New ONLINE workshops for fall, 2026
Micro Portraits & Memoirs with the Alexandra Writers’ Centre
Thursday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. AT, 6 weeks starting Oct. 15
Writing mini-profiles of folks–family, friends, colleagues, adversaries–can be hugely rewarding. Also writing flash nonfiction memoirs about our own lives. But, where to begin? How ’bout pulling enough stories together to consider a book? Join Sandra Phinney this fall to learn how and where to mine for stories, the craft of writing short (100 words to 1000 words max.), and where to get them published. The only prerequisite is a willingness to experiment in the realm of flash nonfiction.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Diving into Flash Nonfiction with the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia
Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. AT, 4 weeks, starting Nov. 3
You’ve heard of flash fiction. Now think flash nonfiction: super-short (100- to 1000-word) personal stories. Writing riveting micro-memoirs can be hugely rewarding. And writing flash profiles of folks— family, friends, colleagues, and adversaries—can be both challenging and fun. But where to begin?
Which outlets publish flash nonfiction? How does writing micro-nonfiction differ from writing regular narrative stories? Can enough flash pieces be pulled together for a book-length memoir manuscript?
Join Sandra Phinney to learn how and where to mine for nonfiction stories; get tips on the craft of super-short writing; hear some true tales; and discover where to get your flash nonfiction published. The only prerequisite is a willingness to experiment.
Click here for more information or to register.
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Sleuthing for the Facts with the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild
Wed., Dec, 2 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. AT (one session only)
Sleuthing for facts can provide your stories (and books!) scope and depth. Whether working on short essays or writing long form narrative (including books), details and targeted research can take our stories to another level. This workshop will give examples of how some simple research techniques added depth and scope to sample stories. We’ll then look how and where to find both primary and secondary sources of materials. NOTE 1: This session is information based (i.e., no writing exercises per se. NOTE 2: this workshop is suitable for fiction writers as well.
For more information or to register, a link will be provided around mid October. Send me your email and I will make sure you receive the information.
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UPCOMING 2027
Building Up Our Sensory Writing Muscles with the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick
Saturday mornings from 9-11 a.m. AT, 4 weeks, starting Jan. 9
We’ve all heard how important it is to include the senses in our writing. We also know it’s important for our readers to see what we see. But how often are we actually in the moment? How much time do we give to absorbing details? Famed poet and essayist, Marjory Oliver once wrote that she learned from her partner, Molly Malone Cook, how “Attention without feeling […] is only a report.” An openness and empathy were required for experiences to resonate. Oliver added, “Then M. instilled in me this deeper level of looking and working, of seeing through the heavenly visibles to the heavenly invisibles.”
This is what this course is about. Tuning into those heavenly invisibles–in our surroundings, other people, and our community. Each week we’ll do some simple writing exercises to “pay attention with feeling.” In the process, not only will we discover fodder for stories, but also our stories will become enriched.
For more information or to register, click here.
