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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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CREATED:20260311T134400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T134400Z
UID:5960-1772323200-1777593599@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Whistler Independent Book Awards
DESCRIPTION:The 2026 WIBAs ARE NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS! \nSince 2016\, the Whistler Independent Book Awards have proudly recognized excellence in Canadian self-publishing. To mark the beginning of our second decade\, the WIBAs have some exciting new features to make the awards even more inclusive. \nWHAT’S NEW: \n\nNow open internationally\, to any self-published author writing in English\nNew Poetry category (in addition to Fiction\, Non-Fiction\, and Children’s)\nSignificantly reduced entry fee and discounted fee for additional entries\nPublished longlist in each category\, to give public recognition to a greater number of authors\n\nWHAT’S THE SAME: \n\nHigh standards: All submissions will continue to be evaluated on specified criteria tailored to each category\nIndependent jurors: The Whistler Writing Society and named Judges\, widely respected in their genres\nFestival integration: Finalists in each category are invited to attend the Whistler Writers Festival and are included in several festival events; the winners are announced at the festival’s headline event; opportunity to sell books.\n\nFor full competition details and terms\, and to submit your self-published book\, please visit our website: www.independentbookawards.ca \nEntries for the 2026 awards are open from March 1 to April 30\, 2026. \nGood luck\, everyone!
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/whistler-independent-book-awards/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Writing Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-093927.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260305T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260305T203000
DTSTAMP:20260504T055820
CREATED:20260204T145207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T145459Z
UID:5684-1772735400-1772742600@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: March 5\, 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-2/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Social-Workshop.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260310T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260310T200000
DTSTAMP:20260504T055820
CREATED:20260226T170630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T170630Z
UID:5807-1773167400-1773172800@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:What It Means To Show and Not Tell
DESCRIPTION:What is meant by “showing” versus “telling” and how can you tell the difference? Is it ever okay to “tell?” Is there such a thing as showing too much? Explore these important questions by looking at dialogue\, description\, pacing and transitions\, and learn how to invite your readers into the scenes you write.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/what-it-means-to-show-and-not-tell/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/show-not-tell-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260316T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260425T235959
DTSTAMP:20260504T055820
CREATED:20260311T002720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T002720Z
UID:5952-1773619200-1777161599@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Ekphrastic: Stouffville Writing Contest
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/ekphrastic-stouffville-writing-contest/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-10-202550.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Inklings Adult Writing Group":MAILTO:inklingswritingcontest@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260316T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260316T210000
DTSTAMP:20260504T055820
CREATED:20250908T160837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T204958Z
UID:4701-1773687600-1773694800@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:"What If" Factor: Draw Your Reader in by Increasing Tension & Raising the Stakes
DESCRIPTION:No matter what genre of fiction you write\, even creative non-fiction & memoir\, the goal is to keep your reader turning the page. How do we do that? By adding intrigue\, tension\, and raising the stakes for your main character. \nThis practical workshop will analyze a variety of written scenarios for participants to work on in large and small groups to increase tension and/or elevate the risk/raise the stakes of the moment/scene. Then\, writers will play with their own stalled scenes and share their ideas. \nParticipants are encouraged to bring excerpts of their own writing. \nProgram Overview \n\nWelcome & WCYR News\nBasic anatomy of a “page turner”\nSharing samples of published writing with examples of increasing tension\, elevating risk\, and raising the stakes\nWork as a large group on some sample\, bland scenes to help give them a kick\nWork on one of your own scenes with a partner to generate ideas\nShare your discoveries with the large group\n\nReserve your spot today.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/what-if-factor-draw-your-reader-in-by-increasing-tension-raising-the-stakes/
LOCATION:Taylor’s Funeral Home\, 524 Davis Drive\, Newmarket\, Ontario\, L3Y 2P3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Members Only,Workshops
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ORGANIZER;CN="WCYR":MAILTO:wcyr.cochair@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260323T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260531T235959
DTSTAMP:20260504T055820
CREATED:20260311T001756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T001756Z
UID:5947-1774224000-1780271999@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Timeless Tales VI: The Cradle\, The Altar\, and The Grave
DESCRIPTION:Timeless Tales is an annual all-ages writing contest presented by Arts Society King and the King Heritage & Cultural Centre. \nSubmissions are welcome from writers living in York\, Simcoe\, and Peel regions. There is no entry fee. \nFor complete details\, rules\, registration forms and contact information\, please go to https://artssocietyking.ca/events/timeless-tales-vi-the-cradle-the-altar-and-the-grave/
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/timeless-tales-vi-the-cradle-the-altar-and-the-grave/
LOCATION:Virtual Event\, Online
CATEGORIES:Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcyork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2025-09-16-171435.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Arts Society King":MAILTO:info@artssocietyking.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T203000
DTSTAMP:20260504T055820
CREATED:20251227T170140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251227T170140Z
UID:5409-1774465200-1774470600@wcyork.ca
SUMMARY:Inside the Character's Mind: Mastering First- and Third-Person Limited Point of View
DESCRIPTION:Writing in either first person or third person limited point of view allows authors to create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the character. Both points of view offer direct access to the narrator’s inner thoughts\, feelings\, and biases\, often resulting in a more intimate and subjective experience. Both perspectives require careful attention to consistency\, depth of character\, and sensory filtering to avoid slipping into an omniscient or distant tone. \nIn this workshop\, writers will explore the craft of writing in first-person and third-person limited points of view\, helping writers develop stronger character perspectives and emotional depth. Through a mix of discussion and practical writing exercises\, participants will learn how to maintain consistency within a chosen POV\, deepen character perspective\, develop narrative voice\, and craft scenes that draw readers closer to your character’s inner world. Whether you’re new to these perspectives or looking to refine your technique\, this session offers tools and strategies to sharpen your narrative voice and elevate your storytelling. \nPlease visit the RHPL website’s calendar to register.
URL:https://wcyork.ca/event/inside-the-characters-mind-mastering-first-and-third-person-limited-point-of-view/
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/2025/12/Inside-the-Characters-Mind-Mastering-First-and-Third-Person-Point-of-View-2-e1766854872237.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Richmond Hill Public Library":MAILTO:info@rhpl.ca
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