Workshops

Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival

We cannot guarantee a spot in any workshop without registration and pre-payment.

Poetry and Vocal Techniques with Elizabeth Bachinsky

So you’ve written some poems or a novel or some short stories and now it’s time to read from them in front of people. Don’t sweat it. What does it matter your poetry is meditative and the venue is loud and obnoxious? It’s no big deal you’re reading from your memoir and your entire family is seated in the front row. In this three hour workshop, we’ll explore techniques in vocal production, relaxation, and performance that are guaranteed to give you confidence in the face of any audience.

When: Thursday, July 17, 2:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Library, Community School


workshopping with bill bissett

first we bcum komfortabul with each othr n within ourselvs by chanting 2gethr a randomlee arrivd at phrase   thn we write a group pome  n turn it in2 a sound pome   thn we breeflee discuss th potenshul 7 plus approaches 2 writing poetree    narrativ  lyrikul sexual  politikul  his her storikul  sound  vizual  non narrativ  fuseyun meditativ spiritual metaphysikul  naytur  n mor

having wordkd thru that each prson reeds his or her latest writing n we all discuss it   its refreshing  hard work  uplifting  n hopefulee takes us all 2 places that enrich all our moments

When: Friday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Resource Room, Community School


Memoir Writing with Sharon Butala

Celebrities, some war heroes and politicians have demonstrated that glamorous, adventurous lives can make for dull reading. Yet the most ordinary lives can make engrossing books. How does the latter happen? What are memoirs really about and why write them? Through discussion and question and answer and lecture, this workshop will endeavour to answer such questions. As well, it will look at  other factors such as themes, structure, and how a writer decides what to put in and what to leave out.   Memoirs are therapy for both writer and reader, but they are also good stories; at their best, they are art.

Please note: both sessions of this workshop are sold out.

Session One:

When: Friday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m

Where: T.B.A.

Session Two:

When: Saturday, July 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Resource Room, Community School


Writing For Children with Maggie de Vries

Children’s writer and editor, Maggie de Vries, will lead a workshop on writing for children, focusing on participants’ own lives as sources of material. The workshop will include tips on how to write well for children from preschoolers to teens, an opportunity to discuss the search for publication and the editorial process, and a chance to do some writing.

Come prepared to talk, to write, and to share and receive feedback about your writing in a non-threatening environment. No experience necessary.

When: Thursday, July 17, 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Arts Centre


Directing a Play - the Nuts and Bolts with Dennis Foon

In this workshop, we’ll explore some of the basic tasks that face any director in approaching a play for production. Script analysis and interpretation; developing a concept; communicating a vision to the designers; casting; scheduling and rehearsal. Those who are up to it will be doing a bit of improvisation, so wear comfortable clothing. 

Participants should also bring notebook and pencil, and a copy of my play Mirror Game, which we’ll break down together -- so read it a few times before we meet. (Note: A copy of the play will be mailed to you upon receipt of your registration and a materials fee of $12.50, which includes shipping.)

When: Thursday, July 17, 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Resource Room, Community School


Courting the Muse with Shaena Lambert

Writing fiction is a meticulous process, but it is also a mystery. It is ‘both canny and uncanny,’ as Flannery O’Connor put it. In this 3-hour workshop, open to all levels of writers, you will explore habits, attitudes and techniques to help you connect with your voice, let the unconscious in, and unearth the sensory details that bring fiction to life and give it depth.

When: Friday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Library, Community School


Nonfiction Workshop: Teasing the Story from the Facts with Brian Payton

This workshop is designed to help writers follow their passion for narrative into print. Narrative (a.k.a. “literary” or “creative”) nonfiction uses many of the tools and techniques of fiction to tell a true story. It goes far beyond the simple “who, what, where, when, and why” of journalism to create a lasting narrative that’s captivating, inspiring, or moving. Through discussion and lecture, we will review the techniques of narrative nonfiction writing (for both magazines and books), and explore ways of bringing your story ideas into sharper focus.

Please note: This workshop is sold out.

When: Thursday, July 17, 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Senior’s Lounge



Writing BC Stories with Howard White

What are BC stories and how do you find them? And having found them, what do you do with them. Howard White talks about a life spent tracking down the stories that make BC the place it is and passes on tips about how to collect them, write them and publish them. Based on past experience, Howard will leave a substantial portion of the session for responding to questions from those already well advanced in telling their own BC stories.

When: Saturday, July 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Library, Community School


Also see Writer-In-Residence program



Please check back frequently as details for other workshops become available.