Note: Most events have moved online.
Writers old and new sometimes need to take a break from the solo task of writing. While there is a tendency for writers to be introverts, for others there can be many benefits to being part of a bigger community of creatives. Those include the opportunity to learn and to network with readers and other writers.
To find local Victoria and BC events for writers, see the listings below. In addition, there are more resources about writing groups in the Writers’ Organizations section.
Writing Events in BC
Below is a list of BC literary events. Also check library websites, schools, bookstores, coffeeshops, and municipal event listings for writing event notices. This is especially true if you live in a small community. However, some small towns in BC are overflowing with writers and bookworms. Over the years, there have been many, many writers who have called BC their home. Check out the Wiki master list of BC writers.
BC Writing Event Listings
- BC Writers’ Literary Calendar
- BC BookLook News & Events
- Eventbrite – Book/Writing Events Victoria
- Google Events – Victoria Author Readings
- ReadLocal BC – Festivals & Events
- Canadian Authors’ Calendar
- Writers’ Union of Canada
- Victoria Writers’ Society Calendar
- MagsBC online events
- Chinatown Storytelling Centre
- Vancouver Island Romance Writers
- BC Science Fiction Association
- BC Sherlock Holmes Society
BC Writing Events
- Word Vancouver Festival
- Vancouver International Writers’ Festival
- Vancouver Art Book Fair
- Surrey International Writers’ Conference
- Festival of Authors (Victoria)
- Sidney Literary Festival
- Galiano Literary Festival
- Denman Island Festival
- Literary Festival – Nelson
- BC Book Prize
- Victoria Book Prize Society
- Malahat Review (events & awards)
Also, see Bookstores in Victoria BC and check bookstore events.
WRITING EVENTS (outside of BC)
- Canada Indie Bookstore Day
- World Indie Bookstore Day
- BookNet Canada
- LitQuake (US)
- Hay Festival (UK)
- BookExpo America
- Left Coast Crime (convention)
- Crime Writers of Canada
Writing and Publishing Courses
- Diaspora Dialogues (online writing courses)
- UVIC Writing Courses (Victoria, BC)
- SFU Publishing Courses (Vancouver, BC)
- Victoria and Vancouver Public Library writing events
Writing awards for self-published authors
Writers’ Union List
Self-Publishing Alliance Awards & Contests List
Writing for Children & Youth:
- StoryStudio.com helps children write and publish their own stories.
- Creative Writing for Children helps students to write, illustrate, and publish.
- Writers’ Exchange hosts creative literacy activities for children.
(on hold) 3 Penny Publishing Workshops
- On Hold: Shawna Barker of Synergy Nutrition. How to use blogs, email lists, and events for promotion and marketing.
- On Hold: Getting started on Instagram with MeganMediaDesign.com.
- On Hold: Self-Publishing Writers’ Panel. Local self-published writers will share experiences, challenges and victories. Details TBA.
If you would like to be notified of a 3 Penny Publishing event, send an email.
Past 3 Penny Publishing writing workshops
Updated January 2022