40th Anniversary
Supporting writers in Ottawa since 1986
April is National Poetry Month
Submit to Poetry Page
National Poetry Month 2026 centers on the theme "Land & Sea", inviting poets and readers to reflect on the sacred relationship between water, land, and spirit.
Rooted in respect, gratitude, and ceremony, the theme honours the life-giving teachings of the natural world and our shared responsibility to care for it.
Together, the League and NWIA encourage everyone to write, reflect, and celebrate the enduring bonds that connect us to Mother Earth.
OIW invites our members to submit a "Land & Sea" themed poem. There is no limit to the poem in length or style as long as it fits the theme. Poetry will be lightly edited and showcased on the OIW's poetry page.
april
Guest Speaker (via ZOOM)
Anna Rumin
Writing Stories From My Life
Tuesday, April 21 at 7 pm
What makes a memoir truly compelling and keeps readers turning the page?
Dr. Anna Rumin will share the essential elements of engaging memoir writing, drawing on both craft and lived experience.
Inspired by George Saunders’ idea of what “keeps readers reading,” Anna will walk through the key principles that transform personal stories into powerful narratives.
Details of all our events and presentations will be emailed to members.
In-Person Workshop
Poetry for Everyone
Sunday, April 26
Now in its third year and presented as part of OIW's Poetry month line-up, the "Poetry for Everyone" workshop is presented by award-winning poet and OIW member Silvia Florita-Smith.
Whether you have never written poetry, or would just like an opportunity to share their experience of writing poetry with others, or just want to understand this genre better, this fun and engaging workshop is for you!
Details of all our events and presentations will be emailed to members.
Not a member yet?
Visit our Membership Page to learn all about the benefits of being an OIW member, including the opportunity to get published!
OUR MEETINGS
MONTHLY MEETINGS
OIW holds nine monthly program meetings from September to June each year on a wide variety of writing related topics, normally with a speaker and plenty of opportunity for questions.
CURRENT MEETINGS
OIW gathers every third Tuesday of the month with presentations starting at 7 pm, lasting until 8:30 pm. The meetings currently take place on the Zoom virtual platform.
Visit our membership page to sign-up now!
OUR BOARD
Meet some of the OIW Board Directors!
Bob Barclay
Member-at-Large
During my professional career I published a great many technical works, but on my retirement some 15 years ago I decided to turn my hand to fiction. With a nascent novel in hand, a quick search of resources led me to Ottawa Independent Writers, which proved to be a turning point. With the wide expertise available among the OIW membership, I was able to complete my novel, see to the formatting and cover design, and get it into print all in good order. I soon became a board member of the organization, and it is from that vantage point I can now help others who were in my situation 15 years ago. Board membership allows me to give back to the community, and I feel that many OIW members who have followed my path would find great satisfaction in membership on the board, sharing their expertise, and watching all aspects of the creative writing process from the first words on the screen to the completed published work.
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Lena Samson
Vice President
As an OIW board member, I engage with prolific writers and literary professionals whom I would never meet otherwise. My writing and editing have benefited greatly from their experience and expertise. The Board is a friendly, sage and collaborative group from which I've learned enormously and to to which I'm grateful to contribute. Every volunteer on the Board brings a new perspective, unique background and helps OIW continue to thrive.
Interested in joining the Board and giving your writing career a boost? Let us know!
Email us at: members@ottawaindependentwriters.com