Fredericton’s long-standing Author Day is being held on Saturday December 6, 11 am–3:30 pm, at Westminster Books on 445 King Street, Fredericton.
Many local writers (including several WFNB members) will be there to showcase their books throughout the day: Nathan Scott, Jessica Sowers, Keith Lyon, Pamela Bryson, David Charters, Kathleen Peacock, Wayne Curtis, Ross Hebb, Chuck Bowie and Ray Fraser.
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$2,600 in cash prizes to be awarded
The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) is now accepting submissions for its 2015 Writing Competition, with $2,600 in cash prizes to be awarded.
The prize purse includes the David Adams Richards Prize in the long fiction category, which is awarded for a collection of short stories, a novella, or a substantial part of a longer novel.
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WFNB member Diane Carmel Léger is launching her wonderful new book, Piau’s Potato Present, on November 30, 2PM at Chapters Moncton/Dieppe.
Piau’s Potato Present, is the English version of her previous book, La patate cadeau ou la « vraie » histoire de la poutine râpée, and is beautifully illustrated by Tamara Thiébaux-Heikalo. It tells how the cultural communities of our province, in the 18th century ‘Monckton Township’, were helping each other and were building friendships on the banks of the Petitcodiac River.
The Hackmatack Award-winning author from Memramcook (NB) , admired throughout Canada for her books (Maxine’s Tree, Emily Carr’s Attic, La butte à Pétard, etc.), will be present to meet her readers of all ages.
For further details, please contact:
Sébastien Lord-Émard, Project Manager at Bouton d’or Acadie
506-382-1367
The 2015 Atlantic Writing Competition is now accepting entries!
Deadline: February 2, 2015
The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia invites emerging writers throughout Atlantic Canada to submit unpublished work in six categories: creative non- fiction, novel, poetry, short story, writing for children, and young adult novel.
All entrants receive written comments on their manuscripts. Category winners will receive a cash prize and an invitation to read at Word on the Street in September 2015.
For full guidelines and online entry, click here.
Katherena Vermette, winner of the 2013 Governor General Award for Poetry, arrived to sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures for November. This allowed for relatively easy touring between Rexton and Sussex, with detours to Belleisle and Elsipogtog.
At Elsipogtog School, Katherena read from her collection, North End Love Songs. Students from Gr. 3-8 had many questions for Katherena about her family, her poems and her home, the North End of Winnipeg. Then it was off to Rexton where she read with Miramichi writer, Elizabeth Copeland, and several local authors.
The WFNB thanks Jason Lawson, our regional representative for that area, for organizing the event.
Katherena’s time in Sussex began with a reading at Dawn’s Café, with poet Allan Cooper and other local authors. The evening was intimate and open, and set the tone for Katherena’s workshop the following day. The workshop, called Finding Genre, was delivered to almost twenty people.
Participants ran the writing gamut – poets, fiction and creative non-fiction authors, playwrights, screen and journal writers; you name it, they were there. The WFNB thanks our regional representative, Janie Simpson, Rosalyn Hyslop and Kelly Cooper for helping to promote and deliver this event.
Katherena’s workshop in Sussex was a combination of writing exercises and discussion about genre. Her approach encouraged an openness to move between the various types of writing. The snow fell in big flakes for Katherena’s last afternoon in New Brunswick, a sharp contrast to the sunshine that brought her here.
Thanks to all who braved the weather and drove the distance to attend a workshop delivered by one of the top writers in the country.
WordTravels was the brainchild of Board Member, Kelly Cooper, who inspired us all with her vision. We thank her for taking this outreach initiative from concept to reality.
Gwen Martin to take helm of growing organization
The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new consulting Executive Director.
Gwen Martin of Yoho, NB, comes to WFNB with 30 years of experience as a journalist, author, editor, project manager, grant writer, and event organizer. She has worked on all sides of the writing desk and understands the daily and long-term needs of writers.
“If you love language, WFNB is your tribe,” Martin says. “We hold workshops for emerging writers who want to get ideas onto the page. We visit schools to encourage young writers. We hold readings by nationally acclaimed writers. We offer seminars on the craft of writing. And we give sessions about the writing life and how to run a successful writing business. In other words, WFNB has something for everyone.”
Nearing its 30th anniversary in early 2015, WFNB is the only New Brunswick organization that promotes writers in all disciplines and development stages.
“Our Federation has a deeply creative and inspiring core of writers,” President Rayanne Brennan says. “WFNB is at a crossroads where we’re refining new ways to serve our expanding membership. Gwen brings tremendous depth and breadth of experience as a passionate writer–editor and organizer to help members achieve their writing goals.”
The WFNB board is now finalizing its 2014–2017 strategic plan that will expand existing programs and add new initiatives. These include a mentorship program to pair established authors with emerging writers, and the first provincial book awards to celebrate New Brunswick authors.
“Outreach and grassroots support is a key part of our organization,” Martin says. “We have powerful storytellers across New Brunswick looking to turn their ideas into books. We have amazing young writers in our schools. We want to reach those people as well as serve the professional needs of our established writers.”
In response to popular request, WFNB has recently streamlined its membership policy. Our membership year is now the same for everyone.
It runs from June 1 to the following May 31, with a fixed renewal date of June 1.
Our simplified categories are:
- Regular and Organization: $50;
- Senior (65 and over), University Student, Teacher: $30;
- Youth (18 and under): $5.
All current memberships will expire on May 31, 2015. You’ll get your first renewal notice around May 1 of each year.
Members (except youth) who join or renew during our catch-up period of November 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015 will pay half-price.
If you renewed or joined between August and November 2014, we’ll give you a personalized, pro-rated credit towards next year’s membership.
If you have any questions, please email Gwen Martin, executive director, at info@wfnb.
The Fiddlehead’s Anunual Literary Contest deadline is fast approaching with significant prizes for writers.
The winning entries will be published in the spring 2015 issue of The Fiddlehead, and on their website. The winning authors will be paid for publication in addition to their prizes.
$2,000 Ralph Gustafson Prize for Best Poem
$250 each for Two Honourable Mentions
$2,000 for Best Story
$250 each for Two Honourable Mentions
Enter your poetry or short fiction manuscript by December 1, 2014 for a chance to win.
More information at www.thefiddlehead.ca.
