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FESTIVAL PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS
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May 13, 2026
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RED MAPLE
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BOOK TITLEAUTHORWORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONTIMELOCATION
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Finding HarmonyEric Walters One of the most common refrains for students, is 'I don't know what to write about.' This presentation will explore looking for stories in every day life and events. It will focus on the power of drawing on personal history for story, focusing on Finding Harmony and The King of Jam Sandwiches. 1:15-1:45Gallery
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If We Tell YouNicola DahlinStorytime! As a group, we’ll create a story using your ideas as the building blocks. Just bring your imagination. 1:15-1:45Community Square Tent
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Is There a Boy Like Me?Kern CarterDealing With Expectations - Using his own life and themes from his novel to talk about how to manage the expectations you place on yourself and the expectations from people around you. At the end of the presentation, participants will have a better idea of what it means to be fully who they are at all times, without fear of judgement. 12:15-12:45Studio Theatre
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Unsinkable CayenneJessica Vitalis Do you find the blank page terrifying? Or maybe you have an idea but you’re not sure how to turn it into a story? Award-winning author Jessica Vitalis explores how to find ideas and shares her favorite techniques for turning those small story seeds into fully developed stories. Includes Q&A! 12:15-12:45Gallery
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WHITE PINE
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BOOK TITLEAUTHORWORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONTIMELOCATION
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A Drop in the OceanLéa TarantoLéa Taranto — Time’s Up, Write Now (author of A Drop in the Ocean)
Need some writing inspo? Join Léa Taranto for a fun drafting session with prompts to explore your past, present and future based on parts of Mira’s journey in A Drop in the Ocean. Try your hand at crafting poetry in fun POVs, adding song lyrics to your favourite banger, and time travelling self-talk. Be prepared to jot down ideas quickly and to share. 		10:15-10:45Studio Theatre
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Messy PerfectTanya Boteju"Three Things that Work for Me" - In this session, Tanya Boteju will share three key practices that have kept her focused, consistent, and--most importantly--excited about her writing projects, even when those projects get stressful and "sticky"! Followed by Q&A.11:15-11:45Gallery
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Recommended ReadingPaul CocciaWhat gets the heart of a romance beating? Join Paul Coccia as he shares the tips and tricks he used to write "Recommended Reading." Paul (who is told he is unromantic) will share what he's learned to create romantic tension, drama, and give readers all the feels.10:15-10:45Gallery
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The UnfinishedCheryl IsaacsWant to write a story but fresh out of ideas? Bring your questions about character, setting and plot to discuss these three important story components and learn how to use simple prompts to jump-start your storytelling.11:15-11:45Studio Theatre
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The Unweaving: A NovelCheryl ParisienWhat's it like to write historical fiction? Does writing about real-life people and events make writing easier or harder? And who are the Red River Métis anyway? Join Cheryl Parisien, author of The Unweaving, for this fun, informative discussion.11:15-11:45Community Square Tent
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