What to expect at a Writescape Workshop:
- An urban, accessible workshop location
- Professional, knowledgeable workshop leaders
- Hands-on practical exercises and activities
- Helpful handouts and tip sheets
On-demand Workshops
From beginning writer to seasoned professional, we’ll customize sessions to suit your programming themes and audience needs. Choose from Writescape’s Workshop Catalogue 2016 to help you and your colleagues hone writing craft and develop new skills and techniques.
For more information and to register, visit individual workshop pages.
Cancellation and refund details
Upcoming 2017 Workshops
February 12 Get That Grant Dozens of grants are open to writers. Hands-on writing activities will help you learn how to find grants and prepare a winning grant application with Heather O’Connor and Ruth E. Walker
Spring 2017: Write to Win Discover what you need to do to get your contest entries to the winners circle. Contest winners and judges, Dorothea Helms and Ruth E. Walker show you how.
Date to be determined: Villains, Vendettas and Vagabonds Come to the dark side of character development and put some “bad” into your story. Find a new villain or add more nasty to an old one with Ruth E. Walker. Date and location TBA: Durham Region, Ontario.
Past Workshops
2016
January 18 – February 22 Query to Byline: Get Published and Paid Learn the tricks of the trade that helped Heather M. O’Connor and Gwynn Scheltema make a successful living as freelance writers.
February 20 It’s Not What You Earn; It’s What You Keep: Tax Tips for Writers and Artists One day workshop with Gwynn Scheltema. Unique tax breaks are available to writers and artists – even if you’re not earning money yet.
March 5 Master Class in Character: More than Flesh and Bone Go deep and deliberate with your characters in a full day of advanced exercises and activities. Master class participants will understand basic character development techniques and be prepared to be challenged. Location:Trent University, Oshawa Campus
April 16 Get That Grant! Dozens of grants are open to writers. Hands-on writing activities will help you learn how to find grants and prepare a winning grant application with Heather O’Connor and Gwynn Scheltema. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus. April 17 Get That Grant! Offered in Bracebridge
May 1 Gwynn Scheltema Watch Your Language (advanced) and Ruth Walker From Inspiration to Publication (introductory) offerd at the Ontario Writers Conference.
May 28 Write To Win Discover what you need to do to get your contest entries to the winners circle. Contest winners and judges, Dorothea Helms and Ruth E. Walker show you how.
TBA Memo To Readers: Power of Personal Papers Laundry lists. Correspondence. Secret notes. Maps. Diaries. Ransom demands. It’s all pure gold for writers and Ruth E. Walker has the workshop to prove it.
July 8 to 10 Blue Pencil Bootcamp 3-day intensive editing retreat at Glentula on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Refine your manuscript for publication.
August 15 to 19 Just Write at Glentula An intimate, relaxed residential retreat for you to get away for a few days to “just write”.
August 21 Woods, Water and Words A one-day creative getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema.
September 10 Two-hour workshop in St. Catharines: Finding the Muse and Kindling Your Creative Fire with Gwynn Scheltema and Ruth Walker in association with the Canadian Authors Association, Niagara Branch.
September 10 One-on-one manuscript feedback sessions in association with the Canadian Authors Association, Niagara Branch.
September 21 to October 19 From Query to Byline: Get Published and Paid Five Wednesday evening classes for anyone who wants to write for newspapers, magazines and the web. Practise new skills in a hands-on workshop and receive helpful feedback from freelancers Heather O’Connor and Gwynn Scheltema. Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
2015
September 19 It’s Not What You Earn; It’s What You Keep: Tax Tips for Writers and Artists One day workshop with Gwynn Scheltema. Unique tax breaks are available to writers and artists – even if you’re not earning money yet. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
August 22 Woods, Water and Words A one-day creative getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
August 7 to 9 Just Write at Glentula An intimate, relaxed residential retreat for you to get away for a few days to just write.
July 10 to 12 Second Draft Bootcamp 3-day intensive editing retreat at Glentula on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema.
April 25 Does Size Matter: The World of Short Fiction Back by popular demand at the Ontario Writers Conference, Gwynn Scheltema explores the world of short fiction, from micro, postcard and flash to novellas.
April 17-22 Spring Thaw 2015 An annual project-based retreat for 3 or 5 days at Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake, Keene.
March 26 and April 2 Compile and eBook Module (intermediate users) This specialized 2-evening module with Heather O’Connor walks you through Scrivener’s compile function. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
March 18 – April 15 The Many Worlds of Fantasy with Heather M. O’Connor and Anne MacLachlan. Explore the worlds of fantasy, both fictional and professional, in this 5-week worldbuilding workshop. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
February 19 and 26 Scrivener Power Tools (intermediate users) Familiar with the basics? Learn how to use powerful features like metadata and collections in this 2-evening workshop with Heather O’Connor. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
February 7 Write to Win in Campbellcroft It’s all a contest: from winning first place to winning a publishing contract. Two seasoned winners share strategies, tips and resources to get past first readers and into the final judges’ hands. Location: Private home 15 mins from Port Hope
February 4 – March 4 Here Be Dragons: Plot and character in fantasy fiction with Heather M. O’Connor and Anne MacLachlan. Choose your own adventure–and who to take along for the ride–in this 4-week workshop on plot and character in fantasy. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
January 31 Putting Flesh on the Bones: Creating Believable Characters. Join Ruth Walker for a full day workshop in Bracebridge as part of the Canadian Author’s Association in Muskoka. Contact Cindy at 705-646-5595 for registration details or email Ruth at info@writescape.ca.
January 15, 22 and 29 Get Up and Running with Scrivener (new users) Learn it and use it in this three-week hands-on workshop with Heather O’Connor. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
January 10 Write to Win It’s all a contest: from winning first place to winning a publishing contract. Two seasoned winners share strategies, tips and resources to get past first readers and into the final judges’ hands. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
2014
November 15 Hands-on Scrivener: An introduction to the ultimate writer’s toolkit with Heather O’Connor. Grafton.
October 17 to 19 Turning Leaves 2014 Three days of workshops, discussions and feedback – and time to write! Location: Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching.
September 20 It’s Not What You Earn; It’s What You Keep: Tax Tips for Writers and Artists One day workshop with Gwynn Scheltema. Unique tax breaks are available to writers and artists – even if you’re not earning money yet. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
August 23 Woods, Water and Words A one-day creative getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
August 15 to 17 Second Draft Bootcamp 3-day intensive editing retreat at Glentula on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema.
May 3 Back by popular demand at The Ontario Writers’ Conference 2014, Gwynn Scheltema leads On the Couch: Character Personality Assessment: Learn how personality assessment tools can help you make some important decisions about character.
April 4 to 8 Spring Thaw 2014 Annual spring retreat on Rice Lake in Keene with a 3-day or 5-day option.
March 22 Write to Win Learn the art of entering writing contests…and increasing your chances for winning from 2 “seasoned winners” – Ruth E. Walker and Dorothea Helms. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
February 1 & 2 Writescape in Orillia Writescape teams up with the Canadian Authors Association to bring you two days of workshops with Gwynn Scheltema. Day 1: Tax Tips for Writers and Artists– Unique tax breaks available to writers and artists – even if you’re not earning money yet; Day 2: Pump Up Your Pen – Raise the energy level of your writing: description that doesn’t slow the story, sizzling dialogue and no saggy middles. Orillia
January 25 Get That Grant: Write Winning Applications Grant your writing wish. Learn how to harness support for your writing. Oshawa
January 6 – February 10 Explorations in Creative Writing: 6 weeks, evenings: Join Ruth Walker and Gwynn Scheltema in some intriguing word-play. Each session will explore one main element or aspect of writing creatively with innovative hands-on exercises, engaging group discussions and feedback opportunities. Beginners and Intermediate writers. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus
2013
December 2 and 3 Your Character’s Voice: Dialogue in Fiction: 2 evenings, Durham Region. Explore dialogue mechanics and techniques for monologue, internal, and multi-person dialogue situations. Oshawa
November 22 to 24 Turning Leaves 2013 Three days of workshops, discussions and feedback and time to write! Location: Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching. Guest Author: Bill Swan.
November 4 – 25 NaNoWriMo: Creating Together- Writescape teams up with Whitby Public Library to offer 4 Monday evening writing sessions for NaNoWriMo participants – prompts, guided freefall, and other inspirations. Whitby
November 2 It’s Not What You Earn; It’s What You Keep: Tax Tips for Writers and Artists One day workshop with Gwynn Scheltema. Unique tax breaks available to writers and artists – even if you’re not earning money yet. Oshawa
October 28 and 29 PR Launchpad: Create a PR plan that will get you readers and sales. Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
October 26 Your Character’s Voice: Dialogue in Fiction: Explore dialogue mechanics and techniques for monologue, internal, and multi-person dialogue situations. London
October 20 Autumn Reflections – A one-day creativity getaway at Glentula on Lake Seymour. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area
August 24 Woods, Water and Words A one-day getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
July 26-28 Second Draft Bootcamp 3-day intensive editing retreat at Glentula on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema.
June The Many Worlds of Fantasy with Heather M. O’Connor and Anne MacLachlan. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
May 27 to June 24 Get the Word Out: Social Media for Writers with Heather M. O’Connor and Anne MacLachlan. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
May 15 to June 26 Intro to the Artists Way Join Gwynn at Blue Heron Books for the ultimate journey to your personal creative core. Uxbridge
May 6 and May 7 PR Launchpad Create a PR plan that will get you readers and sales. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
May 4 How Many Characters Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb? Back by popular demand at The Ontario Writers’ Conference 2013, Gwynn Scheltema leads this practical interactive workshop that explores the electrifying world of multiple POVs: why, when, and how.
February 26 Tree Seed Poetry Workshop Series: Playing with Constraints Explore poetic constraints and Oulipo practitioners, including poems by Joe Brainard, Christian Bök, and Inger Christensen. Play to propel your poetry into places you may or may not have anticipated it could go. Gwynn Scheltema; Ottawa
February 23 Write to Win Learn the art of entering writing contests…and increasing your chances for winning from 2 “seasoned winners” – Ruth E. Walker and Dorothea Helms. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
February 13 to March 20 Write On! Intensive A 6-week advanced creative writing class with Gwynn Scheltema and Ruth E. Walker. Dive deep into your creative writing, take risks and explore your narrative voice with innovative in-class exercises and assignments. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
January 26 It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep: Taxation Tips for Writers Unique tax breaks available to writers and artists – even if you’re not earning money yet. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
January 21 to February 25 From Query to Byline: Get Published and Paid In this 5-week introductory non-fiction course, Gwynn Scheltema and Heather O’Connor will share the tricks of the trade that have helped them make a living as freelance writers. You’ll learn how to write for magazines and the web, corporate clients and other media. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
January 19 Get That Grant: Writing Winning Applications Grant your writing wish. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
2012
Turning Leaves 2012 Three days of workshops, discussions and feedback – and time to write! Location: Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching.
Glentula Fall Getaway A one-day getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
From Query to Byline: Get Published and Paid In this 5-week introductory non-fiction course, Gwynn Scheltema and Heather O’Connor will share the tricks of the trade that have helped them make a living as freelance writers. You’ll learn how to write for magazines and the web, corporate clients and other media. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep: Taxation Tips for Writers Unique tax breaks available to writers and artists even if you don’t earn money yet.
Woods, Water and Words A one-day getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
Punctuation, Period! with Frances Peck
Write On! Intensive A 6-week advanced creative writing class with Gwynn Scheltema and Ruth E. Walker in Oshawa. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
Gwynn presents The Art of Pacing at the Ontario Writers’ Conference Location: Deer Creek Golf Club, Ajax.
Villains, Vendettas and Vagabonds Full-day workshop with Ruth Walker on putting the “bad” in your writing. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
Get the Word Out: Social Media for Writers with Heather M. O’Connor and Anne MacLachlan. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
Creative Communicators Parts I and II Harnessing fiction techniques for business writing with Ruth and Gwynn.
Writing for Children An introductory 6-week course on of writing for young readers with Gwynn Scheltema and published children’s author Erin Thomas. Come find out what publishers look for, and what makes writing for children different from writing for adults. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus
Spring Thaw 2012 Writing Retreat Three days of workshops, discussions and feedback and time to write! Add two extra days with the “extend-your-pen option.” Location: Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake in Keene.
Write to Win The secrets of increasing your chances of winning writing contests.
From Query to Byline: Get Published and Paid An introductory non-fiction course, sharing tricks of the trade to help you make a living as a freelance writer. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus
It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep: Taxation Tips for Writers Unique tax breaks available to writers and artists even if you don’t earn money yet.
Write On: An Intermediate Course to Take Your Writing Further A progressive nuts and bolts approach to fine-tuning your writing skills.
Write to Win The secrets of increasing your chances of winning writing contests with two award-winning writers, Ruth E. Walker and Dorothea Helms.
2011
Write Now: Introduction to Creative Writing: where to begin, how to keep getting better, and how to find markets for finished pieces.
Turning Leaves 2011. Three days of workshops, discussions and feedback — and time to write! Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching.
Glentula Fall Getaway A one-day getaway at Glentula on Lake Seymour. Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
Write On! Intensive 6-week advanced creative writing class.
It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep: Taxation Tips for Writers Taxation tips for writers and artists with Gwynn Scheltema.
Writing for Children An introductory 6-week course on of writing for young readers with Gwynn Scheltema and published children’s author Erin Thomas. Come find out what publishers look for, and what makes writing for children different from writing for adults. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
Putting Flesh on the Bones Ruth E. Walker helps you focus on ways to shape memorable characters while you add to your writer’s toolkit. Location: The Heathers, York Region.
Woods, Water and Words – Glentula Summer Getaway A one-day getaway at Glentula on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema . Location: Havelock/Campbellford area.
Tasting the Page Making description work for you without slowing the story with Gwynn Scheltema. Location: The Heathers, York Region.
Creative Communicators Part I Harnessing fiction techniques for business writing. For OPS employees. With Ruth and Gwynn through learning.comm. Toronto
Write On: An Intermediate Course to Take Your Writing Further A progressive nuts and bolts approach to fine-tuning your writing skills. Add new and innovative techniques to your writers’ toolkit while you focus on keeping your creative energy going, add richness to your characters, setting and plot, and enhance your editor’s eye.
Ontario Writers’ Conference — Landscaping — Perspective and Place Create believable and workable settings. Learn when, what and how much to describe without slowing the story. Workshop with Gwynn
Inspiration Station: Your Ticket to Creative Writing Mini-Workshop FUNDRAISER for Girls Inc., Durham Using the world around you to find your creative muse; no writing experience necessary. One-hour session part of Girls Day Out event.
So You Want to Write? Gwynn Scheltema shows beginning writers where to begin, how to keep getting better, and how to find markets for finished pieces. A five-week evening course for novices. Location: Peterborough Public Library.
Seven Amazing Things I Learned from Tabloids! Sensational! Mind-boggling! Incredible! Many writers dismiss the supermarket tabloids as inferior writing not worthy of attention.But tabloids rake in millions in money and circulations. In this WCDR after-breakfast mini-workshop, Gwynn shows you what mainstream journalists and magazine writers can learn from the tabloids.
Letters from the Heart: Creating Stories from Personal Papers Discover what power this form brings to all types of writing. From creative non-fiction to novels to narrative poems, writers have energized their writing and created masterpieces for centuries. Let Ruth Walker show you why every writer should explore this technique. Location: Trent University, Oshawa Campus.
Playing with Words: Explore Creative Writing Join Ruth Walker in some intriguing word-play. Each two-hour session will explore one main element or aspect of writing creatively with innovative hands-on exercises, engaging group discussions and feedback opportunities. Location: Whitby Public Library.
2010
So You Want to Write? with Gwynn Scheltema. A five-week evening course for novices. Port Hope
Character Development — Putting Flesh on the Bones Ruth focuses on ways to shape memorable characters. Montreal
17 Ways to Edit for Energy Gwynn’s simple but dynamic self-editing process. Montreal
Creative Communicators Bringing your Writing to Life Open to Ontario Provincial Government employees only. Toronto
Introduction to Creative Writing and A Recipe for Great Characters Ruth offers two workshops in support of Nova’s Ark. Oshawa
Glentula Getaway – Fall A one-day writing retreat on Lake Seymour. Havelock/Campbellford area
Write to Win! The secrets of winning writing contests with Ruth E. Walker and Dorothea Helms . Aurora
Woods, Water and Words A one-day getaway on Lake Seymour with Gwynn Scheltema. Havelock/Campbellford area
Reason to Care Explore why characters do what they do with Gwynn Scheltema. Whitby
Tasting the Page Making description work for you without slowing the story. with Gwynn Scheltema. Whitby
Tell Me a Story For OPS employeees. With Ruth E. Walker and Gwynn Scheltema through learning.comm. Toronto
An Editing Primer You’ve finished the first draft. What’s next? With Gwynn at the 2010 OWC Conference, Pickering.
It’s not what you earn – It’s what you keep! Taxation tips for writers with Gwynn Scheltema. Oshawa
From Nancy Drew to Nancy Wrote Deciphering the masthead to sell more articles. With Gwynn Scheltema. Whitby.
Write to Win! The secrets of winning writing contests with Ruth Walker and Dorothea Helms. Whitby
17 Ways to Edit for Energy A dynamic self-editing process. With Gwynn Scheltema Uxbridge
Postcards from the Heart Exploring the epistolary form. With Ruth Walker. Whitby
Literary Landscapes Create believable and workable settings. With Gwynn Scheltema. Oshawa
Creative Communicators Part I Harnessing fiction techniques for business writing. With Ruth and Gwynn through learning.comm. Toronto
Your Character’s Voice Effective dialogue in fiction and memoir with Ruth Walker. Whitby
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