Mark Your Calendars

RWiR Sessions and Events for January & February

January

JANUARY 2013 Calendar View  (See here for my WiR office hours)

January 14 ~ DIY Publishing – St. Albert Library, 7:00-8:30
Agencies are now publishing authors as well as representing them, publishing houses are closing their doors.  In the current volatile climate of the writing industry, is it better to publish independently or should you go the traditional route? Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen for a discussion of traditional and non-traditional publishing options, and find the one that suits you best.

January 17 ~ Writing Smash Up – St. Albert Library, 12:00 – 1:00 (Youth Event)
Fun and simple writing games to help students mix creativity and basic story mechanics.

January 20 ~ Nurturing the Creative Spirit – St. Albert Library, 2:00-3:30
Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen for a viewing of Elizabeth Gilbert’s (Eat, Pray, Love) Ted Talk on the creative process and how writers can protect and nurture their artistic selves. Discussion to follow.

January 24 ~ Tell Me a Story - St. Albert Library, 7:00-8:30
So, you want to write a novel, and you know…well, you know there’s a beginning, a middle, and an end, but that’s about it. Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen as she breaks down the story format, genre writing, and what (if any) formula exists for writing the next great book.

January 29 ~ Your Writing as a Business – Blog Radio,8:00
Stay tuned for more information.

January 31 ~ Then the Craziest Thing Happened! - St. Albert Library, 7:00-8:30
Plot, it’s the engine that drives your story, it’s the stuff that leaves your reader on the edge of their seat (or forgetting about their train stop!), but how do you create that compelling outline? Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen and learn simple techniques for plotting your story and painless ways to get from the beginning to end.

February

FEBRUARY 2013 Calendar View (See here for my WiR office hours)

February 5 ~ Author Panel – St. Albert Library, 7:00-8:30
Ever wonder what it took to be the Poet Laurette for Edmonton? How about what it takes to write a comedy show for CBC or  when to stop researching cool Edmontonians and finally write about them for your book, Celebrating Success? Then join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen as she talks with Mark Kozub, Barbara North, & Anna Marie Sewell about the trials, tribulations, and logistics of the writing business and how to have a life while being an artist.

February 7 ~ Presenter – North Central Teachers Convention Association
9:00 – 10:00 AM: How Virgin Mobile Taught Me to be a Writer
12:00 – 1:00 PM: The Hyperlink Marks the Spot

February 8 ~ Youth Writing Sessions – St. Albert Library

10:30 – Writing Smash Up – Fun and simple games to get your writing going with Writer-in-Residence Natasha Deen.
1:00 – Writing with the F-Word–FUN! – From essays, creative writing, term papers, writing can be hard, but it can also be fun (honest!).  Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen and learn simple techniques to boost your writing skills and stuff you can do to make the process easier.

February 9 ~ Character Development – St. Albert Library, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Readers will forgive many things, from mediocre description to patchwork plots, but they don’t forgive forgettable, boring characters. Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen and learn not only how to create realistic, interesting characters but find out how knowing character construction can help you find your own happy ending.

February 13 ~ Author Reading Night – St. Albert Library, 7:00 – 8:30
Now’s your chance to get behind the velvet rope. Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen and local authors for a night of story readings, behind the scenes look at their writing process, and get a chance to network.

February 14 ~ North Edmonton Teacher’s Convention
9:00 – The Tactile Writer (Elmwood Room)
10:45 – The Tactile Writer (Elmwood Room)
1:30 – How Virgin Mobile Taught Me to be a Writer (Elmwood Room)
2:55 – The Hyperlink Marks the Spot (Elmwood Room)

February 17 ~ Writing Session – St. Albert Library, 1:00-2:30 PM


February 19 ~ Caveat Emptor – St. Albert Library, 7:00-8:30 PM
A fantastic workshop for both writers and parents, join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen and learn how deconstructing commercials can not only boost your writing but make you both a more savvy consumer and media literate.

February 21 ~ Story Avenue – Centre for Education, 9:00 – Noon

February 22 ~ Story Avenue – Centre for Education, 9:00 – Noon

February 23 ~ Elk Island Young Author’s Conference, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM


February 24 ~ Writing Session – St. Albert Library, 1:00-2:30 PM

February 25 ~ Character Development – St. Albert Library, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Readers will forgive many things, from mediocre description to patchwork plots, but they don’t forgive forgettable, boring characters. Join Writer in Residence Natasha Deen and learn not only how to create realistic, interesting characters but find out how knowing character construction can help you find your own happy ending.