Fall Industry Workshop

Moira Stelmack with Victoria Curran and Jane Porter

Last Saturday, the Calgary Association of the RWA held its annual Fall Industry Workshop at beautiful Redwood Meadows, Alberta. Our speakers were Jane Porter from Tule Publishing and Victoria Curran from Harlequin Heartwarming.

Brenda Sinclair, Ellen Jorgensen, Marlene Renee

Sherile Reilly and Jessica L. Jackson

Win Day and Alyssa Linn Palmer

With the fireplace blazing, President Moira Stelmack interviewed Jane and Victoria, and fielded questions from attendees. We learned about what’s new in the publishing world and talked about publishing challenges and opportunities.

A.M. Westerling and Jade Buchanan

Kymber Morgan and Lawna Mackie

Roxy Boroughs and CJ Carmichael

After a potluck lunch, Jane Porter presented her “Writing Well, Selling Well” workshop with additional insights from Victoria Curran and CJ Carmichael.

Shelley Kassian and Jane Porter

B.C. Deeks, Moira Stelmack, Victoria Curran

Next on the schedule, we had Manuscript Critiques. Members Jade Buchanan and Victoria Chatham read two-page manuscript samples to the audience, and then Victoria Curran and Jane Porter did their impromptu critiques. Victoria Curran assured us that this type of critique was more for entertainment value, and is not the usual process for critiquing a submission. Still, I think we all learned a lot, and we enjoyed each piece. Thank you to everyone who contributed a sample for discussion.

Alyssa Linn Palmer and Jennifer Howard

Suzanne Stengl and Victoria Chatham

With CARWA’s usual efficiency, the tables and chairs were soon put away and leftovers were packed up. Afterwards, a group of Carwackians (and one brave editor) headed over to the Powderhorn Saloon in Bragg Creek for debriefing and drinks.