“Better Writing Through Poetry” (January 12, 2025)  is an introductory workshop for writers of any level interested in becoming better at this peculiar pursuit called creative writing. Whatever your usual genre, the ideas and techniques we discuss should not just improve your writing but also expand your understanding of the possibilities of creative word-slinging.

The workshop will include discussions of

• significant ways that poetry differs from other genres of writing,
• the importance of taking emotional risks,
• using sensory details to create concrete images,
• what it means to “respond” to someone else’s poem, etc.

We’ll use exemplar poems by New Brunswick poets Triny Finlay and Lilianne Welch to illustrate many of the points we discuss, and as models for our own early drafts of a poem.

Come prepared to listen, talk, laugh, and write!

About KATHY MAC:

Kathy Mac has authored three books of poetry (Roseway Publishing), two books on the craft of writing (Wording Around Press), and, as Kathleen McConnell, a book of essays (Wolsak and Wynn Publishers). She lives near Halifax (Kjipuktuk) in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq, Malliseet and Passamaquoddy peoples.

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of:

Welcome to the WFNB's 2025 winter writers' retreat at Villa Madonna Retreat Centre in Rothesay. 

Reacting to Music - an Ekphrasis Exercise is an introductory poetry workshop that explores the relationship between writing and music. 

According to the Poetry Foundation, “an ekphrastic poem is a vivid description of a work of art.” More generally, an ekphrastic poem is a poem inspired or stimulated by a work of visual art. In this workshop, we are going to expand this definition to include music as well. 

For the first half of this workshop, we’ll go over a brief history of ekphrastic poetry. Then, we’ll discuss different approaches to and examples of poetic responses to music. 

For the second half, we’ll find ideas and inspiration through brainstorming and writing exercises. Next, we’ll use some dedicated listening and writing time to create a draft poem inspired by one of three different songs provided.

Finally, you will be invited and encouraged to engage, discuss and share your poem with the group. (Although this is not mandatory!) 

About MATTHEW GWATHMEY:

Matthew Gwathmey lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on Wolastoqey Territory, with his partner Lily and their five children. He studied creative writing at the University of Virginia and UNB. He has published three poetry collections: Our Latest in Folktales (Brick Books, 2019); Tumbling for Amateurs (Coach House Books, 2023); and Family Band (The Porcupine’s Quill, 2024).

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of:

A braided essay is a powerful form of creative non-fiction. Think of a plait or braid such as a braided leather bracelet, lock of hair, or rug. Many materials can be used to create a braid—including stories. 

Imagine three (or more) scenes or stories that are different yet related. You then present your story by weaving sections related to the central theme or storyline. A braided essay is challenging yet fun to write and an effective way to share our stories.

Participants will learn a ‘clustering’ technique to generate story threads you will then weave together. You’ll also receive sample braided essays, discover how to create concepts, research specific aspects of your story to add depth and scope, and determine the best way to structure your stories. Each week will build on the previous week.

Note: the last hour of the last class will focus on market information—where and how to submit your stories!

Workshop dates and times:

Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. March 15, 22, 29 via Zoom

About Sandra

(photo credit: Sue Hutchins)

Sandra Phinney’s stories have appeared in over 70 publications, including Nature Canada, Canadian Geographic, and the Toronto Star, and she is a regular columnist for JourneyWoman.com.  Phinney has four non-fiction books. Currently, she is weaning away from writing for magazines and newspapers to focus on teaching, writing personal essays, and completing a book of essays, From Stillwaters to Floating Truths (Pottersfield Press, Spring 2025.) She has three more non-fiction books on the back burner.

In 2021, Phinney was the Literary Artist In Residence for four weeks at Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO site. During the winter of 2024, she mentored an emerging writer through the WFNS Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program. Phinney lives off-grid on the Tusket River outside of Yarmouth, NS. In her spare time, you’ll find her paddling in the wilderness.

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of: