Stratford Public Library
Creating Memorable Characters Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaWhat 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.
Short Story Contest Celebration
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaThe 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.
Discover Murdoch Mysteries in a True Crime Story
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaDive 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.
Book Proposal and Query Letter Workshop with John Goddard
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaGetting 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.
Private Author Photo Sessions
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaEvent description Authors, say cheese! Photographer Scott Wishart is bringing his studio to the festival. Grab your chance for a private 15-minute
FREE Author Photo Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaWriters, the face behind your story matters to your readers. Your author photo is an important part of your marketing strategy, especially
Extensive Children’s Book Self-Publishing Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaWhat goes into self-publishing a children's book? You need a thorough understanding of illustrations, layouts, design, colours, fonts, and most importantly the distribution channels that work best for your book. All of which you can learn about at our self-publishing workshop offered by Chrissy Hobbs. With several years of experience working in different areas of the self-publishing world, Chrissy is also a successful author of several best-selling children’s books and the owner of Indie Publishing Group.
Writing Workshop with Sarah Selecky
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaSarah Selecky teaches creative writing in a way that is simple, radical, and transformative, and allows writers to develop the capacity for deep concentration. To write using these methods means to quiet the mind in the midst of the action and distraction that fills everyday life. In this three hour writing practice workshop, participants will learn how to find this state of calm centeredness, and experience how it is an aid to exploration of story.
Through Her Eyes: Contemporary Women’s Writing Panel
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaIn today's society, women are under more pressure than ever to meet certain expectations. While they take very different approaches, three books being featured at this year's Stratford Writers Festival examine the ways women see themselves and are seen by others. In Emily Anglin’s darkly humorous collection of stories, characters refashion themselves to fit a new competitive milieu. Andrea Bain's nonfiction Single Girl Problems details how modern single women continue to be perceived as problematic and attempts to change that narrative. And Sarah Selecky's debut novel Radiant Shimmering Light looks at female friendship, the face we show the world online, and letting your own light shine.
Rotary Short Story Contest Winners
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaThe Stratford Writers Festival has partnered with the Rotary Club of Stratford to support emerging writers, indie authors, and literacy in an annual Short Story Contest. Now, the results are in! Join us at this FREE Stratford Writers Festival event to announce the winners and celebrate all participants. The Rotary Club of Stratford will present cash prizes to the winners, followed by photos and refreshments. Come by to celebrate with the writers and get a first look at up-and-coming Canadian literary talent!
Promote Your Book: Create Your Own Bookmark Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaPublicity can be a challenge for writers, especially when creating publicity materials. This hands-on workshop makes use of the library's brand new Makerspace, where participants will design and print their very own promotional bookmarks. Come with your book cover, logo, or artwork, and you'll walk away with 50 bookmarks to use as a giveaway at your next book event!
Create Your Own Book Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaThe library is more than just a place for sharing great literature; it is also where you can create it! As part of the Stratford Writers Festival, librarian Stephanie Park will lead a workshop on how to use the Stratford Public Library’s new and free online tools: PressBooks and Self-E. Join us for this free and informative event!
Self Publishing for Children’s Books
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaIf you are an indie author who is struggling to prepare your children’s book for publishing on sites like Ingram Spark, Amazon, Smash Words, CreateSpace, etc., then this is the workshop for you! Getting illustrations right the first time is a challenge and Chrissy Hobbs, owner and lead formatter at Indie Publishing Group, will offer many tips during this workshop. She’ll cover topics such as trim size, fonts to use, eBook options for fixed and reflowable, types of Illustrations and children’s books.
Promote Your Book: Create Your Own Bookmark Workshop
Stratford Public Library 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, CanadaPublicity can be a challenge for writers, especially when creating publicity materials. This hands-on workshop makes use of the library's brand new Makerspace, where participants will design and print their very own promotional bookmarks. Come with your book cover, logo, or artwork, and you'll walk away with 50 bookmarks to use as a giveaway at your next book event!
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