artists":MAILTO:info@amherstwriters.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260208T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260208T130000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20251209T132508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T132534Z
UID:5304-1770552000-1770555600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Fireside Chat with a Literary Agent
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an insider’s look at the publishing world. \nWCYR Chair Tali Shammas sits down with literary agent Lauren Khan of FinePrint Literary Management for a candid fireside conversation and audience Q&A. Learn what agents look for\, how to strengthen your submission package\, and what today’s industry trends mean for emerging authors. \nWhether you’re polishing a manuscript or preparing to query\, this session delivers practical guidance straight from the source. Don’t miss it. \nTickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/fireside-chat-with-a-literary-agent/
CATEGORIES:Fireside Chat,Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Fireside-website-banner-e1765286146521.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260209T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260209T210000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260112T155118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T142235Z
UID:5507-1770663600-1770670800@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Focus on Fiction - Write That Story
DESCRIPTION:Writing to prompts geared toward enlivening your imagination\, we will write fictional characters and scenes. You will practice using stories from your life and from your imagination to create engaging story lines and scenes for possible later expansion. Supportive feedback will be given by the group and facilitator about what is strong and working in your writing. Get your story on the page! \nMonday\, Feb. 9\, 2026     7:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST/ 5:00-7:00 AZ/ 4:00-6:00 PST\nRegister here: https://amherstwriters.org/write-around-the-world/#!event/register/2026/2/9/focus-on-fiction-with-carol-teal
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/focus-on-fiction-write-that-story/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-Workshop-e1768573268856.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Amherst Writers & Artists":MAILTO:info@amherstwriters.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T200000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20251227T164442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T000405Z
UID:5402-1770748200-1770753600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Deep Dive into Deep Point of View
DESCRIPTION:Like actors\, authors need to get into character. Learn the tricks that deepen your point-of-view narrator so that readers feel like they are right in the action and not watching from the sidelines. In this workshop\, we’ll discuss the different types of POV and the pitfalls of each. Then we’ll dive into exploring how you can deepen your reader’s experience through description\, showing instead of telling\, dialogue and more. \nPlease register at https://markham.bibliocommons.com/events/6917eb410d45944c9e672c50
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/deep-dive-into-deep-point-of-view/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DEEP-DIVE-INTO-POINT-OF-VIEW-1-e1766853850862.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260212T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260212T203000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260201T142925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T145140Z
UID:5651-1770921000-1770928200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Adoption Galaxy Session
DESCRIPTION:Hello writers! (If you write\, you are a writer) \nHappy New Year. We are excited to invite you to join us for some writing sessions on \nZoom over the winter. We use the Amherst Writers’ and Artists’ (A.W.A.) method where we respond to timed prompts. \nThe AWA method is built on five essential affirmations: \n\nA writer is someone who writes.\nEveryone has a strong\, unique voice.\nEveryone is born with creative genius.\nWriting as an art form belongs to all people\, regardless of economic class or educational level.\nThe teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem.\n\nAdoption Galaxy Sessions: February 12\, 6:30PM to 8:30PM (EST)    \nThese writing and feedback sessions will be of interest to those who belong to the adoption galaxy in whatever manner — adopted persons\, first (birth) family members\, adoptive parents\, legal or informal custodians\, and more. No previous writing experience is required. These sessions are intended to assist participants to explore feelings\, memories and experiences\, many of which are shared by members of the ‘galaxy’. We will write short pieces from our unique perspectives using prompts that resonate with us. We will have the opportunity to share some of our writing with the group for feedback. \nThis is a safe space where confidentiality is upheld. Please note that this is not a counselling session or support group\, although writers may find support in sharing their experiences. \nSession length: 2 hours with one short break. \n Cost: $20 Canadian for one session. \n$15 for each additional session in the winter series. \n To register and pay for the session(s) via e-transfer: \nemail allisonhannah073@gmail.com \nCredit cards are not accepted at this time. If the price is a barrier to your participation\, please contact the organizers to discuss. \nNote that there is a maximum of 9 participants per session due to the interactive nature of the session. First come\, first served. We will start a waiting list if needed. \nFor Information about Amherst Writers and Artists: www.amherstwriters.org
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/adoption-galaxy-session/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Social-Workshop.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260219T120000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260206T150335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T134050Z
UID:5712-1771495200-1771502400@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Writing on the Topic of Death
DESCRIPTION:We will write a few short pieces from our unique perspectives using prompts that resonate with us. We will reflect on our feelings\, memories and experiences. Please note that these are not counselling or support group sessions\, although you may find support in sharing with the group. These are intended to be on-camera sessions so that that we can engage while sharing our stories.  All participants will make a commitment to keeping confidential anything we hear during the session in order to create a safe space. We will treat each piece of writing as fiction. We encourage you to share some of your writing with the group\, but you always have the option of passing.  We will hear our various perspectives with compassion and without fear of judgment. \nLois Hayes \nLois has been a writing group member and facilitator using the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) method for almost twenty years.  She is passionate about facilitating workshops using the AWA method for individuals as well as groups\, including seniors\, adoption-focused\, and women’s retreats.  As a hospice volunteer\, she facilitates four Death Cafes a year and provides workshops for hospice clients\, volunteers and staff\, focusing on grief and bereavement\, caregivers\, and legacy writing.  Lois was adopted at ten days old and reunited with her birth family as an adult.  She has been involved with her local Parent Finders Search & Support Group for the past 30 years. \nAllison Hannah \nAllison Hannah is a certified Amherst Writers and Artists (A.W.A.) Facilitator who retired in 2024 from a career in the world of foster care and adoption. Writing to prompts with others helps her to mine for stories. She recently published a memoir\, With and Without You: Finding my Mom on the Page. She sees that time spent writing is never wasted and enjoys introducing others to all that can be derived from finding their voices using the A.W.A. writing method. She is a member of the Writers’ Community of York Region. \nSession length: 2 hours with one short break. \n Cost: $20 Canadian for one session. $15 for each additional session in the winter series. \n To register and pay for the session(s) via e-transfer: email allisonhannah073@gmail.com \nCredit cards are not accepted at this time. If the price is a barrier to your participation\, please contact the organizers to discuss. \nNote that there is a maximum of 9 participants per session due to the interactive nature of the session. First come\, first served. We will start a waiting list if needed. \nFor Information about Amherst Writers and Artists: www.amherstwriters.org
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/writing-on-the-topic-of-death/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event,Workshops
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260221T120000
DTSTAMP:20260508T232559
CREATED:20260127T144516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T144516Z
UID:5621-1771668000-1771675200@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Indigo Consignment Program Information Session
DESCRIPTION:This presentation on consignment sales at Indigo will be of interest to anyone who would like to sell their published books through Indigo or host an author table at a live sales event in an Indigo store. \nIf you would like further details on the Microsoft Teams presentation\, please let Roddy know at roderick.turner@alumni.utoronto.ca.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/indigo-consignment-program-information-session/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Indigo-Consignment-Presentation-v2-e1769524972134.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
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