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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 DESCRIPTIONLOCATION
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The Dark Won't WaitDavid PoulsenSo You Want to be an Author
Award-winning Canadian author, David A. Poulsen, shares his journey to becoming an author. It’s a roller-caster ride that shares the joy, the pain and even the heartbreak of becoming a writer. Along the way, you’ll hear about the world’s worst rejection letter, that moment when an author’s first book actually becomes a book and even the scariest day in David’s life. And if you’re wondering what that has to do with becoming an author, come on along and find out, You’ll laugh, you’ll shake your head and you just might decide the author life is something you want to pursue.
To be determined
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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. To be determined
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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. To be determined
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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. To be determined
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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! To be determined
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WHITE PINE
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BOOK TITLEAUTHORWORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONLOCATION
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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. 		To be determined
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For She is WrathEmily VargaMore info to come.To be determined
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Messy PerfectTanya BotejuGet Unstuck! Do you ever panic when you see a blank page? Or get stuck in the middle of a story, with no idea what to write next? Me too! In this interactive workshop, we’re going to swap new ideas, get a bit silly, and find out what “story” really means. To be determined
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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.To be determined
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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.To be determined
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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.To be determined
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