Hello, Members and Friends.

The year 2023 is wrapping up quickly, and we’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all the best of the holiday season. As always, here is a wish that 2024 will hold much success in creativity for you, along with overflowing joy, peace, health, and goodwill, which is needed now more than ever.

1. The 2024 New Brunswick Writing Competition opens January 1, and we will use the same method for submission as last year:

1. Review the submission category guidelines 
2. Prepare your submission - word counts are strict!
3. Wait for the competition to open on January 1
4. Go to https://wfnb.ca/Writing-Competition,
5. Select your category on the writing competition page
6. Click the "Add to Cart" button (they won’t work until January 1
7. Complete the checkout process

Send your blind submission and your cover letter with details to info@wfnb.ca

Our fine lineup of judges looks forward to reading your submissions! Deadline is March 31.

2. Submissions for the 2023 New Brunswick Book Awards have been received and are off the judges! Good luck to all writers who submitted. The shortlist will be announced in late March, 2024. Plans are underway for the live awards ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, June 1, in the Moncton area (location to be announced).

3. Our next monthly workshop meeting will also be in Moncton on Saturday, January 13, with the very funny and talented Marshall Button. He will be leading an in-person two-hour session on writing comedy, but it will also be available online. Check out the event page for more information, and to register. On Thursday, February 8, Vanessa Hawkins will present an online two-hour workshop on how to write sex scenes (that don’t make people laugh) –you know we all need to know – and on March 16, Beth Powning will present a three-hour workshop, touching on both memoir and historical fiction from her home in Markhamville. (Space at this hybrid event will be limited.)

4. You asked for it, we planned it: a winter retreat at Villa Madonna is slated for February 23-25. (I know, I’m looking forward to it, too.) Mark your calendars, and the event page will go up early in the New Year.

5, A REMINDER ABOUT YOUR ONLINE PROFILES: Remember, everyone, that your online profile defaults to a private setting—meaning that at first, it will only be visible to other members, in the members-only section. If you’d rather appear on the public list, make sure you change your privacy settings to public. Here’s how:

1. Log into the website with your member account.
2. Click on your name at the top to edit your membership.
3. Click on 'Profile' in the list of options to modify.
4. Change your 'Profile Visibility' to: Public (your profile appears in the public list of members and in the Members Only list), Members (your profile appears only to other members in the Members Only area), or None (your profile doesn't appear in either list).

Also, note that the profile button Membership Details controls whether you are visible to the public or not. The privacy button Details to Show allows you to choose which details you'd like to be visible.

Best,

Rhonda & Kris

·WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!

Cathy Adams writes flash, micro-fiction and middle grade stories from her home in Perth-Andover. Welcome, Cathy!

Irene Brennan divides her time between Baltimore, Maryland and New Brunswick, and writes poetry. Welcome, Irene!

Mary Daley writes fiction, speculative fiction and short stories from her home in Lower Newcastle. Welcome, Mary!

Craig Dupuis is a Fredericton-based writer of corporate, creative non-fiction and short stories. He’s also skilled in technical writing, copywriting, and editing. Welcome, Craig!

Lucas Durelle (https://moderntypewriterblog.wordpress.com/) is the founder of Modern Typewriter stories and writes in the genres of Biography, Creative non-fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Journalism, Photography, Poetry, Songwriting, Suspense, Freelance writing. Welcome, Lucas!

John Demmery Green has written in many genres and lived across Canada as well as London England. He has studied writing and theatre and has published many plays. Now based in the Fredericton area, John is currently focusing on historical fiction, poetry and translation. Welcome, John!

Valerie LeBlanc(https://val.basicbruegel.com/) is an interdisciplinary writer and artist who has participated in numerous residencies and readings around the globe. Currently based in Moncton, Valerie is working on a series of videopoems and chapbooks based on her early education through film in Churchill, Manitoba. Welcome/Bienvenue, Valerie!

Kathleen MacDonald is a Saint-John based writer of memoir and poetry. Welcome, Kathleen!

Gemma Marr, based in Saint John, writes in the genres of fiction and historical fiction, and is a copywriter, freelance writer and editor. Welcome, Gemma!

Michael Simon, is an award-winning Canadian author and physician, specializing in science fiction, military science fiction and fantasy. Based in Saint John, Michael has a large repertoire of published short stories, medical articles and travel logs. Michael writes fantasy, nonfiction, science fiction, flash/micro fiction, and short stories. Welcome, Michael!

Scott Stephens– Poetry, scriptwriting and songwriting are Scott’s genres of focus. He writes from Shediac. Welcome, Scott!

Sean Tapley(pen name Wandering Squatch) writes in a wide variety of genres from his home base of Petit-Shippagan. Sean is interested in blogging, comedy, creative non-fiction, editing, essays, historical fiction, memoir, nonfiction, poetry, flash/microfiction, freelance writing, spoken word, middle grade, and short stories. Welcome, Sean!

MEMBER NEWS

Chuck Bowie is working with the York Regional Library in Fredericton to deliver a workshop entitled Using Journalling to Write Memoirs. For three consecutive Wednesday afternoons, Chuck will work with participants to understand which kind(s) of Journal would work best for each, and then apply this knowledge to get started. Then, this approach can be used to either improve on their Journalling skills or to begin to create their Memoir. More information to follow in January.

***

S.C. Eston would like to announce the December 5, 2023, publication of The Stranger of UL Darak, The Lost Tyronian Archives. This first instalment in an epic high fantasy series is available directly from Steve (especially if anyone is interested in a signed copy), or from Amazon: Https://sceston.com/Stranger

***

Denise McClure wanted to share a photo of the members of the EXHALE: Grand Falls writing group. From left to right are: Christian Fournier, Steven Clement, Denise McClure (in the back), Jackie Violette, Wendy L. Koenig, Marcia Jones, and Jul Jones.

Looks like good things are happening at EXHALE! Their group, from humble beginnings in 2019, meets every third Saturday morning at the Grand Falls Public Library. 

Do you live within driving distance and would like to take part? See contact information under Writers’ Groups.

Have you published or self-published a book? Won an award? Are you hosting a book signing or launch event? Share it here!

NEWSY BITS

When ArtsLink NB's CATAPULT Arts Accelerator program opens for submission in 2024, consider applying to the program as a mentee. Catapult gives New Brunswick artists the tools to be prolific & build sustainable careers, but writers rarely take part in this business development program. You’ll get business skills training, career development, workshops, and mentorship – packed into one eight week program, designed to help you to be purposeful and organized about the business side of your artistic practice. Participants are matched with a mentor in their field for a one-year mentorship, complete with funding for mentorship pairs to visit each other, attend workshops together, or travel together.

New Brunswick-based artists or groups/collectives working in any discipline are welcome to apply. Program participants must be members of ArtsLink NB (if not already a member, enrol online at www.artslinknb.com). Tuition for Catapult participants is generously subsidized by the Province of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada.

Email catapult@artslinknb.com for more information about next year's program.

***

Antique Typewriter, anyone? WFNB member Doris McKay, who lives in the Petitcodiac area, has an antique typewriter for sale. If you’d like information about the typewriter and possible purchase, contact info@wfnb.ca. We’ll pass you along to Doris.

***

Got questions about your contract or how to find an agent? Want advice on the publishing process or book promotion? Look no further!

The guidance counselling sessions at Assembly Press are meant to help support you in your writing and/or publishing career. Bring us your questions, challenges, or just conversation—we love connecting and are happy to help however we can.

Details and booking here. Public submissions at Assembly Press are open from September 5 to December 18.

EVENTS

WORDFEAST - We're currently putting together the lineup for our 7th Word Feast which will take place this February 8-11. If you are interested in reading at the festival or hosting a workshop, we'd love to hear from you! Email us your pitch to chair.word.feast@gmail.com. Traditionally and self-published authors are welcome to apply.

Live Canon - For fourteen years Live Canon have been publishing, performing, promoting, celebrating and sharing poetry. Visit the website, check out their Lunchtime Reading Series.

WORKSHOPS, COURSES, RETREATS

Canadian Freelance Guild online workshop

Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 6:00-7:30 pm ET

This is CFG’s last PD event of 2023 and they thought it prudent to stick to the theme for 2023: Artificial Intelligence.

Most people have no idea how much A.I. is already part of our daily lives. It's in our phones, our computers, our bank accounts, the digital map you use to check traffic.

And as the year opened, we were gobsmacked by OpenAI's ChatGPT, the chatbot that seemed to threaten half the office jobs on the planet. Yes, there are risks. Yes, you need to learn how to use this scalpel before you start using it. But if you're good with words, know how to ask questions, you can learn to use these new tools safely and effectively. You should learn how they work. CFG will give you a behind-the-scenes look at A.I. at work for the CFG and for individual members. There is a discount code for WFNB members. Check the members-only section of wfnb.ca

NOTE: REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 12 PM ET ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT

***

University of King’s College four – week writing courses

New King’s writing workshops beginning February 2024, feature workshops on Travel Writing, Food Writing, Fiction Fundamentals, Introduction to Memoir, Black Voices - Black Stories, and writing your family story. Early bird pricing is available until December 15. https://ukings.ca/programs/non-credit/writing-workshops/

***

Banff Centre is excited to announce their new Literary Arts residency programs for 2024/2025. Full program details and application information are available online. 

Literary Arts Thematic: Form and Constraint – Spring 2024

This program will consider how authors of fiction and poetry use form and constrained forms to create opportunities for new and unfettered expression. 

Program dates: April 22 – May 3, 2024 | Application deadline: January 10, 2024

Literary Journalism: Memoir – Summer 2024

This residency gives memoir writers time to work on their manuscripts, have individual consultations with faculty, and participate in workshops. 

Program dates: June 10 – 21, 2024 | Application deadline: February 7, 2024

Summer Writers Residency - 2024

This is a self-directed program offering time and space for writers to reconnect and re-energize their practice. 

Program dates: July 29 – August 9, 2024 | Application deadline: March 6, 2024

Early Career Writers of Fiction Residency – Fall 2024

During Early Career Writers of Fiction Residency, new writers of fiction – from not-yet-published writers to those with one published book – will expand upon their practice. 

Program dates: September 30 – October 12, 2024 | Application deadline: May 16, 2024

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Announcing Lost in the Fog

Partridge Island Publishing’s 2024 anthology

Deadline is January 31, 2024

up to 2 entries per person.

Maximum word length 3,000 words.

We accept poetry and prose.

Must contain the [flexible] theme 'lost'.

Email questions or submissions to amanda@partridgeislandpublishing.ca

***

University of Prince Edward Island’s The Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies(https://journaloflmmontgomerystudies.ca/) is inviting submissions (written, visual, or audio-visual) for a special collection on the topic of "Writers and Artists Respond to L.M. Montgomery."

https://journaloflmmontgomerystudies.ca/writers-and-artists-respond/_cfp

***

Prairie Fire, a Canadian Magazine of New Writing, is giving centre stage to women writers fifty and over! This special issue is a celebration that honours and recognizes the enormous contribution of living Canadian women writers, who have helped shape CanLit and continue to do so. 

If you are a woman, aged fifty and over, have at least one published piece of writing (literary journals, non-literary journals, writing group publications, anthologies, books, etc… we’re really not picky on this point.) and live in Canada (or lived a substantial amount of your life in Canada) then we want to see your unpublished work, as we compile this mosaic of new writing to be released in fall of 2024. 

This special issue, tentatively called “50 Over 50” will be guest edited by Katherine Bitney, poet and one of the founders of Prairie Fire Press. 

***

Submissions for Loss Lifespan Vol. 9 HAVE OPENED. Submissions close 31st December 2023.

From 2021 through to 2024, Pure Slush has been conducting a 12-volume anthology series, looking across the Lifespan. This is a unique opportunity to contribute works taking characters across the arc of their whole lives, whether prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction. Or alternately, to create unlinked works. Submit to one … or a few … or many … or all. Your Loss submission must be:

• original, so previously unpublished online or in print (so that includes authors’ websites and blogs)
• 150 word minimum limit for fiction and non-fiction, stories and essays / maximum 1000 words. (That’s for each story / essay: maximum number of prose pieces you can submit is 3.)
• 80 word minimum limit for poetry / maximum 1000 words. (That’s for each poem: maximum number of poems you can submit is 5.)
• must include something about loss.

·         If you have any questions, please email edpureslush@live.com.au.

·         To submit, click here. Please include the word LOSS, plus your name and the title of your submission, and the word count. (Please note: word counts do not include titles or your name.)

***

The Royal Society of Literature is inviting public recommendations of writers from you, their writer peers and readers. They are seeking recommendations of writers of diverse literary forms, including writers of drama, fiction, graphic fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenplays. These will be writers not resident in, or citizens of, the UK, who have published or had produced two works of outstanding literary merit (where works are translated into English, or originally written in English). Guided by your recommendations, our panel will make a recommendation of writers to be appointed RSL International Writers.

Please consult the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions prior to completing your recommendation. Recommendations will only be accepted via the form below and must be submitted by 3 May 2024. 

Your recommendations will be read by a panel of Fellows including Kit Fan (Chair), Moniza Alvi, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Chloe Aridjis, Homi K. Bhabha, Margaret Busby, Maureen Freely, Deirdre Osborne and Nathalie Teitler.

Submit your recommendation here!

WRITING COMPETITIONS 

"THE DAVE" IS BACK!

Dave Williamson National Short Story Competition

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild is thrilled to announce the Dave Williamson National Short Story Competition has returned for its second year - with cash prizes worth $2000, complimentary membership for winners, and guaranteed publication for winners and honorary mentions.

Check out our poster, follow the link to the complete guidelines posted on our https://mbwriters.ca/programs/short-story-competition/, and begin to capture those thoughts tantalizing your mind and shape them into a story. If you have any questions, please contact us at MWGcontesto@gmail.com (the 'o' in contesto is the letter 'o' not the number zero).

Our Inaugural Dave Williamson Short Story Competition was listed as one of Reedsy's best writing contests of 2023.

***

The Writers' Union of Canada invites submissions to its 31st 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. The Union is proud to announce an esteemed group of jurors for this year's Competition: Francine Cunningham, Frances Itani, C.M., and Ian Roy.

Emerging writers, get writing! The deadline for submissions is February 19, 2024. Learn more: http://ow.ly/cMHR50LSVR7

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Attention emerging poets from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities. Icehouse Poetry has announced their inaugural Claire Harris Poetry Prize!

The prize will be awarded to a full-length debut poetry collection and will include $1000 of prize money, a contract for the publication of the collection under the icehouse poetry imprint in the following year (2025), and public readings in at least three Canadian cities.

Submissions will be accepted between January 2 and March 31, 2024.

https://gooselane.com/.../claire-harris-poetry-prize...

***

Call for Entries: 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Calling all indie book authors and publishers - including small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors who have a book written in English released in 2022, 2023 or 2024 or with a 2022, 2023 or 2024 copyright date to enter the most rewarding book awards program.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards offers more than 80 awards – more than 80 monetary prizes totaling over $10,000 in cash, including $1,500 cash prizes plus trophies for best fiction book and best non-fiction book, $750 cash prizes plus trophies for second best fiction book and non-fiction book and $500 cash prizes plus trophies for third best fiction book and non-fiction book!

"Independently-published books have become a major source for quality fiction and non-fiction, but often go unrecognized by the mainstream publishing industry," notes Marilyn Allen. "Finally, an awards program has been created to recognize talented authors from this important segment of our industry. I have been a part of representing over 100 authors, and always looking for new talent, so it is a great pleasure to be part of this program. We look forward to reviewing the works of the 80 best candidates and helping these authors gain the recognition they deserve."

Entry deadline for the 2024 awards program – February 14, 2024. https://www.indiebookawards.com/

***

Announcing the Seventh Annual Pottersfield Prize for Creative Nonfiction

For the seventh annual prize, Pottersfield Press is again looking for submissions from writers who can provide a manuscript of 30,000 to 150,000 words in any of the following categories: history, memoir, autobiography, biography, literary journalism, political or social commentary, travel writing or virtually any existing or new category that uses the nonfiction medium to tell a story or put forward an idea. The First Prize winner will receive a contract for the publication of the winning book along with a $1000 advance on 10% royalty for all sales. The Second Prize winner will also see the publication of the book and a $800 advance on 10% royalties. Deadline is April 30, 2024 but early submissions are encouraged. Submit your manuscript electronically as a double-spaced basic Word document to: pottersfieldcreative@gmail.comand include on the title page your name, address and email address. Entry fee is $25 (includes HST) and can be paid by Interac Transfer (also to pottersfieldcreative@gmail.com), Paypal or by cheque made out to Pottersfield Press mailed to 248 Leslie Road, East Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1T4 Canada after the manuscript has been submitted by email. www.pottersfieldpress.comWinners will be announced on June 30, 2024.

The winners of the Sixth Annual Pottersfield Prize for Creative Nonfiction are Martin Bauman in first place for Hell of a Ride and Chris Harvey-Clark in second place for In Search of The Great Canadian Shark. Bauman’s top winning entry is a coming-of-age tale of a 7,000-kilometre solo bicycle voyage across Canada. The second-place winner is a first-hand account of diving research adventures with sharks and other exotic undersea creatures in Canadian waters. Both books will be published by Pottersfield Press in 2024.

***

An exciting new prize will launch at the end of November.

From November 30 submissions to The Paul Cave Prize for Children's Literature will open to writers and poets from around the world.

"Writing an engaging children's story that grips the reader is difficult," says one of the judges, Tim Saunders.

"It's a great opportunity for budding writers especially when getting noticed by a publisher is one of life's great challenges."

Entries close February 28, 2024.

There are three categories:

Best short story - 5,000 words or under

Best flash fiction - 300 words or under

Best poem - 30 lines or under

Winners will receive a cash prize and a copy of the book. More information here: https://tsaunderspubs.weebly.com/the-paul-cave-prize-for-childrens-literature.html 

LITERARY AWARDS

Jury Announced and Call for Submissions Issued for the 27th Annual Danuta Gleed Literary Award

The Writers’ Union of Canada and the Gleed family are pleased to announce the jury for the $10,000 Danuta Gleed Literary Award, Canada’s pre-eminent award for the best first Canadian collection of short fiction in the English language, now celebrating its 27th year.

This year’s jury comprises authors Danila Botha, paulo da costa, and Souvankham Thammavongsa.

A short list will be announced in May 2024, with the winner and two finalists being named in June 2024. The winner receives $10,000 and each of the two finalists is awarded $1,000.

To be eligible, books must be first collections of short fiction written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and published in Canada in the English language in the 2023 calendar year. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2024. Eligible titles may be submitted by publishers according to submission guidelines available at writersunion.ca/danuta-gleed-literary-award.

WRITING GROUPS

Fredericton Writers’ Groups

• Ann Kitching is hosting a Sunday Morning Writers Group from 9 am to noon, starting on 17 Sept 2023. We'll write, chat, and increase our output. Meet at 209 Willow Ave in Fredericton North. Free to join. Contact almkitching@outlook.com with any questions--kindly write "Writers Group" in the subject line.

  Also, Ann leads courses through Dog Eared Books in Oromocto on Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8 pm. (Bad weather moves the course to Willow Ave in F'ton.) Starting on Friday, 6 October, our mission is to write serial adventures (one complete story per week) for a character of our choosing. By the end of May, we should have enough chapters to publish as a book which is our aim for next summer. This course is $15/week (alumni pay $10).

• Freddy Words (a public Facebook group) is connected, though not currently as active and not specifically tied to NaNo. It was (and hopefully will be again) a year-round group.
  
  

• Lou Ellen Mielke Somerville tells us about FredNoWriMo, which is a collection of Fredericton NaNoWriMo participants who are always open to accepting new members/participants. Check out their private Facebook group. They are doing virtual events and aim to get back into having in-person events - primarily from late October to early December. There is also CampNaNo in April and July. Lou Ellen is one of two Municipal Liaisons this year.

Saint John Writers’ Groups

• Jeremy Cairns tells us about Saint John Writers (SJW), which meets every Sunday. They welcome a wide variety of ages and different types of writers. They are about getting together and producing, rather than exchanging work or reading aloud. They write from 10 am-11:30 am and then they sit and discuss narrative, character development, publishing, etc. https://saintjohnwriters.wordpress.com/
  
  
• John Hanson tells us that Fog City Scribes has become a loose connection for writers in the Saint John area, originally formed for NaNoWriMo.
  
  
• Amanda Evans and Jaimie McGivery tell us about Write Now Saint John, which is a social writing group which takes place every other Thursday evening (the next one is Thursday, September 21st) at Homeport Inn on Douglas Avenue. They review work, do activities, and have social events. The proprietor of the Homeport Inn is Lane Mack and her husband’s name is Neil. https://www.homeportinn.ca Email: stay@homeportinn.ca
  
  Other Writing Groups

• The Chapter One Writing Group, led by Roche Sappier, has moved to a monthly format at the Perth-Andover library. All are welcome! Contact PerthAndover.PublicLibrary@gnb.ca for more information.
  
  
• The Writers of Kingston Peninsula are an eclectic group of people that write for a variety of reasons, with many motivations they joyfully share. If you’d like to join them for an exercise in writing from prompts, share your own writing journey, or just to meet other writers, check out our Facebook page or reach out to us through Messenger. Times and dates may vary.
  
  
• The Fundy Bay Writers is open to receiving new members. They offer monthly Zoom sessions, in-person workshops, shared readings, and ongoing support for writers at all stages of the craft. This group is affiliated with the Sunbury Shores Art & Nature Center in St. Andrews. For more information or to join, please email Carole Martignacco and Louise Chase, WFNB members and co-founders: fundybaywriters@gmail.com
  
  
• The Writing Group Exhale: Grand Falls, meets every 3rd Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Grand Falls Public Library. The next meeting will be held on February 18, 2023. For more information contact Denise McClure at 75deemac@gmail.com, or call 506-473-6125.
  
  
• The AX, the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex has a writing group that meets monthly in the gallery. For more information, check out the website, visit 12 Maple Ave., Sussex, or call (506) 433-8351.
  
  

• FREE ONLINE WRITING RESOURCES
  AND SUPPORT
  

  Unleash Creatives Community Write-ins: Let's write! Hosted by Unleash Creatives, this hour-long event will include a simple writing prompt (all genres welcome), and time to write. This community write-in will be delivered via Zoom. Free & open to everyone. When: 2nd Thursday of every month at 4 p.m. ET. Where: A direct link will be emailed 24 hours in advance. RSVP here.  The Odyssey Online Writers' Salon is meant for those who would like to participate in lively discussion about writing. Share insights, discuss struggles, set goals, ask questions, comment on stories or novels you've read, or recommend good books or resources on writing. You can also ask any questions about Odyssey programs you might have. When: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 8:30-9:30 p.m. AST beginning Sept. 14, 2022 The Creative Penn - New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanna Penn runs a YouTube channel that provides tips on self-publishing, marketing, the business of being a writer and more. Janet Fitch's Writing Wednesday - Innovative Novel Structures with Janet Fitch, author of White Oleander, the Revolution of Marina M. Having taught formally for many years, Janet wanted to do something for those who are working alone, as she did. As ultimately we all are. Writing Wednesday is her gift to you. Every Monday at 12pm Dale L. Roberts posts a new video in his Self-Publishing with Dale series. You'll learn how to self publish a book on Kindle and paperback through Amazon KDP. Visit New Brunswick's incredible The Miramichi Reader for everything from coast to coast author updates, new Canadian literary releases, book reviews, interviews, writing advice, events and more! The (Writing) Workshop Finder website features ongoing workshops, retreats and conferences for writers. Many other resources are available here too. Live Canon - For fourteen years Live Canon have been publishing, performing, promoting, celebrating and sharing poetry. Our courses run in person and online and engage with established and emerging poets globally.

Journals, Zines and Podcasts

• Exclusive Promotional Opportunity for WFNB Members 
  
  Mark Dykeman is a writer from Woodstock, NB, who currently publishes a Substack newsletter called How About This described as Notebook nerdery, creativity, reading, writing, and realizing, with a dash of current events and pop culture, cooked in a curious Atlantic Canadian sauce. He invites WFNB members to be interviewed about their work and creative process as a part of his Atlantic Canada Mondays series. He is happy to link back to websites, social media, etc. as a part of the interview.
  
  Mark normally sends a ten-question interview by email and gathers the interviewee's responses the same way. Interested? Contact Mark at  markdykeman@gmail.com.
  
  
• The Moderate Review is accepting short stories, poems, nonfiction, paintings, sculptures, 280 character stories (they will be tweeted if selected), music, and spoken word. The divisions between these art forms are arbitrary. Blur them. Newly established online journal The Moderate Review, showcasing both established and emerging literary talents, invites your words and voices to the ongoing creative discussion. Currently accepting submissions on a rolling basis with no deadlines or publishing dates. Submissions should be sent as a word attachment to moderatereview@gmail.com. There are no word limits, guidelines, or restrictions. However, all submissions must be original work and not previously published.
• Voyage YA seeking submission — Always free. Always open. Always paid. Please read the submission guidelines carefully. Voyage has no restrictions on the kind of fiction they’re looking for. They simply aim to publish good work and provide a space for new and established voices. To get an idea of what they publish, please read the archives. General submissions are open year-round and there is no fee to submit to the general categories. New work is published weekly. Submissions are only accepted via online submission managing system, Submittable. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
• Elegant Literature, a short fiction magazine focused exclusively on new/unpublished writers is accepting submissions in all genres, from anyone age 13 and up. We pay 10 cents a word and publish stories between 500 - 2000 words. Our contract is favourable to the author and openly available on our website. We don't allow pros to submit in order to focus on aspiring talent. Visit the website for more information.
• Live Canon - For fourteen years Live Canon have been publishing, performing, promoting, celebrating and sharing poetry. We publish anthologies, debuts and collections. Our ensemble perform poetry at theatres, festivals and events, and record poetry for radio, digital projects and interdisciplinary collaborations. We work with other art forms to create installations, interventions and experiences. We work with young people to create, explore and enjoy poetry.
• League of Canadian Poets Poetry News - Subscribe to Poetry Pause for your daily delivery of Canadian poetry! Poetry Pause delivers more than a daily poem; it delivers the chance for folks to pause for poetry.  Sign up for Poetry Pause and spare a few minutes each day for words that heal, inspire, and sustain. We’re always accepting submissions!

Publishers and Literary Markets

• Assembly Press will publish a balanced mix of voice-driven and concept-driven fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We want our books to be notable for engaging with contemporary issues with thoughtfulness, incisiveness, and passion in equal measure.  We welcome submissions by all writers regardless of publication history or writing experience, and especially by equity-seeking writers marginalized by attitudinal, historic, social, and environmental barriers based on age, ethnicity, disability, economic status, gender, nationality, race, sexual orientation, and transgender status.  

  We are committed to driving change in the publishing industry, and one way we can do so is to prioritize submissions written by equity-seeking writers. To serve this priority, we will push proposals and manuscripts of all genres by these authors to the front of our reading queue.
  
  

• Atmosphere Press is a collaborative publisher, currently seeking great manuscripts from diverse (feminist!) voices. This year Atmosphere authors have sold thousands of books across five continents, received featured reviews with Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, and have even appeared on a giant billboard in Times Square. And they’d love to see what you’ve written!

• Authors Get Published is an online boutique publishing house located in Toronto, Ontario. They are a full-service publishing house that publishes first-time and seasoned authors on their journey to become published authors, by providing book cover creation, manuscript editing services, formatting, and more. Distributed through Ingram, Authors Get Published work to ensure that each author’s book or books receive maximum visibility online through their website and online platforms where books are sold. If you would like to submit your manuscript for consideration, please email the Editor-in-Chief Christine at Christine@AuthorsGetPublished.com. They reply to every submission within 2 weeks. Visit the website for complete manuscript submission details.
  
  
• VS. Books was founded by artist Vivek Shraya to create more intergenerational dialogue and support for artists of colour. Each year, Vivek offers a mentorship opportunity and publishing contract for a writer who is Indigenous, Black, or a person of colour. This year VS. Books’ is seeking an unpublished Indigenous writer, Black writer, or a writer of colour, over the age of 50 living in Canada.
  
  
• Indian Ink Publishing is currently seeking completed literary fiction, trade fiction, and creative non-fiction manuscripts by emerging and established writers. Indian Ink Publishing is focused on bringing diverse narratives in to the homes of our readers. We believe that a rich story lives in every writer and consider it our number one priority to nurture that story from page to press. Storytelling is our passion. We aim to amplify underrepresented voices and capture unique experiences in the fiction and non-fiction books we publish. We are excited by prose that is compelling and innovative, bold and nuanced, that has the ability to transport the reader beyond their own imagination. We aim to publish work that reflects the diversity in Canada's cultural fabric and encourage writers who identify as women, Indigenous, persons of colour, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities to submit. 

Grants, Residencies and Poet Laureateships

Provincial Grants

Artsnb administers eight grant programs. Deadlines vary throughout the year. You can submit your grant applications online. In addition, ArtsNB:

• offers Accessibility and Equity programs which provide additional financial support to NB artists who face barriers when applying for grants or in carrying out their proposed activities.
• The Application Assistance program, provides funding to individuals who encounter disability-related barriers to completing an online grant application; and to Indigenous artists facing language, geographic and/or cultural barriers with the online application process.
• The Access Support program is designed to provide supplemental funding to grant recipients who require disability-related assistance to carry out their proposed activities. For more information: info@artsnb.ca or 506-444-4445

Federal Grants

• Canada Council for the Arts: New and Early Career Artists: The Canada Council for the Arts is making it easier for artists to apply for their first grant—they’ve launched a profile for new and early career artists. It’s part of a two-year pilot project to reach the next wave of artists in Canada and renew support to the arts sector. Artists at the start of their careers—including those who are new to Canada—can apply for Canada Council funding.

An artist with a new and early career artist profile is eligible to apply for grants from three Explore and Create components:

• Professional Development for Artists—Project grants to support career advancement activities for artists and artistic groups—including mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, specialized training and workshops.
• Research and Creation—Project grants to support creative research, development and the creation of new works, including residencies.
• Concept to Realization—Project grants to support activities that will result in completed works that are shown to the public—including public presentations, exhibitions, media arts and digital arts production ready for dissemination.

To be eligible as a New/Early Career Artist, you must:

• have no other approved applicant profiles with the Canada Council
• have not previously received a grant from the Canada Council
• be at least 18 years old
• be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
• have some training, experience or accomplishments in one or more of the Council’s recognized fields of practice. Past training could include mentorship, self-study, workshops, etc. Training in an academic institution is not mandatory. The Council recognizes training, experience or accomplishments that took place outside of Canada.  
• be committed to the ongoing development of your skills and artistic practice

Create an account on the portal, and then submit a new and early career artist profile. You can only have one of these profiles. Create it and apply with your main field of practice—you can still apply for grants with other fields of practice later on. Make sure your CV matches with the eligibility criteria listed above. We recommend you get started with your profile well ahead of the competition you’re working towards because your profile will need to be validated before you can apply for a grant. 

Canadian Writing Markets

• ·         The CBC has an extensive list of Canadian Literary Journals for submissions to literary magazines here and Canadian Publishing Houses here.
  
  
• ·         Quick Brown Fox regularly updates its list of writing markets for poems, short stories and novels. The site is maintained by writing workshop instructor and author Brian Henry and is an invaluable resource for new and seasoned writers.  

  Announcing Lost in the Fog

  Partridge Island Publishing’s 2024 anthology

  
  

  Deadline is January 31, 2024

  up to 2 entries per person.

  Maximum word length 3,000 words.

  We accept poetry and prose.

  Must contain the [flexible] theme 'lost'.

  Email questions or submissions to amanda@partridgeislandpublishing.ca

  ***

  University of Prince Edward Island’s The Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies(https://journaloflmmontgomerystudies.ca/) is inviting submissions (written, visual, or audio-visual) for a special collection on the topic of "Writers and Artists Respond to L.M. Montgomery."

   https://journaloflmmontgomerystudies.ca/writers-and-artists-respond/_cfp

  ***

  Submissions for Loss Lifespan Vol. 9 HAVE OPENED. Submissions close 31st December 2023.

  From 2021 through to 2024, Pure Slush has been conducting a 12-volume anthology series, looking across the Lifespan. This is a unique opportunity to contribute works taking characters across the arc of their whole lives, whether prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction. Or alternately, to create unlinked works. Submit to one … or a few … or many … or all. Your Loss submission must be:
  

  • original, so previously unpublished online or in print (so that includes authors’ websites and blogs)
  • 150 word minimum limit for fiction and non-fiction, stories and essays / maximum 1000 words. (That’s for each story / essay: maximum number of prose pieces you can submit is 3.)
  • 80 word minimum limit for poetry / maximum 1000 words. (That’s for each poem: maximum number of poems you can submit is 5.)
  • must include something about loss.

  ·         If you have any questions, please email edpureslush@live.com.au.

  ·         To submit, click here. Please include the word LOSS, plus your name and the title of your submission, and the word count. (Please note: word counts do not include titles or your name.)

  ***

  The Royal Society of Literature is inviting public recommendations of writers from you, their writer peers and readers. They are seeking recommendations of writers of diverse literary forms, including writers of drama, fiction, graphic fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenplays. These will be writers not resident in, or citizens of, the UK, who have published or had produced two works of outstanding literary merit (where works are translated into English, or originally written in English). Guided by your recommendations, our panel will make a recommendation of writers to be appointed RSL International Writers.

  Please consult the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions prior to completing your recommendation. Recommendations will only be accepted via the form below and must be submitted by 3 May 2024. 

  Your recommendations will be read by a panel of Fellows including Kit Fan (Chair), Moniza Alvi, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Chloe Aridjis, Homi K. Bhabha, Margaret Busby, Maureen Freely, Deirdre Osborne and Nathalie Teitler.

  Submit your recommendation here!