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 25th 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 7th 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
