Day-long event held at Calgary Public Library will offer opportunity to learn and network
When one thinks of The Calgary Public Library, the first thought that comes to mind, naturally, is that it is a place to borrow books.
But the library also offers a variety of other programs and resources — many offered to cardholders for free.
One such opportunity will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4 when the library hosts its third annual Writers’ Weekend — a day-long event designed to connect writers of all levels with each other.
Geared towards both aspiring and established authors
Julia Keefe, community outreach librarian, says the day-long event is “dedicated to the interests of aspiring local writers.
“It’s a fantastic way to overcome your writer’s block and mingle with other aspiring writers.”
There are six different presentations from local experts this year, Keefe says. There will also be networking opportunities with writers’ organizations like the Writers’ Guild of Alberta and the Alexandra Writers’ Centre.
While Keefe expects that all six presentations will be “wonderful,” she expects that the 3 p.m. session — Sex Sells In Every Genre — could “draw a bit of extra attention.”
“Not only because sex sells, but also because writing a decent sex scene is one of biggest challenges for writers of every genre. Award-winning author Marcello Di Cintio will discuss the craft of writing for magazines.
Photo by: Karry Taylor
“That’s why we’re bringing in some top-notch romance authors to share the tips and tricks for creating sensual and emotional love scenes,” Keefe says.
Keefe explains, that whether your writing projects require a sweet, tender touch or you’re going for a red-hot scorcher you won’t want to miss this chance to hear how some of the pros bring romance to life on the page.
Keefe says there is a lot of interest in the Writers’ Weekend, with community interest growing every year.
“It’s certainly a very energetic and motivational day for aspiring writers,” Keefe says.
What NOT to do when writing
Among the six sessions, will be a presentation from Susan Toy of Alberta Books Canada. Her session will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is entitled “10 Ways to Kill Your Writing.”
Toy, who also presented last year, notes that her presentation is geared towards “both beginning and seasoned writers” and will explore a number of marketing and promotional aspects of writing.
“What I’m covering are many of the common-sense tips behind writing and promoting — the things that every one of us forgets from time to time, that we need friendly reminders to follow in order to avoid deep-sixing our work and careers,” Toy says.
The emotional power of poetry
Although Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, an afternoon presentation by local poets Rosemary Griebel and Julie Sedivy will explore the notion of love from a decidedly different place than candy hearts and boxes of chocolates. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how writers conduct historical research.
Photo by: Karry Taylor
Their presentation — Mainlining the Language of Love — will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Griebel, who also presented the year before, says participants can expect “a lively hour that explores the territory of love, lust and loss through the language of poetry.”
The presentation is not just for aspiring poets. Griebel encourages “anyone who has been in a relationship, or anyone who wants to be in a relationship” to attend.
“It is for anyone who wants to hear words from the heart or anyone who wants to hear words from the groin. It is for those who love poetry and for those who hate poetry.”
The Writers’ Weekend will be held in the John Dutton Theatre at the Central Library on Saturday Feb. 4. from10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information, including a full listing of the sessions, visit their website.