Watch Your Language AND From Inspiration to Publication

Gwynn Scheltema and Ruth E. Walker are at the Ontario Writers’ Conference.

Gwynn is offering an advanced class: Watch Your Language. Dialect, foreign languages, accents and other linguistic touches provide diversity and authenticity to dialogue. Gwynn will help participants avoid character stereotypes so that what is being said is not overshadowed by how it’s being said. Gwynn’s popular workshops at the OWC are consistently highly rated and fully booked.

Ruth’s beginner workshop From Inspiration to Publication invites new writers to play with words through hands-on exercises and fun activities. Participants will risk a little and try on different forms of creative writing. Useful handouts offer tips on submitting material to the right market. Ruth will also serve as a Blue Pencil Mentor, offering helpful feedback in one-on-one discussions with writers about their manuscripts.

Gwynn and Ruth have been at the OWC since it launched, facilitating workshops, mentoring writers and enjoying the many speakers and learning opportunities that a comprehensive conference like this has to offer.

To register, visit the Ontario Writers’ Conference.

Fall Workshops

This fall, Writescape’s Ruth E. Walker will be offering a workshop series in Haliburton

Three Steps to Creative Writing

Thursdays, September 8, 15 & 22

A free workshop series, in partnership with the Haliburton County Public Library in celebration of Bookapalooza, the Haliburton Highlands’ one-day celebration of readers and writers.

Three sessions:

Finding Your Muse: inspiration is everywhere – seeing, touching, reflecting, Sept 8
Five-Sense Skill Builder: deepening connections using the 5 senses, Sept 15
Make a Scene: beginnings, middles & endings explores scene ingredients and their purpose, Sept 22

Attend one, two or all three sessions. Each is designed to focus on one approach to creative writing, with all three complimenting each other in skill development. No experience necessary. Will suit adults and young adults.

Presenter: Author and editor, Ruth E. Walker offers practical, hands-on exercises and a warm and welcoming atmosphere for writers at all levels. A partner in Writescape, Ruth has presented workshops at conferences, colleges and in communities such as Moose Factory, Muskoka, Haliburton, Ottawa, Peterborough, the GTA, London, and the Niagara Region.

September 8, 15 & 22, 2022
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Haliburton County Public Library, Dysart Branch, 78 Maple Avenue, Haliburton Village

NOTE: The library plans to hold this workshop series in person. Any necessary COVID protocols per local heath authorities will be followed.

No charge to register or attend, thanks to Bookapalooza, a one-day celebration of readers and writers with author presentations, trade show and Children’s Book Nook. Free books. Giveaways. Surprises. Special guest author Terry Fallis at the evening Big Book Club. September 24 10 to 4 p.m // Big Book Club 7 to 9 p.m.

Register now through the library website. Questions? Email Ruth at info@writescape.ca or Hillary Montgomery at Haliburton Library hmontgomery@haliburtonlibrary.ca

One-on-one Feedback

September 10. Gwynn Scheltema and Ruth E. Walker are offering the Canadian Authors’ Association, Niagara Branch, a special extra on September 10, 2016. After the 2-hour morning workshop, Finding the Muse and Kindling Your Creative Fire, this dynamic team of creative writing instructors will conduct half-hour one-on-one feedback sessions.

Sessions include:

written feedback from both Gwynn and from Ruth on up to 10 manuscript pages [**see below]
a one-on-one session with either Gwynn or Ruth to discuss the feedback
an opportunity to ask questions, discuss writing plans and potential markets

Interested participants must:

email up to 10 manuscript pages in advance to info@writescape.ca
provide material and payment no later than September 5

Gwynn’s and Ruth’s feedback sessions are a featured cornerstone of their annual writers’ retreat, Spring Thaw. Skilled editors, they excel at finding a writer’s strengths and offering insights to specific areas that can benefit from further development. Because they are also writers, they understand that the best feedback needs to be specific and constructive.

Maximum of 12 participants.

Fee: $30 + HST includes written feedback from both Gwynn and Ruth

$30.00 CAA Niagara Feedback

Once you select Add To Cart, your shopping cart appears in the right-hand column of this page. You don’t need a PayPal account to use this secure payment method. You will need a credit card.

$3.90 HST will be added by PayPal at the checkout.

**Standard manuscript page:

double spaced
12 point font – Calibri, Arial or TNR
1 inch margins all round
paginated
name and title in header on each page

On-demand Workshops

Gather your group. Pick your topic and your date. And we’ll bring Writescape to you.

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.

“I came away with an understanding that will stick with me … great handouts and examples.”

From two-hour evening sessions to week-long programming, you tell us what you need and when you need it. Writescape will supply professional workshop leaders, hands-on exercises and practical handouts, and a creative, supportive atmosphere for an excellent learning experience.

“…a safe place to be vulnerable with my writing and to risk trying something new.”

Writescape facilitators have delivered workshops and presentations across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as Ottawa Region, Durham Region, and Northumberland, Kawartha, Haliburton, Muskoka, Simcoe and Niagara regions, Southwestern Ontario and into the U.S.

Step 1: talk to your group or colleagues about what you need

Step 2: choose your program from our Workshop Catalogue 2016

Step 3: contact:
info@writescape.ca
905-728-7823
leave a comment

We focus on your needs and deliver inspiration, expertise and support. We make it happen.

Custom Retreats

Your Retreat, Your Way

Does your writing group want a private, customized retreat where…

writing and workshopping space is provided
a peaceful, natural setting will encourage your muse to create
all meals are catered
a 24-hour beverage station is available
a professional writer and editor is on hand for support
customized programming can be provided
rates are budget friendly

From weekend get-a-ways to week-long retreats, you tell us what you need and when you need it. Writescape will work with you to make it happen. Contact us at info@writescape.ca; 705-778-5139 or leave a comment below.

Writescape’s custom Just Write! retreats are held at Glentula on the shores of Lake Seymour just over an hour east of Durham Region. Bookings can be made in all seasons. Gwynn and Don and the two house cats will be happy to welcome you.

Be inspired

Nestled in the forest, on the shores of Lake Seymour, Glentula offers peace and inspiration. Five acres of forest and walking trails, steams and lake, gardens, gazebos and secret hideaways. And inside, a bright workroom, book-lined study, or your own private room give plenty of options to write in.

Be supported

Gwynn is onsite and ready to support your writing. After-dinner campfire readings give participants an opportunity for group feedback. Optional warm-up writing sessions and activities can be arranged.

Be comfortable

Glentula is a private cottage home with single and double occupancy rooms. All your meals and snacks are provided. This intimate retreat space accommodates five to eight participants. Registration includes accommodations, meals and all-day access to beverages and snacks.

Getting There:

Glentula is at 101 Morningside Drive, Havelock, ON. Click here for directions.

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