NOTE: This story was updated March 31 to reflect the new Write On! contest deadline.
The Royal City Literary Arts Society isn’t letting the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way of events for the city’s word-lovers.
The society is hosting its Tellers of Short Tales series in online format, with the next session tonight (Thursday, March 25) from 6 to 8 p.m.
Carol Johnson will host the event, which will feature author PJ Patten – a graphic novelist, visual artist, tattoo artist and writer who was born in Japan and is now based in New Westminster. He’ll be reading from TOWER 25, a graphic memoir about homelessness, addiction, trauma and recovery.
There will also be an open mic session for short stories, with limited space (sign-up for open mic starts at 5:30 p.m.).
Those interested in attending need to indicate their interest on Facebook or email [email protected] to get a Zoom link.
On Saturday, March 27, the society is hosting a free online workshop, Setting the Stage: How to Write Fiction Novels or Memoirs. Ruth Kozak, a historical fiction writer and travel journalist, will cover topics such as theme, developing plot, knowing your character, and settings and writing description.
The workshop runs from 1 to 3 p.m.
Participants need to register by email, [email protected], to receive a Zoom link.
The Poetic Justice reading series has also moved online, with the next edition coming up Sunday, April 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. It features Jen Currin and Aidan Chafe, plus an open mic session. Open mic sign-up starts at 2:30 p.m.
And one final reminder to local writers: the society’s Write On! contest is still open for entries. The deadline has been extended from April 1 to May 1, at midnight. You can enter your best work in fiction, non-fiction and poetry categories to win cash prizes.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected].
