Hi Everyone!

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.

For now… read this and own your craft. xo

UPDATES and NEWS

Writing contest is Closing Very Soon

July 28, 2022 Faye Arcand

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).

Get that entry in on time and good luck.

UPDATES and NEWS

Blue Pencils and Pitches are Filling Up

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022 Faye Arcand

Hello all you lovely writers.

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.

Price is now $159. Increase in August to $179.

UPDATES and NEWS

The Countdown is ON!

July 20, 2022 Faye Arcand

This year, Reedsy voted WCWF Writing Contest as one of the BEST of 2022!

Well, that contest closes on July 29, 2022. Only NINE days left to enter…

What are you waiting for? All the details are on the contest page of the website.

Be a part of the Best.

UPDATES and NEWS

What is a Writing Festival?

July 15, 2022July 17, 2022 Faye Arcand

The Wine Country Writers’ Festival is all about community and connection!

There’s something for everyone. It’s a safe space where you can be the writer you are, or want to be, without fear of judgement or reprisal.

It’s a place to learn, share, and build writer community connections that can really support you through any type of writing career.

No experience necessary. Be you. All you gotta do is register, pay, and show up… We’ll take care of all the other stuff.

Come follow us on Social Media @wcwfestival

Hope to see you in September.

UPDATES and NEWS

#WCWF Follow on Instagram and Twitter

July 7, 2022 Faye Arcand

Hi Everyone. WCWF has joined Instagram and Twitter.

Come follow, share, and use the hashtag #wcwf or #wcwfestival

The WCWF is on September 23/24, 2022. It’s gonna come quickly!

UPDATES and NEWS

Wow! Such Exciting News For WCWF! Our Contest Voted One of the Best, A Zoom Room is Added, and Fabulous New Sponsors.

July 3, 2022 Faye Arcand

THE ZOOM ROOM

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.

He is a literary manager with Imagine Media Group Literary Management and the editor-in-chief at Imagine Press Inc.

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.

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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.

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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.

Talk soon.

Faye and Jim

UPDATES and NEWS

WCWFestival Writing Contest Chosen by Reedsy as One of the Best for 2022!

June 30, 2022 Faye Arcand

We’re thrilled and excited to have our quality contest recognized by REEDSY!

The writing contest for our Wine Country Writers’ Festival is only $15 for one entry and $25 for two!

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.

UPDATES and NEWS

Hello Writers

May 23, 2022 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

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, ….

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.