A one-stop resource for writers in the Prince Edward County area
Do you have suggestions for helpful resources to include on this page? Please reach out to our Membership Services Coordinator Heather McCorquodale at info@countyarts.ca.
Silent Writing Circles at the County Arts Lab – From September-November 2024, we held four free silent writing circle sessions led by our two fantastic volunteer facilitators, Dominic Leslie and Anne McSommers. Make sure to sign up for our County Arts Lab mailing list to keep updated on all of our upcoming writing-related offerings.
“Guidance Counselling” sessions with Assembly Press – Picton-based Assembly Press is offering County Arts members a 20% discount off their virtual Guidance Counselling sessions! These sessions are meant to help support writers in their writing and/or publishing career. Bring them your questions, challenges, or just conversation—they love connecting and are happy to help however they can. Learn more here. To access discount, County Arts Members can email info@countyarts.ca to request a promo code; you will receive it within 2 business days.
Andrew Binks – The Word Studio – As a wordsmith, story coach and language instructor, Andrew Binks helps writers clarify what it is they want to say and how they want to say it. He is committed to getting your story reader-ready whether you want to self-publish or go the traditional route. Andrew is a published novelist and writer of short stories, personal essays and memoirs published in some of the most esteemed literary journals. He hosts workshops and classes in Prince Edward County. Learn more here.
Sarah Selecky Writing School – Sarah Selecky, author of Radiant Shimmering Light and This Cake Is for the Party, created the Sarah Selecky Writing School in 2011, which has now grown into a creative community of over 10,000 writers from around the world. A variety of programs and courses are offered, catered to writers of all different levels.
The County Arts Lab & Baxter Arts Centre also offer writing courses and workshops.
Click here to check out our What’s On page for the most up-to-date info on literary and other arts happenings in Prince Edward County.
PEP Rally is a poetry-focused reading series based in Prince Edward County, run by Books & Company and Assembly Press. Learn more here.
The Poet Tree program at the Ameliasburgh Al Purdy Library is actively seeking submissions from local poets on an ongoing basis. Each month a work by a local Quinte Area writer chosen from these submissions is displayed in the Poet Tree box outside the library. The poem should be no more than 40 lines of 14 point type. Submissions should be made by the poet, and include the poet’s full name and contact information. Please put “Poet Tree” in the subject line of the submission email and send to ameliasburgh@peclibrary.org.
Creative Writing Sharing Circle at the Prince Edward Learning Centre are an opportunity for participants to learn about creative writing, use writing prompts, and share their work. No previous writing experience necessary! Paper and pens or laptops can be supplied. This programming is free to attend. Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 AM. Please contact jennifer@pelc.ca to register.
Prince Edward County Public Library – The PEC Public Library offers programming geared towards readers and writers including author talks, a monthly Amnesty International Book Club, and workshops. Visit their Events Calendar to learn more.
Belleville Public Library
Dime Stories – The Dime Stories series was launched in 2023 through a collaboration with local writer Nora-Lyn Veevers and Gallery Owner Alice Mennacher of Blizzmax Gallery. Both Blizzmax Gallery and the Picton Library hosted afternoon events featuring readings of 5-minute stories by writers living in or connected to Prince Edward County. Follow Blizzmax’s Instagram account for updates.
Thrive Minds Book Club – Thrive PEC hosts this quarterly non-fiction book club, which involves learning and discussing new inspired ways of thinking about community. To learn more, visit thrivepec.ca, and to register, email bookclub@thrivepec.ca.
Grants for Writers – Check out this helpful list of grants available to Canadian writers from Firefly Creative Writing.
Writing Contests – The Canadian Authors Association has compiled a list of Canadian writing contests, with deadlines conveniently organized by month. Many of these contests are open to writers regardless of location.
Residency Programs for Writers – Here is a helpful list of artist residency programs for writers from the Writers’ Trust of Canada.
Al Purdy A-Frame Residency – Canadian free-verse Poet Al Purdy’s beautiful A-frame cottage on Roblin Lake in Ameliasburgh is now the site of the The Al Purdy A-frame Residency. Due to renovations on the house, there will be no residencies in 2024, however applications for residencies from July 2025 to the end of June 2026 will open in the summer of 2024 and close in October 2024.
Writers Collective of Canada – Writers Collective of Canada is a charitable organization that inspires exploratory writing in the community to empower every voice, celebrate every story, and change the world. They offer free online workshops for writers with the goal of empowering authentic voices, including traditionally underserved populations and underheard individuals nationwide.
Access Copyright Foundation provides support to creators and organizations engaged in the development and dissemination of publishable Canadian works in the literary and visual arts. They offer three annual grant programs supporting research, professional development and events. Learn more here.
The League of Canadian Poets – The League serves the poetry community and promotes a high level of professional achievement through events, networking, projects, publications, mentoring and awards. More info here.
A County Arts membership opens a world of opportunities! Benefits of a membership for writers include:
From 2019-2023, the Wind & Water Writing Contest welcomed 213 submissions from 163 entrants residing in the Prince Edward County/Quinte area! We thank all of our judges – Andrew Faulkner, Leigh Nash, Kelly S. Thompson, and Dorian Widling – and everyone who participated over the years! We invite you to explore the winning submissions below.
2023 theme: Connection
2022 theme: Transformation
2021 theme: Unity
2020 theme: Memory
2019 theme: Exploring
