I have miles of writing in my journals and notebooks and over the years, I return again and again to themes and issues––is that catharsis, compost or content?
I guess my real question is how to break out of habitual approaches, find new energy in this content, and discern what belongs in poetic voice and form?
I am hoping to contact publishers with a query letter. I have 22 short stories; 11 have been published in literary journals. Are 22 tales too many? Should I cut some or wait and let the editor do so?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
