Join us for Betsy’s launch party for Oscar of Between: A Memoir of Identity and Ideas on April 2nd. The event also marks the launch of Nicola Harwood’s book, Flight Instructions for the Commitment Impaired and Caitlin Press’ queer women’s imprint, Dagger Editions.
News & Missives
Writer Q&As: How do you deal with a heavy manuscript beginning?
A question I wrangle with often is how to deal with the heaviness of my manuscript’s beginning. To make sense of the story, the ‘heavy stuff’ needs to be shared up front. It’s the catalyst for action.
Join us at the Launch Party for Oscar of Between
WHEN: April 2nd from 7pm until Midnight
WHERE: Lost + Found Cafe, 33 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC
RSVP at https://daggereditions.eventbrite.ca/
You’re invited to the book launch of both Oscar of Between: A Memoir of Identity & Ideas by Betsy Warland and Flight Instructions for the Commitment Impaired by Nicola Harwood, as we celebrate the launch of Caitlin Press’ new imprint, Dagger Editions.
Accepting Wait List: Vox: Out of the Box! A Workshop & Support Group for Memoirists with Betsy Warland
The workshop is currently full but we are accepting wait list requests. You will be notified if a space becomes available or if a new workshop is scheduled in the near future.
Five Tuesdays, 7–9 PM, April 5th— May 3rd
West End, Vancouver
Register: Contact us at betsywarland.com
Tuition: $290 + GST
Given that writing memoir is an arduous, often isolating experience, I am offering five evenings that will be part workshop, part instruction, part conversation, part Q & A.
Writer Q&As: How do I get through the first draft when I am too emotionally vulnerable?
I have a current manuscript that I keep abandoning because the subject is so deeply personal and traumatic. In the process of writing this story these experiences are intensely relived, with the result that I become overwhelmed and too emotionally vulnerable to stay the course.
Writer Q&As: When Is a Manuscript Ready to Be Submitted?
When do you know the manuscript is finished or polished enough to send it out? Nikki Hillman
This is the most frequent question that plagues writers, Nikki. We tackled part of this question in my September 4th Writer Q & A post but I will elaborate more this month because it’s such a vexing question with so many variables!
Are you a writer of long-form fiction or screenwriting? 1 seat to VMI available!
Apply to Vancouver Manuscript Intensive before November 17
The Vancouver Manuscript Intensive deadline is fast approaching. We’re accepting applications of your best creative non-fiction, poetry, fiction, and mixed-genre writing up until November 17th.
Work with one of our excellent mentors: Claudia Casper, Shaena Lambert, Rachel Rose, Cathleen With, Karen X.
Writer Q&As: Writing as Bridge from Mind to Page
I see all writing as a kind of translation that “bears across,” is a conveyance of an idea across the bridge from a mind to a page. But I wonder to what extent is this task possible?
Vancouver Manuscript Intensive 2016 — Apply November 17, 2015
Writers of all genres are welcomed to apply to the Vancouver Manuscript Intensive 2016.
Whether you have begun a manuscript, have a body of work that needs shaping into a manuscript, or have graduated from a writing program but haven’t resolved your manuscript, the Vancouver Manuscript Intensive is a comprehensive, tailored course developed specifically for your particular writing needs.
Writers Q&As: Identifying the Narrative Through Line
In the context of editing a longer manuscript, I hear people talk about how there might not be a clear narrative ‘through line’ and if so, how to find it? Do you have thoughts on this?
Plot & Structure Workshop with Kathryn Para in Vancouver
NEW! VMI mentors and graduates will now be offering workshop and mini courses from time to time. Subscribe to the newsletter for notification.
Plot and Structure with Kathryn Para, MFA
Shortlisted: Ethel Wilson Fiction
Winner: Great BC Novel Contest
Date: November 7
Fee: $65.00
Location: Vancouver’s West End
Length: 4 hours.