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.
Flash Fiction Course with Dawn Miller – March 26th-April 30th 2024 (County Arts Lab)
This spring at the County Arts Lab, join Dawn Miller to learn the elements of effective flash fiction and how flash differentiates from other narrative forms. Using published examples and writing tasks, participants will gain an understanding of how compression, tension, characterization, manipulation of time, point of view, and structure work to create effective narratives of under 1000 words. This course is appropriate for both emerging and established writers, or those who are simply flash-curious! Participants will gain valuable insights and skills whether they are new to flash fiction or already familiar with the form. Click here to learn more and register.
Poetry & Spoken Word Open Mic – Come out to the Ameliasburgh Public Library on Saturday, April 27th at 9 AM and read your work – whether poetry or spoken word – or just join the audience and enjoy the vibe! Participants will get 5 minutes at the podium. Sign-up starts at 9 AM sharp. Writers of all stages are welcome to read their work in this positive and supportive environment, and there is no charge to participate. To learn more about upcoming poetry and spoken word events, join the First Tuesday Muse Facebook group, which provides opportunities for poets from the Greater Quinte Region to perform for an attentive, supportive audience.
“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.
Coming soon! Writing Circles and more at the County Arts Lab – Based on the high interest indicated in the Writers’ Survey, we’re excited about starting up a Writing Group – with some optional non-silent social time at the end – at the County Arts Lab in the coming months. Make sure you’re on our Member Mailing List and/or Lab Mailing List for more news on this and other opportunities to connect with fellow writers – we hope they will offer a helpful routine, accountability, and community to writers of all kinds!
PEP Rally is a poetry-focused reading series based in Prince Edward County, run by Books & Company and Assembly Press. Learn more here.
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
