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October 2019
Getting published starts with a winning query letter and book proposal. This two-hour intensive workshop, run by non-fiction author John Goddard, will cover the essential components of both.
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Dive deep into a murder case solved by the detective who inspired the creation of Murdoch Mysteries with true crime novelist John Goddard, author of The Man with the Black Valise. The Perth County murder of thirteen-year-old Jessie Keith happened exactly 125 years ago this weekend. Goddard brings his novel to life in the style of a true crime podcast, and features photos, a video, and a Q & A session.
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The results for the Rotary Club Short Story Contest are in. Join a community of writers and author John Goddard who will do us the honour of announcing the winners and distributing cash prizes. This event is FREE and open to all writers.
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Book-lovers, this is the swankiest book club session of the year. The Stratford Writers Festival has combined all the things you love – Wine, Food, and Books – into one memorable evening. Clink a glass of wine and relish some hors d'oeuvres with your friends, book lovers, and author Becky Blake! You are invited for an exclusive book club session where you can join Becky to discuss her writing while the best of wine and appetizers are served.
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More than 8 million Canadians are currently caregivers. This role is about maintaining a delicate balance between time and resources while taking care of a loved one and practicing self-care. Whether you're a caregiver or a care recipient, this brunch and an insightful conversation with Lise Leblanc, author of the Conscious Caregiving Guide, is for you.
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What makes a character leap off the page and into a reader’s imagination? In this interactive workshop, novelist Becky Blake will discuss methods for creating believable and distinctive characters that really connect with readers.
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How does one bring poetry to life? Find out this October at the glorious Revival House in Stratford where poet David Stones will be performing Infinite Sequels, a one-man-show named after his poetry book of the same title. With the accompaniment of live violin and a rich musical soundtrack, David as The Poet will lead you through a life of love, ecstasy, longing, joy, sorrow and forgiveness……that is, the life of every person in the audience. The performance, lauded as a “brilliant and beautiful piece of theatre” by London Free Press, will be followed by a Q&A.
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The Appetite for Words Festival is a collaboration between the Stratford Writers Festival and the Stratford Chefs School and features authors who have written about food, and fiction writers who allow food to become a strong component of scenes and/or the characters in their novels. The best part is, chefs prepare menus inspired by featured books so you can taste the words you’re reading. Save the date - we'll start making announcements in the New Year!!
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Why is sustainable food important? Savour a 3-course meal with wine pairings while enjoying an insightful conversation about the importance of local
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Appetite for Words chefs consider Perth County their pantry. Drive along the country roads and you'll find local farm gates where you can meet the producers. Alternatively you can visit one of the farmers markets. During this afternoon, we invite you to visit a Perth County farmer. Make sure you call beforehand to ensure the farm is open.
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Join Andrew Coppolino, author of Farm To Table, at this unique and intimate dinner experience. Andrew met one-on-one with Stratford Chefs School alumni chefs and producers while writing Farm To Table and will be joined by chef Eli Silverthorne and producer Erin McIntosh from McIntosh Farms to share stories and insights from the book that was named one of the most anticipated cookbooks of the year from Canadian Food Bloggers. Attendees will not only have the chance to listen to this unique conversation and enjoy a 3-course meal with wine pairings inspired by Andrew's book, but they will also have the opportunity to ask Andrew questions and pick up— and have signed—a copy of Farm To Table.
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Join Mary Berg, MasterChef Canada winner, star of Mary's Kitchen Crush, and author of Kitchen Party as she shares her insider tips for stress-free cooking. Whether it's the planning, shopping, cooking, or clean up, during this afternoon brunch, you'll learn how to banish anxiety about preparing food. Guests will be treated to an intimate onstage interview and Q&A with Mary, a copy of the $32 Kitchen Party book, a gift bag courtesy of Bradshaw's, a brunch inspired by some of Mary's favourite recipes, and a meet-and-greet and book signing after the meal!
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Want to take the ultimate food photo? Whether for your blog or to post your latest meal to Instagram or Facebook, food
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During this two-hour event, Mary Berg, MasterChef Canada winner, star of Mary's Kitchen Crush, and author of Kitchen Party will share her insider tips for stress-free cooking. Whether it's the planning, shopping, cooking, or clean up, during this afternoon cafe, you'll learn how to banish anxiety about preparing food. Guests will be treated to an intimate onstage interview and Q&A with Mary, a copy of the $32 Kitchen Party book, a gift bag courtesy of Bradshaw's, desserts inspired by some of Mary's favourite recipes, and a meet-and-greet and book signing!
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Some of Canada's best songwriters will perform their songs and share stories behind their art at this year's Songwriters Circle. We're headlining the launch of singer-songwriter Dayna Manning's memoir Many Moons! We're also featuring Dayna Manning's solo CD Morning Light which has a unique collaboration with songwriter Ben Bolt-Martin; Ben wrote the chamber music orchestration to all the songs on Morning Light. Enjoy a moving performance and songwriting insights from an exceptional conversation between Dayna and Ben, who will be joined by chamber musicians Andrew Chung, Laura Chambers, and Derek Conrod.
Find out moreApril 2020
Readers and writers come together at the Stratford Writers Festival to experience stories – and meet the authors – through intimate and interactive events which can only be held in Canada’s Premiere Arts Town of Stratford, Ontario. We're featuring events throughout the year so sign up for our Newsletter and follow us on social media for updates and event announcements!!
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You are invited to the launch of the first two of the Stratford For All Seasons series of books written by Phyllis Hinz and Lamont Mackay, The Cooking Ladies. Stratford For All Seasons: Theatre & Arts describes the immensity and diversity of the theatre and arts scene in Stratford that will make you say, "Wow." Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises is loaded with magical and little-known stories about the city, about the things you can do, see, and discover in Stratford that will make you say, "Really?" This is a casual drop-in event that includes an autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Theatre & Arts book.
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When Alison Wearing tells a story, it's gripping! Join her as she launches her latest book Moments of Glad Grace, a moving and witty memoir of aging, familial love, and the hunt for roots and belonging. This storytelling event with live music is one of the highlights of our spring lineup! Her storytelling performance (adapted from the book by Jennifer Paquette) will be followed by a reception with a book signing, snacks and cash bar. For anyone who knows Alison, a dance party might follow! This event has limited seating so pick up your tickets early!
Find out moreMay 2020
Experience an insider's take on Stratford based on the new Stratford For All Seasons series launching in April. The one-hour tours are arranged in small groups to a maximum of 8 people to allow for interaction and questions. Led by Stratford native and tourism specialist, Cathy Rehberg, her enthusiasm and love of Stratford is in every story she tells. Following the tour, participants have a chance to meet the authors and receive a complimentary, autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises book. This event will run rain or shine so dress accordingly.
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Experience an insider's take on Stratford based on the new Stratford For All Seasons series launching in April. The one-hour tours are arranged in small groups to a maximum of 8 people to allow for interaction and questions. Led by Stratford native and tourism specialist, Cathy Rehberg, her enthusiasm and love of Stratford is in every story she tells. Following the tour, participants have a chance to meet the authors and receive a complimentary, autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises book. This event will run rain or shine so dress accordingly.
Find out moreThe Appetite for Words Festival is a collaboration between the Stratford Writers Festival and the Stratford Chefs School and features authors who have written about food, and fiction writers who allow food to become a strong component of scenes and/or the characters in their novels. The best part is, chefs prepare menus inspired by featured books so you can taste the words you’re reading. We're featuring events throughout the year so sign up for our Newsletter and follow us on social media for updates and event announcements!!
Find out more
Did Mom teach you everything you know in the culinary department? A Mother's Day brunch with Mary Berg and her mom, Myra Berg, couldn't be more fitting. Host of Mary's Kitchen Crush and author of Kitchen Party, Mary Berg will demonstrate and teach her mom how to cook a recipe from her book. Then join Mary and Myra for a kitchen party as they sit down to eat and chat. Find out funny stories about Mary as a kid directly from Myra, and hear from both Mary and Myra about their special mother-daughter relationship.
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Experience an insider's take on Stratford, based on the new Stratford For All Seasons series launching in April. The one-hour tours are arranged in small groups to a maximum of 8 people to allow for interaction and questions. Led by Stratford native and tourism specialist, Cathy Rehberg, her enthusiasm and love of Stratford is in every story she tells. Following the tour, participants have a chance to meet the authors and receive a complimentary, autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises book. This event will run rain or shine so dress accordingly.
Find out more
Experience an insider's take on Stratford, based on the new Stratford For All Seasons series launching in April. The one-hour tours are arranged in small groups to a maximum of 8 people to allow for interaction and questions. Led by Stratford native and tourism specialist, Cathy Rehberg, her enthusiasm and love of Stratford is in every story she tells. Following the tour, participants have a chance to meet the authors and receive a complimentary, autographed copy of the $20 Stratford For All Seasons: Secrets & Surprises book. This event will run rain or shine so dress accordingly.
Find out moreOctober 2020
Please join us for a conversation between Sherrill Grace and Kel Pero to remember Timothy Findley and his importance to Canadian literature, Grace’s fieldwork and archival research that shaped her writing, and a discussion of the issues that were important to Findley that remain relevant to this day. Presented by Wilfrid Laurier University Press and the Stratford Writers’ Festival.
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