Professional Development
Our seminars, webinars and networking events provide safe, nurturing environments where our artists can speak freely about their work and broaden their professional network.
UPCOMING EVENT: The Shape of You: A Hermit Crab Workshop with Leanne Toshiko Simpson
October 28, 2025 12:30 pm
Hermit crab essays have emerged as exciting and generative containers for personal storytelling over the past two decades. As their popularity has grown, these creative pieces have taken the shape of family recipes, instructional manuals, obituaries and other familiar forms, offering a protective space to begin the writing process and a chance to reimagine the cultural expectations of each shape. As a mad writer, narrating my life has been challenging – both in the sense that I am often writing emotionally difficult stories AND stories that may be less recognizable for those who don’t share my lived experience. I find that working within a “shell” – as I did in my debut novel, Never Been Better, which uses the shape of a romantic comedy to explore mental illness – helps me understand and question the “rules of the game,” whether it’s the guiding structures of family, relationships, illness or even just the choreography of going on a date. It also makes for a very fun reading experience for those outside the story! My hermit crab writing workshop is open to anyone trying to tell a “difficult” story in a creative and nonlinear way (fiction or nonfiction). No writing experience required – just life experience that you’re interested in reframing creatively.
SIGN UP NOWARCHIVED EVENT: The Art Of The Graphic Novel With Ashley Hasfal
September 24, 2025 12:30 pm
Ever dreamed of creating your own graphic novel? This workshop walks you through the full journey—from brainstorming concepts and shaping narratives, to drafting panels and refining your final pages. Perfect for beginners and aspiring creators, you’ll leave with the confidence and practical steps to turn your ideas into compelling illustrated stories.
VIEW HEREARCHIVED EVENT: Writing Historical Fiction
August 11, 2025 12:30 pm
Join Anna Maxymiw to discuss the specifics of writing about history, including: the differences between historical fiction and a historical novel, the breadth of research needed for a project, and how to balance maintaining historicity and avoiding harmful power structures.
SIGN UP NOWARCHIVED EVENT: Mastering Imagery: A Creative Writing Workshop
August 19, 2025 12:30 pm
Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling with our creative writing workshop, where sensory details and vivid descriptions take center stage. Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned storyteller, this workshop will guide you on how to craft memorable images and descriptions that will captivate and linger with your readers long after the story ends.
SIGN UP NOWARCHIVED EVENT: How To Write A Picture Book With Derek Mascarenhas
June 12, 2025 12:30 pm
Curious about writing books for young readers? Join children’s author Derek Mascarenhas for an engaging introduction to the world of picture books. In this session, we’ll explore the different types of picture books, the writer’s role, and the key ingredients of a great story—character, structure, plot, and more. You’ll also learn how to shape an idea, consider your audience, and navigate the path to publication.
SIGN UP NOWARCHIVED EVENT: How to Write a Compelling First Chapter With Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio
June 24, 2025 12:30 pm
Join Reuniting with Strangers author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio as she uses her characteristic blend of humour and heart to help emerging authors who are struggling to get their words flowing. Jennilee will share lessons learned from the late CanLit legend Wayson Choy, the power in finding an enthralling topic, and the joy of finding a like-minded literary community. Join her for a session of encouragement and laughter designed to help participants start their first chapter with confidence.
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