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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T174500
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DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T212138Z
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SUMMARY:Writing the Personal Essay
DESCRIPTION:Eight Thursdays\, Oct 9-Dec 4\, 5:45-7:45pm (No session on October 30)        Open to allLimited to 12 participantsHybrid Workshop* \n\n\n\nHave you ever wanted to see your words on the pages of your favourite newspaper\, magazine\, or website? The personal essay is a subgenre of creative nonfiction that focuses on unique stories with universal appeal told from a first-person perspective. In this 8-week workshop\, you’ll learn everything from how to generate ideas to how to structure your first and second drafts to how to pitch your completed piece. \n\n\n\nThe workshop will consist of teacher-led instruction\, at-home readings\, generative in-class writing exercises\, and guided peer feedback. You will also be expected to work on your essay at home\, between classes. By the end of this session\, you will have one completed personal essay. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Westmount\, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default\, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot\, contact Riley at riley@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot\, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you. \n\n\n\nJulie Matlin is a writer with several areas of concentration\, including screenwriting\, personal essays\, novels\, and reported articles. Previously\, Julie worked at the National Film Board of Canada as a writer and social media strategist. Prior to that\, she spent 15 years as a producer’s assistant and production coordinator in feature film.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/writing-the-personal-essay-2/2025-11-27/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251117T182307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T182312Z
UID:10004658-1764266400-1764266400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Queering Literature in 2025
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 27\, 2025\, 6:00 pm ET\n\n\n\nJoin us in the Village for a roundtable discussion with three local\, literary authors: H. Nigel Thomas\, Su J Sokol\, and Talhí Briones\, as well as multidisciplinary artist Nour Symon—all of whom have published works in 2025. In conversation with local writer Brooke Lee\, the panel will discuss their latest works\, queer time and space in the literary arts community\, and what a hopeful future can look like during socially turbulent times.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/queering-literature-in-2025/
LOCATION:L’Euguélionne Bookstore\, 1426 Rue Beaudry\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2L 3E5\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Panel
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Queering-Literature-in-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T150551Z
UID:10004529-1764273600-1764280800@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Building a Better Short Story Collection
DESCRIPTION:Eight Thursdays\, Oct 9-Nov 27\, 8-10pmOpen to allLimited to 12 participantsOnline Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis workshop takes as its premise that any writer can throw together a bunch of good or even great stories to publish as a collection\, but questions whether great stories alone make a great manuscript\, a great book.  \n\n\n\nIn looking at what binds a story collection\, we’ll consider: \n\n\n\n\na few writers (like Alice Munro\, Raymond Carver\, Edward P. Jones\, Amy Sands Brodoff\, Zalika Reid-Binta\, and Kaie Kellough)\n\n\n\ncritiques/reviews of their collections/books\n\n\n\nparticipants’ own work/stories.\n\n\n\n\nWe’ll also look at excerpts from a journal that participants will be asked to keep during the workshop (and hopefully beyond). The journal will contain thoughts\, such as story ideas\, outlines for their collections\, story order and contents\, frustrations\, and illuminations\, on the evolution of their manuscript. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants a week or so prior to the first session.  \n\n\n\nRobert Edison Sandiford is the author of several books\, among them the story cycle Fairfield\, the novel And Sometimes They Fly\, and graphic novels with NBM Publishing.  He has been shortlisted for The Frank Collymore Literary Award and is a recipient of Barbados’s Governor General’s Award of Excellence in Literary Arts.  In 2003\, he founded with the poet Linda M. Deane the Barbadian cultural resource ArtsEtc Inc.  He has worked as a publisher\, teacher\, and producer with Warm Water Productions.  His stories have appeared in journals\, magazines\, newspapers\, and anthologies.  Currently\, he’s busy with another novel\, this time about fathers\, sons\, and dementia. 
URL:https://qwf.org/event/building-a-better-short-story-collection/2025-11-27/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251104T195852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T214052Z
UID:10004638-1764333000-1764342000@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Shut Up & Write! with QWF (*VIRTUAL*)
DESCRIPTION:*NOTE: Due to a temporary office closure\, this session will be held online via Zoom instead of in person* \n\n\n\nFriday\, November 28\, 2025\, 12:30 pm–3:00 pmFree\, In Person (MOVED TO VIRTUAL) \n\n\n\nRegister for the session by filling out the RSVP form below. \n\n\n\nLooking for some dedicated\, quiet writing space? \n\n\n\nJoin us for an in-person Shut Up & Write session at the QWF office! \n\n\n\nDo all that writing you’ve been meaning to do\, and meet a few of your fellow QWF members. Using the Pomodoro technique\, participants write in 25-minute bursts\, with 5-minute breaks in between. \n\n\n\nThis event is for QWF members only. Not a member? Learn about becoming a member.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that these sessions are designed for silent writing\, rather than discussing or getting feedback on work. \n\n\n\n12:30–12:55: Writing 112:55–1:00: Break1:00–1:25: Writing 21:25–1:30: Break1:30–1:55: Writing 31:55–2:00: Break2:00–2:25: Writing 42:25–2:30: Break2:30–2:55: Writing 5 \n\n\n\nTo register\, RSVP below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGetting to the QWF Office\n\n\n\nOur office is located on the top floor of the Atwater Library and Computer Centre\, in Room 3. \n\n\n\nAddress: 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3Westmount\, QC H3Z 1X4 \n\n\n\nClosest Metro: Atwater Station \n\n\n\nClosest Bus lines: 24\, 63\, 90\, 104\, 138\, 144\, 150 \n\n\n\nAccessibility:\n\n\n\nThe QWF Office is fully accessible by wheelchair from the side entrance on Tupper Street. Once inside\, there is an elevator to the second floor\, where the QWF office is. \n\n\n\nLearn more about the office location and accessibility. \n\n\n\n*NOTE: Due to a temporary office closure\, this session will be held online via Zoom instead of in person* \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you registered and can no longer attend\, please email john@qwf.org to notify us.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/shut-up-write-with-qwf-virtual-due-to-stm-strike/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Shut Up & Write!
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251117T192039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T192400Z
UID:10004659-1764349200-1764356400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Mapping Your Poetic Voice
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, November 28\, 20255:00–7:00 pm ET\n\n\n\nLearn techniques to express the unique way your mind meets the world. \n\n\n\nIn this generative workshop\, we will consider factors that contribute to poetic voice. In doing so\, we will see that our voices are not waiting to be found somewhere outside of ourselves. Rather\, they call us to listen deeply to who we are and how we experience the world. You can expect to leave the workshop with tools for thinking about what makes your poetic expression unique. The workshop is open to writers of all levels\, but some basic experience with poetry writing is recommended. \n\n\n\nEmail sarahwolfsonwriter@gmail.com to reserve your spot in advance. Space is limited.  \n\n\n\nSarah Wolfson is an award-winning poet and teaching artist. Her collection A Common Name for Everything won the 2020 A.M. Klein Prize for Poetry. Her poems have appeared in literary journals such as The Walrus\, The Fiddlehead\, Geist\, CV2\, Arc\, TriQuarterly\, and The Yale Review. She has taught poetry writing in a variety of contexts to people of all ages\, backgrounds\, and experience levels. 
URL:https://qwf.org/event/mapping-your-poetic-voice/
LOCATION:Phoenix Books\, 5928 Sherbrooke St W\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H4A 1X7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LibrairiePhoenix_PoetryWorkshops_NovDec_Wolfson.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251129T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251129T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T182338Z
UID:10004535-1764412200-1764433800@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Empowered Self-Publishing: Take Charge of Your Writing Career
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, Nov 29\, 10:30am-4:30pm       Open to allLimited to 12 participantsHybrid Workshop* \n\n\n\nI know some authors who were once discouraged\, struggling to get their books published\, or burned by a bad experience with a scammy agent or shady publisher\, and now they’re thriving\, finding readers and sometimes even making a living from their stories or becoming bestsellers.  \n\n\n\nDo you know what made a difference for them? \n\n\n\nSelf-publishing. \n\n\n\nMany of the current bestsellers were once self-published or were written by authors who started by self-publishing. That’s proof that publishing independently can be a valid career choice. Still\, many authors freeze when it’s time to push that “publish” button\, terrified of making a mistake. \n\n\n\nLet’s get rid of that fear\, shall we? \n\n\n\nIn this workshop\, my goal is to give you the tools and confidence to embark on a self-publishing journey or at least to learn enough about self-publishing to make informed decisions for your books. \n\n\n\nSome of the things we’ll look at: \n\n\n\n\nHow to write\, package\, and position your books to succeed\n\n\n\nWhere and how to get the right cover and formatting\n\n\n\nEditing: all the steps needed to get your book into shape\n\n\n\nResources to improve your craft\n\n\n\nRetailers and publishing strategies\n\n\n\nPromo strategies\, ads\, and social media that works for books\n\n\n\nEssential tools and websites for writers\n\n\n\nKickstarter\n\n\n\nAudiobooks\n\n\n\nAnd much more!\n\n\n\n\nIt’s going to be a workshop packed with information and tips as well as resources for further reading and studying\, so that if you need a deep dive in any of those topics\, you’ll know where to find the right answers instead of getting lost in a sea of search results. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also discuss your specific publishing projects and career goals; you’ll leave this workshop with resources and a plan that works for you and your books. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Westmount\, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default\, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot\, contact Riley at riley@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot\, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you. \n\n\n\n__ \n\n\n\nDay Leitao writes YA and adult fantasy and sci-fi. She has self-published more than nine novels and eight audiobooks\, and has created four successful Kickstarter campaigns. She attended Apollycon in 2025 and Romantasy Book Con in 2024 and 2025 as a participating author and was a presenter at the Toronto Indie Authors Conference in 2025. She has also presented online at Indie Writers Fest and Apex Writers and been interviewed by Jenna Moreci on her YouTube channel.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/empowered-self-publishing-take-charge-of-your-writing-career/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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GEO:45.4886431;-73.5864377
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T194500
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T170933Z
UID:10004481-1764611100-1764618300@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Deep Story Design: Story-Craft Essentials for Longer Form Narratives
DESCRIPTION:Ten Mondays\, Oct 6-Dec 15\, 5:45-7:45pm (No session on October 13)        Open to allLimited to 12 participantsOnline Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis workshop delves into the five fundamental elements of story-making—structure\, plot\, character\, theme\, and scene building. Whether you’re writing a novella\, novel\, screenplay\, or memoir\, the skillful use of these elements allows all writers to create powerful stories that are meaningful and satisfying. \n\n\n\nAfter introducing a basic three-act story structure that’s foundational for most stories\, the workshop will progress through aspects of character\, theme\, and plot so that you can feel confident about completing fiction or nonfiction of any kind or length. We also touch on scene construction so your stories feel dynamic and alive on the page. \n\n\n\nWeekly homework exercises help writers at different stages of your story-making process\, whether you’re gathering material for a new story\, drafting an existing work\, or revising a project that is nearly ready to share with others. (Completed homework will receive instructor feedback and some in-class discussion.) \n\n\n\nIn addition to the focus on craft essentials\, this workshop invites writers to make personal discoveries about what matters most deeply to them and how this connects with their writing. This connection between self and story is integral to Deep Story Design\, because writers who know who they are\, and what they care about most\, are better able to access their unique creative voice. \n\n\n\nWeekly meetings will look something like this: \n\n\n\n\na 90-minute lesson\, including 15-30 mins of in-class exercises\n\n\n\na 10-minute break\n\n\n\n20 minutes for Q&A/homework discussion\n\n\n\n\nCompleted homework assignments will be due 4 days after the meeting at which they are assigned. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants a week or so prior to the first session.  \n\n\n\nApril Bosshard is a respected workshop facilitator and story coach who’s helped hundreds of writers develop and complete their projects. Sometimes called a “story whisperer” or “story genie\,” she has a background in film and television and has written fiction and non-fiction for traditional and independent markets\, which include publications in the US\, UK\, and Canada. April teaches at conferences and leads workshops internationally and online\, while also working with individual clients as a story coach and developmental editor.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/deep-story-design-story-craft-essentials-for-longer-form-narratives/2025-12-01/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T194500
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250827T174338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T175103Z
UID:10004558-1764783900-1764791100@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Deep Story Design: Story-Craft Essentials for Longer Form Narratives (Wednesday Cohort)
DESCRIPTION:Ten Wednesdays\, Oct 8-Dec 17\, 5:45-7:45pm (No session on October 15)        Open to allLimited to 12 participantsOnline Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis workshop delves into the five fundamental elements of story-making—structure\, plot\, character\, theme\, and scene building. Whether you’re writing a novella\, novel\, screenplay\, or memoir\, the skillful use of these elements allows all writers to create powerful stories that are meaningful and satisfying. \n\n\n\nAfter introducing a basic three-act story structure that’s foundational for most stories\, the workshop will progress through aspects of character\, theme\, and plot so that you can feel confident about completing fiction or nonfiction of any kind or length. We also touch on scene construction so your stories feel dynamic and alive on the page. \n\n\n\nWeekly homework exercises help writers at different stages of your story-making process\, whether you’re gathering material for a new story\, drafting an existing work\, or revising a project that is nearly ready to share with others. Completed homework will receive instructor feedback and some in-class discussion. \n\n\n\nIn addition to the focus on craft essentials\, this workshop invites writers to make personal discoveries about what matters most deeply to them and how this connects with their writing. This connection between self and story is integral to Deep Story Design\, because writers who know who they are\, and what they care about most\, are better able to access their unique creative voice. \n\n\n\nWeekly meetings will look something like this: \n\n\n\n\na 90-minute lesson\, including 15-30 mins of in-class exercises\n\n\n\na 10-minute break\n\n\n\n20 minutes for Q&A/homework discussion\n\n\n\n\nCompleted homework assignments will be due 4 days after the meeting at which they are assigned. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants a week or so prior to the first session. Please note that this is the Wednesday iteration of the workshop; there is also a group meeting on Mondays. The material covered will be the same\, but note that due to limited spots\, we cannot facilitate transfers between groups.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/deep-story-design-story-craft-essentials-for-longer-form-narratives-wednesday-cohort/2025-12-03/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T202248Z
UID:10004513-1764792000-1764799200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Short Fiction: Plot and the Inner Life
DESCRIPTION:Eight Wednesdays\, Oct 8- Dec 3\, 8-10pm (No session on October 29)                 Open to allLimited to 12 participantsHybrid Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis eight-week workshop will explore how deepening a character’s inner life can generate new possibilities for a short story’s plot. One premise of this workshop is that fiction’s power lies in its capacity to depict with a high degree of detail an individual’s consciousness: the realm of perceptions\, feelings\, desires\, memories\, and thoughts. How one consciousness bumps up against another—and against the external world of norms\, things\, economic and cultural forces\, etc.—is what makes a story possible. We will investigate story as\, in George Saunders’s words\, “a system for the transfer of energy.” \n\n\n\nPlot and interiority are broad categories that encompass other topics such as point of view\, dialogue\, backstory\, and deepening the role of setting and/or of the body\, all of which can be studied and discussed\, depending on the group’s interest and the story drafts that are submitted for workshopping. Note that the workshop leader’s focus is realist literary fiction\, but all genres are welcome. The larger goal of the workshop is to support writers in uncovering the best possible versions of their stories. \n\n\n\nMost of the workshop will be devoted to reading and discussing participants’ stories (two per week over seven weeks\, up to 5000 words each). However\, for the first meeting\, participants will discuss Yiyun Li’s story\, “Prison\,” a jarring tale about surrogate birth. Please read the first 23 pages before the first session\, but do not read farther than that. We will read the final 5 pages together\, tracking how the plot ultimately unfolds. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3\, 4023 Tupper Street\, Westmount\, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default\, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot\, contact Riley at riley@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot\, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you. \n\n\n\nMichelle Syba is the author of the story collection End Times (Freehand Books\, 2023)\, a finalist for the QWF Concordia University First Book Prize. End Times explores the lives of people variously entangled with evangelical culture\, including immigrants\, the elderly\, the burned-out\, and the lonely\, examining our hidden anxieties and longings. Michelle’s shorter works have been published in The New Quarterly\, Cosmonauts Avenue\, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency\, and elsewhere. \n\n\n\nYou can find out more about her at www.michellesyba.com.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/short-fiction-plot-and-the-inner-life/2025-12-03/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251201T160201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T160205Z
UID:10004674-1764849600-1764853200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: Creating Common Ground: How the Blue Metropolis Festival Began
DESCRIPTION:How to create a cultural event to promote English-language authors living in Quebec? \nIn this Lunch & Learn\, Russell Fralich will describe the founding of the Blue Metropolis Literary Festival\, created to support these “écrivains sans pays” amidst the perennial tension between the English and French cultural communities in Montreal. \nThe presentation will explore his co-produced business case study\, Le lancement du festival littéraire Metropolis bleu\, which draws on interviews with Festival co-founder Linda Leith and archival documents\, and is now used as a teaching case at HEC Montréal.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/lunch-learn-creating-common-ground-how-the-blue-metropolis-festival-began/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1757095298634.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T194500
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T212138Z
UID:10004521-1764870300-1764877500@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Writing the Personal Essay
DESCRIPTION:Eight Thursdays\, Oct 9-Dec 4\, 5:45-7:45pm (No session on October 30)        Open to allLimited to 12 participantsHybrid Workshop* \n\n\n\nHave you ever wanted to see your words on the pages of your favourite newspaper\, magazine\, or website? The personal essay is a subgenre of creative nonfiction that focuses on unique stories with universal appeal told from a first-person perspective. In this 8-week workshop\, you’ll learn everything from how to generate ideas to how to structure your first and second drafts to how to pitch your completed piece. \n\n\n\nThe workshop will consist of teacher-led instruction\, at-home readings\, generative in-class writing exercises\, and guided peer feedback. You will also be expected to work on your essay at home\, between classes. By the end of this session\, you will have one completed personal essay. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Westmount\, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default\, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot\, contact Riley at riley@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot\, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you. \n\n\n\nJulie Matlin is a writer with several areas of concentration\, including screenwriting\, personal essays\, novels\, and reported articles. Previously\, Julie worked at the National Film Board of Canada as a writer and social media strategist. Prior to that\, she spent 15 years as a producer’s assistant and production coordinator in feature film.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/writing-the-personal-essay-2/2025-12-04/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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GEO:45.4886431;-73.5864377
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=QWF Office 1200 Atwater Avenue Room 3 Westmount QC H3Z 1X4 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3:geo:-73.5864377,45.4886431
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251122T132143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T132146Z
UID:10004663-1765015200-1765024200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Shut Up & Write! with QWF (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, December 6\, 2025\, 10:00 am–12:30 pm ETOnline via Zoom—RSVP below to receive the Zoom link\n\n\n\nLooking for some dedicated\, quiet writing space? \n\n\n\nRegister below to do all that writing you’ve been meaning to do. Using the Pomodoro technique\, participants write in 25-minute bursts\, with 5-minute breaks in between. \n\n\n\nThis event is for QWF members only. Not a member? Learn about becoming a member.  \n\n\n\nThe Zoom link will be sent out a day or two before the session. \n\n\n\nPlease note that these sessions are designed for silent writing\, rather than discussing or getting feedback on work. \n\n\n\n10:00–10:25: Writing 110:25–10:30: Break10:30–10:55: Writing 210:55–11:00: Break11:00–11:25: Writing 311:25–11:30: Break11:30–11:55: Writing 411:55–12:00: Break12:00–12:25: Writing 5 \n\n\n\nTo receive the Zoom link\, RSVP below. You will receive the Zoom link a few days before the session. \n\n\n\nNote: RSVPs for virtual Shut Up & Write! sessions close 24 hours before the session begins. If there is no option to RSVP\, RSVPs are closed. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNote: We are aware of a glitch rendering our RSVP forms unresponsive for some users. If you encounter difficulties registering for this session\, email John Wickham at john@qwf.org\, who will register you manually.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/shut-up-write-with-qwf-virtual-49/
LOCATION:Online – Please RSVP to receive a Zoom link
CATEGORIES:Shut Up & Write!
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Shut-Up-Write.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251202T172003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172359Z
UID:10004676-1765018800-1765126800@qwf.org
SUMMARY:2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
DESCRIPTION:December 6–7\, 2025Casa d’Italia (505 Jean-Talon St. E.\, Montreal)\n\n\n\nThe Read Quebec Book Fair turns 10! Celebrate this milestone year on December 6–7 at Casa d’Italia\, with special events\, author signings\, and the latest releases from Canadian writers and publishers.  \n\n\n\nProduced by the Association of English-language Publishers of Quebec (AELAQ)\, the Fair celebrates the vibrancy of English-language writing\, publishing\, and translation in Quebec. In honour of the tenth anniversary\, this year’s Fair will\, for the first time\, welcome publishers from across Canada.  \n\n\n\nTaking place in the historic Casa d’Italia\, the Fair will present a full weekend of programming\, including a discussion between Heather and Arizona O’Neill about their new collaborative book Valentine in Montreal. Comic fans and those looking to discover the city’s beloved bédéistes will enjoy Art and Life in Graphic Novels with Juli Delporte\, Pascal Girard and D. Boyd. Meanwhile\, find your next dinner table discussion topic at our non-fiction lightning round\, where authors such as Francine Pelletier will demystify their research and share the passion inspiring their work. For writers looking to pitch a book idea\, we’re hosting the fair’s first ever speed-dating event for writers and editors\, where up-and-coming and seasoned wordsmiths will have the opportunity to deliver their pitches directly to publishers. \n\n\n\nThe Fair will offer plenty of fun for young booklovers in a cozy\, book-filled Kids’ Nook both days\, and a special reading and guided yoga practice for children with author Marlee Kostiner on Saturday afternoon. Other programming highlights include a panel discussion hosted by Italian community archivist Nancy Marrelli\, and a showcase of publisher Guernica Editions’ latest Quebec authors and releases.  \n\n\n\nStick around for our 5 à 7 opening cocktail on Saturday for delicious hors d’oeuvres and a chance to connect with Montreal’s vibrant literary community\, with a special 10th Anniversary High Fidelity DJ set with local journalist and author Brendan Kelly. \n\n\n\nCasa d’Italia is located at 505 Jean-Talon East\, and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The fair takes place on the second floor\, accessible via stairs or elevator. Take the entrance on Berri Street\, across the street from Jean-Talon metro (exit Jean-Talon Nord). \n\n\n\n\nSee events\n\n\n\n\n\nSee Author Signing Schedule
URL:https://qwf.org/event/read-quebec-books-fair/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RQBF_2025_Web_Banners_Facebook_Event.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T195430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172626Z
UID:10004645-1765022400-1765026000@qwf.org
SUMMARY:New Knowledge: Nonfiction Lightning Round
DESCRIPTION:December 6\, 2025 at 12 pm – 1 p.m.Main Stage\, Salle des célébrations\n\n\n\n\nNathalie Cooke\n\n\n\nMartha Langford\n\n\n\nValérie Lefebvre-Faucher\n\n\n\nStephen Monteiro\n\n\n\nFrancine Pelletier\n\n\n\nCatherine Richardson\n\n\n\nAlex R. Tipei\n\n\n\nThomas Waugh\n\n\n\nAndrei Zanescu\n\n\n\n\nModerated by Ryan Van Huijstee \n\n\n\nOften\, fiction gets the limelight\, poetry gets the prestige. But nonfiction books are published every day that help illuminate\, preserve and create the world around us. Join local authors as they share the passions that led them to investigate a single subject in depth and then write an entire book about it. \n\n\n\nNathalie Cooke is an English professor at McGill University and a specialist in literary food studies and material culture. Her research uncovers the hidden stories told by menus\, textiles\, and other everyday artefacts\, revealing how their forms\, codes\, and designs shape what we remember\, and how we read. \n\n\n\nCatherine Richardson Kineweskwêw is a Métis therapist\, family therapist\, researcher and academic working at Concordia University. Her maternal relatives come from Fort Chipewyan and have ties to Red River. She holds a research Chair in Indigenous Healing Knowledges and teaches in First Peoples Studies and Creative Arts Therapies. She is a co-founder of the Centre for Response-Based Practice where she and her colleagues advance dignity-centered approaches to violence. Cathy is also interested in the broader and multi-dimensional aspects of healing\, such as the person as whole being\, a spirit in a body with emotions\, intelligence\, physicality and in relation to all beings in the natural world.  \n\n\n\nShe has taught in various counselling and social work programs and is the former director of the First Peoples Studies program at Concordia University. She explores various approaches to well- being on her substack podcast\, where she speaks with healers\, activists and response-based therapists. She is a student of shamanic practice and the mother of three amazing adult children. \n\n\n\nMartha Langford\, FRSC\, is the author of A History of Photography in Canada. The first of three volumes\, Anticipation to Participation\, 1839 1918 has just appeared. Beautifully produced\, the book is both lively and comprehensive\, with over 400 illustrations. Langford is a distinguished professor emeriti of Concordia University in Montreal. She is the former research chair and director of the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Institute for Studies in Canadian Art. In prior lives\, she was the founding director of the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography\, an affiliate of the National Gallery of Canada\, and before that\, Executive Producer of the Still Photography Division of the National Film Board of Canada. She has organized photographic exhibitions for museums and festivals in Canada\, the UK\, and Europe. \n\n\n\nValérie Lefebvre-Faucher is editor-in-chief of Liberté. She has worked as an editor at both Remue-ménage and Écosociété\, with a focus on environmental\, anti-capitalist\, and feminist work. In addition to having collaborated with numerous collectives\, blogs\, and magazines\, she published Procès Verbal and Promenade sur Marx\, published in English under the title Jenny\, Eleanor\, and Laura\, et al.\, translated by Mélissa Bull. \n\n\n\nStephen Monteiro teaches and researches media and culture at Concordia University. He has written or edited several books\, including Needy Media\, The Fabric of Interface\, and The Screen Media Reader. He has contributed as an expert on contemporary technology to CBC Radio and the Toronto Star\, among other media outlets.  \n\n\n\nWell-known journalist\, documentary filmmaker\, teacher and broadcaster\, Francine Pelletier\, formerly of CBC’s the fifth estate\, is the author of three books: Second début: Cendres et renaissance du féminisme\, Atelier 10\, (2015)\, a short personal history of feminism in Quebec; : L’Art de se mouiller : Chroniques pour nourrir le débat\,  Écosociété (2022)\, a selection of her columns in Le Devoir from 2013-22; and Dream Interrupted : the Rise and Fall of Quebec Nationalism\, Sutherland House (2025). \n\n\n\nA transnational historian\, primarily focused on Southeast Europe and France\, Alex R. Tipei is professor of history and international studies at the Université de Montréal. MQUP published her book\, Unintended Nations: France’s Empire of Civilization\, Southeast Europe\, and the Post-Napoleonic World. Alex’s research has received funding from SSHRC\, the Fulbright Program\, and the American Council of Learned Societies. She has taught and researched at McGill and Princeton Universities as well as the Universities of Bucharest and Illinois. Alex is also a team leader on the European Research Council funded project Transnational Histories of Corruption in South-East-Central Europe based at New Europe College/Institute for Advanced Study in Bucharest. \n\n\n\nRyan Van Huijstee is the director of Concordia University Press. He previously held a range of roles at University of Toronto Press and McGill-Queen’s University Press. \n\n\n\nThomas Waugh is a writer\, programmer\, and activist who taught film studies and sexuality at Concordia University from 1976 to 2017. He is the author of The Romance of Transgression in Canada: Queering Sexualities\, Nations\, Cinema; and fourteen other books. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/new-knowledge-nonfiction-lightning-round/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T195632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172659Z
UID:10004646-1765029600-1765033200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Valentine in December! with Heather O'Neill and Arizona O'Neill
DESCRIPTION:December 6\, 2025\, 2–3 pmMain Stage\, Salle des célébrations\n\n\n\nThe duo will take to the stage to discuss their collaboration Valentine in Montreal. The novel\, written by Heather with illustrations by Arizona\, is a sweet Montreal adventure in which our famous metro plays a starring role. The O’Neills will sign copies after their onstage appearance. \n\n\n\nHeather O’Neill is a novelist\, short-story writer and essayist. Her most recent novel is Valentine in Montreal. Her previous works include Capital of Dreams and When We Lost Our Heads\, a #1 national bestseller and finalist for the Grand Prix du Livre de Montréal. The Lonely Hearts Hotel\, won the Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction and was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and CBC’s Canada Reads. Lullabies for Little Criminals\, The Girl Who Was Saturday Night\, and Daydreams of Angels were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction\, the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Scotiabank Giller Prize two years in a row. O’Neill has also won CBC’s Canada Reads and the Danuta Gleed Award. Born and raised in Montreal\, she lives there today. \n\n\n\nArizona O’Neill is a Montreal-based author and illustrator. Her illustrations appear in Valentine in Montreal. She is the author of Est-ce qu’un artiste peut être heureux ?\, a collection of graphic interviews\, and illustrated Nelly Arcan’s L’enfant dans le miroir. Her comics have appeared in Hazlitt\, Exclaim!\, the Montreal Gazette and mRb. She has created animated videos for many outlets\, including CBC. She is a regular contributor to Radio-Canada’s Il restera toujours la culture\, and is one half of the bookstagram page @ONeillReads. She is currently working on a graphic memoir.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/valentine-in-december-with-heather-oneill-and-arizona-oneill/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Valentine-in-December.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T200402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172707Z
UID:10004648-1765035000-1765038600@qwf.org
SUMMARY:NaMOOste Yoga for Kids 
DESCRIPTION:December 6\, 2025\, 3:30 – 4:30 pmMain Stage\, Salle des célébrations\n\n\n\nAuthor Marlee Kostiner never fails to get kids giggling as she reads all the ways animals say “Namaste” with their animal sounds (the cow says naMOOste\, the chick says namaSQUEEK). After an engaging reading\, Marlee guides the kids through yoga poses they learned in the book\, ending with a relaxing moment of silence (yes\, the kids are quiet!). NaMOOste features 13 beautiful watercolour animals practising authentic yoga poses\, and shows young readers ways to care for their bodies and minds. For kids ages 3–9. \n\n\n\nMarlee Kostiner is an award-winning journalist\, writer\, editor\, and the author of NaMOOste\, a playful yoga book that helps kids build social-emotional skills. A passionate advocate for neurodiversity and mental health\, Marlee brings these values into all her creative work. In 2021\, she founded Garden Wolf Publishing House to help fellow purpose-driven experts\, organizations and non-profits turn their ideas into meaningful children’s books. She lives in Montreal with her two sons\, her husband\, and their grumpy cat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/namooste-yoga-for-kids/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Read Quebec Book Fair
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T200220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172714Z
UID:10004647-1765035000-1765040400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Guernica Editions Showcase
DESCRIPTION:December 6\, 2025\, 3:30 – 5 pmRotunda\n\n\n\nAn event celebrating Guernica Editions’ longstanding presence in Quebec\, featuring readings by authors with new releases this year\, including fiction\, memoir\, and poetry. With the purchase of a book\, guests will be entered into a raffle to win a selection of Guernica titles. \n\n\n\n\nMichael Carin\, Edisson & Jeremiah\n\n\n\nAnn Cavlovic\, Count on Me\n\n\n\nJonathan Kaplansky and Francis Catalano\, The Origin of the Future\n\n\n\nAndreas Kessaris\, The Grand Tour of Park Ex\n\n\n\nBunmi Oyinsan\, A Ladder of Bones\n\n\n\nMeryem Yildiz\, Backbone\n\n\n\nContributors from The Nuances of Love\n\n\n\n\nMichael Carin trained as a political theorist at McGill University\, where he also studied under the godfather of Canadian literature\, Hugh MacLennan. He is the author of several novels\, including Five Hundred Keys\, The Kremlin Papers\, and the work of alternate history Churchill at Munich. His non-fiction response to the Holocaust\, The Future Jew\, won him wide recognition as a provocative secular humanist. Mr. Carin lives in Montreal. \n\n\n\nPoet\, novelist\, short story writer and essayist born in Montreal\, Francis Catalano won the Quebecor Prize of the Trois-Rivières International Poetry Festival for Qu’une lueur des lieux (2010) and the La Métropole Prize of Excellence for Climax (2022). As a translator of Italian poetry\, he won the John Glassco Prize in 2006 for Instructions pour la lecture d’un journal de Valerio Magrelli. \n\n\n\nAnn Cavlovic’s fiction and creative non-fiction have appeared in Canadian literary magazines and news media\, such as Event\, The Fiddlehead\, Grain\, PRISM International\, The Globe & Mail\, and CBC. She lives in Western Quebec.  \n\n\n\nConnie Guzzo McParland\, president and co-director of Guernica Editions\, holds a BA in Italian Literature and a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Concordia University. She is the author of The Girls of Piazza D’amore (2013)\, The Women of Saturn (2017)\, Le Donne di Saturno (2019)\, An opera in 3 Acts/Un opéra en trois actes (2021)\, and The Twelfth Room\, a translation of La Dodicesima Stanza. \n\n\n\nJonathan Kaplansky is a literary translator of French in Montreal. He won a French Voices Award to translate Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s Things Seen and was shortlisted for the David Booth Award for Jonathan Bécotte’s Like a Hurricane. He has also translated works by Hélène Dorion\, Lise Gauvin\, Louis- Philippe Hébert\, Hélène Rioux and Lise Tremblay. \n\n\n\nAndreas Kessaris grew up in Montreal’s Park Extension district\, the son of Greek immigrants. He graduated from Dawson College and Concordia University\, earning a BA in Communications & English. His column\, Read On! with Andreas Kessaris\, was a popular feature in the West-End community paper The Local Herald. His writing has also appeared on Suite101.com\, in the literary journal The Write Place\, on the Montreal entertainment website Curtainsup.tv\, The Miramichi Reader\, and The Montreal Review of Books. His first book\, The Butcher of Park Ex & Other Semi-Truthful Tales\, was released in 2020 to great acclaim. \n\n\n\nBunmi Oyinsan is a Nigerian/Canadian writer. From novels to scripts for radio\, television\, and the theatre\, she has contributed to both the nonfiction and fiction canons of African literature. Oyinsan gained her MA focusing on orature and literature from Saint Mary’s University and a Ph.D. from York University. She is the writer\, producer\, and presenter for the Sankofa Pan African Series\, which has over 100K subscribers and over 5 million views. She is a winner of the Matatu Prize for her YA novel Fabulous Four and has been nominated for THEMA’s Best Film Script. Her novel Three Women was nominated for the Flora Nwapa Prize for Women’s Literature in 2006. Born in Lagos\, she lives in Bowmanville\, Ontario. \n\n\n\nMeryem Yildiz is a Turkish-Canadian poet from Tiohtià:ke (Montreal). Her poems have appeared in journals across the country\, including Arc Poetry Magazine\, The Ex-Puritan\, PRISM International\, The Fiddlehead\, and yolk\, among others. In 2022\, she won The Malahat Review’s Far Horizons Award for Poetry as well as the Quebec Writers’ Federation’s carte blanche Prize. She’s also a poetry editor at LBRNTH\, a queer literature and arts magazine\, which she co-edits with Misha Solomon. In her debut collection\, Backbone\, Meryem explores the complexities of identity across geographies\, and reveals how friendship and memory shape the search for home. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/guernica-editions-showcase/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Book Launch,Community Events,Festival,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair,Reading
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T200614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172724Z
UID:10004649-1765040400-1765047600@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Opening Cocktail
DESCRIPTION:December 6\, 2025\, 5 – 7 pmSalle des mémoires\n\n\n\nJoin us for a special 10th anniversary edition of the Read Quebec Book Fair’s 5 à 7 featuring a DJ set by journalist and author of Habs Nation Brendan Kelly\, known for his popular High Fidelity in the Park events. New wave\, old-school disco and you. Open to all!   \n\n\n\nBorn in Glasgow\, raised in Montreal and a fan of the Canadiens for longer than he can remember\, Brendan Kelly was one of the founders of the late great alternative weekly the Montreal Mirror. He worked at the Montreal Daily News in the late ‘80s and had a weekly music column on CBC Radio for over 30 years. His Montreal Gazette column What the Puck is a controversial contrarian hot take on the Canadiens that elicits much hate and even more love. He has written for the Gazette since 1996. He also frequently contributes to various Radio-Canada cultural shows. He has published two books on the Montreal Canadiens – Le CH et son people (2024)\, and Habs Nation: A People’s History of the Montreal Canadiens (2025). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/opening-cocktail-2025/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Read Quebec Book Fair
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Opening-Cocktail.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T200814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172735Z
UID:10004650-1765107000-1765110600@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Archives Out Loud: Italian-Canadian Literature
DESCRIPTION:December 7\, 2025\, 11:30 – 12:30 pmMain Stage\, Salle des célébrations\n\n\n\nLicia CantonLianne MoyesCarmine Starnino \n\n\n\nModerated by Nancy Marrelli \n\n\n\nThere is a significant body of excellent Italian-Canadian literature available from a variety of sources in English\, French\, and Italian. The panel will discuss some established works as well as new voices emerging from the next generation. This session is part of the Archives Out Loud series organized by the Italian-Canadian Archives of Quebec. The panel will be followed by a reception in the office of the Italian-Canadian Community Archives of Quebec\, in the basement level of Casa d’Italia. \n\n\n\nLicia Canton has published short stories\, nonfiction and poetry in English\, French\, Italian and a Venetian dialect. She has been translator-in-residence at the University of Hull\, UK\, and Writer-in-Residence at Università della Calabria\, Italy. She is co-founder of Accenti Magazine and co-director of the Queer Italian-Canadian Artists Research Project (U of Toronto). She is the director of the documentary film Creative Spaces: Queer and Italian Canadian (2021). She mentors emerging writers through the Quebec Writers’ Federation Hire-a-Writer directory. For her work in culture\, she was awarded the Italy in the World Prize (2018). She holds a Ph.D. from Université de Montréal and an M.A. from McGill University. \n\n\n\nNancy Marrelli is Director of the Italian-Canadian Archives of Quebec at the Casa d’Italia\, and Archivist Emerita\, Concordia University. She is also co-publisher of Véhicule Press. Her family left Italy and settled in Montreal in 1909. \n\n\n\nProfessor of English Studies at the Université de Montréal\, Lianne Moyes specializes in Canadian and Anglo-Quebec literatures. She is interested in the porous and contested borders between the literatures that emerge in Montreal and has worked on writers such as Antonio D’Alfonso\, Fanie Demeule\, Mary di Michele\, Mavis Gallant\, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine\, A. M. Klein\, Robert Majzels\, Erín Moure\, and Gail Scott. She has an ongoing commitment to women’s writing and to fostering spaces for reading across languages\, and was co-editor at the feminist magazine Tessera from 1993 to 2003. Since the late 1990s\, she has been a member of the Association of Italian Canadian Writers. \n\n\n\nCarmine Starnino is the Editor in Chief of The Walrus. He is the author of eight books\, including Dirty Words: Selected Poems 1997–2016.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/archives-out-loud-italian-canadian-literature/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T200953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172802Z
UID:10004651-1765112400-1765116000@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Acquiring Editors at Work
DESCRIPTION:December 7\, 2025\, 1 – 2 pmMain Stage\, Salle des célébrations\n\n\n\nLeila Marshy\, Baraka BooksCurtis John McRae\, Véhicule PressYashaswi Kesanakurthy\, Simon & Schuster Canada \n\n\n\nModerated by Tawhida Tanya Evanson \n\n\n\nWho gets to choose which books will be published – and how do they do it? Editors from three publishers will discuss how they decide what to publish\, and how writers can improve their chances. Simon & Schuster children’s book editor Yashaswi Kesanakurthy\, Baraka Books’ fiction and nonfiction editor Leila Marshy\, and Curtis McRae\, fiction editor at Véhicule Press\, will give us the inside scoop on what acquisitions editors really do. \n\n\n\nYashaswi Kesanakurthy [yush-us-we kay-sah-nah-koor-thi] is the Children’s Editor at Simon & Schuster Canada. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s MA program in Children’s Literature and Toronto Metropolitan University’s publishing program. Her publishing career began as Publishing Assistant at Tundra Books\, PRHC. She then joined HarperCollins Canada as Associate Editor where she developed a vibrant list including The Garden of Lost Socks by Esi Edugyan and Amélie Dubois\, The Hockey Skates by Karl Subban and Maggie Zeng\, and Mortified by Kristy Jackson and Rhael McGregor. At Simon & Schuster Canada\, she remains focused on publishing marginalized\, Canadian voices that tell entertaining and transformative stories. Yash lives in Toronto with a magical\, if unruly\, library that just keeps growing. \n\n\n\nLeila Marshy is the author of The Philistine (LLP\, 2018) and My Thievery of the People (Baraka Books\, 2025)\, and is editor of the anthology Razing Palestine: Punishing Solidarity and Dissent in Canada (Baraka Books\, 2025). Daughter of a Palestinian refugee\, Marshy lived in Cairo during the First Intifada and worked for the Palestinian Red Crescent and the Palestinian Mental Health Association. She has been a community and political organizer\, including founding a dialogue group with the Hasidic community in her local neighbourhood\, helping elect the first Hasidic woman to public office in the world. Marshy is Editor at Baraka Books and lives in Montreal. \n\n\n\nCurtis John McRae is the fiction editor at Véhicule Press and the Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief of yolk literary journal. He is the author of Quietly\, Loving Everyone (Vehicule Press\, 2025). His fiction has appeared in The New Quarterly\, Prairie Fire\, and others. He won the 2021/22 David McKeen Award\, was longlisted for the 2025 DISQUIET Literary Fiction Contest\, received an honourable mention in the 2024 Peter Hinchcliffe award\, and was a finalist in the 2019 Quebec Writers’ Federation contest for emerging young writers. Curtis teaches English literature at John Abbott College and formerly served as a board member for the Quebec Writers’ Federation. \n\n\n\nTawhida Tanya Evanson is a poet\, novelist\, artist and Ashiq. Her work blends poetry\, orality\, music\, movement and film around themes of African diasporic identity\, Sufi spirituality and resistance to Western values. Born and based in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal\, she has roots in Antigua\, West Indies. Evanson’s novels include the French Livre des ailes (Marchand de feuilles 2023)\, and the award-winning Book of Wings (Véhicule 2021); her two poetry collections are Nouveau Griot (Frontenac 2018) and Bothism (Ekstasis 2017). She has an extensive history of spoken word performance\, audio recordings and films including the multi-award-winning Afrofuturist concert film CYANO SUN SUITE (2024). Evanson’s work has travelled to festivals across Africa\, Asia\, Australia\, Europe\, and North America. She is past director of the Banff Centre Spoken Word Program; past president of the Quebec Writers’ Federation; and 2025 Poet Ambassador in Residence at the League of Canadian Poets. She moonlights as a whirling dervish. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/acquiring-editors-at-work/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Acquiring-Editors-at-Work.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T201158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172757Z
UID:10004652-1765116000-1765119600@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Speed Dating for Writers and Publishers!
DESCRIPTION:December 7\, 2025\, 2 – 3 pmArchives room\, basement levelCasa d’Italia\n\n\n\nWriters\, bring your pitch and get ready to present it to a range of local publishers. Introduce yourselves\, and then you’ll have three minutes to tell your publisher “date” what your book is all about. Don’t forget to leave time for questions or a little discussion. When the bell dings\, move to the next available seat and do it again. Whether you find a home for your manuscript or not\, you’ll make contacts and gather information that may serve you now and in the future. \n\n\n\nHow to Participate\n\n\n\nThis event has limited capacity. Registration will be accepted on a first-come\, first-served basis at the book fair on the day of the event. Doors to the book fair open at 11 am\, so arrive early to ensure your spot. See details and tips for participating.  \n\n\n\nFeaturing:\n\n\n\n\nYashaswi Kesanakurthy\, Simon & Schuster Canada\n\n\n\nFiroze Manji\, Daraja Press\n\n\n\nLeila Marshy\, Baraka Books\n\n\n\nCurtis McRae\, Véhicule Press\n\n\n\nShannae Nitti\, Crackboom! Books\n\n\n\nDave Dufour\, Flame Arrow Publishing (new addition!)\n\n\n\nModerated by Lori Schubert\, Quebec Writers’ Federation\n\n\n\n\nYashaswi Kesanakurthy [yush-us-we kay-sah-nah-koor-thi] is the Children’s Editor at Simon & Schuster Canada. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s MA program in Children’s Literature and Toronto Metropolitan University’s publishing program. Her publishing career began as Publishing Assistant at Tundra Books\, PRHC. She then joined HarperCollins Canada as Associate Editor where she developed a vibrant list including The Garden of Lost Socks by Esi Edugyan and Amélie Dubois\, The Hockey Skates by Karl Subban and Maggie Zeng\, and Mortified by Kristy Jackson and Rhael McGregor. At Simon & Schuster Canada\, she remains focused on publishing marginalized\, Canadian voices that tell entertaining and transformative stories. Yash lives in Toronto with a magical\, if unruly\, library that just keeps growing. \n\n\n\nFiroze Manji\, PhD\, is a Kenyan / Canadian\, resident in Québec. He has spent more than 50 years in international development\, health\, human rights and political activism. He is the publisher of Daraja Press and is an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of African Studies\, Carleton University\, Ottawa. He is the recipient of the 2021 Nicolás Cristóbal Guillén Batista Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caribbean Philosophical Association. \n\n\n\nLeila Marshy is the author of The Philistine (LLP\, 2018) and My Thievery of the People (Baraka Books\, 2025)\, and is editor of the anthology Razing Palestine: Punishing Solidarity and Dissent in Canada (Baraka Books\, 2025). Daughter of a Palestinian refugee\, Marshy lived in Cairo during the First Intifada and worked for the Palestinian Red Crescent and the Palestinian Mental Health Association. She has been a community and political organizer\, including founding a dialogue group with the Hasidic community in her local neighbourhood\, helping elect the first Hasidic woman to public office in the world. Marshy is editor at Baraka Books and lives in Montreal. \n\n\n\nCurtis John McRae is the fiction editor at Véhicule Press and the Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief of yolk literary journal. He is the author of Quietly\, Loving Everyone (Vehicule Press\, 2025). His fiction has appeared in The New Quarterly\, Prairie Fire\, and others. He won the 2021/22 David McKeen Award\, was longlisted for the 2025 DISQUIET Literary Fiction Contest\, received an honourable mention in the 2024 Peter Hinchcliffe award\, and was a finalist in the 2019 Quebec Writers’ Federation contest for emerging young writers. Curtis teaches English literature at John Abbott College and formerly served as a board member for the Quebec Writers’ Federation. \n\n\n\nShannae Nitti is a marketing and sales professional with a background in communications\, business development\, and brand strategy. Drawn to the publishing industry for its blend of creativity and purpose\, she’s passionate about the business of books—from shaping ideas to understanding readers and trends. Shannae values the craft\, collaboration\, and evolution that make publishing such a dynamic and inspiring field. \n\n\n\nDave Dufour is the founder and publisher of Flame Arrow Publishing\, a bilingual speculative-fiction press based in British Columbia and Quebec. He leads a growing catalogue of hopepunk\, fantasy\, and science fiction in both English and French\, and is dedicated to championing bold\, imaginative voices across Canada. With a professional background as an educator and linguist\, Dave brings a deep understanding of language\, culture\, and storytelling to his editorial vision. He also oversees Brins d’éternité\, one of Québec’s longest-running speculative-fiction magazines. \n\n\n\nLori Schubert is the executive director of the Quebec Writers’ Federation\, where she has worked since 2003. From 1998 to 2017 she was also a member and general manager of VivaVoce\, a professional chamber choir. Prior to her work in arts management\, Lori was a singer and corporate communications trainer in the New York metropolitan area. She has taught written and oral communication at Columbia\, McGill and Concordia Universities. She was instrumental in the founding of Quebec’s English-language Arts Network (ELAN) and has served two terms on its board of directors. Through QWF\, Lori co-founded the National Juries and Awards Working Group in 2021. She has also served in an advisory capacity for YES Montreal\, the Blue Metropolis Foundation and the Atwater Writers’ Exhibition\, and currently chairs the Education and Skills Development Table for the Working Group on Arts and Culture.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/speed-dating-for-writers-and-publishers/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Festival,Networking,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/81-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251112T201352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T172810Z
UID:10004653-1765119600-1765123200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Art and Life in Graphic Novels
DESCRIPTION:December 7\, 2025\, 3 – 4 pmMain Stage\, Salle des célébrations\n\n\n\nD. BoydJuli DelportePascal Girard  \n\n\n\nModerated by François Vigneault \n\n\n\nThree of Quebec’s most distinctive voices in contemporary comics come together to explore the intimate connections between art and autobiography. Juli Delporte (Portrait of a Body)\, D. Boyd (Denniveniquity)\, and Pascal Girard (Pastimes) draw from personal experience to craft stories that are tender\, funny\, and deeply human. Join them for a conversation about turning life into art\, the creative risks of vulnerability\, and the evolving landscape of autobiographical graphic novels. Moderated by François Vigneault. \n\n\n\nMontreal-based cartoonist D. Boyd hails from Saint John\, New Brunswick – the setting for Denniveniquity and her first graphic memoir\, Chicken Rising. Her work has appeared in the New Brunswick Chapbook Series (Frog Hollow Press)\, the Montreal Review of Books\, and in unique collaborations with some exciting Canadian writers. \n\n\n\nJuli Delporte is an author and multidisciplinary artist born in France in 1983. She now lives in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal. She is the author of several graphic novels published by Drawn & Quarterly\, including This Woman’s Work and Portrait of a Body. She has also published children’s albums\, including the recent Grands oreilles (Éditions de la Pastèque)\, and a book of poems illustrated with etchings\, Décroissance sexuelle (L’Oie de Cravan). She occasionally writes literary essays\, produces illustrations for various magazines and publishing houses\, and collaborates on collective publications. Alongside all this\, Juli explores different printing techniques (serigraphy\, risography\, and etching)\, creates zines\, gives creative workshops\, and makes ceramic pieces. \n\n\n\nPascal Girard was born in Jonquière\, QC\, in 1981. He is a part-time cartoonist and part-time social worker. He is the award-winning author of several graphic novels\, including Rebecca and Lucie in the Case of the Missing Neighbor\, Nicolas\, Petty Theft\, and most recently the collection Pastimes. He lives in Montreal with his family. \n\n\n\nFrançois Vigneault is an American-born cartoonist living in Québec. He is the creator of the sci-fi graphic novel TITAN (Oni Press\, 2020 / Éditions Pow Pow\, 2017)\, the illustrator of books including Le gâteau empoisonée (Éditions de la Pastèque\, 2025)\, Extraordinary Eyeglasses (Helvetiq\, 2024)\, and Orcs in Space (Oni Press 2021-22)\, and also works as a translator and designer. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Read Quebec Book Fair
URL:https://qwf.org/event/art-and-life-in-graphic-novels/
LOCATION:Casa d’Italia\, 505 Rue Jean-Talon Est\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2R 1T6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Festival,Panel,Read Quebec Book Fair
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Art-and-Life-in-Graphic-Novels.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251202T205606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T205835Z
UID:10004677-1765137600-1765144800@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Accent Vol. 127 with Lisa Pasold and April L. Ford
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the launch of two new Cactus Press chapbooks with April L. Ford and Lisa Pasold. \n\n\n\nAs always\, sign up for the open mic at the door! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSVP on Facebook
URL:https://qwf.org/event/accent-vol-127-with-lisa-pasold-and-april-l-ford/
LOCATION:Bar Le Record\, 7622 Rue St-Hubert\, Montréal\, Quebec\, H2R 2N6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Open Mic,Reading
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/584783868_1165694939037410_2954849028858969692_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251208T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251208T194500
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T170933Z
UID:10004482-1765215900-1765223100@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Deep Story Design: Story-Craft Essentials for Longer Form Narratives
DESCRIPTION:Ten Mondays\, Oct 6-Dec 15\, 5:45-7:45pm (No session on October 13)        Open to allLimited to 12 participantsOnline Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis workshop delves into the five fundamental elements of story-making—structure\, plot\, character\, theme\, and scene building. Whether you’re writing a novella\, novel\, screenplay\, or memoir\, the skillful use of these elements allows all writers to create powerful stories that are meaningful and satisfying. \n\n\n\nAfter introducing a basic three-act story structure that’s foundational for most stories\, the workshop will progress through aspects of character\, theme\, and plot so that you can feel confident about completing fiction or nonfiction of any kind or length. We also touch on scene construction so your stories feel dynamic and alive on the page. \n\n\n\nWeekly homework exercises help writers at different stages of your story-making process\, whether you’re gathering material for a new story\, drafting an existing work\, or revising a project that is nearly ready to share with others. (Completed homework will receive instructor feedback and some in-class discussion.) \n\n\n\nIn addition to the focus on craft essentials\, this workshop invites writers to make personal discoveries about what matters most deeply to them and how this connects with their writing. This connection between self and story is integral to Deep Story Design\, because writers who know who they are\, and what they care about most\, are better able to access their unique creative voice. \n\n\n\nWeekly meetings will look something like this: \n\n\n\n\na 90-minute lesson\, including 15-30 mins of in-class exercises\n\n\n\na 10-minute break\n\n\n\n20 minutes for Q&A/homework discussion\n\n\n\n\nCompleted homework assignments will be due 4 days after the meeting at which they are assigned. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants a week or so prior to the first session.  \n\n\n\nApril Bosshard is a respected workshop facilitator and story coach who’s helped hundreds of writers develop and complete their projects. Sometimes called a “story whisperer” or “story genie\,” she has a background in film and television and has written fiction and non-fiction for traditional and independent markets\, which include publications in the US\, UK\, and Canada. April teaches at conferences and leads workshops internationally and online\, while also working with individual clients as a story coach and developmental editor.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/deep-story-design-story-craft-essentials-for-longer-form-narratives/2025-12-08/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251126T210011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T193500Z
UID:10004667-1765288800-1765294200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:*POSTPONED* Lunch & Learn: Delivering and Listening to Land Acknowledgements
DESCRIPTION:POSTPONED: Due to unforeseen circumstances\, this event has been postponed and will be rescheduled in 2026. Registration will re-open when a new date has been confirmed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTuesday\, December 9\, 20252:00–3:30 pm ETFree\, open to all—register for Zoom link\n\n\n\nLearn about delivering and listening to land acknowledgements in this presentation led by Suzanne Keeptwo. \n\n\n\nLand acknowledgements of today are intended to be an act of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of the territory upon which non-Indigenous Canadians reside. Yet\, too many iterations are routine and formulaic\, and sorely absent of environmental and social justice initiatives.  \n\n\n\nBeyond simply words\, land acknowledgements are an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous truths\, Canadian realities\, and concepts of relationality. \n\n\n\nIn this Lunch & Learn\, writer Suzanne Keeptwo will highlight essential truths and knowledge for implementing an effective\, Iiving\, breathing land acknowledgement. She will inspire the creation of impactful land acknowledgements intended to raise awareness about connections to\, and responsibilities toward\, the land.   \n\n\n\nThis presentation is free and open to all. Organization leaders and decision-makers are particularly encouraged to join. Those who are responsible for—or conscientious about—the development of meaningful land acknowledgements will understand them as ongoing testaments to reconciliation between all peoples and the Earth. A Q&A period will follow the presentation. \n\n\n\nAbout the Presenter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSuzanne Keeptwo is a professional writer\, editor\, and consultant. From 2006 to 2016\, she was a contributing journalist for the Anishinabek News and has since worked with numerous publishers as a freelance editor. Suzanne also works directly with writers to help develop their manuscripts\, including the soon-to-be published Older Than The Moon (Breakwater Books). Suzanne is the author of We All Go Back to the Land\, The Who\, Why\, and How of Land Acknowledgements (2021). She is now focused on her own creative writing and storytelling. Her True Tales of Wonder was first performed in 2024 at Odyssey Theatre’s Creative Arts Festival.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event has been postponed and will be rescheduled in 2026. Registration will re-open when a new date has been confirmed.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/lunch-learn-delivering-and-listening-to-land-acknowledgements/
LOCATION:Online – Please RSVP to receive a Zoom link
CATEGORIES:Lunch & Learn
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lunch-Learn8-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T194500
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250827T174338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T175103Z
UID:10004559-1765388700-1765395900@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Deep Story Design: Story-Craft Essentials for Longer Form Narratives (Wednesday Cohort)
DESCRIPTION:Ten Wednesdays\, Oct 8-Dec 17\, 5:45-7:45pm (No session on October 15)        Open to allLimited to 12 participantsOnline Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis workshop delves into the five fundamental elements of story-making—structure\, plot\, character\, theme\, and scene building. Whether you’re writing a novella\, novel\, screenplay\, or memoir\, the skillful use of these elements allows all writers to create powerful stories that are meaningful and satisfying. \n\n\n\nAfter introducing a basic three-act story structure that’s foundational for most stories\, the workshop will progress through aspects of character\, theme\, and plot so that you can feel confident about completing fiction or nonfiction of any kind or length. We also touch on scene construction so your stories feel dynamic and alive on the page. \n\n\n\nWeekly homework exercises help writers at different stages of your story-making process\, whether you’re gathering material for a new story\, drafting an existing work\, or revising a project that is nearly ready to share with others. Completed homework will receive instructor feedback and some in-class discussion. \n\n\n\nIn addition to the focus on craft essentials\, this workshop invites writers to make personal discoveries about what matters most deeply to them and how this connects with their writing. This connection between self and story is integral to Deep Story Design\, because writers who know who they are\, and what they care about most\, are better able to access their unique creative voice. \n\n\n\nWeekly meetings will look something like this: \n\n\n\n\na 90-minute lesson\, including 15-30 mins of in-class exercises\n\n\n\na 10-minute break\n\n\n\n20 minutes for Q&A/homework discussion\n\n\n\n\nCompleted homework assignments will be due 4 days after the meeting at which they are assigned. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants a week or so prior to the first session. Please note that this is the Wednesday iteration of the workshop; there is also a group meeting on Mondays. The material covered will be the same\, but note that due to limited spots\, we cannot facilitate transfers between groups.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/deep-story-design-story-craft-essentials-for-longer-form-narratives-wednesday-cohort/2025-12-10/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251127T171248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T171552Z
UID:10004669-1765481400-1765490400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Montreal launch of SHARP PINK CLAWS
DESCRIPTION:Skip your awkward holiday party and come celebrate with us instead! Metonymy Press is launching a new two-volume anthology featuring 11 of our authors you’ve come to know and love. On the evening of December 11\, there will be readings! Drinks! Prizes! Tearful goodbyes! If you’ve placed a preorder\, you can pick up your books (and any other merch) on site. And if you haven’t\, you can do so on the night of. \n\n\n\nCome for the gay lit\, stay for the partyyyyy. \n\n\n\nCo-op Bar Milton-Parc is wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral washrooms. Mask-wearing is highly encouraged and we will have air filters at the event. Please get in touch with us about any accessibility questions.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/montreal-launch-of-sharp-pink-claws/
LOCATION:Co-op Bar Milton Parc\, 3714 Avenue du Parc at des Pins\, Montréal\, QC\, Quebec\, H2X 2J1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Book Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sharp-pink-claws-launch-graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251212T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251212T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251126T180116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T155851Z
UID:10004666-1765544400-1765555200@qwf.org
SUMMARY:QWF Holiday Book Giveaway
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, Dec 12\, 20251:00-4:00 pmQWF Office (1200 Atwater Ave\, room 3\, top floor)\n\n\n\nJoin us for a holiday meetup and book giveaway at the QWF office! \n\n\n\nStop by between 1:00 and 4:00 pm on Friday\, December 12\, before we close for the holidays. Light refreshments will be available\, and QWF members can take up to three free books (while supplies last). \n\n\n\nNew this year: QWF tote bags will be available for purchase for $20 each. Cash (exact change only)\, cheque\, or card accepted. \n\n\n\nNot a member? No problem. Come sign up and get your three free books. Either way\, enjoy a casual holiday hangout with your fellow writers and the QWF staff. \n\n\n\n\nRSVP on FAcebook\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGetting to the QWF Office\n\n\n\nOur office is located on the top floor of the Atwater Library and Computer Centre\, in Room 3. \n\n\n\nAddress: 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3Westmount\, QC H3Z 1X4 \n\n\n\nClosest Metro: Atwater Station \n\n\n\nClosest Bus lines: 24\, 63\, 90\, 104\, 138\, 144\, 150 \n\n\n\nAccessibility:\n\n\n\nThe QWF Office is fully accessible by wheelchair from the basement entrance. From the Tupper Street sidewalk\, follow the painted blue lines that lead down a slight slope to the Atwater Library basement. To enter\, press the buzzer on the right-hand side of the door\, and continue forward to the elevator. The QWF office is on Floor 1\, the top floor. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSVP on FAcebook
URL:https://qwf.org/event/qwf-holiday-book-giveaway-2025/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Member Meetup,QWF Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copy-of-Book-Give2-1.png
GEO:45.4886431;-73.5864377
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=QWF Office 1200 Atwater Avenue Room 3 Westmount QC H3Z 1X4 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3:geo:-73.5864377,45.4886431
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251212T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251212T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20251127T201747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T201751Z
UID:10004670-1765558800-1765566000@qwf.org
SUMMARY:The Craft of Medicine: A Book Launch
DESCRIPTION:What does it truly mean to be a doctor today? I will  say a few words on this question when I launch my memoir of 60 years in medicine at The Word bookshop on Friday\, December 12\, 2025.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/the-craft-of-medicine-a-book-launch/
LOCATION:The Word Bookstore\, 469 Milton Street\, Montreal\, Quebec\, H2X 1W3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Book Launch
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251213T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251213T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160523
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T184501Z
UID:10004536-1765621800-1765643400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Gender-Free Group Loop
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, Dec 13\, 10:30am-4:30pm       Open to allLimited to 12 participantsIn-Person Workshop* \n\n\n\nThis lit workshop is housed in the assertion that sound has no gender and that our voices are tools for liberation\, play\, and\, above all\, communication. In pursuit of the fertile intersections of text and sound\, Alexis O’Hara will lead participants in an intensive workshop of listening and writing exercises\, vocal and sound-making explorations\, technical tips\, and collaborative sound creation. \n\n\n\nAimed at writers and artists wishing to explore how sound influences writing and how a writing practice is full of sonic potential\, this workshop will empower participants to translate literary proposals into sound concepts\, while demystifying the processes involved in bringing text from the page to the stage or the recording booth.  \n\n\n\nActivities include: \n\n\n\n\nIntroduction to existing sound art practices and approaches\n\n\n\nAutomatic listening and writing exercises\n\n\n\nKnowledge of sound technology resources and tools available on the Web\n\n\n\nMicrophone technique and exercises to feel comfortable onstage\n\n\n\nBridge building between writing\, sound art\, experimental storytelling\, radio drama\, and sound installation.\n\n\n\nOverview of basic live sound equipment\n\n\n\nParticipation in a series of creative and technical exercises\n\n\n\nCreation of an original sound project.\n\n\n\n\nParticipants are encouraged to bring a short text (1 page max) and/or a sound-making object. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place exclusively in-person at the Adair Auditorium (Atwater Library\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Westmount\, Quebec). \n\n\n\nAlexis O’Hara has travelled internationally with spoken-noise performances\, large-scale performance works\, and a sound installation that incited spontaneous musical collaboration between strangers. She has released four albums\, a book of poetry\, and enough helium-filled balloons to get her dress caught in a chandelier. In 2016\, she was awarded the Powerhouse Prize by Canada’s longest-running feminist art gallery\, La Centrale. In collaboration with Atom Cianfarani\, Alexis is one half of Et tu\, Machine\, a collective dedicated to queer imagineering via interdisciplinary installations and actions. Their most recent work\, The Cloud\, premiered in May 2024 at the Festival TransAmériques. Alexis lives among tall trees in the Laurentians.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/gender-free-group-loop/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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