Wednesday, May 03, 2017 – 7:00 to 8:45 pm
What to Expect When Attending the Surrey International Writers’ Conference
Ever wondered if you should attend one of those big writers’ conferences? Would it be worth the expense? Is it right for you and your writing career?
We have assembled a panel to discuss how they benefited from attending the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. This conference, held every October, bills itself as the most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada. It offers writers in all genres — from beginners to experts — the opportunity both to hone their craft and to expose their work to the international literary marketplace.
Liz Walker will moderate the panel of four local authors–Diane Dakers, Robin Stevenson, Andrea McKenzie Raine, and Matt Jackson–who will share their experiences at the conference.
Liz Walker’s short fiction and poetry have appeared in Every Day Fiction, Existere, Island Writer, The Impressment Gang, Monday Magazine, and The Times Colonist, as well as in anthologies and chapbooks. She’s currently writing a historical mystery novel set in London, England, two months after the 1942 Dieppe Raid.
Diane Dakers has written 26 nonfiction books for youth, one work of adult nonfiction, and three hi-lo novels for teens. She is currently at work on her first full-length YA novel, a project supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is also a writing instructor at Royal Roads University. www.Dianedakers.com
Robin Stevenson is the award-winning author of 21 books for children and teens. Robin also teaches creative writing and works as a freelance editor. She presented two workshops, sat on a YA panel, and offered blue pencil sessions at SiWC 2016. robinstevenson.com
Andrea McKenzie Raine grew up in Victoria, BC where she still resides. She published her first book of poetry titled A Mother’s String through Ekstasis Editions. Turnstiles is her debut novel published by Inkwater Press. She also published her second novel titled A Crowded Heart, which is a prequel to Turnstiles. Andrea lives with her husband and two young sons. andreamckenzieraine.com
Matt Jackson’s first book, The Canada Chronicles: A Four-year Hitchhiking Odyssey, is a Canadian bestseller and won the IPPY award for best North American travel memoir in 2005. His work has been featured in more than two-dozen popular magazines, including Canadian Geographic, Explore, Canoe & Kayak, and Equinox. He’s currently reinventing himself as a novelist. www.Mattjackson.ca
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All members are encouraged to bring their writing news and ideas to share with the group, and also to display their published works or related services around the room. Tables are supplied.