Saskatchewan Writers Guild

01/24/2025

Writing North starts TOMORROW! Join us for a weekend of writing fun featuring Jane Urquhart, Sarah Ens, Lisa Bird-Wilson, and more! A weekend not to miss, we say!

This festival is FREE and open to the public!

For our festival schedule, visit our website here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/writing-north

For accessibility at the festival, click here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/writing-north/accessibility-at-writing-north



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01/23/2025

BUILD. COMMIT. PROTECT. CONNECT.

We know how hard it can be to make time to write, so we wanted to provide a small solution for our membership with Penned Up! Our objectives for this program are to provide a two-hour period and space for folks to drop in and write. We also want these Penned Up! sessions to be opportunities for members to build community, gather together in a shared space, meet writing goals, commit to writing, and to protect creative time by coming to write.

You can come and go as you need to. No pressure. February 19 from 7-9:15 pm via Zoom.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lf-mtrDkqEtIu9kONcekLysGkc9jQyo_r



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01/22/2025

We are pleased to partner with CARFAC SASK to present:
THE CONTINUUM OF READING/ WRITING with Nic Wilson on Thursday February 13, 2025 at 6:30pm (CST) This event is hosted virtually.

Please visit carfacsk.ca/workshops to register for this and other free CARFAC SASK programs.

This workshop will experiment with non-division between reading and writing. Participants will be introduced to the theoretical concept of non-division as presented by writers such as Maria Fusco and Hélène Cixous. We will work through several exercises that are designed to disrupt the notion that reading and writing are individuated activities that can be practiced in isolation.

Register at carfac.sk.ca/workshops

NIC WILSON (they/he) is a settler artist and writer who was born in the Wolastoqiyik territory known as Fredericton, NB in 1988. He graduated with a BFA from Mount Allison University, Mi’kmaq territory, in 2012, and an MFA from the University of Regina, Treaty Four Territory, in 2019 where he was a SSHRC graduate fellow. They have shown work and across Canada and participated in projects with Remai Modern, Plug In ICA, Art Souterrain, and Modern Fuel.

ABOUT CARFAC SASK’s 2024-2025 Art Writing Mentorship is offered in partnership with the ICCA (Indigenous Curatorial Collective) and aims to foster critical art dialogues in, for, and coming out of Saskatchewan. From November 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025 mentees in the program will work with mentoring writers Emily Riddle and Nic Wilson towards specific mentee-led art writing goals. Public events such as this one, offered in conjunction with the mentorship, are delivered in partnership with Saskatchewan Writers Guild.





[ID: a black and white circular photo of Nic Wilson is to the right. Red and black text outline the title, date, time, location for the workshop above with logos of all partners and sponsors: CARFACSASK, Indigenous Curatorial Collective, SWG, Sask Culture, Sask Lotteries. End.]

01/18/2025

Join us on February 4 for our next First Draft: Conversations in Writing! Clarissa Harwood and Amanda Marcotte will talk about "When Your Writing Resists You Despite Your Best Efforts."

Writers say we love writing, but do we really love the writing process, or do we love having written? Most of the time, writing is hard work. Have you ever been happily writing one minute and in the depths of despair the next, not knowing how you got there? Psychological resistance is real, whether it takes the form of doubting yourself, doubting your work, or feeling rotten because you don’t know what to write next. You might also feel a general sense of being blocked. Clarissa will explore the forms writing resistance can take and what to do about it.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qZeXZaBrRs-HE4Pv7T-EpA



[ID: White text across the top over sky-blue and orange blocks of colour: First Draft Conversations on Writing." Below the text are two side-by-side photos of Clarissa Hardwood and Amanda Marcotte. Below their photos are their names in white text over an orange colour block. End.]

01/17/2025

Join us for another amazing Indigenous Storytelling Month line-up! Our first event is "The Use of Music in Storytelling" with Dickie Yuzicapi!

Yuzicapi will speak on how we can learn to use music in Traditional storytelling. How it compliments and can be used as its own form of storytelling. Hosted by Kaleigh River Aramenko.

February 5 from 1:00-2:00pm via Zoom.

To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gv39FJapRlSacNIfXXCuwA



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01/15/2025

We are excited to present Talking Fresh 2025 in-person on Saturday March 15 and online March 11, 12 and 14.

Our 2025 theme is Open Secrets. This theme plays with contradictions, ironies, the obvious things we still can’t say to each other and the consequences of keeping secrets. Find out what “open secrets” means our writers!

This festival is free and open to the public. All are welcome. In-Person events are held at the Artesian at 2627 13th Avenue, which is a wheelchair accessible venue. Online events are held via Zoom.

Featuring writers including Marissa Stapley, Craig Davidson (a.k.a Nick Cutter), Gail Bowen, Michelle Porter, and more!

Stay tuned for more details!



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01/12/2025

You have until TOMORROW to get your submissions to the Guild Prize in! We accept submissions in two genres--flash fiction and poetry! Send us your work!

The contest is open to any current Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild member living in Saskatchewan or elsewhere. You ONLY have to be a SWG MEMBER to submit. Not a member yet? Consider joining us (we have really awesome programming and offers): https://skwriter.com/sign-up

The stories and poems we’re interested in for the Guild Prize reflect on the theme of “survival.” This might include reflections on what survival means for you, how a person may survive, or situations that force a person to need to survive. Any way you conceive of survival is welcome.

The winners of The Guild Prize will receive an award of $250 plus paid publication in the Summer 2025 issue of Freelance magazine.

Submission guidelines can be found here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/the-guild-prize-2025



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01/12/2025

Join us for Lisa Bird-Wilson's Workshop at Writing North! At "Ethical Remembering: On Writing Memoir," Bird-Wilson will discuss her current memoir project alongside notions of ethical remembering, writer as witness, and owning the facts of your own story. The session will include interactive elements such as writing exercises.

Saturday January 25, 1:00-2:30pm.

Writing North is FREE and open to the public! This workshop is in-person only in the Main Lounge of St. Andrew's College at USask.


[ID: A photo of Lisa Bird-Wilson is in the top left corner. Beside her is text that outlines her workshop talk title, location, date, and time mentioned in the caption. Cascading text that says "Coming home" over a black and white stock photograph of a person walking on a prairie highway with a suitcase in hand. In white text at the bottom center: "Writing North 15 Coming Home." End.]

01/11/2025

Deadline coming up! Submit to the 2025 City of Regina Writing Award, funded by the City of Regina.

This competition is an award for literary merit in creative writing; it is open to writers in all genres. Previous winning entries (for both winners and runners-up) may not be submitted again.

The award is designed to enable one local writer to work on a specific solo writing project for a three-month period. The winner will receive $4,500 and each runner-up will receive a one-week individual retreat at St. Peter’s Abbey. The award competition is juried anonymously by professional writers from outside Saskatchewan.

For application guidelines, visit our website here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/2025-city-of-regina-writing-award-call-for-submissions





[ID: Promotion graphic for our call for submissions for the City of Regina writing award. Text for this is in white and yellow, with addition white text stating the deadline to apply at the bottom: January 21, 2025. In the right top corner and bottom left corner are starburst-like line art shapes. City of Regina and SWG logos are in the bottom right corner. End.]

01/10/2025

Have you registered for "Writing from the Body: A Pain Poetry Workshop with Cassandra Myers" yet? No? We hope you do because this session is popular!

Cassandra Myers will support participants in creating new syntax for pain. Using knowledge from Chinese and South Asian medicine, participants will connect physical symptoms with emotional insights, colours, seasons, stones, and other ephemera, all while reorienting self-blame that comes with pain towards the oppressive systems and circumstances that threaten all life and well-being.

January 29 from 6:30-8:30pm (SK time) via Zoom.

$10 for SWG Members, $30 for non-members.

Register here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/writing-from-the-body-a-pain-poetry-workshop-with-cassandra-myers



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01/09/2025

NEXT WEEK: The Resonance of Land: Indigenous Narratives through poetic expression with Alexandra ‘Axis’ Jarret and host Bevann Fox!

Alexandra ‘Axis’ Jarret will discuss the role of poetry in articulating Indigenous experiences and perspectives. Leveraging her profound expertise in creative writing, with a focus on themes of land, Indigenous identity, and matriarchal values. Alexandra will examine how poetry can effectively convey cultural narrative and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage. This presentation aims to illuminate the intersection of art and cultural expression, demonstrating how poetic form can serve as a powerful vehicle for honoring an preserving Indigenous voices.

When: January 16 at 12-1pm via Zoom.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tffNoMsHTKapNTebgxPKEw



[ID: Poster for SWG's Tansi Talk event. The image is a photo of Alexandra 'Axis' Jarrett with white text that outlines details of the event (title, date, time, Place listed above) and a small circular photo of host Bevann Fox. End.]

01/09/2025

NEXT WEEK: "Crafting True Stories Using Fictional Techniques" with Kelly-Anne Riess!

This webinar will teach participants how to employ fiction tools, such as character development, dialogue, and narrative structure, to create engaging nonfiction narratives, literary journalism pieces, and memoirs. We will look at how to turn real people into vivid characters and craft immersive scenes. We’ll also discuss pitching and publishing strategies, ensuring participants are equipped to bring their stories to a wider audience.

January 16 from 7-8:15pm via Zoom.

Register for this webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kjC9-Hg3SreCfnluFfhc1A



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01/09/2025

You have until MONDAY to get your submissions to the Guild Prize in! We accept submissions in two genres--flash fiction and poetry!

The contest is open to any current Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild member living in Saskatchewan or elsewhere. You ONLY have to be a SWG MEMBER to submit. Not a member yet? Consider joining us (we have really awesome programming and offers): https://skwriter.com/sign-up

The stories and poems we’re interested in for the Guild Prize reflect on the theme of “survival.” This might include reflections on what survival means for you, how a person may survive, or situations that force a person to need to survive. Any way you conceive of survival is welcome.

The winners of The Guild Prize will receive an award of $250 plus paid publication in the Summer 2025 issue of Freelance magazine.

Submission guidelines can be found here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/the-guild-prize-2025



[ID: A yellow daisy growing our of rock. Overlaid on the image is the text: "SURVIVAL." Underneath the text is more text: "Flash Fiction & Poetry Call for Submissions Deadline: January 13, 2025." End.]

01/08/2025

Join us for Workshop at Writing North! At "Homing In: Memory, Place, and Eco-Poetics," Ens will guide us through how poetry can be a habitat for ecological thinking, an imaginative space where, through language, image, and memory, readers and writers perceive, encounter, and interact with complex webs of relationships. In this workshop, participants will attend to the memories bound up in the particular environments we call home and write towards them.

Saturday January 25, 10:00-11:30am.

Writing North is FREE and open to the public! This workshop is in-person only in the Main Lounge of St. Andrew's College at USask.

[ID: A photo of Sarah Ens is in the top left corner. Beside her is text that outlines her workshop talk title, location, date, and time mentioned in the caption. Cascading text that says "Coming home" over a black and white stock photograph of a person walking on a prairie highway with a suitcase in hand. In white text at the bottom center: "Writing North 15 Coming Home." End.]

01/07/2025

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Writers, you now have until January 13 to submit your application for a spot at our popular Virtual Facilitated Retreat! Get those applications in now! This retreat is perfect for all writers—beginner, emerging, or established—who would like to dive deeply into their writing for a few days.

The Virtual Facilitated Retreat will be via Zoom from February 6-9, 2025. This retreat is open CANADA-WIDE! If you've done the retreat before, you CAN apply to do it again!

The cost is $200.00 and includes access to the full retreat, including a 45-minute consultation with the Virtual Writer-In-Residence paulo da costa! Please note that all times for the retreat are in Saskatchewan time.

More information and application guidelines can be found here: https://skwriter.com/retreats/virtual-writing-retreat



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The SWG’s Virtual Facilitated Retreat is open to anyone in Canada who likes to write. The Virtual Retreat is designed as a time for participants to focus on their writing and to gain encouragement and motivation by interacting with the Virtual Writer-In-Residence while fostering a community online...

01/06/2025

DEADLINE EXTENDED! You now have until January 14 to submit your application for a spot in our Writer/Artist Retreat! The Winter Writer/Artist Retreat will be held at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster, SK from February 14-28, 2025.

Weekly Retreat fees cover all administration, private rooms and food costs for one week’s stay:
- SK-based SWG members: $475
- Out-of-province SWG members OR SK-based non-members: $575
- Out-of-province non-members: $675
- Studio fees for visual artists: $100 per week in addition to the week’s rate above

For application guidelines and more details, please visit our website here: https://skwriter.com/retreats/writer-and-artist-retreats



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Writers and artists have always recognized the need for a place where they could work without disruption. Retreats offer not only that but also a source of inspiration. The SWG self-directed retreat is for writers and artists who are able to work independently. Self-directed retreats are offered eac...

12/30/2024

Join us for our next Penned Up write-in on January 15 from 7-9:15pm (or however long you can come for, it is come and go)!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAod-igpzoiE9xVxpeI8FC4-ueWlCAPCFi4



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12/28/2024

DEADLINE INCOMING! We are accepting applications for the February 2025 Winter Writer/Artist Retreat held at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster, SK from February 14-28, 2025.

The Winter 2025 Retreats will be held in the Abbey Guestwing. All participants receive a private room with shared bathroom facilities and all meals for 7 days. Retreatants are responsible for their transportation to and from the retreats, but carpooling may be available.

Deadline to apply: January 7.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit our website here: https://skwriter.com/events-and-workshops/call-for-applications--winter-2025-retreats

[ID: Over a winter scene of evergreen trees covered in snow, large text: "Call for applications. Writer Artist Retreat. February 14-28, 2025 St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster, SK." End.]