Category: UPDATES and NEWS

UPDATES and NEWS

Hello Writers

Faye Arcand

There are a few things to update you on….

Registration!

Wow… we are off to a very positive start.

Remember that it is a two step process of filling out the registration form and then paying either by PayPal or by E-Transfer.

Save your spot.

Virtual Book Bar

Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

Do you have a book that you want to display or sell? That’s where the VBB comes into play.

For only $10 we’ll list your book on the VBB. You’ll need the jacket, the link for sale, author link, one sentence description of the book, genre, reader group (ie YA,Adult)

For $10 you can put up a maximum of three books for display.

The VBB is left up through Christmas to promote the authors works.

If you’re interested or have questions please email: wcwfestival@gmail.com

~~~~~

If you want to display your books in person at the Wine Country Writers’ Festival, vendors tables are $60.

Speaking of Vendor Tables

If you have a business you want to promote, or maybe you’re an artist and want to display your paintings, tarot card reader, photographer, ….

Source: Unsplash: Clem Onojeghuo

Please mention to vendors you think may be interested.

A table must be reserved and the cost is $60. There are limited spaces.

The WCWF Market Place will take place on Saturday September 24, 2022. Hours will be announced soon.

Keep Those Contest Entries Coming

The writing contest is open! Entries are only $15 or two for $25.

While you must submit both entries at the same time, they can be in different categories.

Poetry, Non-Fiction, and Fiction are all open.

Check out the Presenter Page

In the last week or two, the page has been updated to add two new presenters.

Corinna Chong, is a literary instructor from the Okanagan. She won the CBC short story fiction contest and will be doing a workshop on Narrative Structure–Getting the Bones of Your Story Down. Welcome Corinna.

We also welcome Natalie Appleton, a former journalist and award winning author.

Natalie will be doing a workshop on memoir and sitting on different panels.

Enjoy your day. More information and reminders will be coming soon. If you have any questions, please contact wcwfestival@gmail.com

UPDATES and NEWS

Hotels in the Area of WCWF 2022

Faye Arcand

I’ve received many emails asking about where to stay in September for the Wine Country Writers’ Festival.

According to many event coordinators, this summer and fall is the time of cancelled and missed events. The phones are ringing off the hook and things are being booked quickly.

Just think of all those young couples who put their weddings off for two years, and of course the WCWF! We’ve had the hotel book since 2019!!

The entire Wine Country Writers’ Festival will be held at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre. The venue is modern, clean, and offering a rate of $169** per night (this is for 2 queen beds), but you must tell them that you’re a registered guest of WCWF.

**Please enquire about extra charges like taxes and parking.

Here are some pictures of the hotel and it’s location at the end of Main Street Penticton, right on Okanagan Lake.

Phone the hotel DIRECT at 1-250-493-8221 to secure a room. (If you use the 1-800 # then you’ll end up with a central reservation system that isn’t located in Penticton and they’ll know nothing about the WCWF).

If the hotel is full, then you can take a look at some other hotels in the area. These are completely separate from the WCWF, have not been checked, and info is provided only for your information.

Days Inn Penticton (250) 980-3952 –10 minute walk

Penticton Ramada  (250) 492-8926 –15- 20 minute walk

Best Western Penticton  (250) 493-0311 –10 minute drive

There are also many Air BnB’s in the area and even some camping… The key is thinking forward and booking for September.

So that’s a good place to start, otherwise google and search. šŸ¤—

UPDATES and NEWS

Happy Mother’s Day to All the Readers and Writers Out There

Faye Arcand

I can’t believe we’ve almost half way through May already. While I choose to consider every day as being “mother’s day”, this commercial one will act as a huge reminder.

Remember, the Wine Country Writers’ Festival! The registration or the weekend away makes a great gift.

The registration fee is only $139! and that includes workshops, panels, keynote, and so much more.

You can give it to Dad too…

Or I know!!

If mom and dad are both writers, send them both on a weekend to the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Convention Centre for the WCWF!

Registration is Open

We opened registration on April 25th, 2022 for both the FESTIVAL and the WRITING CONTEST. The response was very positive and we’re excited for the Festival.

Remember, some things like Blue Pencils or Pitches are on a first come, first serve basis. The price is included in your registration.

It’s been said that the summer and fall of 2022, is the Season of the Cancelled Events and with that comes a huge excitement to get out to live events. This also means that things like hotel rooms fill up fast.

Keep this in mind if you need a hotel in town and want to stay at the venue. There is a special rate of $169. Please mention that you’re attending WCWF. To make your reservation call direct to the hotel at 1-250-493-8221

Don’t wait. Register now.

UPDATES and NEWS

Open for Early Bird Registration and WCWF Writing Contest.

Faye Arcand

Get Ready… September 23 and 24, 2022 the WCWF is ON! Register Now!

It’s with great excitement that Jim Jackson and Faye Arcand declare the Early Bird Registration and Writing Contest for 2022 officially OPEN!

Blue Pencils included with registration fee on a first come, first serve basis.

The cost of registration includes

  • Keynote Speaker
  • Opening Ceremonies
  • Workshops
  • Panels
  • Private event wine tasting
  • Door Prizes
  • Readings
  • Blue Pencil
  • Pitch
  • Private Market Place
  • and so much more….

Register early so you’re not disappointed.

There are TWO Scholarship Passes available. Please contact Faye Arcand wcwfestival@gmail.com for further information.

UPDATES and NEWS

We’re Half Way Through April! You Know What That Means…

Faye Arcand

Hi Everyone. I have some information and a few updates for you today.

Check out the Federation of BC and Yukon Writers Summit…Happening NOW

First of all, one of supporters, The Federation of BC Writers (FBCW), are currently hosting the BC Writers Summit and registration is open. You can check it out HERE.

A rep from the FBCW will be joining us in Penticton in September for the Wine Country Writers’ Festival. We’re very excited to have them on board and let them share all the different ways they support writers.

Registration for the Wine Country Writers’ Festival will open April 25, 2022.

Cost will be $139C and you’ll have to pay by PayPal or E-transfer. This is an early bird price and will provide access for Opening of Festival, Keynote, Festival kick off, readings from the presenters. There will be a no host bar. That price also covers workshops all the next day, wine tasting, shopping, panels, slush…omg… Perhaps we’ll even sing a bit…lol. It’s going to be pretty dang awesome.

Number will be limited.

The Writing Contest will also open on April 25, 2022.

Sharpen those pencils! Entry fee is $15 for one or 2 for $25

You can enter in short fiction, short nonfiction, or poetry.

Prizes are $150 for 1st Place. $75 for 2nd. and $50 for 3rd.

Check the Contest page for all the details, lengths restrictions, and dates.

Good Luck!!

A few other things….

If you have a published book that you’d like to display on the Book Bar, you’ll get that opportunity again this year.

The price is only $10 Canadian.

  • Maximum three books.
  • Payment is required at the time of purchase.
  • You’ll need to supply the genre
  • book jacket
  • the links
  • and a one sentence max description of your book.
  • This will stay online through to the New Year and promoted through the holiday season.
  • Payment is only via PayPal or E-transfer.
  • Coming soon…

Also coming soon….

SideBar Sponsors.

If you want to promote your book, your magazine, your website, your store, your gallery, your singing career…whatever… one of the best ways to get the word out there is through sponsorship and sharing.

You do not need to be a participant in WCWF to do a SideBar Sponsor, but the organizers reserve the right to final decision of inclusion.

This year we’ll be offering anyone the opportunity to be a sponsor for WCWF.

There will be categories you can choose from and be recognized for.

More info coming… soon…very soon.

We hope you’re enjoying the Easter long weekend.

We’ll be in touch soon.

UPDATES and NEWS

Keynote Set for Friday September 23rd, 2022…

Faye Arcand

Hi Everyone.

Registration, not only for the Festival, but also the WCWF Writing Contest opens in just over two weeks.

Have you been working on your short stories and poetry? I hope so!

This year, we’re so excited to be meeting in person. We thought we’d inform you of our Keynote Speaker and reveal the rest of the Presenters on April 25th.

The Keynote Speaker for Wine Country Writers’ Festival for 2022 is Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Chief Louie has recently written a book and will be sharing his experiences with everyone at the Opening Ceremonies at the Lakeside on September 23rd. We thank him for his generosity of time and expertise.

Chief Louie has spoken all over the world about his best lessons learned and his life experience. We are humbled to have him come to Penticton to speak to the writers attending the WCWF.

His book Rez Rules published by *McClelland & Stewart

*(my apologies I put the wrong publisher. It is now correct.)

UPDATES and NEWS

Registration Opens in Less than a Month

Faye Arcand

Hi All. Just a quick update to let you know the shaking and groovin’ behind the scenes is still going full throttle.

We’re working hard to make Wine Country Writers’ Festival (WCWF) a fun, informative, and buzz worthy event–all for you!

It’s shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind event that isn’t your typical writing festival.

Remember we are intentionally “boutique” in nature. This means we’re dedicated to providing the networking opportunity, as well as, work-shops, speakers, readings, and of course … a sip or two of wine.

Time Family of Wine is a Huge Sponsor of WCWF. They’re incredible and will provide some very interesting ‘entertainment’ on Saturday September 24th. This will be open only for registered guests. Hey! What kind of wine do you serve with a thriller?
Sponsor and supporter of WCWF–Thank You!

So keep your eyes open everyone! Registration will open the afternoon of April 25th, 2022. Early Bird pricing will be in effect for a very short period of time.

Stay tuned….

UPDATES and NEWS

Happy March Everyone! This September Wine Country Writers’ Festival Will be Live!

Faye Arcand

Hello and Happy March!

After a long two year hiatus we’ll finally be meeting live in Penticton, British Columbia for the September 23/24 Wine Country Writers’ Festival.

The phones are ringing and the elves (that would be me and Jim) are getting everything in order for the event.

Watch for April 25th!!

Why?

Well …

  • The Guests of Honour and Presenters will be Announced!
  • The Judges for this years WCWF Writing Contest will be announced.
  • Registration will open! Whoop Whoop!!

How can it get much better than that?

Well, I’m glad you asked…

Meet our newest sponsor! Did I hear there’d be wine tasting? Hmm…


Time Family of Wine is located on Martin Street in Penticton, British Columbia. We’re so excited to have them on board with Wine Country Writers’ Festival. They will be playing an integral part of our Festival.

If you’re in the local area, you can stop for lunch or a wine tasting experience. Tell them we sent you.

The Festival this year will take place at The Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre. A block of rooms has been put aside for our guests.

Please book very soon as things are filling up very quickly. With restrictions being lifted, live events are all the rage and the hotel is booking rooms very quickly.

Tell the reservations desk that you’re attending the Wine Country Writers’ Festival and you’ll be given the discounted rate of $170 for a standard two queen bed room.

The Penticton Lakeside Hotel and Conference Centre: Phone: (250) 493-8221

In the coming weeks there will be many posts to inform you all of the goings on and what to expect.

Right now, the important thing will be to register as soon as possible and book your room.

Follow this blog for further information.

Talk soon.

UPDATES and NEWS

Order Your Anthology Now

Faye Arcand

Hi All.

The first ever Wine Country Writer’s Festival Anthology is now complete and ready for order.

If you’d like a copy before Christmas then orders need to be made and paid for BY NOVEMBER 30, 2021 for Canada

Cost is $18 each.

For orders outside of Canada, please notify us.

Payment will be by E-Transfer to wcwfestival@gmail.com

Questions welcome to the same email.

Remember too, to check out the BOOK BAR for Christmas gifts. Support our authors.

Thanks All.