UPCOMING EVENTS
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april
Guest Speaker - via zoom
Antonio Michael Downing
Tuesday, April 15th, 7 PM
Let the Truth Ring its Own Bell
An exploration of memory, identity, and storytelling in writing Creative Non-Fiction. Bio: Antonio Michael Downing spends his time writing books, singing songs and trying to make his Grandma proud. The 2018 Taylor Prize named him one of Canada's best emerging authors. His acclaimed memoir SAGA BOY was called by Giller winner Ian Williams "the triumph of Blackness everywhere..." STARS IN MY CROWN is his first children's book. BLACK CHEROKEE - his debut novel - will be released in North America by Simon and Schuster in 2025. He writes and performs music as John Orpheus.
Details are emailed to OIW members
OIW Workshop In-person
Sylvia Fiorita-Smith
Sunday, April 27, 1 PM
Poetry Workshop
Unlock the power of poetry in this engaging workshop presented by Ottawa's own award-winning poet and OIW member, Silvia Fiorita-Smith. Sylvia has designed this workshop for writers of all skill levels. Whether you're new to verse or looking to refine your craft, this session will explore techniques to enhance imagery, rhythm, and emotional depth in your writing. Through guided exercises, discussion, and feedback, you'll experiment with language, form, and personal expression in a supportive, creative space. Come ready to write, share, and be inspired!
Details are emailed to OIW members
May
Guest Speaker - via zoom
Ben Ladouceur
Tuesday, May 20th, 7 PM
Penning Verses, Crafting Chapters:
The Craft of Poetry vs. Novel Writing
Join us for an illuminating session with award-winning poet BEN LADOUCEUR who navigates the worlds of both poetry and prose with remarkable dexterity. In this engaging talk, explore the nuanced landscapes of writing a book of poetry versus crafting a novel. Ben Ladouceur is an author living on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation (Ottawa). His first book, Otter, was selected as a best book of 2015 by the National Post, nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, and awarded the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award; his second book, Mad Long Emotion, was awarded the Archibald Lampman Prize. He is the recipient of the Writers’ Trust Dayne Ogilvie Prize for emerging LGBT+ writers, and a National Magazine Award for Poetry. His short fiction has been featured in the Journey Prize Anthology and awarded the Thomas Morton Prize.
Details are emailed to OIW members
june
In-person Event
OIW Reading Night
Tuesday, June 10th, 7 PM
A Celebration of Stories and Community
Join us for OIW’s most popular event of the year—Reading Night!
This special evening marks the culmination of our season and celebrates the passion, creativity, and dedication of our members. Whether you’ve been writing quietly behind the scenes or sharing your work all year long, this is your chance to shine.
OIW members are invited to read from their current projects—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or anything in between—and share the stories that have shaped their writing journeys. It’s a night of inspiration, reflection, and connection, as we gather to celebrate one another and the incredible work created over the past year.
Come listen, share, and toast to another vibrant season of writing together. Whether you're reading or cheering from the audience, Reading Night is a highlight you won’t want to miss.
Details are emailed to OIW members
Writers Weekend Retreat
Friday June 27 to Sunday 29th
Step Away and Write
Escape the everyday and reconnect with your creativity at our OIW Weekend Writers’ Retreat! Over two days of dedicated writing time, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity to focus on your work-in-progress, start something new, or simply let your imagination roam. Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a poem, or exploring fresh ideas, you’ll be surrounded by fellow writers who understand the magic—and challenge—of putting words on the page. Expect quiet writing sessions, optional prompts to get your creativity flowing, and plenty of space to reflect, recharge, and connect. No distractions. No pressure. Just you, your words, and a community that gets it. More details coming soon—but mark your calendar and treat yourself to a weekend of writing momentum!
Details are emailed to OIW members
