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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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251129T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251129T163000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
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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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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T190000
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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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T150000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251104T195852Z
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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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T220000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T150551Z
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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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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T180000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251117T182307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T182312Z
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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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251127T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T220000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T202248Z
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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/2025-11-26/
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:20251126T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250827T174338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T175103Z
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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/2025-11-26/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
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SUMMARY:Stage-Worthy: How to Write a Play
DESCRIPTION:Seven Wednesdays\, Oct  8-Nov 26\,  5:45-7:45pm  (No session on October 29; double-session [5:45-9:45pm] on November 26)Open to allLimited to 12 participantsIn-Person Workshop* \n\n\n\nDialogue\, characters\, plot\, setting! This will be a learn-by-doing-as-you-go\, anecdotal (in a theatre history way)\, ease-you-into-it experience that’s not scary or overwhelming. If you have always wanted to write a play or already have a play idea in the works\, this is the workshop for you. I’m quite motivational\, coach-like\, and pushy in a good way. I will get that play out of you if you are willing to try. I am all for deadlines\, discipline\, and contests. Since I have more of a comic bent\, there could be more emphasis on comedy. The workshop will evolve as it goes\, based on what everyone hopes to accomplish. I am often surprised and quite happy to see what happens when I throw ideas and writing games at writers in a workshop. I am very careful about how feedback is given because everything is so new. This does not mean that there won’t be opportunities to share your work or prove that you are indeed writing. Participants will have something dramatic to show for it at the end of the workshop. A past QWF workshop resulted in Picturesque: Voices From Beaver Hall\, which saw productions at Redpath Museum\, Dawson Theatre\, as well as museums in Hamilton and Calgary. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place exclusively in-person at the QWF Office (Room 3\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Westmount\, Quebec). \n\n\n\nColleen Curran is an award-winning playwright\, novelist\, actor\, and teacher. Her comedy Cake-Walk premiered at the Blyth Festival in 1984 and has had more than 50 productions across North America. It was brought to the attention of Showtime Network by Whoopi Goldberg. Curran’s many plays include Villa Eden\, Sacred Hearts (winner of the International Gabriel Award and most recently done by Zeitgeist Stage in Boston) Maple Lodge (Winner Best Canadian Play\, Samuel French Inc. Competition)\, Another Labour Day (Best New Play\, QDF\, 1984)\, El Clavadista\, A Brave Girl\, Sibyl and Sylvia\, Casa de Mary\, Ceili House\, and Ireland’s Own Carmel O’Reilly Tonite! Her three novels about Montreal singing waitress Lenore Rutland are Something Drastic\, Overnight Sensation\, and Guests of Chance. Her stage adaptation of Something Drastic premiered in 2002 and has been seen in Winnipeg\, Toronto\, Athens\, and Melbourne. Her True Nature launched the 2011-2012 season at Centaur Theatre. Her latest novel\, Out for Stars\, made the long list for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/stage-worthy-how-to-write-a-play/2025-11-26/
LOCATION:QWF Office\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Room 3\, Westmount\, QC\, H3Z 1X4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251125T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251125T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T171936Z
UID:10004492-1764092700-1764099900@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Poetry in Concert: Composition\, Voice\, Performance
DESCRIPTION:Eight Tuesdays\, Oct 7-Nov 25\, 5:45-7:45pm        Open to poets and writers with some writing experienceLimited to 12 participantsHybrid Workshop* \n\n\n\nThe workshop Poetry in Concert: Composition\, Voice\, Performance is intended for poets or writers with some writing experience who are interested in pushing their poetic imagination and expanding their vocal and performative abilities. No previous public performance experience is required\, but participants need to be willing to experiment and vocalize their work in front of each other. As everyone will be producing new writing\, no advance submission is necessary. \n\n\n\nIn this poetry workshop\, participants will focus on composing a poetic work or suite that draws inspiration from the oral and performing arts\, including forms such as theatrical dialogue\, prose monologue\, performance art\, sound poetry\, spoken word\, and vocal improvisation. In the first half of the workshop\, participants will engage in various writing and listening exercises in order to generate work\, listen to diverse poets and sound artists\, discuss and respond to each others’ writing\, and gradually compose a poetic work inspired by various aspects of performance that are not only translated onto the page but also imagined for the stage. Ideas related to composition\, movement\, pacing\, and embodiment will be explored. \n\n\n\nThe second part of the workshop will focus on the vocalization and performance of this work. Participants will learn about range\, volume\, dynamics\, timing; how to warm up their voices and prepare for a performative reading; how to properly use a microphone; and how to explore multiple ways that their unique voices can embody their work. Depending on interest\, the workshop could culminate in a performance event of the work produced. \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\nOana Avasilichioaei has created many performance/sound works that mix electronics\, ambient textures\, noise\, and vocal play\, published seven collections of poetry hybrids\, including Chambersonic (Talonbooks\, 2024) and award-nominated Eight Track (Talonbooks\, 2019)\, and written a libretto for the one-act opera Cells of Wind (FAWN Chamber Collective\, 2022–24). Based in Montreal\, she has been a writer- or artist-in-residence at Green College\, UBC (Vancouver\, 2009)\, University of Calgary (2010–11)\, Simon Fraser University (Vancouver\, 2018)\, OBORO (Montreal\, 2021)\, and Rhizome (Quebec City\, 2024)\, and is currently nominated for the Bernard Heidsieck Centre Pompidou International Literature Prize for her intermedia work.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/poetry-in-concert-composition-voice-performance/2025-11-25/
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:20251125T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251125T133000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251118T214457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T215058Z
UID:10004661-1764072000-1764077400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: Online Film and Discussion on Ageism
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, November 25\, 202512:00–1:30 pm ETFree\, open to all—register for Zoom link\n\n\n\nJoin us for a special edition of our Lunch & Learn series. \n\n\n\nOn Tuesday\, November 25\, QWF presents a free online screening of Ageless\, an engaging new documentary from the Cummings Centre that confronts ageism and its impact. The 45-minute film will be followed by a discussion facilitated by QWF Executive Director Lori Schubert. \n\n\n\nAgeism affects every generation. In Ageless\, director Joshua Dorsey explores age-based biases through firsthand interviews with participants from English-speaking communities in Quebec\, including Montreal\, Quebec City\, Saguenay\, Gatineau\, and the Eastern Townships. The film features the perspectives of both younger and older people and identifies ways to counter ageism that all of us can apply in our daily lives. \n\n\n\nYou’ll be invited to share your own experiences of ageism—whether in the public arena\, in the workplace\, or in the book industry. \n\n\n\nWatch the trailer: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgeless is developed and produced by the Cummings Centre with support from the provincial government’s SRQEA program strengthening the vitality of English-speaking communities in Quebec. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister for Zoom Link
URL:https://qwf.org/event/lunch-learn-online-film-and-discussion-on-ageism/
LOCATION:Online – Please RSVP to receive a Zoom link
CATEGORIES:Lunch & Learn
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251124T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251124T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T170933Z
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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/2025-11-24/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251122T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251122T123000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251024T152136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T152140Z
UID:10004632-1763805600-1763814600@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Shut Up & Write! with QWF (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, November 22\, 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-48/
LOCATION:Online – Please RSVP to receive a Zoom link
CATEGORIES:Shut Up & Write!
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T220000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T150551Z
UID:10004528-1763668800-1763676000@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/2025-11-20/
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:20251120T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
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-2/2025-11-20/
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:20251119T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T220000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T202248Z
UID:10004511-1763582400-1763589600@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/2025-11-19/
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:20251119T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250827T174338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T175103Z
UID:10004556-1763574300-1763581500@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/2025-11-19/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T183309Z
UID:10004503-1763574300-1763581500@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Stage-Worthy: How to Write a Play
DESCRIPTION:Seven Wednesdays\, Oct  8-Nov 26\,  5:45-7:45pm  (No session on October 29; double-session [5:45-9:45pm] on November 26)Open to allLimited to 12 participantsIn-Person Workshop* \n\n\n\nDialogue\, characters\, plot\, setting! This will be a learn-by-doing-as-you-go\, anecdotal (in a theatre history way)\, ease-you-into-it experience that’s not scary or overwhelming. If you have always wanted to write a play or already have a play idea in the works\, this is the workshop for you. I’m quite motivational\, coach-like\, and pushy in a good way. I will get that play out of you if you are willing to try. I am all for deadlines\, discipline\, and contests. Since I have more of a comic bent\, there could be more emphasis on comedy. The workshop will evolve as it goes\, based on what everyone hopes to accomplish. I am often surprised and quite happy to see what happens when I throw ideas and writing games at writers in a workshop. I am very careful about how feedback is given because everything is so new. This does not mean that there won’t be opportunities to share your work or prove that you are indeed writing. Participants will have something dramatic to show for it at the end of the workshop. A past QWF workshop resulted in Picturesque: Voices From Beaver Hall\, which saw productions at Redpath Museum\, Dawson Theatre\, as well as museums in Hamilton and Calgary. \n\n\n\n*This workshop will take place exclusively in-person at the QWF Office (Room 3\, 1200 Atwater Avenue\, Westmount\, Quebec). \n\n\n\nColleen Curran is an award-winning playwright\, novelist\, actor\, and teacher. Her comedy Cake-Walk premiered at the Blyth Festival in 1984 and has had more than 50 productions across North America. It was brought to the attention of Showtime Network by Whoopi Goldberg. Curran’s many plays include Villa Eden\, Sacred Hearts (winner of the International Gabriel Award and most recently done by Zeitgeist Stage in Boston) Maple Lodge (Winner Best Canadian Play\, Samuel French Inc. Competition)\, Another Labour Day (Best New Play\, QDF\, 1984)\, El Clavadista\, A Brave Girl\, Sibyl and Sylvia\, Casa de Mary\, Ceili House\, and Ireland’s Own Carmel O’Reilly Tonite! Her three novels about Montreal singing waitress Lenore Rutland are Something Drastic\, Overnight Sensation\, and Guests of Chance. Her stage adaptation of Something Drastic premiered in 2002 and has been seen in Winnipeg\, Toronto\, Athens\, and Melbourne. Her True Nature launched the 2011-2012 season at Centaur Theatre. Her latest novel\, Out for Stars\, made the long list for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/stage-worthy-how-to-write-a-play/2025-11-19/
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:20251118T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T171936Z
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SUMMARY:Poetry in Concert: Composition\, Voice\, Performance
DESCRIPTION:Eight Tuesdays\, Oct 7-Nov 25\, 5:45-7:45pm        Open to poets and writers with some writing experienceLimited to 12 participantsHybrid Workshop* \n\n\n\nThe workshop Poetry in Concert: Composition\, Voice\, Performance is intended for poets or writers with some writing experience who are interested in pushing their poetic imagination and expanding their vocal and performative abilities. No previous public performance experience is required\, but participants need to be willing to experiment and vocalize their work in front of each other. As everyone will be producing new writing\, no advance submission is necessary. \n\n\n\nIn this poetry workshop\, participants will focus on composing a poetic work or suite that draws inspiration from the oral and performing arts\, including forms such as theatrical dialogue\, prose monologue\, performance art\, sound poetry\, spoken word\, and vocal improvisation. In the first half of the workshop\, participants will engage in various writing and listening exercises in order to generate work\, listen to diverse poets and sound artists\, discuss and respond to each others’ writing\, and gradually compose a poetic work inspired by various aspects of performance that are not only translated onto the page but also imagined for the stage. Ideas related to composition\, movement\, pacing\, and embodiment will be explored. \n\n\n\nThe second part of the workshop will focus on the vocalization and performance of this work. Participants will learn about range\, volume\, dynamics\, timing; how to warm up their voices and prepare for a performative reading; how to properly use a microphone; and how to explore multiple ways that their unique voices can embody their work. Depending on interest\, the workshop could culminate in a performance event of the work produced. \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\nOana Avasilichioaei has created many performance/sound works that mix electronics\, ambient textures\, noise\, and vocal play\, published seven collections of poetry hybrids\, including Chambersonic (Talonbooks\, 2024) and award-nominated Eight Track (Talonbooks\, 2019)\, and written a libretto for the one-act opera Cells of Wind (FAWN Chamber Collective\, 2022–24). Based in Montreal\, she has been a writer- or artist-in-residence at Green College\, UBC (Vancouver\, 2009)\, University of Calgary (2010–11)\, Simon Fraser University (Vancouver\, 2018)\, OBORO (Montreal\, 2021)\, and Rhizome (Quebec City\, 2024)\, and is currently nominated for the Bernard Heidsieck Centre Pompidou International Literature Prize for her intermedia work.
URL:https://qwf.org/event/poetry-in-concert-composition-voice-performance/2025-11-18/
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:20251118T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T130000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251107T173645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T201840Z
UID:10004639-1763467200-1763470800@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn with SODEP
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, November 18\, 202512:00–1:00 pm ETFree\, Online—Register for Zoom Link\n\n\n\nDiscover SODEP—Quebec’s association of cultural magazines—and learn about the history of magazines in the province. \n\n\n\nThe Société de développement des périodiques culturels québécois (SODEP) is an association dedicated to the defense and promotion of Quebec’s cultural magazines. Founded in 1978\, SODEP brings together nearly 50 rich\, diverse\, and unique magazines devoted to the arts\, literature\, social issues\, history\, and heritage. Its mandate is to make cultural magazines accessible to all and to offer its members a variety of services to support their professional development. \n\n\n\nCome attend the Quebec Writers’ Federation’s next Lunch and Learn where Léah Pitre-Gaspari\, SODEP’s business development coordinator\, will deliver a short presentation on the history of magazines in Quebec and about SODEP’s work in developing and supporting the industry. A Q&A period will follow. \n\n\n\nThis session is free and open to all. Register to get the Zoom link. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://qwf.org/event/lunch-and-learn-with-sodep/
LOCATION:Online – Please RSVP to receive a Zoom link
CATEGORIES:Lunch & Learn,Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251117T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251117T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T170933Z
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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/2025-11-17/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T230000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251107T181826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T181830Z
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SUMMARY:Accent Open Mic Vol. 126 "Glossolalia" with Emmanuel Deraps\, Robin Durnford\, and Josh Quirion
DESCRIPTION:Join us for another amazing evening of poetry and prose with featured readers Emmanuel Deraps\, Robin Durnford\, and Josh Quirion.\nWhere: Bar Le Record\n(7622 Rue St-Hubert\, Montréal\, QC H2R 2N6)\nWhen: 8pm\nCost: Free\nOpen Mic: 5 mins\nTheme: Glossalia\nSign up for the open mic at the door!
URL:https://qwf.org/event/accent-open-mic-vol-126-glossolalia-with-emmanuel-deraps-robin-durnford-and-josh-quirion/2025-11-16/2/
LOCATION:Bar Le Record\, 7622 Rue St-Hubert\, Montréal\, Quebec\, H2R 2N6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Open Mic,Performance,Reading,Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T170000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251107T181826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T181830Z
UID:10004642-1763280000-1763312400@qwf.org
SUMMARY:Accent Open Mic Vol. 126 "Glossolalia" with Emmanuel Deraps\, Robin Durnford\, and Josh Quirion
DESCRIPTION:Join us for another amazing evening of poetry and prose with featured readers Emmanuel Deraps\, Robin Durnford\, and Josh Quirion.\nWhere: Bar Le Record\n(7622 Rue St-Hubert\, Montréal\, QC H2R 2N6)\nWhen: 8pm\nCost: Free\nOpen Mic: 5 mins\nTheme: Glossalia\nSign up for the open mic at the door!
URL:https://qwf.org/event/accent-open-mic-vol-126-glossolalia-with-emmanuel-deraps-robin-durnford-and-josh-quirion/2025-11-16/1/
LOCATION:Bar Le Record\, 7622 Rue St-Hubert\, Montréal\, Quebec\, H2R 2N6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Open Mic,Performance,Reading,Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T150000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251024T153134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T195934Z
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SUMMARY:Shut Up & Write! with QWF (*VIRTUAL due to STM Strike*)
DESCRIPTION:*NOTE: This session will be held online via Zoom due to the ongoing STM strike* \n\n\n\nFriday\, November 14\, 2025\, 12:30 pm–3:00 pmFree\, In Person (MOVED TO VIRTUAL DUE TO STM STRIKE) \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: This session will be held online via Zoom due to the ongoing STM strike* \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-in-person-49/
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:20251113T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T220000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T150551Z
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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/2025-11-13/
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:20251113T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20251028T183948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T193212Z
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SUMMARY:Book Launch: Private Number by David Homel
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 13\, 20257:00 pm ET\n\n\n\nVéhicule Press and Argo Bookshop invite you to the launch of David Homel’s new novel Private Number. The event will feature readings from the book as well as conversation with Esplanade Books editor Dimitri Nasrallah. This ​event is free\, but space is limited\, so please RSVP on TicketSource. Masks are not required\, but will be provided at the door. \n\n\n\nAbout the Book\n\n\n\nIn his tenth novel\, master storyteller David Homel blurs the line where art and secrecy overlap. \n\n\n\nDocumentary filmmaker Mikhail never aspired to spend time in a small coal-mining city called Lepuy in the middle of France. But his latest project has complicated life in Montreal\, garnering attacks from all sides after screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Looking to get away from the noise until things quiet down\, he hastily applies to an out-of-the-way artist’s residency in a place where nothing ever happens. \n\n\n\nBut for a documentary filmmaker\, there is always trouble to uncover. Mikhail quickly finds himself caught up amidst the violence of a miners’ strike\, as well as in clandestine relationship with Caroline\, a married judge with an unstable husband. With his time in Lepuy quickly spinning out of control\, Mikhail wants to call Caroline and warn her of the coming consequences. But he can’t. She has a private number. \n\n\n\nAbout the Author\n\n\n\nDavid Homel is the author of ten novels and a memoir\, as well as a series of books for younger readers co-written with Marie-Louise Gay. A prize-winning writer and translator\, he has worked in documentary film\, print and radio journalism. He lives in Montreal. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSVP on TICKETSOURCE
URL:https://qwf.org/event/book-launch-private-number-by-david-homel/
LOCATION:Argo Bookshop\, 1841A Ste-Catherine St. West\, Montreal\, Quebec\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Book Launch
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T212138Z
UID:10004518-1763055900-1763063100@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-2/2025-11-13/
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:20251112T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T220000
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250819T160000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T202248Z
UID:10004510-1762977600-1762984800@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/2025-11-12/
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:20251112T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T194500
DTSTAMP:20260407T070654
CREATED:20250827T174338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T175103Z
UID:10004555-1762969500-1762976700@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/2025-11-12/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:QWF Workshops,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://qwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1.png
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