The Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop, publisher of Ricepaper magazine is working together with the Aboriginals West Coast Writers Collective to host a series of writing workshops and reading events on Saturday October 13 and Sunday October 14th at the Strathcona Community Centre (601 Keefer Street) in Vancouver, BC.
We have a great selection of emerging and established writers from both the Asian and Aboriginal communities leading workshops. For more information click here!
Workshops
Joanne Arnott and Fiona Tinwei Lam will be teaching Ancestors workshop on Saturday Oct 13, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Ancestors workshop:
The actual and imagined lives of our ancestors can inspire wonderful writing in any genre. In this workshop, participants will embark on a journey that will delve into the past, and its relationship with both the present and future. We will look at how writers navigate the flowing stream of generations to make memories and historical fact come to life, through narrative, vivid description, dialogue, character and other literary means. This workshop will provide a safe space to start or continue to explore ancestral linkages and dislocations that can inform your present or future writing projects.
Janet Rogers and Mercedes Eng will be teaching Youth workshop on Saturday Oct 13, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Youth workshop:
Calling writers aged 14-19! You have something to say, and we think it’s cool to develop youth voices. What does your cultural and community background mean to you? How do you use writing to respond to the world? Have you ever wanted to explore different creative writing forms? This is an opportunity to meet and be mentored by two very special Aboriginal and Asian Canadian authors in a supportive and encouraging setting. Share and develop your gifts in this special workshop just for you(th)!
Teachers, youth workers, parents and friends: Do you know of a young writer aged 14-19 who you want to nominate to participate in this workshop? Click on the register button for details on how to nominate a youth writer.
Hiormi Goto and Daniel Heath Justice will be teaching Speculative Fiction workshop on Sunday Oct 14, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Speculative Fiction workshop:
Speculative fiction is HOT! And it’s not just for genre nerds anymore (Although, admit it, who doesn’t love a nerd? We do! And we want you here, at this workshop!). Spend the morning creating fiction that is of this word and out of this world at the same time! Aboriginal and Asian Canadian writers know how to boldly go into the norms of realism and out the other side to a speculative truth that is out there…
Jordan Abel and Rita Wong will be teaching Land/scapes workshop on Sunday Oct 14, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
Land/scapes workshop:
The land, like our ancestors, is one of the reasons we’re here. For Indigenous writers, the land is an important theme because “this land is your land.” For Asian Canadian writers, as settlers and guests on these unceded Coast Salish territories, it is equally important to honour this land with gratitude and respect. In this workshop, write your way across the contact zones of home, place, and imagination.
Readings
As part of the writing workshops, we’re also hosting a series of readings. It will give a chance for all writing participants to showcase their writing.
Saturday October 13th at Rhizome Cafe (317 East Broadway)
Readers will include: Joanne Arnott, Mercedes Eng.
Readers include: Daniel Justice, Hiromi Goto, Jordan Abel, Rita WongGuest are encouraged to come early to get a good seat and are also able to sign up for the open mic reading!
Readings will be from 7-9 pm.
Yummy snacks will be provided!