Brian sent us this picture this morning as he recently received his certificate and anthology.
After coming in second in the fiction category for his short story Lieber’s Report, Brian chose to drive to, and attend, the Wine Country Writers’ Festival. So awesome. We sure hope to see him next year too.
Thanks for sending this Brian!
If you have your certificate and anthology, please send us a pic so we can post it. It’s a big deal to win a writing contest. Don’t under estimate the achievement.
It’s pretty dang hot out there, but the days are getting shorter and the sun a little less intense.
We’re getting closer to that beautiful September weather and of course the Wine Country Writers’ Festival.
We just wanted to let you know that if you don’t already subscribe to the newsletter it may be a great time to do so. We’re offering a $20 registration discount with a coupon code, but only through the newsletter.
Please keep in mind that this is a LIVE-IN-PERSON event.
If you saw a discount on the website, but didn’t take advantage, there’s still another chance.
Registration for the entire Festival is $179–which is a super fantastic deal but, you can get a $20 discount through the newsletter. This is a limited time offer.
The newsletter also contains some suggestions for Blue Pencils and Pitches.
Everyone who signed up for the blue pencil/pitch will be notified by email in the next two to three weeks so please ensure that your documents are ready to forward to us.
You should be putting your finishing touches on now.
While you may not get your first choice for blue pencil, please know that each person doing the blue pencils are seasoned and trained writers. Each has a unique perspective and you’ll be in good hands no matter who you speak to.
Prepare your work and wait for the email.
Be set.
The specific appointment times for pitches and blue pencils will be provided in your registration package. It will be during the day Saturday September 24th.
Remember a blue pencil is not an edit. It’s a discussion of your work, your style, and suggestions how to make it stronger.
Pitches are a discussion about representation and your work. Prepare your documents to include a query, comparables, a synopsis, and bio.
Don’t hesitate to email wcwfestival@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Stay cool. Keep writing. Subscribe to the newsletter–you may find it informative.
On Friday July 29th at 23:59:59 the 2nd Annual Wine Country Writers’ Festival writing contest will come to a close.
Remember this is Vancouver, BC time (same as Seattle, Portland and LA) ! Don’t miss the deadline.
One entry is $15 or two for $25.
Three prizes in three categories— Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry. All winners will be published in the anthology and receive a copy.
The first place winners in each category will also receive complimentary entry to next years WCWF Festival (A value of $179). This will be in September 2023 in Penticton, B C. (Travel and accommodation not included).
I just want to touch base and let you know that if you’re interested in doing a pitch or a blue pencil, the spots are assigned on a first come/first served basis.
The selection should have been made when you registered.
If you registered early and want to change then email Faye at wcwfestival@gmail.com
There’s no guarantee that something can be changed, but we did add Douglas and McIntyre and Imagine Press just a few weeks ago.
Prairie Soul is now full and will not be taking anymore pitches at the WCWF. Same for Jen Landels.
Christina Myers is full for blue pencils.
BUT… The good news is that there are still many openings. Make sure you put a couple of choices down when you register.
And pitches…. there’s still some space available.
Blue Pencil appointments and instruction will be sent out in mid August.
Blue pencils put another set of eyes on your work and can be so helpful as you move forward in a project. If you can’t get the person you want, move on to the next–it still makes a difference.
Registration is open. Blue pencils and pitch are free with paid registration on fcfs basis.
The Zoom Room will be a dedicated room for a couple of Zoom presentations, blue pencils, and pitches. This is not a “virtual” experience. You will have to register and attend the WCWF to participate.
Jonas Saul to join us via Zoom all the way from Greece.
Jonas will be doing a presentation and also be taking pitches on behalf of IMGLM.
Spots are limited. More info will be coming soon.
We’ll also be welcoming Publisher Anna O’keeffe of Douglas and McIntyre to the ZOOM ROOM. The independent book publisher is very well-known and respected in Canada. Check it out HERE. No agent is required to pitch.
Black Press in Penticton, British Columbia has come on as a Champagne Sponsor. Thank you Warren Smith, Publisher.
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The Writing Contest at WCWF was voted on of the BEST WRITING CONTESTS of 2022 by Reedsy.com Make sure you get your entry in by midnight July 29th, 2022.
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Stay informed of all things WCWF by subscribing to the Newsletter.
Register Now so you don’t miss out!
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We’re only an email away if you have a question. A newsletter went out tonight. Make sure you check you sp*m folder so you’re all up to date.
There are THREE CATEGORIES: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry!
First Prize in each category is $150 cash, entry fees for next years Festival (no travel or accommodation), publication in the WCWF anthology, and a copy of the anthology.
Second Prize is $75 and Third $50 and Honorable Mention at Judges Discretion. All winner will be published in the anthology and receive a copy.
Contest closes July 29, 2022.
Registration open for the Wine Country Writers’ Festival to be held LIVE in Penticton September 23/24, 2022! Register Now.
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
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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