Meetings & Workshops
About our Meetings & Workshops
Meetings/Workshops Schedule | Past (Archived) Meetings
Introduction
Wednesday Evening Meetings
We meet monthly on the second Wednesday, September through June, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.). Our meetings are open to the general public and are held at the Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe Street in downtown Vancouver. Meetings include Vancouver Branch announcements and guest speakers (or events). There will be time for socializing (and book signing) at the end of the evening. We charge a nominal fee to non-members.
Where the cost for each meeting or workshop is indicated, CAA Members refers to members of the Canadian Authors Association. All others pay the non-member fee indicated except students with valid student ID.
Workshops
The Branch holds at least two workshops every year for which we charge fees. There is a substantial discount for our members.
Writer-in-Residence
If you want advice on your manuscript from an expert, Bernice Lever is our official Writer in Residence.
Meetings and Workshops Suggestions
Please with suggestions for speakers or topics.
Meetings and Workshops Schedule
Our scheduled meetings and workshops are listed in calendar order. Past meetings and workshops are moved to the bottom of this page then two years are archived.
Meeting: Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Open Mic Night
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
Join us at one of CAA Vancouver's most popular events — Open Mic Night. All CAA Members and Non-Members are invited to take a turn reading their work, whether it's published, ready to publish or in first draft format. This is a great way to check the reaction from your listeners, and a good way to find out what Vancouver's writers are up to.
Open Mic Night is set for five minute time slots. To sign up, please e-mail your name, general description of your topic or writing genre to the .
Important note: In order to accommodate as many readers as possible, each five minute allocation must include both your introduction and your reading. Tip: The average speaker can read aloud approximately 150 words per minute. You may want to read your presentation aloud and time yourself to ensure that your reading fits within the five minute time limit.
For More Information
Questions? Clarification? For more information please .
Meeting: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
TBA
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
The details for this meeting are pending.
For More Information
For more information please .
Meeting: Wednesday, April 11, 2012
TBA
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
The details for this meeting are pending.
For More Information
For more information please .
Meeting: Wednesday, May 9, 2012
TBA
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
The details for this meeting are pending.
For More Information
For more information please .
Meetings: June, July & August
There are no meetings held during the summer months, although the Branch does hold a summer social gathering for members and their guests.
Past Meetings
Archived events are listed in calendar order. Current and upcoming meetings and workshops are listed at the top of this page.
Meeting: Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sylvia Taylor — Memoir Writing
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
Bio
Sylvia Taylor is an award-winning freelance writer, editor and educator in Metro Vancouver, with a passionate commitment to communication.
From conference keynotes to private tutoring, from book and script editing to business websites, from ghostwriting to LifeStory writing, Sylvia offers writing-related services "Taylored" to every literary need and purpose.
Whether supporting others in their self-expression, collaborating in commissioned work or creating insightful commentary and reportage, Sylvia draws from her professional background in education, administration, health care, and creative arts.
She writes a wide variety of magazine and newspaper articles and commercial works and consults with a diverse range of entrepreneurs and businesses. She edits in all genres and works extensively with international authors through all stages and phases of writing and publishing.
Sylvia is current Executive Director of the Federation of BC Writers, after eight years as a Regional Director and two as President. She is also an inspiring public speaker and presenter at conferences and in writing programs and judges numerous writing competitions.
Her creative writing has appeared in anthologies and genre magazines, in Canada and the U.S, and was shortlisted for the 2008 CBC National Literary Awards.
Website: www.sylviataylor.ca
For More Information
For more information please .
Workshop: Saturday, October 1, 2011
Voice Lessons: strategies for making your words sing with Lois Peterson
Editors and publishers will tell you that what most effectively gets their attention is writing with the most distinctive voice. In this half-day workshop, you'll learn to recognize strong voice, identify craft elements that contribute to it, and analyse your own work in order to strengthen your writing and get the attention of editors, publishers and readers.
This workshop includes discussion, examples and writing exercises.
Participants are invited to bring along four copies of the opening one-to-two pages of double-spaced prose (fiction, nonfiction, memoir…) of a recently completed work or work in progress for sharing and discussion during the workshop. Questions regarding workshop content — .
Please note the change in venue.- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver (between Nelson and Smithe).
- Cost: CAA Members $30; Non-members $60; Students (with student ID) $35
Registration
To reserve your spot, please pay by PayPal or by cheque:
Pay by PayPal:
Pay by Cheque:
Cheques payable to CAA Vancouver
Forward to:
- CAA Vancouver
- c/o 601 – 1888 Alberni Street,
- Vancouver, BC V6G 1B3
Cancellations prior to September 15th will be charged a $10 fee. No refunds after September 15th.
Bio
Lois Peterson is an experienced and dynamic public speaker and workshop presenter, who has published dozens of short stories, personal essays and articles. Her sixth and seventh children's books will be released by Orca Book Publishers in spring 2012. Website: www.loispeterson.net
For More Information
For registration information please . | Workshop poster (PDF–155 KB).
Meeting: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Bob Mackay and Ben Nuttall-Smith: My journey to publication
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
Bios
Robert William Mackay enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and achieved an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics at the University of British Columbia following high school. Robert achieved a science degree in 1963, then served 3 years on HMC Ships Margaree, Ottawa and Saguenay before being despatched to England for submarine training.
He subsequently taught high school before returning for a law degree. Robert practiced law in Vancouver and Surrey, retiring after over thirty years, in order to research and write his first novel, Soldier of the Horse.
Website: www.robertwmackay.ca
Ben Nuttall-Smith taught Music, Theatre, Art, and Language until he retired in 1991. Ben is publicity chairperson for the Vancouver Branch of the Canadian Authors Association, Fraser Valley representative for the Federation of British Columbia Writers, Editorial Board member for the Canadian Poetry Association quarterly magazine Poemata and member of the Canadian Writers' Union.
Publications include an historical novel (Blood, Feathers and Holy Men, Libros Libertad, January 2011), three books of poetry (Word Painting, Splashes of Light and Scribbles from Afar) and a 3500 word illustrated children's book (Henry Hamster Esquire). A second novel, Secrets Kept / Secrets Told will be published by Libros Libertad March 2012.
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For more information please .
Meeting: Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The New Media and Writers
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
Bio
Hailing from chilly Northern Ontario and now residing on Canada's left coast, Joe Wozny is a recognized subject matter expert, published author, blogger and international presenter on digital strategies for success.
Joe is an original founder, pioneer and adviser for several successful Internet, Media and Publishing businesses. His educational background includes degrees in Electronics and Technology, an MBA, and an Intellectual Property Management Law diploma. He has also assisted with, and completed, Harvard University's Leadership in a Network World program held at the Kennedy School of Government.
Being a committed community volunteer is a part of Joe's personal life. He currently is the chair of the Canadian Whole Dyslexia Society, assists with Whistler/Blackcomb Freestyle Club FIS skiing events, enjoys playing music, and is dedicated to many family pursuits and sporting activities.
Website: www.concentricis.com/joe-wozny.html
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For more information please .
Meeting: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Annual General Meeting & Winter Social
Please join us for the Canadian Authors Association Vancouver Branch AGM and Winter Social Luncheon.
- Time: 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m.
- Place: White Spot Restaurant, 1616 West Georgia (at Cardero), Vancouver, BC.
- Cost: $25 per person — includes three course lunch, pop or coffee, taxes and gratuity (all included).
Choose from these menu items:
Appetizer
- Cup of Pumpkin Soup or Spot Salad
Main
- Roast Turkey dinner served with stuffing, mashed potato and seasonal roasted vegetables
- Chicken pot pie served with a Spot salad
- Teriyaki salmon dinner served with jasmine rice and roasted vegetables
- Vegetarian Tuscan pasta
Dessert
- Pumpkin pie or Cheesecake with strawberry topping
Please by Friday, November 25 with the number of people in your party and each person's menu choice.
Enter Our Winter Writing Contest
The topic is a short story of up to 500 words on the theme of A Letter to Santa.
How to Enter:
- Send your story to the program chair as an electronic document, .rtf or .doc, please; we need to strip out the identifier.
- Deadline for entries is midnight, Saturday, November 15, 2011.
Win:
- 1st prize — you get published in our newsletter, West Coast Writers, and on the Vancouver CAA website.
- 2nd and 3rd prize — you get published on the Vancouver CAA website.
We're looking for contest judges, so if you are interested in joining the panel, let and we'll give you the details.
Hope to see you at the CAA Vancouver Branch AGM and Winter Social on Saturday, December 3rd!
For More Information
For more information please .
Meeting: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Dennis Bolen: A chance to talk with a writer who has been on the scene for 30 years
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
- Place: Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
- Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $10; Students (with student ID) $5
Bio
Dennis E. Bolen is a novelist, editor, teacher and journalist, first published in 1975 (Canadian Fiction Magazine). He holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria (1977) and an MFA (Writing) from the University of British Columbia (1989), and taught introductory Creative Writing at UBC from 1995 to 1997.
In 1989 Mr. Bolen helped establish the international literary journal sub-TERRAIN, and served there as fiction editor for ten years. He has acted as a community editorial board member at The Vancouver Sun, sat on the boards of a literacy advocacy organization, a literary collective and a theatre company. He has written criticism, social commentary, arts advocacy and editorial opinion for numerous journals and newspapers in Canada.
His major publications include Anticipated Results (short fiction, Arsenal/Pulp, Vancouver, 2011), Kaspoit! (novel, Anvil Press, Vancouver, 2009), Toy Gun (novel, Anvil Press, Vancouver, 2005), Gas Tank and Other Stories (short fiction, Anvil Press, Vancouver, 1998), Krekshuns (novel, Random House, Toronto, 1997), Stand In Hell (novel, Random House, Toronto, 1995), Stupid Crimes (revised) (novel, Vintage, Toronto, 1995) and Stupid Crimes (novel, Anvil Press, Vancouver, 1992).
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Workshop: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Plotting Your Story Line with Caroline Adderson
Plot is more than a series of events. It is an ordering of all the elements of fiction to produce a unified effect. In this workshop we will examine some of these elements (character, conflict, and theme) and see how they combine to create plot. We will review different types of plots and diagnose common plotting problems. Come prepared to imagine new story lines and reimagine old ones.
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Workshop from 1:00 till 3:30 p.m.)
- Place: Alma Van Dusen Room, Vancouver Public Library's Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Bus, Skytrain and Parking.
- Cost: $30 for CAA Members; $35 for Students (with student ID) and $60 for Non-Members.
Registration
Space is limited. To reserve your spot, please pay by PayPal or by cheque:
Pay by PayPal:
Pay by Cheque:
Cheques payable to CAA Vancouver
Forward to:
- CAA Vancouver
- c/o 851 Underhill Drive,
- Delta, BC V4M 2V4
Cancellations prior to January 15, 2012 will be charged a $10 fee. No refunds after January 15, 2012.
Bio
Caroline Adderson is the author of three novels (A History of Forgetting, Sitting Practice, The Sky Is Falling), two collections of short stories (Bad Imaginings, Pleased To Meet You) as well as books for young readers.
Her work has received numerous prize nominations including the International Dublin IMPAC Award longlist, the Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist, the Governor General's Literary Award, the Rogers' Trust Fiction Prize, and two Commonwealth Writers' Prizes. A two-time Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and three-time CBC Literary Award winner, Caroline was also the recipient of the 2006 Marian Engel Award for mid-career achievement.
She teaches in Simon Fraser University's Writing and Publishing Program and leads frequent workshops on different aspects of the writing life. Website: www.carolineadderson.com
For More Information
For more information please .
www.canauthorsvancouver.org/meetings.html
Updated: January 28, 2012