Hello, Members and Friends.

As the winter zooms by (the quicker, the better, please), the snow continues to fall as if it owns the place! Despite this, I hope you feel cozy and warm inside, and that your writing projects are humming along. If not, I hope any difficult or frustrating seasons in your life will be of short duration, so that your creativity can bloom again.

Please read through the newsletter for our list of writing competitions, applications for residencies, and upcoming events. 

We enjoyed a really great online short story workshop with Elaine McCluskey on February 8, and we have one workshop left on our fall/winter roster – that’s Bios, Book Blurbs and Back Cover Copy with Wendy Kitts. (Those are the little details that sell a book, amiright?) I am looking forward to attending the winter retreat next weekend (deadline is today), and if all goes well, we will set a date for another in 2027.

There’s another Open Mic in Moncton on March 18, and one in Miramichi follows on April 11. These are free events, but you must pre-register! Everyone who attended our first Open Mic in Moncton at Soeur Claudette really enjoyed themselves, so come on out, read, and connect with other writers in a convivial atmosphere.

And finally, our WordSpring 2026 page is now live, so check out all the fun events we have scheduled on May 29 – 31, 2026, and sign up for whatever you can. This year, we will hold all events (except the NB Book Awards) at the Crowne Plaza Saint John. The NB Book Awards will be held at Lily Lake Pavilion.

All the best this February,

Rhonda

WordWorthy

“Have Visceral Impact - A short story still must have impact even it if doesn’t resolve. The mistake that writers make is that they don’t go deep enough. You must go below the surface in the lives of your characters. Tap into an emotion or behaviour you have experienced. Use your own experiences and feelings when you write about your character. Go deep, even if it hurts…Do you want to leave the reader disturbed, satisfied, happy, angry? The story doesn’t necessarily need resolution, but it needs to have resonance. ”

Elaine McCluskey, Diving into Short Stories, February 8, 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

February, complete with Valentine's Day and Family Day, is all about love. We are happy to share that love by providing tax receipts for donations beginning in 2026, thanks to receiving our status as a charitable organization. Now is the time to tap the shoulders of would-be patrons of the literary arts, so we can provide more support to New Brunswick writers. Give it some thought, in mind and heart!

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS

Mike Bravener (mikebravener.com) writes children’s stories from his home on Richibucto Road. A professional entertainer and folksinger, Mike’s first children’s book, The Lumberjack Alphabet, was published in 2025 by Monster House. Welcome, Mike!

Andrew Fairweather lives in Waterville-Sunbury, where he writes in the genre of comedy, historical fiction, horror, spiritual, and short stories. Welcome, Andrew!

Cynthia Funkhouser writes creative nonfiction, memoir, poetry and website copy and pursues editing from her home in Saint Jacques. Welcome Cynthia!

Julie Kaniak writes essays, fiction, memoir, poetry and short stories from her home in Riverview. Welcome, Julie!

Ramneet Kalra writes poetry from a home base of Fredericton. Welcome, Ramneet!

Joëlle Richard graduated in 2025 from St. Thomas University’s creative writing program, and won STU’s DAR Prize for fiction. She writes in the genres of Editing, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Playwriting, Romance, Freelance, Short stories. Welcome, Joëlle!

Kimberley Steeves is a fantasy writer from Moncton. Welcome, Kimberley!

Tanya Tagieff (pen name Tasha Zima – www.tashazima.com) is the author of 12 romance novels, and writes them all from her home in Edmundston. Tanya will appear at Romance by The Sea 2026 book fair at Hammond Plains Community Center, NS, on May 3, 2026, from 2 - 6 pm Instagram - @romancebythesea2026  https://romancebytheseaevent.odoo.com/ Welcome, Tanya!

Cathy Verrault (pen names Cathy Verrault and Kathou), originally from Quebec, is now settled in Fredericton, and has had a long career writing in the children’s and youth genre, as well as creative nonfiction, fiction and historical fiction. You can check out all her French titles at www.editionsdelancre.com Bienvenue, Cathy!

MEMBER NEWS

Come out and hear Open to the Skies author, Jane Tims,  AND Puppet author, Robert Stutt, when they read from their novels at Westminster Bookmark in Fredericton on Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm.

WRITING COMPETITIONS

The Gilmer Prize 2026, hosted by Camel Literary Magazine, is open. Deadline is May 1, 2026. Start writing! Submit at camel.litmag@gmail.com

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If you are an unpublished author who lives in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, submit a short story up to 1500 words to the Julia Stewart Memorial Competition! You must be at least 16 years of age to enter. Please read the submission guidelines on our website, www.jsmcontest.ca before entering.

Questions? jsmcontest@gmail.com The contest closes at midnight Atlantic time on July 5, 2026.Prizes include $2500 for first place, $1000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Entries fees will be donated to MS Canada and matched up to $1000 by the sponsor, Cedar Valley Investments.

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The deadline for The Writers' Union of Canada Short Prose Competition for Emerging Writers has been extended! There’s still time to submit your stories. Help us spread the news!

Entries for the Short Prose Competition are now being accepted until Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:59 pm PST. This Competition aims to discover, encourage, and promote new writers of short prose in order to provide opportunity and exposure to developing writers.

Unpublished works of fiction and nonfiction up to 2,500 words in English are eligible, and writers may submit multiple entries. A $2,500 prize will be awarded to the winner, and the entries of the winner and eleven finalists will be submitted to three Canadian magazines for consideration. Writers must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. For complete rules and regulations, and to submit, visit writersunion.ca/short-prose-competition.

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The Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Literary Prize, an annual international prize for emerging writers aged 25+.

The prize welcomes stand-alone fiction or non-fiction (1,500–3,000 words) and is particularly well suited to mature students and writers developing work alongside study. “Adventure” is interpreted generously — inner or outer, emotional, intellectual or lived — and entries are judged on literary merit and engagement with the general reader. Deadline is March 31. Details here:  https://www.tomgrassprize.com/

WORKSHOPS

Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust, a non-profit dedicated to helping fiction writers improve their craft, announces that the deadline to apply for their online educational program, Your Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop, is April 10, 2026. The Odyssey began in 2022, and provides an intensive, one-on-one workshop experience, customized for each individual student. For the 10-12 writers admitted in 2026, several scholarships are available, including the Fresh Voices scholarship for an outstanding writer of color, and the Walter and Kattie Metcalf Singing Spider Scholarship for a fantasy novelist who shows great skill and promise, the Quantum Entanglement Scholarship for an outstanding writer of science fiction, and more! https://www.odysseyworkshop.org/about-the-workshop/. 

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Are you interested in developing your writing craft in Paris, France this summer? The American University of Paris’s Summer Creative Writing Institute features workshops in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry in the month of July.

Writers have the chance to write and share their work under the guidance of highly accomplished faculty members. At the same time, they’ll enjoy Parisian life and culture while immersing themselves in the city’s rich literary legacy. Each week, participants also attend evening readings and Q&A sessions with inspiring visiting authors.

WRITERS IN RESIDENCE

The Sable Island Institute is preparing to launch our 2026-27 Artist in Residence program. The Call for Applications will open mid-February.

SII's Artist in Residence program is an opportunity for artists to spend up to two weeks on Sable Island immersed in its landscape, history, and ecology, engaging in research to inform their artistic practice. Artists will be hosted on the island by Sable Island Institute's lead naturalist, Zoe Lucas. 

Please forward this information to your contact lists, and keep your eyes on our website www.sableislandinstitute.org , and our facebook (@SableIslandInstitute) and instagram (@sable_institute) accounts, where we will post the call including details about the residency and application process.

EVENTS

WRITERS’ OPEN MIC
Sunday, February 22nd
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Bill Johnstone Memorial Park Activity Centre
70 Main Street, Sackville, NB

The Writers’ Open Mic is a free monthly event open to all. Come out and read your poems, songs, short stories, comics, novels, essays, stand-up comedy, etc. Or just come to listen.

Accessibility concerns and general questions can be directed to laurawatsonartwork@gmail.com. Follow the Writers’ Open Mic on Instagram at @writersopenmic for updates.

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Catherine Lee, Literary Arts Program Co-Manager at the Eastport Arts Center in Eastport, Moose Island, Maine, (the only one of the Fundy Isles that is not in Canada), is planning to host a gathering of area writers' groups in the spring. She wonders if there are any writers' groups in the St. Stephen-St. Andrews area to participate in a cross-border gathering if indeed there are writers' groups they could invite. Interested? Contact info@wfnb.ca for Catherine’s contact info.

***

Le Hub Shediac wants to connect with regional authors interested in promoting and selling their books in their space on Main Street Shediac opening this spring.

Their goal is simple: to create a welcoming place where local voices, stories, and books can be discovered, shared, and supported.

Whether you write:

• fiction or non-fiction
• poetry or essays
• regional history, memoir, or storytelling, they’d love to hear from you.

Opportunities include:

• in-space book display and sales
• visibility alongside local art and culture
• participation in readings or small events (optional) Lehubshediac@gmail.com

RETREATS AND WORKSHOPS

Go and Write! Retreats created by writers, for writers

Writing retreats offered by award-winning authors Dr. Gerard Collins and Jane Simpson, from New Brunswick, Canada. Participants include emerging and established writers of all genres.

For more information, visit www.goandwrite.ca and post a note to their contact page.

Springtime Writing in the Cotswolds

Retreat to Old Town Lunenburg, NS

Retreat to Kingsbrae - St. Andrews by the Sea, NB

Go and Write! Merry and Bright - Christmastime in the Cotswolds, 2026

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WFNB member Mike Thorn is offering three workshops through CSAC and the UNB Art Centre this winter.

Writing Horror Fiction: Step into the shadows and uncover the craft behind what truly frightens us! Join acclaimed horror author Mike Thorn for an immersive workshop on writing horror fiction. From building tension and atmosphere to creating characters that haunt the page long after the story ends. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this session will ignite your imagination and help you bring your darkest ideas to life. Thursdays, January 29 - March 5 from 7 - 9 p.m. in the Community Room (CSAC) Writing Horror Fiction

Reading Like a Writer: Reading is arguably the most crucial practice for any serious writer. In this course, you will “reverse engineer” acclaimed short stories to determine how and why they work. You will use these stories as lenses into key aspects of effective fiction (dialogue, plotting, voice, character, etc.) The course will help you to identify the key features of various distinctive prose styles, and you will participate in guided writing exercises inspired by those styles. Wednesdays, February 11 - March 25 (no class March 4)
6:30 - 8 p.m. Reading Like a Writer

Novel Writing: For beginners and advanced writers alike, this course is for you. Whether you're plotting your outline or polishing that final draft, this course will offer an intensive workshop environment with the focus on breaking down the barriers to completing your novel. Writing will be the class focus, with a strong emphasis on sharing constructive feedback. Discussion topics will include, but not be limited to, narrative structure, character, plotting and pacing, and of course publishing. No materials required. Tuesdays, March 24 to May 12 (8 weeks) Novel Writing

Mike Thorn is a fiction writer and critic. He is the author of Shelter for the Damned, Darkest Hours, and Peel Back and See. His stories have been published in a range of anthologies, magazines, and podcasts, including Augur, Vastarien, NoSleep, and Tales to Terrify. His essays and articles have been published in American Gothic Studies, The Fiddlehead, The Weird: A Companion, American Twilight: The Cinema of Tobe Hooper, The Film Stage, and elsewhere. He holds his PhD in English from the University of New Brunswick, and he co-hosts the writing-themed Craftwork podcast with Miriam Richer.https://mikethornwrites.com/

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Canadian Freelance Guild workshop, live at 7 PM ET on THURSDAY, January 15, 2026 – Special Discount for WFNB members. Check the members only page on wfnb.ca for the discount code.

Register here: https://canadianfreelanceguild.wildapricot.org/event-6409751

Social media never sits still — and neither do the freelancers who depend on it. As algorithms shift, platforms rise (and fall), and audiences change how they engage, staying ahead of the curve can feel like a full-time job.

Join our panel of CFG experts — all working professionals who live and breathe this stuff — as they share insights on where social media is headed in 2026. We’ll explore what’s working now, what’s fading fast, and what new trends might reshape how freelancers market themselves, connect with clients, and build communities online.

Whether you manage client accounts or just want to keep your own socials sharp, this session will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to scroll into the new year with confidence. See more about the CFG at their website: https://canadianfreelanceguild.ca/en/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Milkbag Magazine

Spring 2026: The Green Issue

"Green as in grass and leaves and money and greed and jealousy and new growth and old growth and mold and Kermit the frog and lights and go and envy and capitalism and environmentalism and hope and vitality and algae and pondscum and weed and weeds and peas and jolly giants and juice and renewal and spring buds and chlorophyll and inexperience and hope and avocados and forest and vegetal and arsenic and poison and green and green and green and green."

We pay our contributors as well as our contest winners via a profit share model, meaning we charge a small submission fee. However, contributors facing financial barriers are encouraged to reach out directly - fee waivers are handled on a case-by-case basis and priority will be given to historically underrepresented communities.

We accept submissions via our Duosuma portal where all submission guidelines can also be found. For even more information, please visit our website or reach out directly. 

MARITIME RESIDENCIES

The Hideout Scholarship deadline for Maritime writers is March 1

Applications are open for the 2026 Hideout residencies and the Susan Buchanan Hideout scholarship. Now in its seventh year, the Hideout Residencies welcome writers, artists, musicians, therapists, and self-care practitioners to Prince Edward Island’s south shore each spring and fall. Residencies are a week in length and allow for uninterrupted time to work on a creative project. In 2025, The Hideout welcomed residents and guests from 11 countries and all corners of Canada to create and restore. For more information about the Hideout Residencies, the application process, or the scholarship, visit www.thehideoutpei.com. 

In order to support Maritime writers and practitioners, the Susan Buchanan Hideout scholarship covering residency costs to an emerging or established writer or practitioner with financial need. Writers or wellness practitioners who identify as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ are especially encouraged to apply. The scholarship deadline for 2026 is March 1.

Created by writer Trevor Corkum and psychotherapist Joshua Lewis, The Hideout offers retreat and vacation space to writers, creative folk, and visitors from across Canada and around the world. The Hideout is located on the scenic south shore of PEI, a few minutes outside the village of Victoria-by-the-Sea. The Hideout Residency program was founded in 2020.

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Hello, Members and Friends.

I hope you enjoyed a lovely holiday season with your friends and loved ones, and that 2026 has opened up for you with hopeful energy.

Our online sessions have been well attended and interesting - there are more to come – so please check through the list on WFNB.ca to see if you’d like to participate in an upcoming workshop led by Heather Browne, Elaine McCluskey and/or Wendy Kitts. The Sandra Phinney mini online course on writing flash nonfiction is now full, but Sandra said she is considering doing a second session in the spring or fall, so I’ll pass on your names, if you’re interested.

There’s still lots of room to attend our February retreat at Villa Madonna. Not gonna lie – I’m looking forward to the peace and quiet this year – just me and my new project. If you’re looking for a weekend away to write, this is an economical and friendly way to do it. Lots of connections and conversations over meals.

Hey, don’t forget: The NB Writing Competition is now open. Check that piece one more time, and get it in. I hope you’ll participate this year. One change to note: The JL Screenwriting Award is now for NB residents only. (We normally allow WFNB members who live outside of NB to participate in all categories, but at the request of the sponsor, only NB residents may participate in the screenwriting category.) No other categories are affected.

Cheers,

Rhonda Bulmer, Executive Director

WordWorthy

“Why write a Cozy Mystery? Because I love to hang out with a cast of characters who are unique, in a charming setting. If you like the main character and friends, you can jump in at any place. But you need to draw people in with a puzzle. Focus on creating really good, fun plots. The more you write, the better you will do at striking a balance between the gravity of the crime, and the intricacies of writing about a community.”

Chuck Bowie, How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery, December 6, 2025

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

All the best for 2026, everyone! We started off at a gallop, rushing a vote to amend our by-laws, bolstering our application to achieve Charitable Organization status. Thank you to everyone who made up the quorum for this rare, unscheduled vote. It simply couldn't wait for our AGM in June. Speaking of events near June, it's not to late to plan your attendance at WordSpring, being held this year in Saint John on the weekend of 29-30 May. I hope to see you there!

Don Bourque

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Debbie Brawn-Mitchell comes to us from Lambert’s Cove, and is interested in the genres of blogging, fiction,  historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, and short story. Welcome, Debbie!

MEMBER NEWS

Tony Hebert, memoirist, community volunteer and serial entrepreneur, is offering a free memory companion workbook designed specifically for older adults. It provides a gentle framework and storytelling without clinical language, performance expectations, or financial barriers. Entitled One Memory at a Time requires no training or facilitation certification, can be used individually or in group settings, is suitable for seniors with or without memory challenges, supports conversation, connection, and dignity and is offered free of charge, with no upselling or subscriptions. Unlike commercially driven memory products, One Memory at a Time does not frame aging or memory loss as a problem to be solved. Instead, it honours lived experience and emotional memory, making it especially suitable for senior centers, nursing homes, memory cafés, faith-based programs, veterans’ organizations, and family-support initiatives. “This project was never about outcomes or improvement metrics,” says Tony. “It’s about preserving connection and identity — without monetizing vulnerability.”

For more information or to request copies, contact tony@tonyhebert.com www.tonyhebert.com

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Art Moore invites you all to visit him when he signs copies of his most recent poetry release at Chapters in Moncton, on Jan 25^th from 2-4 pm.

NEWSY BITS

As part of the upcoming opening of Le Hub on Main Street in Shediac, a cultural book salon will take shape within the space.

The book salon will aim to: showcase regional writing in all its forms, highlight local voices, emerging and established, support literary creation connected to Acadia, New Brunswick, and neighbouring regions, and create a welcoming place for reading, reflection, transmission, and conversation.

This is not just about selling books, but about creating a shared space for stories, ideas, and culture. To join their newsletter list, contact here in the official language of your choice: lehubshediac@gmail.com

EVENTS AROUND THE ATLANTIC (COURTESY OF THE EDITORS’ ATLANTIC NEWSLETTER)

How to Self-Edit Your Novel (virtual) with Sarah Mian

Five-week workshop on self-editing fiction manuscripts to publication-ready standards. Virtual event – January 13 – February 10, 7:00pm More information here.

Conception Bay South Writer’s Group

Drop-in creative writing group for people with a passion for creative writing. Conception Bay South Public Library, Conception Bay South NL – January 14, 6:00pm More information here.

A Night at The Gallery – Open Mic!

Welcoming open mic for writers of all levels and genres. In-person sign-up for readers. The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, Charlottetown PE– January 15, 7:00pm More information here.

Author Talk: Donald Murray Celebrates Hockey Day in Canada

Author talk on Howie Morenz and his impact on Canadian hockey culture. Halifax Central Library, Halifax NS – January 17, 2:30pm More information here.

PEIWG Writing Group

Monthly writing group for PEIWG members to share work and receive feedback. Bar1911, Charlottetown PE – January 17, 10:00am More information here.

Fiction Debug: Finding and Fixing the Most Common Writing Flaws

Eight-week workshop led by Sandra McIntyre focusing on common fiction and creative nonfiction writing flaws. Virtual event – January 21, 1:00pm More information here.

Foundations of Fiction (virtual) with David Huebert, Anne C. Kelly, & Jessica Scott Kerrin

Nine-week introductory fiction workshop covering foundational craft concepts and techniques. Virtual event – January 22 - March 19, 7:00pm More information here.

Family Literacy Day Celebration

Family-friendly celebration with crafts, activities, books, and snacks. Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library, Musquodoboit Harbour NS – January 24, 10:00am More information here.

Novel Workshop with L.P. Suzanne Atkinson

Two-day interactive workshop to help writers build and structure a novel manuscript.

Charlottetown Learning Library, Charlottetown PE – January 24, 1:30pm More information here.

Lyrics & Literature: Shivering Songs

Afternoon of stories and songs with New Brunswick musicians who have recently released books. Wilser’s Room, Fredericton NB – January 24, 2:00pm More information here.

A. J. B. Johnston Presentations for SCANS

Author presentations on writing life, Louisbourg, and Grand-Pré for SCANS courses. Location TBD (Halifax and Truro NS) – January 29, 1:30pm More information here.

Hibernation & Emergence: A Poetry Untensive (virtual) with Basma Kavanagh

Poetry intensive combining craft instruction, peer feedback, and professional development. Virtual event – February 1, 2:00pm More information here.

SAINT JOHN EVENTS

The Write Cup Bookstore Café

Check out all The Write Cup monthly events on their website: https://thewritecup.ca/events

January 17, 2026 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Writing Exposition workshop by Keila Gallardo

January 18, 2026 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Colin J. Friars: From Maine to Georgia, Highlights, Q&A, and book signing.

January 24, 2026 – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: The Rise of Little Bear by Joyce Rice Book Launch – author reading and Q &A

January 31, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: CJ Leavitt Travel Talks and author reading

February 12, 2026 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Chapter by Chapter meeting

This is a free event to get the first chapter of some of the books available at The Write Cup Bookstore Café.

February 22, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Saint John Voices

A literary open mic event. Sign-up is at 6:00 pm, and reading starts at 6:30 pm. We feature prose, poetry, and plays. Readers have 7 minutes to read their piece. Experts are available to offer feedback upon request.

February 26, 2026 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Chapter by Chapter meeting

FREDERICTON EVENTS

It's time to celebrate The Fiddlehead's Winter Issue! During FROSTival, join us on February 7^th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM for our hybrid launch on Zoom and at the Fredericton Public Library to enjoy an afternoon of readings by Ariadne Asho, winner of our 2025 Fiction Contest, alongside fellow Issue 306 contributors John McNeil and José Teodoro. To attend the readings virtually, email thefiddlehead@gmail.com with your name to receive the Zoom link.

The event is free and open to all, with ASL interpretation available. We can’t wait to see you there!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1H4hte6zRo/

Bluesky post: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:yff5kmo524yeweht5qfcnc4l/post/3mcab3be6yk2h

COMPETITIONS AND AWARD PROGRAMS

Submissions are open for the 49th annual National Magazine Awards for Canadian print and digital magazines and to Canadian citizens or permanent residents whose work appears in eligible publications during the 2025 calendar year, both French and English.This year’s program features 28 competitive categories. If you’re planning to enter this year, now is a great time to begin. Final Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Register online at: https://submissions.mediafoundation.ca/en/auth/login

SEE part 2, featuring Retreats and Workshops, Calls for Submission and Maritime Residencies

Hello, Members and Friends. Here we are, at the end of 2025, and I’m a little shocked at how quickly the year flew by - probably because we enjoyed several quality events this year, and I received lots of positive feedback from participants. I hope that 2026 will be just as good, or better. If you have suggestions for next year’s slate of events, please send them along.

Congratulations to all of you who published work this year – books, poetry, short stories, essays, music, etc. I hope you can continue to build on these experiences in the coming year.

Thank you to all of you who volunteered at events like WordSpring, and various workshops, etc. Volunteers offer so much more than just an extra set of hands – they offer community, camaraderie, and wide variety of perspectives.

Thank you to our board members, both new and experienced, who have been faithful to offer encouragement and good ideas. (We have a great board, members!)

Thank you to our enthusiastic event and award sponsors of 2025:  WordSpring, the NB Book Awards, the NB Writing Competition and our general sponsors. Your generosity and helpfulness make all of our events possible, and we couldn’t produce them without you.

Thank you, writers, for participating in our events. Thank you for gathering with other writers in our community, sharing your work, your ideas, and your knowledge. You did these things with enthusiasm, and genuine appreciation for the talents of others.

What’s Up Next?

NB Book Awards

Submitted books for the year 2025 are off to the judges this week, and they should render their results by late March. The shortlisted authors will be announced by news release on social media shortly thereafter. The NB Book Awards live event will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Lily Lake Pavilion in Saint John. FYI: Glass Roots, the Saint John company from whom we purchase our trophies, is developing a design that will be unique to the book awards going forward – we are excited to see it!

The 2026 NB Writing Competition begins January 1 and runs until March 31. The new judges are featured on the category pages of our website, and the “pay now” buttons on each page will open January 1. Get your submissions ready! One new development: Previously, we allowed WFNB members who live outside the province to participate in the JL Screenwriting Category, like they do in all other categories, but at the request of the sponsor, only New Brunswick residents will be able to participate in the JL Screenwriting Award going forward.

Monthly workshops – Please sign up for our monthly online workshops in January, February and March with Heather Browne, Elaine McCluskey, Sandra Phinney and Wendy Kitts. Lots of good, inspiring information!

Winter Retreat – Join us at Villa Madonna in February. Snuggle in and write for the weekend during this economical and useful event. Lots of great conversation over meals!

In the meantime, the WFNB extends its best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas, and a peaceful Holiday Season.

Cheers,

Rhonda

WordWorthy

“I think this is what poetry is all about - novelists get these big, sort of tableaus and stories in their mind, but we get little bits and pieces of things. And it's by putting together these little bits and pieces, we poets, that we create something new.” Michael Pacey, in conversation with Jenna Morton, WordCraft Episode 6, Season 2.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Best wishes of the season, one and all. Just a reminder that books make great gifts, so whether or not you sent your ISBNs to the North Pole, I hope your titles fly off the shelves. Second, I want to thank one of our own directors, Ana Larade, for emceeing a successful Open Mic in Moncton last month. Hopefully this will become a recurring event. If you'd like us to bring this kind of energy to a venue near you, give us a shout to discuss. May 2026 bring us all the peace and prosperity we've earned.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Linda Bullock (pen name Faye Munn) writes fiction and romance from her home in Miramichi. Check out her website at www.shortreads.ca  Welcome, Linda!

Christina Foster writes for children, and other genres including comedy, creative nonfiction, fiction, playwriting, poetry, and short stories from her home in Fredericton. Welcome, Christina!

Sharon Fournier writes a wide variety of genres, including creative nonfiction, essays, fiction, historical fiction, memoir, nonfiction, photography, poetry, YA, flash/micro fiction and short stories. Welcome, Sharon!

Dawn Henwood (clarityconnect.ca) is a professional technical writer from Moncton who has published two books on technical and business communication: A Writing Guide for IT Professionals (Oxford University Press) and Business Writing for Innovators and Change-Makers (Business Expert Press). Welcome, Dawn!

Maria Rogers (pen name Ria Rogers) is an aspiring children’s writer from Ottawa. Welcome, Maria!

David White joins us from Gatineau, Quebec and explores the world of writing through the genres of essays, fiction, historical fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Welcome, David!

MEMBER NEWS

Thomas Chamberlain, author, and Galleon Press are pleased to announce the publication of Happenstance. The novel was awarded second place in the 2024 WFNB writing competition in the David Adams Richards category for unpublished fiction. It is available at The Write Cup Bookstore Café in Saint John, PharmaChoice Rothesay, Midtown Grocery in Plaster Rock, from Galleon Books as well as from the author. www.thomas-chamberlain.com - www.galleonbooks.ca - www.amazon.com - www.amazon.ca

Launches and Signing Events

• December 13: Book Signing at PharmaChoice Rothesay from 9-2pm
• December 16: The Write Cup Bookstore Café @7pm
• December 17: Kennebecasis High School Theatre @ 4pm

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Kathy Mac has two reviews forthcoming: one of recent books by Keagan Hawthorne, Corey Lavendar and Douglas Walbourne Gough, which was accepted by The Dalhousie Review; and another review of recent books by Annick MacAskill, Bren Simmers and Bonnie Baird was accepted by ARC Poetry Magazine. She also had single poems published recent issues of The Dalhousie Review and QWERTY.

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Michael Simon is excited to announce that Book Two of his Extinction series, Emergence (Podium Entertainment), will be released on December 9, 2025. Thanks to the great team at Podium and my agent, Michelle Hauck, at Storm Literary Agency. - The last humans in the solar system battle for survival―and encounter an alien AI―in this action-packed military science-fiction thriller. 

https://www.amazon.ca/Emergence-Military-Thriller-Michael-Simon/dp/1039475698?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB

***

WFNB member Valerie LeBlanc (https://val.basicbruegel.ca/) wants your old dictionaries for an art project planned in the New Year. Valerie is getting ready to create a series of video performances in which she’ll be using dictionaries. If you have any at home that you no longer use, Valerie would be happy to collect them for the project. The dictionaries cannot be returned, as they will be taken apart during the performances. You can message Valerie at mediapackboard@gmail.com to arrange a time for her to pick them up (in the Moncton area) or, if that’s not possible, to drop them off at the Writers’ Federation office.

Thank you for considering this chance to put your paper dictionary to work again.

PAID SERVICES

Give the Gift of Story Feedback - What to give that writer on your list? The gift of feedback. Sunspot’s Angel Leya, USA Today bestselling coauthor, provides feedback on stories and novel excerpts. Guidelines available here: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit/311607/genre-fiction-feedback-2025.

AWARDS PROGRAMS

The National Media Awards Foundation is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the 49th annual National Magazine Awards. The 2026 NMAs feature 28 competitive categories, along with special awards, and additional categories aligned with our cross-program initiative with the Digital Publishing Awards.

COMPETITIONS AND CALLS FOR SUBMISSION

TWUC Invites Submissions for Short Prose Competition for Emerging Writers

The Writers’ Union of Canada invites submissions to its 33rd annual Short Prose Competition for Emerging Writers. Unpublished works of fiction and nonfiction up to 2,500 words in English are eligible, and writers may submit multiple entries. A $2,500 prize will be awarded to the winner, and the entries of the winner and eleven finalists will be submitted to three Canadian magazines for consideration. The deadline for entries is February 16, 2026.

Visit writersunion.ca/short-prose-competition for full details and application form.

Hello, members and friends.

I apologize for the lateness of the hour. The November bugs and viruses came calling this week, and I am miserable.

“My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,

I’m going blind in my right eye.

My tonsils are as big as rocks,

I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox…”

Sick, by Shel Silverstein 1930-1999

Nevertheless, Inkspot is chock full of lots of writing news, and I urge you to read the full newsletter on the website. Also, take a look at our upcoming events and sign up. So far, our workshops with Joe Mahoney and Melissa Addey have been stellar, with plenty of great information for participants to mull over and put into practice. Don’t miss what’s next!

Upcoming Events

Open Mic in Moncton, November 26 – There’s still space. Brush up your best piece, and try it out on the crowd. We are planning another similar event for Miramichi in the New Year.

Online workshops – there’s still room to sign up!

Lee Thompson, The Seven Persistent Troubles that Keep your Manuscript Up at Night, November 27

Chuck Bowie, How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery, December 6

Heather Browne, You and Your Voice, January 24

Elaine McCluskey, Short Story Love, February 8

Sandra Phinney, a four-part series on Writing Flash Nonfiction, beginning February 7

Wendy Kitts, Bios, Book Blurbs and Back Cover Copy, March 28

If you’re looking for a weekend away to kickstart your writing project, The WFNB Winter Writing Retreat is at Villa Madonna once again, and Heather Browne will be our mentor, February 20 -22, 2026. Quiet, economical and collegial. I look forward to it every year, and I hope to meet some of you there.

I hope you can find something that interests you here, but wherever your writing is taking you these days, I wish you great success.

WordWorthy

In a world of AI, be human. Melissa Addey, November 1, 2025

Welcome New Members

Kimberly Gautreau is an Irish Acadian poet living in Moncton , NB. A passionate patron of the arts and holistic massage therapist, she reflects on beauty through humanity, the sensual, the feminine, and the brave birthing of emotion we embody. Kim writes poetry and is a photographer. Welcome back, Kim!

Marie Andree Hebert (pen name, Emma Lodge) http://www.emmalodgebooks.ca/ Is a author from Southeast NB with a background in psychology. Her novel, Wind Borne, was published in 2025. Marie writes in the genre of fiction. Welcome, Marie!

Tony Hebert (pen name, Tony J. Hebert) http://www.tonyhebert.com/ is a nonfiction writer living in Moncton who has a background in sales in more than a dozen industries. Tony writes in the genres of biography, memoir and nonfiction. Welcome back, Tony!

Nikki Kennedy writes memoir, poetry and spoken word from her home in Moncton. She hopes to inspire others through her unique writing style, and is currently working on her first poetry collection. Welcome, Nikki!

Ell Orion is a writer from Moncton who wishes she were Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Represented by Sam Hiyate at The Rights Factory. Ell writes in the genres of comedy, fiction, horror, romance, science fiction, screenplay and thrillers. Welcome, Ell!

Emma Theriault (http://www.lapcatediting.ca/) is a freelance editor based in Moncton, NB. Building on 20 years of experience writing for government and business, and a lifelong interest in language and story, she launched Lap Cat Editing in fall 2025. While corporate editing is her bread and butter, she loves a good story and welcomes the opportunity to work on fiction or memoir projects. She writes in a wide variety of genres, Biography, Blogging, Children's, Corporate, Creative nonfiction, Editing, Fiction, Memoir, Non-Fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Copywriting, Website copy, Freelance, Middle Grade, and Mystery. Welcome, Emma!

Bev Wells (http://www.bevwellshonestly.com/) writes about the things most people avoid: grief, rage, and what it takes to keep living after everything breaks. Based in Saint John, she’s a trauma speaker and mentor. She has two upcoming books, Grief Made Me Mean and Letters I Never Got to Send, and concentrates on the genres of memoir, nonfiction and screenplay. Welcome, Bev!

Member News

Jim Read, the Sussex, N.B-based writer is excited to report that he’s on the 2025 CBC Poetry Prize longlist, for his poem, Refugee! https://www.cbc.ca/books/literaryprizes/23-writers-from-across-canada-make-2025-cbc-poetry-prize-longlist-9.6956574 Congratulations, Jim!

The winner of the 2025 CBC Poetry Prize will receive $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts, a two-week writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and have their work published on CBC Books. 

The four remaining finalists will each receive $1,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts and have their work published on CBC Books.

***

Jane Tims and her publisher, Merlin Star Press are pleased to announce her latest book, Open to the Skies. Jane is holding a book launch this Saturday, November 15, at Dog Eared Books in Oromocto, from 11 am to 3 pm. Anyone who buys this book at a signing in November will have their name entered in a draw for a blue toy truck, a key element of the book. Hope to see you there!

WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS

Go and Write! Retreats created by writers, for writers

Writing retreats offered by award-winning authors Dr. Gerard Collins and Jane Simpson, from New Brunswick, Canada. Participants include emerging and established writers of all genres.

For more information, use the contact page at www.goandwrite.ca 

Springtime Writing in the Cotswolds

May 8-15, 2026

Small group retreat (only 9 rooms) in the charming village of Broadway, at the Abbots Grange, a 14^th century former monastery. We’ll visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, and Stonehenge. Our Cotswolds retreats sell out quickly, so reach out if you’re interested.

Retreat to Old Town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

June 7-16, 2026

Join us for a June writing retreat in a timeless fishing town on Nova Scotia’s south shore. We’ll have 10 days in the pristine, UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town Lunenburg on the East Coast of Canada, surrounded by colourful 18th and 19th century buildings, quaint shops, and the historic waterfront at your fingertips. Come take a sail on the Bluenose II Schooner with us!

Retreat to Kingsbrae—St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

June 19-26

August 26-September 2

September 4-11

September 23-30

Micro-group retreats (only 5 rooms) in a seaside town on the East Coast of Canada. Private, ensuite bedroom in a gorgeous, historic mansion, your own private writing studio, and the award-winning Kingsbrae Garden at your doorstep.

Go and Write! Merry and Bright—Christmastime in the Cotswolds 2026

December 8-16, 2026

Small group retreat (only 9 rooms) in the charming village of Broadway, at the Abbots Grange, a 14^th century former monastery. We’ll visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and Bretforton. Our Cotswolds retreats sell out quickly, so reach out if you’re interested.

***

Banff Centre

We’re thrilled to share the launch of Banff Centre’s 2026 Literary Arts programs! These residencies bring together writers, journalists, and storytellers from across genres to create, connect, and take their work to the next level.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Late Spring Writers Residency 2026 — Dedicated time and space for writers of all genres to dive deep into their projects.
• Literary Journalism 2026 — Craft compelling long-form stories that combine rigorous reporting with literary style.
• Summer Writers 2026 — A vibrant residency where emerging and established writers can develop manuscripts and spark new ideas.
• Crime Writing 2026 — Hone your skills in mystery, thriller, and crime fiction with guidance from experienced faculty.
• Computational Writing 2026 — Experiment at the crossroads of literature and technology with digital and algorithmic approaches to text.
• Sports Writing 2026 — Explore the art of storytelling, reportage, and commentary through the lens of sport.

CALLS FOR SUBMISSION

Sequestrum is pleased to announce two new themes: Reprints and Humor. Reprints will spotlight exceptional work from past publications, while Humor invites writing that entertains, surprises, and provokes. Whether revisiting a favorite piece or sharing something fresh, we look forward to reading your finest work.

Reprint submission details are here: https://www.sequestrum.org/theme-reprints.

Humor submissions are here: https://www.sequestrum.org/themed-submissions-humor.

And as always, our general submission guidelines are here: https://www.sequestrum.org/submissions.

***

Milk Bag Magazine is extending their submissions call for Issue 1.4: The Long Night 

We are launching a contest and extending submissions!!!!!

We recognize that we need some more submissions and that artists may need a better incentive. 

The grand prizes will be as follows:

ART: Winner of the Art category will be featured on the cover and win $100. Additionally they will receive a two page spread in the magazine to showcase their work.
Poetry: Winner of the Poetry category will receive $50.
Fiction: Winner of the Fiction category will receive $50.

Deadline has been extended to November 21st @ 11:59 PM

To enter, submit your work through our submission manager for Art, Poetry, or Fiction.

All current submissions will be considered contest entries.
Any contestants whose submissions are not chosen as winners, but whose work is selected to be featured in issue 1.4 will be paid for their work.

EVENTS

WRITERS’ OPEN MIC
Sunday, December 7th
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Bill Johnstone Memorial Park Activity Centre
70 Main Street, Sackville, NB

The Writers’ Open Mic is a free monthly event open to all. Come out and read your poems, songs, short stories, comics, novels, essays, stand-up comedy, etc. Or just come to listen.

A projector will be set up for those with comics or other images or videos they want to share. Just bring your files along on a USB. Accessibility concerns and general questions can be directed to laurawatsonartwork@gmail.com. Follow the Writers’ Open Mic on Instagram at @writersopenmic for updates.

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Please join The Fiddlehead in celebrating the virtual launch of Issue 305 (Autumn 2025) on November 19th at 7:00 PM AST! The launch will feature readings from 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest winner Shelley Pacholok, Will Richter, and A-E Best. The event will take place on Zoom with ASL interpretation provided. The event is free to all. To attend, please register by emailing thefiddlehead@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. 

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THE WRITE CUP BOOKSTORE AND CAFÉ EVENTS

Check out their full calendar here: https://thewritecup.ca/events

November 14, 2025 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Devour Book Launch

November 19, 2025 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Seeking Alignment Book Launch

For every woman who has whispered, “There has to be more than this.” You are not alone.

November 22, 2025 – Death Between the Cays by Alexa Bowie book launch.

Alexa Bowie is releasing the 4th book in the Old Manse Mysteries, a fantastic Cozy Mystery.

Join us for a Q&A, author reading, a chance to get a copy of the book, and a lot of fun!

November 26, 2025 - 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm: 18+ Author Readings.

This is an 18+ event scheduled to take place after our regular hours.

November 26, 2025 - 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm: Book Launch – Merry Clitmas by Amelia Dax.

November 29, 2025 - 6:00 pm - 12:00 am: Novel November Write-In @ The Homeport Inn

To take part in the event authors are asked to register before the event by emailing amanda@partridgeislandpublishing.ca by November 24, 2025. 

November 29, 2025 – Dark Storm by Sue Nelson Buckley book Launch.

November 30, 2025 - 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Saint John Voices

A literary open mic event. Sign-up is at 6:00 pm, and reading starts at 6:30 pm. The event features a range of literary works, including prose, poetry, and plays. Readers have 7 minutes to read their piece. Experts are available to offer feedback upon request.

Anyone can sign up to read, locals and visitors alike.

COMPETITIONS

The RSPB and The Rialto are additionally working with BirdLife International, the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and the University of Leeds Poetry Centre. There’s a fantastic range of prizes on offer and prizewinners will be invited to read their poems at an event with Mona Arshi at CCI in summer 2026.

The closing date for entries is midnight on 1^st April 2026.

As well as offering poets the chance to win considerable cash prizes and publication of their poems, the competition supports conservation and poetry. We are working in partnership with leading independent UK poetry magazine, The Rialto, as we feel the magazine will be the perfect place to showcase the winning entries.

Prizes

1st PRIZE £1000
2nd PRIZE £500
3rd PRIZE £250

Our judge is celebrated poet, Mona Arshi.

Mona Arshi is a poet, novelist and essayist. Mona trained as a Human rights lawyer. Her debut collection Small Hands won the Forward Prize for best first collection in 2015. Her second collection Dear Big Gods was published in 2019. Her writing has been featured in The Times, The Guardian, Granta, The Yale Review and The Times of India as well as on the London Underground. She was writer in Residence at Cley Marshes, a Norfolk Wildlife Trust Reserve, in Norfolk in 2021. Nature Matters was published by Faber in May 2025. Her third collection Mouth was published by Chatto and Windus in July 2025.

The entry fee is £7 for the first poem and £4 for each subsequent poem.

Full details and the facility to enter online can be found on The Rialto website:

  https://www.therialto.co.uk/pages/nature-poetry-competition/

Hello, Members and Friends

From where I sit, this Thanksgiving weekend was quite perfect: beautiful weather, beautiful colours, and relaxed visits with family and friends. I hope that your turkey was tender, and your gravy was free of lumps. (I was not so lucky, but I ate it anyway.)

Fall/Winter Lineup

Our online professional development workshops are ready for registration! First up is Joe Mahoney from Donovan Street Press on October 26 with his Indie Publishing Primer– if you’ve been thinking about publishing a manuscript on your own, this session is NOT to be missed! Tune into Joe’s advice before you take those crucial first steps.

Next is The Foundations of Book Marketing workshop from British romance and historical author Melissa Addey, who will offer her wisdom on promoting your work on November 1 – coming all the way from London, England. And Chuck Bowie will teach us How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery on December 6.

Then, on November 27, writer, editor and publisher Lee Thompson will lead a workshop on self-editing, entitled The Seven Persistent Troubles (that keep your manuscript up at night). Lee will share observations and tips to help you identify those SPTs and become your very best book doctor self.

On December 6, Chuck Bowie finishes off 2025 with How and Why to write a Cozy Mystery, and in 2026, Heather Browne will lead a discussion called You and Your Voice, the great Elaine McCluskey will share the Short Story Love in February, and in March, Wendy Kitts will help you make the back cover of your book sing with Bios, Book Blurbs and Back Cover Copy.

Also: More details to come about Sandra Phinney’s mini-course on writing flash nonfiction.

Submit to the NB Book Awards

Reminder: If you are a New Brunswick resident and you published (or will publish) a book in the 2025 calendar year (January to December), you can submit it to the NB Book Awards. Fill out the submission form and send two copies of your book to the office by December 1. We’ll be announcing the judges for this season’s crop of titles soon, as well as new sponsors for the event, including The Seaboard Review!

That’s it for now. All best wishes, Writers.

WordWorthy

“There are two hats that we wear. There’s the creative hat, and there’s the business hat. Creative hat says, “how long does this picture book want to be?” and the business hat says, “Can I sell this? Will I publish this?” The two hats don’t always work that well together. But I’ll also say that the businessperson’s hat, I think, to a surprising degree helps make it a better story. They’ll say, ‘yes, that’s a great picture book. Now, can you take away 400 words?’ Yes! But it’s really hard, and is it a better book? Probably.” – Brian Henry, WFNB Writers’ Weekend. Sept 27, 2025

Welcome, New Members

Alyssa Leigh Briscoe joins us from Fredericton, where she pursues editing, plus writes in the genres of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, and Short story. Welcome, Alyssa!

Peter de Niverville writes Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Flash/Micro fiction from his home in Riverview. Welcome, Peter!

Karen J. MacLean is a returning member from Saint John who writes in a wide variety of genres: Biography, Blogging, Creative non-fiction, Editing, Essays, Fiction, Journalism, Memoir, Non-Fiction, Photography, Poetry, Flash/Micro fiction, Copywriting, Website copy, Freelance writing, Short story, Ghostwriting, and travel. Welcome back, Karen!

Robert (Bob) Stutt (robertstutt.ca) joins us from Fredericton, after a 40-year career as a puppeteer for film and TV, and having written more than 300 scripts produced by CBC, CTV, PBS and Disney. His novel of suspense, "Puppet," was published in March 2025 by Merlin Star Press. Robert writes in the genres of: Children’s writing, Comedy, Corporate writing, Fiction, Suspense, and Ghostwriting. Welcome, Bob!

Our Newest Lifetime Member

We'd like to welcome Richard Toth as our most recent Lifetime Member. 

Richard's published work includes poetry, short stories, magazine articles, essays, part of a memoir, and two novels. Richard is a former WFNB director and a multiple award winner in WFNB's Writing Competition including the Dawn Watson Memorial Prize (in 2015 and in 2019) and the David Adams Richards Prize (2019).

Richard's most recent publication is in "Porch to Porch," A Maritime Haiku Anthology published by Haiku Canada Publications, 2024. His short story "Harrington Cleans House,' will be published by the U.K. publisher Close to the Bone, in July, 2025. Richard is currently working on a dystopian novel that after eight years might be nearing completion.

Thank you, Richard, for all your support through the years, and best wishes as you continue writing.

Member News

MICHAEL SIMON is beyond thrilled to share that Extinction, First Command, and Second Chances are now on their way to readers in Ukraine! Huge thanks to BookChef for bringing these stories to life in Ukrainian, and to my incredible agent, Michelle at Storm Literary Agency, for making this possible.

Message from the President

Thanksgiving: a time to rake the leaves, close the cottage for the season, and especially to take stock of our many blessings. Friends and family, friends who become family, are all in our thoughts. In building a community through words, the WFNB is also an extended family I remain grateful for, and so I pass on my best wishes to all of you. – Don Bourque

Calls for Submission

THE 2026 ATLANTIC BOOK AWARDS

Book award submission season is upon us and The Atlantic Book Awards wants your submissions!

Books written by Atlantic Canadian authors that have been published between November 2, 2024 and November 1, 2025 may be eligible for one (or more) of the following awards:

J.M. Abraham Atlantic Poetry Award

• $2,000 prize for a book of poetry that was written by a full-time resident of Atlantic Canada
• Administered by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia

Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children’s Literature

• $5,000 prize for a book of fiction or non-fiction that was written for young readers by a full-time resident of Atlantic Canada
• This year we are accepting picture books and middle grade books
• Administered by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia

Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award

• $30,000 prize for a book of fiction that was written by a full-time resident of Atlantic Canada
• Administered by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia

Alistair MacLeod Award for Short Fiction

• $2,000 prize for a short-fiction collection (including novellas) that was written by a full-time resident of Atlantic Canada
• Administered by the Cabot Trail Writers Festival

APMA Best Atlantic-Published Book Award

• $4,000 prize ($3,000 for the publisher; $1,000 for author or split between author & illustrator) for a book that was published by an Atlantic publisher
• Administered by the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association

The submission deadline for these awards is Saturday, November 1.

Please direct all submission questions to the administrator of each award. 

Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia: Book Awards Submission Guidelines

Cabot Trail Writers Festival: Submission Process

Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association: Submission Guidelines

About the Atlantic Book Awards Book Awards

The Atlantic Book Awards is a non-profit society that promotes and acknowledges excellence in Atlantic Canadian writing and book publishing. They organize a series of events that comprise the Atlantic Book Awards Festival, which celebrate all nominees for both the Nova Scotia and Atlantic Book Awards. They also organize the Atlantic Book Awards Gala held annually in early June.

***

Submissions are open for AfriCANthology II: Strange Truth of Black Canadian Fiction until the deadline of October 31, 2025.

After the resounding success of AfriCANthology: Perspectives of Black Canadian Poets, the anthology returns to amplify more writing about the experiences of African Canadians. If you are a Black fiction writer, this is your opportunity to contribute to AfriCANthology II.

Renaissance Press is looking for short stories (2,500 to 4,000 words) in any genre of fiction that honour the anthology’s themes and relate to the Black experience in Canada. This call is open to writers who live in Canada or are Canadian citizens living outside the country who self-identify as Black, as defined under Canadian federal law.

If you are interested in contributing to AfriCANthology II, all you need to do is fill out this online form with your contact information, a 100-word writer’s bio, the genre(s) that you write about, and your submission.

Website link: https://www.africanthology.ca/submit

http://pressesrenaissancepress.ca

pressesrenaissancepress@gmail.com

Renaissance acknowledges that it is hosted on the traditional, unceded land of the Anishinabek, the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka, and the Omàmìwininìwag. We acknowledge our settler privilege and encourage all our fellow settlers to reflect on their privilege and engage in acts of reparations. 

***

Special Issue Call: Disability: The Revolution! 

For their Summer 2026 issue, The Fiddlehead is seeking work from disabled writers on the theme of revolution. What does revolution look like from a disability standpoint? How do we remember that disabled writers just taking up space is revolutionary? How do we, as disabled writers, consider that question of the wheel and its many manifestations — literal, temporal, and symbolic? How do we celebrate it, remake, and open ourselves to the revolution, ongoing and future, that must usher in a more accessible world? Send us your fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and review pitches. Submissions are open until November 30, 2025. Find the full submission call here: https://thefiddlehead.ca/revolution

Upcoming Workshops

The UNB Art Centre has writing classes for everyone! Offered both in-person and online, classes cover topics including crafting the short story, horror, novella writing, editing, self-publishing, and much more. Register early and save 15%   https://www.unb.ca/artcentre/learning/  

AWARDS and COMPETITIONS

The High Marsh Press (a micro-press operating at Mount Allison University) is putting out a call for the third annual Deborah Wills Chapbook Competition. It's free to enter, open to anybody who does not yet have a book publication (either trade collection or chapbook), and the winning manuscript will receive $500 and be produced as a limited-edition hand-crafted chapbook. Submissions are limited to 12 pages.

More information can be found on our website (www.highmarshpress.ca), instagram: @highmarshpress

***

Toby Award for Self-Published Canadian Mystery Writers Now Open for Submission

The second annual Toby Award is open for submissions from self-published Canadian mystery authors until December 15, 2025. 

The Toby Award, the first of its kind in Canada, recognizes excellence in self-published mystery novels by Canadian mystery authors. This year’s award is open to novels released in trade paperback format in 2024 and is sponsored by Barbara Crook (Ottawa), and ReBound Press (Ashton, Ontario). The award aims to spotlight Canadian authors navigating the evolving publishing landscape.

The winner will receive the Toby Award statue—a unique metal sculpture of a dog reading a book, created by acclaimed Ontario artist Carol Nasvytis (Soul Metal), with silver eyeglasses crafted by Ladysmith, B.C. silversmith Vonda Croissant.

Last year’s winner was Charlotte Morganti of Gibson, B.C. with her winning entry, Breaking News: Local Heiress Dead. Morganti described her win as “the highlight of my year. A Canadian award for Canadian indie authors of mysteries—what could be better?”

 For more information on eligibility criteria, please visit https://tobyaward.wordpress.com/

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Submit to the National Dave Williamson National Short Story Competition!

This competition, now in its fourth year, has attracted a growing number of entries from around the country.

***

The Fiddlehead’s 2025 Ralph Gustafson Prize for Best Poem

Submissions to The Fiddlehead’s 2025 Ralph Gustafson Prize for Best Poem are now open until December 1, 2025! Submit up to three poems for a chance to win $2000 and publication in Issue 307 (Spring 2026) of The Fiddlehead. Find all the submission guidelines here: https://thefiddlehead.ca/poetry-contest. This year’s judges are Douglas Walbourne-Gough, T. Liem, and Bertrand Bickersteth.

 

Hello, Members and Friends.

For the first time ever, my husband and I took a seven-day Caribbean cruise in August, and in my mind, I’m still there.

We have been on very few vacations together since we were married in 1991, and when I booked it - on impulse - in June, the travel agent said, “I am going to hook you for life.”

I wasn’t exactly skeptical - I’d had a very stressful year, and I figured the bar was pretty low - but I was rather concerned about practical things: like what if the ship is racked by rough seas and I’m overwhelmed with motion sickness? What if we run into Hurricane Erin? What if the electricity runs out and we experience a repeat of the Poop Ship?

But despite the fact that we were affected by the Air Canada strike and had to make other travel arrangements (which was stressful and expensive in itself), it was a really wonderful trip.

So wonderful that I had a hard time coming home and settling back into routine. A week on the MSC Seashore simply wasn’t long enough. The ship was beautiful, the seas were calm, the weather was hot and sunny, and I did nothing but enjoy the atmosphere, the food, the entertainment, and the smell of the sea. I even wrote the first chapter of my next writing project.

So far, I am indeed hooked. If you’d like to read more about that, you can check out my blog, which has moved to Substack. https://www.rhondabulmer.com/p/notes-on-my-very-first-cruise  (Substack is pretty slick, too, writers. If you have a blog, I think you should move it there. Soooo much easier than WordPress, and designed to build audiences.)

Regardless, time ticks onward, and here we are in September.

A Writers’ Weekend with Brian Henry.

I am super excited to meet and chat with Brian Henry at the end of September, in a unique venue – the lovely home of our generous member, Odette Barr. There’s still room to join us, either in-person or in the comfort of your home via zoom. Check that out ASAP. 

Buy a NB Book Day is September 20.

This program is no longer organized by the Frye Festival, but Marie Cadieux of Bouton d’Or Acadie is leading the charge this year. Make sure to promote and buy local. Encourage your local authors, and better still, buy their books from an independent bookstore.

Rising Tide

In conjunction with Friends of Fundy, we are participating in a Rising Tide event on October 10, hosted by Moonbrook Manor, a new event venue in Riverside-Albert. WFNB member Andrew MacLean will tell some Fundy stories from the pages of his Backyard History series, along with other participants. More info on this event to come.

Fall/Winter workshop lineup

Our fall/winter lineup of online professional development workshops is beginning to appear on our event registration pages. Check out The Foundations of Book Marketing workshop from British romance and historical author Melissa Addey, who will offer her wisdom on promoting your work on November 1 – coming all the way from London, England. And Chuck Bowie will teach us How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery on December 6.

More fall/winter workshops event pages will appear soon: Look for The Indie Publishing Primer, led by Joe Mahoney– his workshop is coming up first, on October 26. Writer, editor and publisher Lee Thompson will also lead a workshop on Self-Editing (writing is re-writing, amiright?) in November. More details to come very soon.

Through the winter, we’ll also hear from Heather Browne on her Writing Well series, Sandra Phinney with a flash non-fiction mini-course, Elaine McCluskey will share the Short Story Love, and Wendy Kitts will talk about The Back Page – Pitching and Summarizing your work – elevator pitch, synopsis and query letter.

Submit to the NB Book Awards

Reminder: If you are a New Brunswick resident and you published (or will publish) a book in the 2025 calendar year (January to December), you can submit it to the NB Book Awards. Fill out the submission form and send two copies of your book to the office by December 1.

That’s it for now. All best wishes, Writers.

WordWorthy:

Writers ask, ‘Why is it so hard to get published?’ but editors always ask me, ‘Why is it so hard to find good stuff?’ So, GO home and write something EXCELLENT.

Brian Henry, during his workshop “How to Get Published,” May, 2010

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello, everyone! I hope you enjoyed a great summer. I’ll keep this short, by inviting anyone who is taking part in the Grown-Up Bookfair (see details below) in Mahone Bay, NS on Oct 11^th to visit me at my table, pick up a WFNB decal and proudly wear it. It never hurts to represent our federation. If you have any of our two-sided placards that outline 10 reasons to join the WFNB, bring them along too. Thanks.

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS

Tracey O’Brien edits, illustrates and writes creative non-fiction, essays, journalism, memoir, non-fiction, freelance writing from Killarney Road. Welcome, Tracey!

MEMBER NEWS

The Seasonal Collective, which includes several WFNB members, has released their latest anthology, available now. Earth is the first in a four-part series of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

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Maritimes history is full of mysteries, and Andrew MacLean’s fourth book explores some of the most fascinating ones. The Backyard History series has grown from a newspaper column into a podcast, a TV miniseries, and now four books, all combining classic East Coast storytelling with deep archival digging. Find your copy at backyardhistory.ca

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Valerie Sherrard’s podcast interview about A Bend in the Breeze, is now available to listen here! https://www.burckhardtbooks.com/podcast/episode/7baf59a8/s4-ep180-valerie-sherrard-middle-grade-author-of-a-bend-in-the-breeze

NEWSY BITS

An announcement from The Writers’ Union of Canada:

As you will have seen in recent days, the U.S.-based AI-developer Anthropic has reached a $1.5 billion settlement in a class action lawsuit against them. The settlement damages will be paid out to members of the class whose books were obtained through pirated datasets.

Excellent information about the settlement, and next steps for authors (including Canadian authors) can be found on the U.S. Authors Guild website. The Writers’ Union of Canada has confirmed that Canadian authors are eligible to be considered part of the class in this case, as long as their books have met certain specific requirements, such as registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Here is the latest information from the Authors Guild:

All authors whose book(s) were downloaded by Anthropic from the pirate sites are potential members of the certified class, provided certain criteria are met. Such criteria include the legal or beneficial ownership of copyrights, the existence of an ISBN or ASIN number, and copyright registration with the Copyright Office (within three months of publication or before the infringement). Publishers are class members as well.

[TWUC note: If you are unsure if your book has been registered with the U.S. Copyright office, please contact your publisher.]

A trial is set for December 1. If the Plaintiffs succeed at trial and show willful infringement, damages will be minimally $750 per work and could be much higher.

To register with the class action, authors should visit the settlement website, and provide their contact information to the legal team.

More class action lawsuits concerning AI-training uses of published work are active in both the U.S. and Canada, and the Union will inform members as important developments occur.

Please note: The Writers’ Union of Canada is not part of the administration of any of the Anthropic lawsuit, and has no say over who is and is not part of the settlement class.

AWARDS PROGRAMS

The Next Generation Short Story Awards is a not-for-profit international awards program now in its third year, which is currently accepting submissions for the 2026 awards. Here are the key details:

• Submissions accepted: Short stories or poems in English (5,000 words or fewer)
• Categories: 30+
• Deadline: Thursday, February 26, 2026
• Prizes for winners: Cash awards, gold medals, digital promotional stickers, social media exposure, publication in the Anthology of Winners, and a complimentary copy of the anthology.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER JURORS

Want to help identify the next great Canadian crime writer? Crime Writers of Canada seeks jurors with:

·  A passion for the world of crime and mystery writing, whether fiction or non-fiction.

·  The time and focus between December and April to read and evaluate numerous books or short stories.

·  The ability to work collaboratively with fellow jurors to identify a shortlist and winner

·  Fluency in English or French to judge works in the corresponding category.

· Ability to download and read submissions in digital format (PDFs).

Our jurors are librarians and booksellers, writers and justice professionals, readers and academics. We welcome applications from Canadian and international readers.

CWC membership is not a requirement.

Interested? Request the Juror Guidelines and Juror Information Form by email below:

Ludvica Boota, Awards Manager at awards@crimewriterscanada.com

or Jayne Barnard, Jury Chair at awardsjudging@crimewriterscanada.com

DEADLINE TO VOLUNTEER: 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

EVENTS

SACKVILLE

WRITERS’ OPEN MIC Sunday, September 28th
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Bill Johnstone Memorial Park Activity Centre
70 Main Street, Sackville, NB

The Writers’ Open Mic is a free monthly event open to all. Come out and read your poems, songs, short stories, comics, novels, essays, stand-up comedy, etc. Or just come to listen.

A projector will be set up for those with comics or other images or videos they want to share. Just bring your files along on a USB. Accessibility concerns and general questions can be directed to laurawatsonartwork@gmail.com. Follow the Writers’ Open Mic on Instagram at @writersopenmic for updates.

UPCOMING BOOK FAIRS

The Fantastic Grown Up Book Fair - Takes place at the Mahone Bay Centre (45 School St., Mahone Bay) on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10 am - 2 pm. Brought to you by Aren Morris and Karen Dean, this 3rd installment will be, yet again, a book affair to remember! The event includes:

- two FREE writing workshops to the public! (Authors/ writers providing those workshops will be paid for their time and announced shortly!)

- a one hour reading event of unpublished works. (Readers may join us from the wider community of attendees or from our own ranks, all at NO COST. Applications on the website.)

- a short Author Social directly after the event (2:30-3pm, same location), which will include nibbles and beverages before you hit the road. We hope it will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet other authors.

SAINT JOHN

AT THE WRITE CUP BOOKSTORE AND CAFE

September 18, 2025 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Write Now Saint John: Pitch Prep Event

Our regular writing meeting will be transformed into a Pitch Prep event to help authors prepare for the big Pitch to Publishers event. Bring your prepared pitch and present it to our panel of experts to get feedback and experience before the big day.

September 20, 2025 – 10:15 am – 12:15 pm: Askance Publishing Event.

One of the publishers who is taking part in the Pitch the Publisher event is coming in early to do a workshop and signing with the crowd. If you ever wanted to know anything about publishing, this will be an excellent opportunity to ask your questions.

September 20, 2025 – 11:00 am - 1:00 pm:  First Chapter Book Fair.

This is a free event to get the first chapter of some of the books available at The Write Cup Bookstore Café. Check out the start of some of the books you may be interested in and see how important the first chapter really is.

Various local authors are participating, so come on in and check them out.

September 20, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: By Donation Author Photos.

This is a chance to get a professional picture that you can use for your author page or resume. It's an excellent chance to give yourself a head start online.

This is a free event; however, the photographer will accept donations, and requests can be made for a larger photoshoot.

September 20, 2025 – 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Pitch the Publisher

In conjunction with Buy an NB Book Day, Partridge Island Publishing will be hosting a 'Pitch the Publisher' event to give authors and publishers a chance to meet.

Get your manuscript directly into the eyes and ears of publishers for your best chance to get a publishing deal.

The publishers included are: Askance Publishing, Merlin Star Press, and Partridge Island.

In addition to the opportunity to get published, we will also have a photographer on site to provide authors with high-quality author photos.

During the event, we will do a draw for our Review Local contest.

This is a no-fee event, but authors must register for the event in advance by emailing amanda@partridgeislandpublishing.ca

September 24, 2025 – 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm: 18+ Author Readings.

This is an 18+ event scheduled to take place after our regular hours.

We will have four local authors reading spicy scenes.

This event welcomes locals and visitors alike, as the scenes being read are chosen for their content rather than continuity.

We have a door prize provided by Pleasures ‘N Treasures (and a toy demo) and special drinks and treats during the event.

Authors will be on hand before and after the event to answer questions and sign books.

September 27, 2025 – 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Fog Lit Festival Workshop: Pathways to publishing.

If you missed the Pitch the Publisher event or want some information about the various ways to get published, come talk to our guest authors about the different ways to publish.

This workshop will cover the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and vanity publishing.

September 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Saint John Voices

A literary open mic event. Sign-up is at 6:00 pm, and reading starts at 6:30 pm. The event features a range of literary works, including prose, poetry, and plays. Readers have 7 minutes to read their piece. Experts are available to offer feedback upon request.

Anyone can sign up to read, locals and visitors alike.

COURSES

Whether you’re working on a new book, writing up your research for a larger audience, or you want to develop your writing skills, the King’s Writing Workshops can help you become the author you want to be. Our non-credit 4- and 8-week workshops are open to everyone, even if you’re still at the idea phase or already have words down on the page.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Marianne Sawchuk, Artistic Director of Women At Play(s) 8th festival (coming 2026) is seeking original one act plays with female characters by Canadian women playwrights for a CAEA festival policy approved production in Toronto in Feb/Mar 2026.  There is no submission fee.  Submissions are selected by a jury. All characters must be female identifying.  Plays must original, not produced or published, and no longer than 20 minutes in length. Please submit before October 6,2025. Submissions may be emailed to womenatplays2023@gmail.com

Women At Play(s) is currently looking for new original one act plays from Canadian women playwrights, emerging or established, for it's eighth festival. 

Women At Play(s) provides a creative outlet for female identifying playwrights, directors and actors.  It was created to give women a voice and meant to inspire and showcase artistic achievements in theatrical performance for women.

For more information, please check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.

WOMEN AT PLAY(S) is a festival of short one-act plays written, directed, and acted by Canadian women identifying playwrights, directors, and actors. The festival has 6 one act plays of original works, 10 to 25 minutes in length, ranging in comedic and dramatic tones. Women At Play(s) provides opportunities and is meant to inspire artistic achievements in theatrical production for people who identify as women of all diversities, of all sizes, 2SLGBTQIA+ and different abilities inclusive, from Gen-Zs to Silver Foxes for an audience of all.
It is a grass roots non-profit and it is a Canadian Actors’ Equity Association production under the Festival Policy.

https://www.facebook.com/womenatplays/

https://www.instagram.com/women_at_plays/

https://linktr.ee/womenatplays

Hello, members and friends.

If you’ve already had your time of rest and relaxation this summer, I hope it was full of beauty and inspiration for your current projects. If you are in the vicinity of current wildfires, I do hope that you, your family and your property remain secure. My vacation begins in just a few days, and I can’t wait for it. We’re headed somewhere hot, and while I’ve enjoyed the heat at home this summer, I do hope an abundance of rain will pour forth in our absence.

In the meantime, I’d like to remind you about our Brian Henry Writers’ Weekend, coming up at the end of September. Have you registered? There’s still lots of room to join us, but if you can’t attend this inspiring, yet out-of-the-way venue in person, I have added a zoom link so that you can watch the weekend proceedings from home -- for a very reasonable price. Check that out ASAP.

Fall/winter zoom sessions

Our monthly zoom professional workshops are all set for the fall and winter. Watch for the event registration pages later in the fall. Our leaders will be Joe Mahoney (Donovan Street Press), who’ll present the Indie Publishing Primer; Lee Thompson will teach Self-Editing; Chuck Bowie will explain How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery; Elaine McCluskey will dive into fiction with Short Story Love; Wendy Kitts will talk about The Back Page – Pitching and Summarizing your work - elevator pitch, synopsis and query letter. Heather Browne will also teach a portion of her Writing Well series, and we may even hear from British romantic fiction writer, Melissa Addey, on The foundations of book marketing + unusual marketing moves. Stay tuned!

WordTravels

In lieu of a formal WordsFall this year, I’d like to set up a series of Open Mic events featuring a special reader or two through the fall and winter. If you have ideas about venues, locations, or featured readers, and are keen to help set up one of these events in your area, please drop a line to our email: info@wfnb.ca

Writers’ Services Reminder

Do you offer professional editing, writing, or publishing services that your fellow members could use? If you’re a WFNB member, we’re happy to list your contact information for free on our writers’ resource page here: https://wfnb.ca/Writers-Resources If you are willing to offer a discount to our membership, that would be a great perk, too.

That’s it for me. Enjoy the remaining days of August, and I do hope some of them are cool and rainy. All best wishes,

WordWorthy

Punctuation has been defined many ways. Some grammarians use the analogy of stitching: punctuation as the basting that holds the fabric of language in shape. Another writer tell us that punctuation marks are the traffic signals of language: they tell us to slow down, notice this, take a detour, and stop. I have even seen a rather fanciful reference to the full stop and comma as “the invisible servants in fairy tales – the ones who bring glasses of water and pillows, not storms of weather or love.” But best of all, I think, is the simple advice given by the style book of a national newspaper: that punctuation is “a courtesy designed to help readers to understand a story without stumbling.” Lynne Truss, Eats, Shoots & Leaves – The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation (2003, Gotham)

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Summer is flying past at Mach 2 (Mach 3 with the Humidex), and we’ll soon be in “cozying up with a book season.” I just wanted to give a short update on my activities as your new president. First, let’s stress the word “new.” The biggest hurdle I’ve overcome so far involves the online banking arrangements for our accounts; with Rhonda’s help, and that of the bank officer, I’m now good-to-go. Speaking of Rhonda, she and I were privileged to attend the unveiling of New Brunswick’s first Project Bookmark Canada plaques in honour of our own David Adams Richards. I’d also like to recognize our Secretary, Sandra Bunting, who took part in this unveiling ceremony in Miramichi.

I’m looking forward to our first Board of Directors meeting in September with our new BoD, that will take place after the next issue of InkSpot, so you likely won’t hear from me before then. Conversely, if you want to drop me a note, you can do so here: The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick - Email member

On Editing

This isn’t a rhetorical question, as you’re welcome to reply with your thoughts. What is the single most important investment in your publishing path? For me, the answer is editing. It is the magical process that turns a fair manuscript into a good one, or makes a good one even better. I won’t cite titles or authors, but there have been works I’ve read that could have been so much better with the right editor. While self-published authors are faced with the challenges of funding editors and traditionally published authors aren’t, that’s not to say some “trads” are perfectly edited either. My own published trilogy, scrutinized by several editing rounds, alpha and beta readers (my street team) still has six typos in the three books. Suffice to say, the “100% solution” is rare indeed; it’s still worth aiming for. If you don’t know where to look for such help, check out this link on our WFNB Web Page: The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick - Writers’ Resources and put the proper polish on your manuscript. – Don Bourque

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Rebecca Carrigan (pen name, Becca Blue) is a writer, filmmaker and storyteller from Lincoln, whose work blends emotional depth with a touch of the supernatural. She founded Sakura Blue Studios as a multimedia studio that offers publishing, photography, film and design services. Becca also offers workshops and one on one training sessions. For more information, visit her website www.sakurabluestudios.ca, and also find her at Facebook.com/sakurabluestudio E: Sakurabluestudios@gmail.com

Leah Driscoll (pen name LeVraie Bellemère) writes biography, creative nonfiction, and poetry from her home in Summerfield, and is putting the finishing touches on a memoir at this time. Welcome, Leah!

Joshua Izzard writes fantasy, fiction, horror, poetry, science fiction, songwriting, spiritual and suspense from his home in Oromocto. Welcome, Joshua!

Using his varied career background in science and tech, Michael McCool writes speculative fiction full-time from his home in Edmundston. (Glad to have a new member from that part of the province!) He writes in the genres of fantasy, nonfiction, science and science fiction, speculative and technical. Welcome, Michael!

MEMBER NEWS

The annual Burnt Church Writers evening was held this year on July 31st in the Burnt Church Community Hall to a packed house. Sandra Bunting started off with advice to take time to play silly games this summer, with her poem  'An Ode to Cousins". She was followed by Malcolm Mc Connell, who read an excerpt from his latest memoir, a work in progress, about his travels in the 70s along the 'HippyTrail'. Next came Sandy Burnett who read from his book, 'A History of the Canadian Wildlife Service', a heartbreaking account of our disappearing wildlife. There was also an optimistic note, discussing the passion and dedication of those trying to preserve what's left. Jonathan Creaghan gave a philosophical argument on how a sense of peace trumps the much overrated concept of happiness. Johannes Bosma read an account from one of his memoirs and biographies of a teacher (from Burnt Church) who encouraged him artistically and actually inspired him to go into teaching. The evening ended with a treat. David Adams Richards, who summered in Burnt Church in his youth, read from his soon to be published book of essays - a selection that dealt with memories of Burnt Church. Richards was recently the recipient of a legacy award from the Writers Federation of New Brunswick in recognition of his large body of work and contribution to the literary heritage of New Brunswick. Also this summer he received an Honorary Doctorate in Letters from McGill University, where he also gave the convocation address to graduates. Finally, in July he was included in the Canadian Bookmark Project with a plaque in Miramichi showcasing his book, Friends of Meager Fortune. 

Burnt Church is a small community on the bay north of Miramichi, adjacent to Esgenoopetitj First Nation and a gateway to the Acadian Penninsula.

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Erik Jingles is pleased to announce the publication of his classic fantasy-adventure, The Nomies and the Surface Protocol, available now on amazon.

Written for middle-grade readers, but appealing to much older readers as well, this story weaves its way across Canada, both above and below ground, in a race to save the world from an underground dictator. 

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Riel Nason's follow-up to the bestselling picture book The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt, is titled The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise.  It is the second book in The Little Ghost Quilt series and will be published by Tundra Books (Penguin Random House Young Readers Canada) on August 26.  Illustrations are by Byron Eggenschwiler.  Kirkus Reviews says "This quietly lovely holiday tale underscores the true meaning of the holidays: friendship and togetherness."  Riel will be having a local launch (in Quispamsis) and signings later in the fall.  The book is available for Pre-order from your favourite independent bookseller, Indigo, Amazon, or wherever you buy books. Follow Riel on Instagram @rielnason

The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise - August, 2025

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It was beyond Dr. Amber Swan’s greatest dream to win in the "Inspirational Category" of the Next Generation Short Story Awards (https://shortstoryawards.com/winners.php?year=2025) for her piece, Herding Pigs.  The Next Generation Short Story Awards' stated mission is to recognize and honor the best short stories in the world and celebrate and award the creative minds behind the words.  Receiving an award and publication was tremendously shocking and encouraging for her, and she hopes that her little story will be an inspiration for others now!

Book a Table at the Fantastic Grown-Up Book Fair!

This Fall we are hosting another Fantastic Grown Up Book Fair on Sat Oct 11 10am-2pm in Mahone Bay, NS. This will be a satellite event in association with Booktoberfest (a WFNS event some of you may be familiar with) and as such will be co-promoted by the WFNS. 

Details can be found at our website www.GrownUpBookFair.com .

In response to some of the feedback given after our first event in Truro (December 2023), there will be no fee for the public to enter and the event will run from 10am - 2 pm. 

Additionally, there will be 2 free writing workshops and a reading hour of unpublished works for the public to attend (applications for writers/ authors to read at no cost on our website). With a lower rental fee we are able to offer tables for only $40.

COMPETITIONS

Here’s a reminder that The Fiddlehead's fiction contest deadline is September 2. Don’t miss it!

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The annual McNally Robinson Booksellers & Prairie Fire Writing Contests are on now!
Three contests:
Fiction, Poetry, Creative Non-Fiction

Prizes: $1250 cash
prize—per winner—per contest

Deadline: November 30, 2025
Check out prairiefire.ca/contests for all the submission details!

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The fifteenth annual Musicworks Electronic Music Composition Contest is now open.

The annual juried contest spotlights new musical talent from around the world, offering cash prizes and opportunities to be heard and published.

First prize: $500, a composer profile in Musicworks in 2026, and the composition released on the accompanying Musicworks CD. 

Second prize: $200 and composer coverage on musicworks.ca in 2026. 

Third prize: $100 and composer coverage on musicworks.ca in 2026. 

Contest closes October 31, 2025 

Prize details, eligibility, assessment criteria, rules and restrictions, and the entry portal can be found at: musicworksmag.myshopify.com/products/2025-musicworks-electronic-music-composition-contest 

OPEN CALLS FOR SUBMISSION

Sunspot Lit’s open calls for very longform fiction, CNF, poetry and graphic novels close in September. Accepting all genres and categories; seeking exceptional craft from every voice. Guidelines and deadlines here: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit.

  

WRITER IN RESIDENCE APPLICATION

The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) is looking for a Writer in Residence, Sept 2026-May 2027 term.

The application can be found on their website: https://saskatoonlibrary.ca/about/careers/ or via this direct link: https://saskatoonlibrary.ca/isl/uploads/2025/06/WIR-Job-Posting_2026_27.pdf

Hello, members and friends.

I revel in this warm and sunny July, and love the sights, sounds and smells of summer – my cherry tree, for example, which has more cherries on it than I expected this year, maybe enough for a pie.

A pair of hummingbirds flit around my fragrant honeysuckle in the evening. I love to hear the steady low thrum of their wings.

The arctic kiwi, which I planted on an archway in my backyard three years ago, is finally bearing edible fruit for the first time. How delightful!

…And a single potato plant has popped up in the garden bed. I bet that’ll give us half a meal this fall! Woo-hoo!

You all know that I hate to see the end of summer, but there are other great things to look forward to when fall comes, including our invitation to writer and book editor Brian Henry (http://quick-brown-fox-canada.blogspot.com/). He will conduct a full weekend workshop on children’s writing, writing query letters, and memoir, on September 27-28. Brian has been invited to New Brunswick by the WFNB before, as well as the Moncton Chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada.

WFNB member and award-winning writer, Odette Barr, along with her partner YoAnne have kindly offered their outstanding coastal home (see photo left) near Cap Pelé to serve as the venue for this event. Twenty participants will be able to ask Brian questions and receive public critiques as well as timely information about the publishing industry.

About Brian:

Brian Henry has been a book editor, writer, and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He teaches creative writing at Toronto Metropolitan University. He also leads weekly creative writing courses in Burlington, Mississauga, Oakville and Georgetown and conducts Saturday workshops throughout Ontario. His proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published.

The event page is ready so read all the details here.

Welcome New Members

Erin Brandt Filliter lives in Fredericton and is a 2025 first prize winner of the Douglas Kyle Memorial Prize for short fiction. Welcome, Erin!

Jeremy Gilmer (jeremythomasgilmer.com) is a former WFNB board director, who currently lives in Saint John and celebrates the recent publication of his nonfiction story collection, This Rare Earth. Welcome back, Jeremy!

Michael Lawton writes memoir, nonfiction and poetry from his home in Quispamsis. Welcome, Michael!

Ian Ross (ianrobertross.com) is a fantasy and sci-fi writer living in Ottawa, but is originally from Miramichi, NB. With a background in newspaper and magazine publishing, Ian now focuses on the genres of editing, fantasy, fiction, science writing, speculative fiction, and short story. Welcome, Ian!

MEMBER NEWS

Heather Browne’s short story “Black Snow Blade” merited publication in this summer’s issue of Grain the journal of eclectic writing. Vol.52.4

Heather pitched a creative and performative synopsis of her novel to four publishers at WFNB’s June AGM in Fredericton, NB.  Marion Fairwater, a major character, aproned-up and had much to say about the author’s writing habits, herself and her brother Charlie.

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Sara Moginot is delighted to announce the release of her picture storybook, Are You My Puppy? Purchase here: https://lazy-bear-publishing.square.site/product/are-you-my-puppy-/FTCZXB5KQDRLYQDF6426BOST?cs=true&cst=custom

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For those of you who plan to submit a manuscript to the 2026 NB Writing Competition, you may be interested in listening to the experiences of Erin Brand Filliter, who was recently interviewed for a local podcast in regards to her first place win in the 2025 Douglas Kyle Memorial Prize for Short Fiction. Listen on Spotify here:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3v6rnZPLRD4hOHZYCRezdL?si=62111b6739f34060

And here is the Apple link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/erin-brandt-filliter/id1820011897?i=1000715863968

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Jeremy Gilmer is pleased to announce the release of This Rare Earth, a graphic account of twenty-five years of working for some of the largest mining and engineering companies in the world. Find it here: https://vehiculepress.com/shop/this-rare-earth-building-the-dams-mines-and-megaprojects-that-run-our-world-by-jeremy-thomas-gilmer/

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A rainy day activity:

Here is a crossword using the names of our 2024 NB Book Award winners, just celebrated on May 31. Answers in a separate post in this Inkspot page.

That’s it for me. May the rest of July be inspirational for your writing.

WordWorthy:

“Write as specifically as you can. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something that happened to you (and God bless all the people who can write things like science fiction, because I can’t). I am good at observing from my own life, and then writing that very specifically, and hopefully finding humour in it. I don’t know why – but, I say this all the time – that specificity is the key to being universal. We all deal in specifics, so even though your specific isn’t mine, I will relate to a story you tell about a quirky thing or something you love cause I have something I feel that way about, too. So that feeling is what we relate to.”

Phil Rosenthal, Showrunner, writer/producer of Everybody Loves Raymond and Somebody Feed Phil

in conversation with CBC’s Tom Power, July 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE NEW PRESIDENT

Vision. From an author who writes fantasy and science fiction, you may expect to read something imaginative and wholly unrealistic. I do hope the goals I’m about to outline resonate with you within the realm of the possible, excite you, and call you to action in achieving them.

On our WFNB website, you’ve been introduced to the new Board of Directors and its Executive, including me as your President. This is a role I am honoured to serve on your behalf.

Creating Community Through Words remains our motto. My vision sees that community growing, by sending a clear message that we are a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming accomplished and aspiring authors, poets, playwrights, screen and song writers, traditionally published and self-published alike. We embrace editors, publishers, and others who support the literary arts.

Merely growing our membership isn’t enough. We need to improve our financial health so we can provide more to you, the membership. Workshops, awards, and an influential lobby group to promote the literary arts provincially, all require funding. I hope to encourage WFNB Patrons to bolster our accounts through their generous support.

Advocacy for the literary arts also needs a wider audience, and another goal is to create closer ties with our fellow associations in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the short term, with the hope to add Newfoundland and Labrador later. A more powerful lobby regionally will in turn help each province individually. We stand stronger when we stand united.

I look forward to working with our new and returning Board of Directors, and welcome all of you to contact me at The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick - Email member

Don Bourque

ASSOCIATIONS

If you are a writer of romance or women’s fiction, The Canadian Romance Writers wants you! Check out their website here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1464404/sites/154689552282289809/KnoSmx

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Volunteer Opportunity with Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) - New Brunswick Regional Coordinator, Canadian Children's Book Week

 The CCBC’s Book Week Coordinators organize the author and illustrator tours in their province/territory by:  

• Sharing Book Week information with potential host organizations (schools, libraries, and community groups) encouraging them to apply to host an author, illustrator or storyteller during Book Week
• Working with Carol-Ann Hoyte (CCBC Events and Program Manager) to match hosts with an author and illustrator based on their list of preferences
• Coordinating itineraries for book creators touring in New Brunswick
• Assisting with booking of accommodation and travel arrangements (as needed)
• Acting as a liaison between touring book creators and host schools and libraries
• Actively promoting Book Week and those book creators touring your region to provincial, regional and local media (if possible) 
• Collecting statistics regarding the number of Book Week participants from host schools and libraries and sharing them with Carol-Ann Hoyte for reporting purposes.
• Encouraging host schools and libraries to participate in post-Book Week survey to help gauge the impact of the tour.  

As compensation for and recognition of their work, the New Brunswick Regional Book Week coordinator will receive a free one-year membership to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre which includes access to our publications, Canadian Children’s Book News and Best Books for Kids and Teens.

If you would like to be considered for this position, please contact Carol-Ann Hoyte, Events and Program Manager, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, by email at carol-ann@bookcentre.ca or by phone at 416-975-0010 extension 2 by no later than 5 pm Eastern Time on September 30^th, 2025.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 Reading and exhibition by poet Kathryn Mockler and artist David Poolman

13 Cedars presents Everyone’s a Blob, an exhibition by Kathryn Mockler and David Poolman, opening Saturday, July 19 from 1 to 4 p.m., with a reading by Kathryn Mockler at 2 p.m.

13 Cedars, is a new independent gallery located rurally in Rowley, New Brunswick, between the city of Saint John and the oceanside village of St. Martins. The space is housed in a small barn, refurbished between 2023-2025.

Kathryn Mockler is the author of the story collection Anecdotes (Book*hug Press, 2023). She co-edited the print anthology Watch Your Head: Writers and Artists Respond to the Climate Crisis (Coach House Books, 2020) and runs the literary newsletter Send My Love to Anyone.

David Poolman is an artist working in drawing, print, sound, and video. Since 2015 Poolman has worked with artist Jeremy Drummond as Never Met a Stranger, a publisher of vernacular arts and culture that collectively explore landscape and culture throughout central Appalachia and the rural North American south.

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Project Bookmark Canada launches a bookmark in Miramichi  for David Adams Richards

New Brunswick will soon join the Canadian Literary Trail with plaques honouring Senator David Adams Richards, the province’s pre-eminent writer and one who has inspired generations of New Brunswick writers. New Brunswick’s first Bookmarks in both English and French present a passage from Richards’ novel The Friends of Meager Fortune, and will be installed in the City of Miramichi.

All are welcome on July 18, 2025 at 1 pm, to attend the plaque unveiling and readings at a new park, off Newcastle Boulevard at the old Harkins Middle School property in the City of Miramichi, New Brunswick. https://www.projectbookmarkcanada.ca/news/

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Planting Seeds: A Free Playwriting Workshop with NotaBle Acts Playwright/Dramaturge in Residence, Beth Graham

Sunday, July 13, 6:30-8:00 PM, Carleton Hall, UNB, Room 304 To register: email bethgraham@shaw.ca

There are many ways to create a new play. Some plays begin with a main character, others spring from a setting, still others are inspired by a central idea or an image. In this workshop, we will explore a myriad of different approaches to new play creation with an emphasis on intuition rather than logic. Bring a pen and paper and be prepared to engage in discussion and perform writing exercises. 

About Beth:

Beth Graham is an actor, playwright, and dramaturg. She has been a finalist for the Governor Generals’ Award in Drama and is a two-time recipient of the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Literary Award. From 2020-23 she was the Lee playwright in residence at the University of Alberta, as well as the dramaturg in residence with Workshop West Playwrights Theatre. Her plays and collaborations include Mermaid Legs, The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, Weasel, and The Drowning Girls (co-creator). Recently, Beth was the dramaturg of The Doorstep Plays with Theatre Yes, a play that toured to the backyards of Edmonton. This fall, Beth will be the writer in residence at Grant MacEwan University and her play, Mermaid Legs, will be published by Playwrights Canada Press.

 COMPETITIONS

The Fiddlehead's 2025 Fiction Contest is currently open for submissions! The best story will receive the $2000 prize and be published in Issue 306 of The Fiddlehead. This year's contest is being judged by award-winning writer Anuja Varghese! You can find all our guidelines for submission here. Deadline to submit: September 1. 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

 Milk Bag Magazine. 

Submissions are now open for our Fall 2025 issue: "Paintings for Mice &

Coffee for the Burglar", an exploration of unwelcome guests, lingering memories and what it means to make space for what you once tried to shut out. 

We publish short fiction, poetry, visual art and reviews quarterly and would be grateful if you could share this call with your members. 

The key details:

- Deadline for submissions: August 1, 2025

- Submission guidelines: here is the link to our submission portal

- Compensation: We operate on a profit-share model, so all contributors receive a share of the profits from the magazine

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Open Call for Novella-length Fiction and Nonfiction

Since January of 2019, Sunspot Lit has accepted long-form fiction, nonfiction and graphic novel manuscripts as well as epic poetry. Submit single works of fiction or nonfiction from 29,001 to 49,000 words, graphic novels should between 51 and 120 pages, or a single poem between 86 and 105 single-spaced pages between July 1 and July 31 here: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit.