40th Anniversary
Supporting writers in Ottawa since 1986
november
Guest Speaker- via Zoom
Beth Kaplan
Tuesday, November 17 @ 7pm
Writing your Life: Why Telling your Stories Matters.
We all have stories worth telling. But how do we turn the moments, memories, and experiences of our lives into compelling narratives that resonate with others?
Join award-winning author and educator Beth Kaplan as she explores the power of memoir, why our personal stories matter, and what it takes to bring them to life on the page.
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Whether you're working on a memoir, exploring personal essays, or simply wondering if your story is worth telling, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
All details will be emailed to members.
In Person Workshop
Tim Wynne-Jones
Saturday, November 21
Changing Voice, Changing POV
Who's telling your story—and what happens when you change who's doing the talking? Point of view is one of the most powerful tools in a writer's toolbox. The voice you choose shapes how readers experience your characters, interpret events, and connect with your story. But why settle for one perspective when there are so many possibilities?
Come ready to write, experiment, and have some fun. After all, it's all a matter of perspective!
All details will be emailed to members.
OIW Event
Anthology Launch & Holiday Party!
Sunday, November 29
We're wrapping up the year with a double celebration! Join us for the launch of our latest OIW Anthology and our annual holiday party—all rolled into one festive gathering!
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Friends and family are warmly welcomed, so bring them along to celebrate the stories, creativity, and wonderful community that make OIW so special.
All details 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
Director of Communications
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!
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Email us at: members@ottawaindependentwriters.com