2024-2025 Season Events
april
Guest Speaker - via zoom
Antonio Michael Downing
Tuesday, April 15
Let the Truth Ring its Own Bell
In a powerful and deeply entertaining session, Antonio Michael Downing led OIW members through an exploration of memory, identity, and storytelling in creative nonfiction. Drawing from his acclaimed memoir Saga Boy, Antonio shared insights into writing personal truth, navigating cultural identity, and the legacy of generational narratives. The evening was made even more memorable when Antonio—also known for his musical persona John Orpheus—treated attendees to a surprise performance, blending music and storytelling in a way only he can. With heart, humour, and undeniable presence, Antonio reminded us all that writing is not just about telling stories—it’s about reclaiming them.
OIW Workshop In-person
Silvia Fiorita-Smith
Sunday, April 27
Poetry for Everyone:
A Creative Workshop
Our Poetry Workshop with Silvia Fiorita-Smith was a wonderful afternoon of creativity, connection, and discovery. Silvia inspired writers to craft poems using prompts from quotes, acrostics, paint pantones, postcards and anecdotes. Whether participants were new to poetry or longtime writers, Silvia’s thoughtful guidance and inspiring exercises encouraged everyone to explore language in fresh and meaningful ways. Participants walked out with five new poems each! Laughter, reflection, and lively discussions filled the room as members shared their work and found new approaches to their craft. We’re grateful to Silvia for leading such an engaging session—and to all who attended for bringing their energy and openness to the experience.
March
Exclusive to OIW members
National Gallery of Art
Saturday, March 15
Poetry Workshop
An Invitation to Collaborate with Textile Artist Louise Lemieux Bérubé
On March 15th, in an inspiring collaboration with the National Gallery and the 2024 Governor General Award Laureate for Fine Craft, Louise Lemieux Bérubé, twenty OIW members had the unique opportunity to engage with her art project titled 'I dream of being a tree' (2021). This large tapestry installation, which intricately blends woven images with embroidered texts, delves into the themes of community, the significance of trees, and the vital role of artists in our society. During this special event, OIW members were also invited to contribute their own voices to the artwork by submitting short texts, which Louise plans to incorporate into the tapestry, further enriching its narrative and communal spirit. Best of luck to each member!
Guest Speaker - via zoom
Marie Bilodeau
Tuesday, March 18th
Inviting Readers In:
Cozy Settings
&
Epic Worldbuilding
OIW members were treated to an engaging and insightful workshop with Ottawa-based author and storyteller Marie Bilodeau. Drawing on her extensive experience in speculative fiction, Marie explored the power of setting—not just as a backdrop, but as an active force that can heighten tension, engage the senses, and draw readers deep into the story. With warmth and humour, Marie shared strategies to avoid the dreaded information dump, instead encouraging writers to weave setting seamlessly into their narratives to make their stories truly pop. A multi-award-winning author and chair of Can*Con, Marie’s own works—including Keepers of a Broken Land and Shadowrun: Off Beat—demonstrate the magic that happens when setting and story come together. OIW members left the session inspired, with fresh tools to bring their worlds to life.
OIW Workshop In-person
Tamara Miller
Saturday, March 22nd
Querying Agents: Tips & Tricks
You have a manuscript and a dream of publication. What comes next?
In this lively and informative workshop, debut author Tamara walked fifteen participants through the ins and outs of querying literary agents, offering hard-won insights from her own journey to publication. Drawing from her experience landing representation and publishing her first novel Into the Fall, Tamara demystified the querying process with practical tips, candid anecdotes, and a generous dose of humour. From crafting a compelling query letter to researching the right agents and staying resilient through rejection, she reminded attendees that perseverance and authenticity go a long way. OIW members left the session not only better equipped to take on the business side of publishing, but also encouraged by Tamara’s warmth, wit—and yes, even a few cookies.
February
OIW Member Exclusive - via Zoom
Annual General Meeting and Reading Night
Tuesday February 18
OIW’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was a well-attended gathering where the Board shared updates on the organization's activities over the past year. Current President Su Mardelli, Treasurer Kelley Raab, and Vice President Lena Samson presented key aspects of 2024’s initiatives, including an overview of the Board’s promotional efforts to raise awareness of OIW anthologies. Notably, This Land (2024) is now stocked in five bookstores and available for loan in three libraries. Tamara Miller meticulously recorded the minutes, while Brian McCullough served as Parliamentarian, ensuring the meeting followed proper procedure. Following the AGM, the evening seamlessly transitioned into OIW’s annual Reading Night. Hosted by long-time member and past president Jon Peirce, Reading Night is a cherished tradition that celebrates the creative talent within the OIW community. Eight members took the stage to share excerpts from their latest projects, offering a glimpse into the diverse literary voices of OIW. The event was a night of storytelling, connection, and literary camaraderie, setting the stage for an inspiring year ahead.
In-Person Event
WCC Workshop
Saturday February 8
Turning Action into Emotion
In collaboration with the Writers Collective of Canada (WCC), OIW hosted a dynamic and engaging workshop designed to delve deep into the artistry of writing!
Sixteen OIW members, writers of all levels, from seasoned scribes to those preparing to draft their first major work attended the workshop.
Participants delved into the form and function of writing, gaining valuable insights that promised to elevate their understanding and execution of the craft.
The workshop was a perfect platform for attendees to refine their skills and broaden their creative perspectives.
Overall, the event was a weekend success, enabling writers to unlock new levels of expression and discover the full potential of their literary talents.
january
Guest Speaker - via zoom
Helen Humphreys
Tuesday, January 21st
Writing Fiction About Real People
Helen Humphreys delivered an insightful and educational talk on the art of writing fiction inspired by real people. She shared six valuable tips to guide writers through the process, blending her expertise with illustrative examples from her latest book, "Followed by the Lark", as well as her other works.
The session was enriched by a lively Q&A, where participants posed thoughtful questions that deepened the discussion and sparked fresh perspectives. The engaging dialogue left many inspired—and possibly heading to their local bookstore to pick up "Followed by the Lark"!
It was a compelling exploration of how to transform real lives into compelling fiction, offering inspiration for writers at every level.
december
Our annual holiday party was a delightful celebration, marked by an array of creative and engaging activities. The evening kicked off with lively icebreakers, including a round of "Never Have I Ever," where members shared amusing and surprising confessions. A game of "Guess the Meaning" added to the fun, with terms like "psephology" and "enshittification" stumping many, while "defenestration" humorously "threw everyone out the window."
The highlight of the night was the POETRY CONTEST where 11 talented poets vied for the top three spots. The competition showcased a range of beautiful and evocative poems, with the winners determined by peer vote.
Angelo Fulco took first place with his poignant piece, "Immigrant Boy." Sylvia Ralphs-Thibodeau captured second place with "Lost and Found Christmas," and Elise Weagant earned third with "Bye-Cycle." Click the button to read the winning poems.
Special thanks to Bob Barclay for presenting the poetry contest and expertly tallying the votes, ensuring a fair and enjoyable competition for all.
The "Guess the Novel" game was another crowd-pleaser, with members quickly guessing classics like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" series, further demonstrating the group's literary acumen and quick wit.
Special thanks are due to Kim Ennis and Lucia Cavalcanti de Albuquerque for their exceptional efforts in organizing, emceeing, and hosting the games. Their contributions were key to making the evening both smooth and spirited. This year's holiday party not only provided a chance to celebrate the season but also to appreciate the creativity and camaraderie of our talented community.​​​
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See you in the new year!
1st place Winner Angelo Fulco
with Bob Barclay & Su Mardelli
2nd place Winner Sylvia Ralphs-Thibodeau
with Bob Barclay & Su Mardelli
3rd place Winner Elise Weagant
with Bob Barclay & Su Mardelli
November
In-Person Event
Anthology Book Launch
Saturday, November 9
On November 9th, OIW celebrated the launch of the 2024 anthology entitled "This Land."
This book features an inspiring collection of Canadian stories from 52 OIW authors, each sharing their unique experiences and connections to our great nation.
The event was held in the Glass Room at Villa Marconi and attended by over 80 OIW members and friends. It was our biggest launch so far. The event was not just a book release; it was a celebration of stories that weave together the fabric of Canada, from its majestic landscapes to its complex histories. Attendees enjoyed heartfelt readings, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and left with a deeper appreciation for the land and its narratives. This gathering underscored our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive literary community.
If you did not have a chance to pick up your free member copy, or you would like to purchase additional copies at $10 each, email us below. While stocks last.
Guest Speaker - via Zoom
Hugh Stephens
Tuesday, November 19th
Copyright for Writers: What You Need to Know
OIW was delighted to host Hugh Stevens, a Distinguished Fellow renowned for his expertise in Canadian copyright law. Hugh shared his invaluable insights on a variety of pressing copyright issues, including the evolving role of AI in copyright, the implications of the Online News Act (Bill C-18) for news media, educational copying practices, and how copyright law interacts with Indigenous Cultural Expression. His comprehensive advice enriched our understanding of these complex topics, offering clarity and foresight in navigating the ever-changing legal landscape.
In-person Workshop
Tim Wynne-Jones
Saturday, November 23rd
Scene and Summary
OIW was thrilled to welcome back Tim Wynne-Jones for his annual workshop, which this year focused on the crucial aspects of Scene and Summary in writing. Tim delved deep into the art of crafting scenes that bring characters to life in real time, allowing attendees to get up close and personal with the intricacies of character interaction. He also explored the importance of Summary, a technique that distills broader swathes of time into essential narrative elements, providing writers with tools to enhance narrative pacing and depth. This workshop once again proved invaluable for OIW members looking to refine their storytelling skills.
Details are emailed to OIW members
october
In-person Event
Movie Night
Saturday October 5
Free Trip to Egypt
The screening of "Free Trip to Egypt" at OIW was a resounding success, drawing a diverse audience eager to explore the transformative power of cross-cultural understanding.
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The highlight of the evening was the hour-long Q&A session with Tarek, where he delved into the extensive creative process behind the film. He shared insights into the daunting task of distilling 250 hours of raw footage into a compelling story, discussing the meticulous editing required to capture the essence of the participants' emotional journeys.
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Fantastic!
Guest Speaker-via Zoom
Barbara Leimsner
Tuesday October 15
10 Things I Learnt on my Memoir Journey
Barbara Leimsner's memoir, 'Quitting the Master Race: A Daughter's Journey to Break the Bonds of Hate', was six years in the making and was independently published by Friesen Press in September 2023. She will talk both about what she learned during the writing, editing, revision and publishing process, and about the advantages, drawbacks--and the joys!--of marketing an independently published book. Her book is a finalist in the juried Whistler Independent Writing Awards.
september
Guest Speaker - via Zoom
Caitlin Jans (née Thomson)
Tuesday September 17
Breaking Through Publishing Blocks in the Literary World
Caitlin Jans broke down the elements publishers and agents look for in aspiring writers and provided tips and ideas for writers to make themselves visible in this cluttered space. It was an incredibly informative and interesting session with questions asked up until the final minute. Thank you Caitlin! Caitlin Jans has an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. She is the co-founder of Authors Publish and The Poetry Marathon. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies and literary journals including: The Literary Review of Canada, The Fiddlehead, Eleven, Eleven, The Adroit Journal, and Killer Verse. Her prose and poetry has been nominated for The Pushcart Prize, BILiNE, The Best Small Fictions Anthology, and The Best of the Net. You can learn more at www.caitlinthomson.com.
In-person Workshop
Neil Saravanamutto
Monday, September 23
Is it Time to Start a Substack?
For writers looking for an audience, Substack is probably the first platform that gets it. Substack makes three things really easy. Publishing. Monetization. Outreach. It lets writers focus on writing. Neil Saravanamuttoo is an Ottawa community organizer and former G20 chief economist for infrastructure with over 7,000 Substack subscribers. Learn what Neil has figured out about finding an audience and engaging with them through Substack.
Ottawa Independent Writers is the Capital's premier community for those looking to sharpen their writing skills and grow as successful independent writers.
Guest speakers, workshops, member events, and book launches are just some of the activities we organize to help both emerging and seasoned writers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry while also honing their craft in a supportive and collaborative environment.