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Save the Date for a NaNoWriMo Write-In with the Canadian Authors’ Association in Edmonton

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First of all, Happy Halloween! This spooky season is sure to ignite your creativity with haunting characters and unforeseen plot twists.

If you didn’t already know, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) starts tomorrow – November 1st. I want to invite local writers for a fun event coming up on November 15th. Save the date! This year I am helping coordinate a half day NaNoWriMo write-in with the Canadian Authors’ Association Alberta Branch in Edmonton – and the event is open to both members and the general public.

 

Here are the details:

 

NaNoWriMo

Goal: Write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. Track your progress on the NaNoWriMo software and connect with other writers. You’ve had a novel idea in your head and now is the time to bring your story to life.

Check out the NaNoWriMo website for more information.

 

Canadian Author’s Association Write-In

Date: November 15, 2014

Location: Idylwylde Library, 8310 88 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, (780) 496-1808

Time: Doors open at 12:20pm with event starting at 12:30pm. The event will conclude at 5:30pm.

Cost: FREE

Things to bring: a snack to share, friends (the event is open to everyone), and your pen and paper or laptop and charger.

Check out the Canadian Authors Association Alberta Branch website for more information.

 

Myself, along with the CAA Writing-Coach-in-Residence, Suzanne Harris, will encourage you as you find inspiration to get over the halfway hump of NaNoWriMo. Write alongside others also penning their novel (or just looking to get words out on the page) and find inspiration in the presence of shared struggles and successes.

It will be a day of breakthroughs in a focused community environment. Who said writing has to be a lonely endeavor? Short, facilitated breaks will give you motivation and energy to pound out the words.

Even if you are not participating in NaNoWriMo, come out and join in the fun and creative atmosphere.

I look forward to writing with you!

 

Canadian Authors Association Exporting AB Award

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I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Authors’ Association Gala last weekend. Not only was it my first day on the job as Secretary for the CAA board, taking minutes for the AGM, but I had the privilege of photographing the main event: readings by authors nominated for the Exporting Alberta Award and the award presentation. I have to say, the evening was immensely enjoyable! Even my hubby who is not a writer had a great time.

The Exporting Alberta Award is given to the CAA Alberta Branch member who has the best book published in the last year. The $1,000 prize money assists with out-of-province book promotion.

The event was MC’ed by one of the current Writers in Residence, Lee Kvern, at the tail end of her term. Boy, does Lee have a huge personality! Here are some photos of the event.

 

 

It was a full house at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, a part of the ArtSpirit Festival.

It was a full house at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, a part of the ArtSpirit Festival.

Margaret Macpherson, founder of the ArtSpirit Festival, welcoming all for the evening.

Margaret Macpherson, founder of the ArtSpirit Festival, welcoming all for the evening.

Lee Kvern, the magnificent MC for the gala.

Lee Kvern, the magnificent MC for the gala.

President of the Canadian Authors' Association, Jana Rieger.

President of the Canadian Authors’ Association, Jana Rieger.

Lisa Anderson showing off her book, "Mom! There's a Lion in the Toilet" published by Dream Write Publishing Ltd

Lisa Anderson showing off her book, “Mom! There’s a Lion in the Toilet” published by Dream Write Publishing Ltd

Jenna Butler talking about "Wells," her book of poetry published by the University of Alberta Press

Jenna Butler talking about “Wells,” her book of poetry published by the University of Alberta Press

Joan Marie Galat showing off her children's book, "The Discovery of Longitude" published by Pelican Press

Joan Marie Galat showing off her children’s book, “The Discovery of Longitude” published by Pelican Press

Joan Marie Galat reading for Jacueline Guest, the book "Outcast of River Falls" published by Cocteau Books

Joan Marie Galat reading for Jacueline Guest, the book “Outcast of River Falls” published by Cocteau Books

Charmaine Hammond reading the book she co-wrote with Debra Kasowski, "GPS Your Best Life" published by Bettie Young Books

Charmaine Hammond reading the book she co-wrote with Debra Kasowski, “GPS Your Best Life” published by Bettie Young Books

Debra Kasowski reading "GPS Your Best Life" which she co-wrote with Charmaine Hammond, published by Bettie Young Books.

Debra Kasowski reading “GPS Your Best Life” which she co-wrote with Charmaine Hammond, published by Bettie Young Books.

All the authors received flowers.

All the authors received flowers.

Barb Howard reading her "Western Taxidermy" published by Newest Press

Barb Howard reading her “Western Taxidermy” published by Newest Press

Fran Kimmel reading her "The Shore Girl" published by Newest Press

Fran Kimmel reading her “The Shore Girl” published by Newest Press

Katherine Koller with an enacted reading of her book, "Voices of the Land" published by AU Press

Katherine Koller with a vibrant reading of her book, “Voices of the Land” published by AU Press

Jana reading for Gail Sidonie Sobat, "Not With a Bang" published by Magpie Books

Jana reading for Gail Sidonie Sobat, “Not With a Bang” published by Magpie Books

Leanne Myggland-Carter reading for Sheri-D Wilson, "Goddess: Gone Fishing for a Map of the Universe" published by Frontenac House

Leanne Myggland-Carter reading for Sheri-D Wilson, “Goddess: Gone Fishing for a Map of the Universe” published by Frontenac House

Lee Kvern has some fun with the authors.

Lee Kvern has some fun with the authors.

Jana Rieger rips open the envelope... a hush falls over the crowd...

Jana Rieger rips open the envelope… a hush falls over the crowd…

And the winner is... Barb Howard for "Western Taxidermy" published by Newest Press

And the winner is… Barb Howard for “Western Taxidermy” published by Newest Press

Barb Howard receiving her crown as the winner of the Exporting Alberta Awards! Congrats Barb!

Barb Howard receiving her crown as the winner of the Exporting Alberta Awards! Congrats Barb!

Poetry Reading Contest, Canadian Authors Association

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The Canadian Authors Association held their Fourth Annual Let it Snow, Let it Grow Member Social at the beginning of March. The theme was a challenge to writers to pen a narrative poem or short story about what it means to grow. I entered the contest which entailed a public reading of my work at the event, held at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse.

Reading my poetry at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse for the Canadian Authors Association.

Reading my poetry at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse for the Canadian Authors Association.

I was proud to be selected as a winner, along with fellow CAA board member Hendrik Slegtenhorst. The event was hosted by author Gail Sidonie Sobat.

Receiving the contest award from Gail Sidonie Sobat, with fellow winner Hendrik Slegtenhorst (and my daughter who ran up to be in the picture).

Receiving the contest award from Gail Sidonie Sobat, with fellow winner Hendrik Slegtenhorst (and my daughter who ran up to be in the picture).

I am proud to be a board member of the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Authors Association. CAA is a wonderful organization with the mandate of “Writers Helping Writers.” It has been immensely encouraging for me to connect with other writers in an open environment of learning and support. If you are interested, please join us!