* Upcoming Events *
Wordbridge Writers’ Conference
April 18-19, 2026
Casa Lethbridge: 230 8th Street South, Lethbridge, AB
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Two years ago, I had the pleasure of being one of the panelists at Wordbridge Writers' Conference, and I'm excited to be going back to Lethbridge this year. The theme of the conference is "Rewrite the rules" and I'm always happy to do that!
I'll be on two panels (and perhaps doing a Blue Pencil Café - stay tuned), and here's the info about where you can find me at the conference:
I'll be on two panels (and perhaps doing a Blue Pencil Café - stay tuned), and here's the info about where you can find me at the conference:
Hitting "Send":
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Moderator:
Me! |
Panel Blurb:
Maybe you’ve been writing for years or maybe you’ve only recently taken up the pen. Either way, you’re ready to take the next step and submit your writing… somewhere. But the question is: how the heck do you do it? Join this panel of authors and editors to discuss the actually not-so-scary process of publishing. They’ll share tips and tricks about getting started, finding ways to conquer your fear of submissions (and rejections), as well as revealing some personal anecdotes about their own publishing journeys and how it wasn’t always an easy path to success.
Maybe you’ve been writing for years or maybe you’ve only recently taken up the pen. Either way, you’re ready to take the next step and submit your writing… somewhere. But the question is: how the heck do you do it? Join this panel of authors and editors to discuss the actually not-so-scary process of publishing. They’ll share tips and tricks about getting started, finding ways to conquer your fear of submissions (and rejections), as well as revealing some personal anecdotes about their own publishing journeys and how it wasn’t always an easy path to success.
Live Action Slush
(NA, Adult Fiction)
Sunday, 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Photo by Anja Heidsiek
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Reader:
Christina Romeril |
Panel Blurb:
The term “slush pile” refers to the stack of unsolicited manuscripts that publishing professionals receive. In other words, the first pages writers send out in hopes of catching someone’s eye. A Live-Action Slush simulates that process in real time, offering writers a window into how their opening lands with professionals. It’s a fun, fast-paced, and educational experience that helps sharpen your instincts and craft.
If you're interested in submitting your work-in-progress to the panel, here are detailed instructions about how to do so.
The term “slush pile” refers to the stack of unsolicited manuscripts that publishing professionals receive. In other words, the first pages writers send out in hopes of catching someone’s eye. A Live-Action Slush simulates that process in real time, offering writers a window into how their opening lands with professionals. It’s a fun, fast-paced, and educational experience that helps sharpen your instincts and craft.
If you're interested in submitting your work-in-progress to the panel, here are detailed instructions about how to do so.
Atmosphere Press Writers Summit 2026
April 22-23, 2026
Online
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I'm excited to be a part of Atmosphere Press's 2026 Writers Summit, which will be taking place online from April 22nd-23rd. The Summit will include writers and editors Megan Sells, Madeline McKay, Natalie Musgrave Dossett, Tal Renfro, Amy Kelly, James Blakely, Claire Denson, Selena Carter, Dr. Nick Courtright.
There will be topics to cover all aspects of publishing, from craft workshops such as polishing your work for publication, the line between truth and fiction, . Then there will be panels that take you beyond the actual writing to getting your words out there, such as how to choose a publisher, how to craft submissions, pitching your work, transforming your books to audiobooks, and how to tackle marketing.
I'll be doing a panel called How to Keep Drinking When the Creative Well Runs Dry on Thursday, April 23rd from 2:30 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. ET. I've been on both sides of the burnout conundrum, and I'm happy to share tips and tricks to getting back to enjoying your creativity when you just don't know how to pick up the pen again.
It's free to attend online - just sign up HERE for the Zoom link. Hope to see you there!
There will be topics to cover all aspects of publishing, from craft workshops such as polishing your work for publication, the line between truth and fiction, . Then there will be panels that take you beyond the actual writing to getting your words out there, such as how to choose a publisher, how to craft submissions, pitching your work, transforming your books to audiobooks, and how to tackle marketing.
I'll be doing a panel called How to Keep Drinking When the Creative Well Runs Dry on Thursday, April 23rd from 2:30 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. ET. I've been on both sides of the burnout conundrum, and I'm happy to share tips and tricks to getting back to enjoying your creativity when you just don't know how to pick up the pen again.
It's free to attend online - just sign up HERE for the Zoom link. Hope to see you there!
Writers Foundation of Strathcona County
Annual Writer's Conference
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Community Center: 401 Festival Lane, Room 2, Sherwood Park, AB
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I was thrilled to be invited to take part in the WFSC's Annual Writer's Conference, taking place on Saturday, May 2nd. I'm one of four speakers who will be exploring the craft of writing and publishing, and highlighting the ins and outs of what it takes to be a successful author today.
Presentations:
Building a Strong Audience with a Workout of Your Marketing Skills
9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. ~ Speaker: me!
Avoiding AI - A Writer's Guide
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ~ Speaker: David Berry: library writer-in-residence, non-fiction author
Creating an Illustrated Children's Book
1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ Speaker: Mila Philipzig: bilingual, Ph.D., children's author
Developing a Book Series
2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Speaker: Mike Deregowski: multi-genre author, actor, musician
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Conference fees are $40 for members or $60 for non-members.
9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. ~ Speaker: me!
Avoiding AI - A Writer's Guide
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ~ Speaker: David Berry: library writer-in-residence, non-fiction author
Creating an Illustrated Children's Book
1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ Speaker: Mila Philipzig: bilingual, Ph.D., children's author
Developing a Book Series
2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Speaker: Mike Deregowski: multi-genre author, actor, musician
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Conference fees are $40 for members or $60 for non-members.
WGA Conference 2026
June 6-7, 2026
Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre: 4440 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, AB
The Writer's Guild of Alberta's annual conference is coming up in June and I'm excited to be helping out! I'm one of the many volunteers who will be helping the conference happen without a hitch. I'll be at the bookseller's table, so please stop by and say hi (and perhaps buy one of the books from the wonderful conference presenters and award nominees!).
You can find out more about the conference on the WGA website HERE, including about the keynote speakers Francine Cunningham and Richard Harrison, pricing, and hotel rooms.
When Words Collide
August 14-16, 2026
Hyatt Regency Calgary: 700 Centre Street SE, Calgary, AB
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I'll be one of the authors speaking at When Words Collide: A Festival for Readers and Writers. From their website:
"When Words Collide is Canada's largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/ festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world. When Words Collide supports writers in the craft and business of writing, exploring all avenues of the writing process, publishing and storytelling, while building a strong literary community. We love to bring local writers (Alberta and Canada) to the attention of book lovers."
More info coming soon about this event!
"When Words Collide is Canada's largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/ festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children's books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world. When Words Collide supports writers in the craft and business of writing, exploring all avenues of the writing process, publishing and storytelling, while building a strong literary community. We love to bring local writers (Alberta and Canada) to the attention of book lovers."
More info coming soon about this event!
Bouchercon
October 21-25, 2026
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I'll be one of the authors attending Bouchercon. Check out their website for more info about the conference. I'll be posting more about this shortly.