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Community Event Listings

Looking for a Literary Event?
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Welcome to our Community Event Listings. Press Releases are listed in the 1st section and and "on-going event" are listed in the 2nd section. 
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If you would like to add your event please use the form at the bottom of this page​.
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​If you prefer a calendar format visit our Community Calendar but please note that not all press releases are posted in the calendar, as some press releases are not date specific.

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​Pandora's Collective  - In Person Events On Hold
Book Talks Book Club is offered via Zoom (see below)

Hello Pandora's members. Under the evolving circumstances with Covid-19, and the government's recommendation for physical distancing, we feel that it is best to put in person Pandora's Collective events on hold. We wish everyone well and will do our best to reschedule in person events, when appropriate. For now we are offeing some events via Zoom. ~ Pandora's Collective


​Press Releases

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Trauma The Road Back: Two writing workshops that can help you build back your self-confidence and give you a positive way of dealing with some of life’s hardest situations. The opportunity to submit your written piece to a potential anthology. 
While the workshops build on each other, they can also be taken individually. 
$80 for two workshops, $45 for an individual workshop.
To register please email Bonnie Nish at: blnish_pandoras@yahoo.ca 
Please pay at:  https://www.pandorascollective.com/donate.html
 
April 30th online 10:30- 12:30 pm 
Moon Flower: Blooming in the Dark 
 
Trauma is anything that happens to us, physically or psychically, that is beyond our capacity to cope given our personal circumstances and development. Trauma devastates individuals and those who support them. 
Dr. Bonnie Nish (2020)
 
How does one navigate through the complex journey of reconnecting with self after trauma? Is it possible to find meaning for oneself in the wake of trauma and to reengage with life in a productive way? Recovering is different for each individual. Using writing for healing is a powerful tool which allows the writer to access previous experiences, understanding and information.
 
Join us in this 90-minute online writing workshop and allow your imagination to help you open spaces, peel back layers and let go of trauma. Writing can help you build back your self-confidence and give you a positive way of dealing with some of life’s hardest situations. 
We invite you to bring your coffee and join a community, where coming together helps us feel connected and promotes further healing. Write, share and then eat your words. Seeing your words is just as important as sharing them. We will invite you to send us a line from what you write and we will create a unique edible flower with your words on it. You are welcome to eat them (ink is edible as well), display it, or share the words with the world. 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq6bPQSJVHM
Edible flower with poetry
 
Please note that one of the purposes of this workshop is to generate writing that could possibly be included in a new anthology of personal stories surrounding trauma. 
 
Meet our Facilitators. 
Dr. Bonnie Nish is Executive Director of Word Vancouver, Western Canada’s largest free literacy arts festival. Bonnie’s first book of poetry ‘Love and Bones’ was released by Karma Press in 2013. Bonnie has a Masters in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University and a PhD in Language and Literacy Education from the University of British Columbia where she currently teaches. Her next book “Concussion and Mild TBI: Not Just Another Headline” an anthology of concussion related stories, was published by Lash and Associates in 2016. Bonnie is an Expressive Arts Therapist with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the Vancouver Expressive Arts Therapy School who has worked extensively with youth and adults in high-risk situations. She has conducted writing and expressive arts workshops for over 20 years across North America. Her latest poetry book, Cantata in Two Voices, co-written with Jude Neal was released by Ekstasis Editions in 2018. Bonnie lives in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. Find out more about her at https://bonnienish.com
 
Dr Natasha Boškić is a Director, Learning Design in the Faculty of Education and teaches in the Master of Educational Technology program at UBC. Natasha writes poetry and short personal narratives. She is fascinated by the opportunities to combine analog and digital technologies, and use a variety of media to tell our stories. She likes bringing poetry into every day in fun and engaging way. Her collaborative transmedial installation, “Still/ed here,” has been exhibited in Canada, Portugal, Serbia, Denmark, England and Ireland, and was awarded the 1st prize in the category of Digital and performative multimedia art in Surrey Art Gallery in 2019. The video poem, “On the Margin of History”, part of the installation, was also screened at various film festivals. Her poems have been published in anthologies and poetry journals and magazines in Canada, Europe and US. Natasha’s latest short poetry film, “Legacy”, was exhibited at the Polygon gallery in North Vancouver in January 2022. More about her work at onlywords.ca
 
Saturday, June 4th, 2022 online 10:30- 12:30 
Back to Wholeness

Uncover some hidden pieces of your story as you pull together a collage of art and words to help you come back from events which may have had you stuck for years. Time to break molds and piece a new creation together. Surprises? Absolutely. Epiphany? Hopefully. Connections? Definitely. 
No experience necessary. 
 
We will invite you to send us a line from what you write and we will create a unique edible flower with your words on it. You are welcome to eat them (ink is edible as well), display it, or share the words with the world. 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq6bPQSJVHM
Edible flower with poetry

Please note that one of the purposes of this workshop is to generate writing that could possibly be included in a new anthology of personal stories surrounding trauma. 
 
Meet our Facilitators. 
Dr. Bonnie Nish is Executive Director of Word Vancouver, Western Canada’s largest free literacy arts festival. Bonnie’s first book of poetry ‘Love and Bones’ was released by Karma Press in 2013. Bonnie has a Masters in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University and a PhD in Language and Literacy Education from the University of British Columbia where she currently teaches. Her next book “Concussion and Mild TBI: Not Just Another Headline” an anthology of concussion related stories, was published by Lash and Associates in 2016. Bonnie is an Expressive Arts Therapist with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the Vancouver Expressive Arts Therapy School who has worked extensively with youth and adults in high-risk situations. She has conducted writing and expressive arts workshops for over 20 years across North America. Her latest poetry book, Cantata in Two Voices, co-written with Jude Neal was released by Ekstasis Editions in 2018. Bonnie lives in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. To find out more about her please go to https://bonnienish.com
 
Dr Natasha Boškić is a Director, Learning Design in the Faculty of Education and teaches in the Master of Educational Technology program at UBC. Natasha writes poetry and short personal narratives. She is fascinated by the opportunities to combine analog and digital technologies, and use a variety of media to tell our stories. She likes bringing poetry into every day in fun and engaging way. Her collaborative transmedial installation, “Still/ed here,” has been exhibited in Canada, Portugal, Serbia, Denmark, England and Ireland, and was awarded the 1st prize in the category of Digital and performative multimedia art in Surrey Art Gallery in 2019. The video poem, “On the Margin of History”, part of the installation, was also screened at various film festivals. Her poems have been published in anthologies and poetry journals and magazines in Canada, Europe and US. Natasha’s latest short poetry film, “Legacy”, was exhibited at the Polygon galley in North Vancouver in January 2022. More about her work at onlywords.ca

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Wednesday June 22nd via Zoom
Pandora’s Collective and Britannia Library Present
BOOK TALKS - BOOK CLUB 
Bring your favourite passages, points of interest, and share your reading experiences with us. Each person is responsible for either borrowing or buying their own copy to read. (4th Wednesday of each month except December) 
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Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm Via Zoom.
June 22nd.,2022 - Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
Taken from their families when they are very small and sent to a remote, church-run residential school, Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie and Maisie are barely out of childhood when they are finally released after years of detention. Alone and without any skills, support or families, the teens find their way to the seedy and foreign world of Downtown Eastside Vancouver, where they cling together, striving to find a place of safety and belonging in a world that doesn’t want them. The paths of the five friends cross and crisscross over the decades as they struggle to overcome, or at least forget, the trauma they endured during their years at the Mission. Fuelled by rage and furious with God, Clara finds her way into the dangerous, highly charged world of the American Indian Movement. Maisie internalizes her pain and continually places herself in dangerous situations. Famous for his daring escapes from the school, Kenny can’t stop running and moves restlessly from job to job—through fishing grounds, orchards and logging camps—trying to outrun his memories and his addiction. Lucy finds peace in motherhood and nurtures a secret compulsive disorder as she waits for Kenny to return to the life they once hoped to share together. After almost beating one of his tormentors to death, Howie serves time in prison, then tries once again to re-enter society and begin life anew. With compassion and insight, Five Little Indians chronicles the desperate quest of these residential school survivors to come to terms with their past and, ultimately, find a way forward.
Registration Required. Email booktalks@pandorascollective.com to receive the Zoom link. 
Hosts: Mary Duffy, Sita Carboni, Natasha Boskic
www.pandorascollective.com
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Vancouver's Poet Laureate, Fiona Tinwei Lam
invites you to enter the City Poems Contest 

Deadline for submissions: April 15th, 2022

What historical, cultural or ecological sites in Vancouver intrigue, fascinate, or move you? Perhaps it is the ancient Musqueam village and burial site at c̓əsnaʔəm, the Indigenous village of Sen̓áḵw, a specific building in a historic neighbourhood such as Chinatown or Hogan’s Alley, Deadman’s Island, Hastings Park where Japanese Canadians were interned during WW II, Burrard inlet where the steamship Komagata Maru lay at anchor for 3 months in 1914, or one of Vancouver’s parks, hidden streams or remaining old growth trees? Here’s your chance to write a poem that will provide a greater understanding of the origins and multilayered history of the place we now know as Vancouver!
Contest details - https://fionalam.net/poetlaureate/citypoemscontest/#rules

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CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO A TRANSMEDIAL PROJECT: Trauma, the road back: Your stories in augmented reality:
Trauma is anything that happens to us, physically or psychically, that is beyond our capacity to cope given our personal circumstances and development. Trauma devastates individuals and those who support them. 
Dr. Bonnie Nish (2020)
​As our journey though trauma and challenging times continues to unfold, we discover that it is full of surprises, grief, loss, joy and wonder as well. It is full of grace and resiliency. 
“. It is through grace, the ability to hold my head high and move with elegance no matter what, that I find I am able to bear the magnitude of these changes (Nish, 2020).”
We are collecting short narratives or poems depicting personal experiences of trauma and resiliency. These are important stories. How has the journey impacted your life and the lives of those close to you? We will be looking for a publisher with the aim of having the book published sometime in 2023/2024. Every story/poem may be accompanied by a short video turned into augmented reality experience. So, we will be asking for a 1-3 min recording. Please note that sending in your piece of writing is not a guarantee it will be included in the anthology. Only those selected for the collection will be contacted with more details about the video recording requirements.
Please tell your story
-in no more than 500 words.
Please send to blnish_pandoras@yahoo.ca
- by July 25th 2022. 
- please put “Trauma, the road back” in the subject line.

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Return date t.b.d. - On Hold due to Covid-19
Vancouver Public Library and Pandora’s Collective Present 
Word Whips Vancouver East 
6:30-8:30
Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. 
10 -15 minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. (2nd Tues of every month) 
Location: Vancouver Library--Hastings Branch
2674 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z6
Hosts: Jami Macarty & Leanne Boschman
Guest Hosts: Lilija Valis (March, May), Fran Bourassa (April)

Supported by the Writers Union of Canada and The League of Canadian Poets.
Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com



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Return date t.b.d. - On Hold due to Covid-19
Britannia Branch and Pandora's Collective Present
WORD WHIPS WRITING SERIES
Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. 10 -15 minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. (3rd Tuesday of each month except December)
January Guest Host: Wayne Smith
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Britannia Library, Gallery Room
1661 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC
Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com
www.pandorascollective.com
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Return date t.b.d. - On Hold due to Covid-19
Pandora's Collective Presents
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON 
Twisted Poets is the 4th Thursday of each month (except Dec).
​7 - 9:30 pm
​Location: HOOD 29
​4468 Main Street, Vancouver, BC 
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Three Features + Open Mic. 
Suggested donation at the door: $5
Twisted Poets is supported by the Writers Union of Canada and The League of Canadian Poets.
Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com
www.pandorascollective.com ​
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Return date t.b.d. - On Hold due to Covid-19
​Pandora's Collective Presents
WORD WHIPS - THE NORTH SHORE EDITION 

A warm environment, writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. Great for beginners or seasoned writers. Get past the inner critic by writing ten to fifteen minutes on each prompt. See what you can whip up. 4th Tuesday of every month
Host: Fran Bourassa
Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm
Location: The Silk Purse Arts Centre
1570 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1A1
Contact: Fran at fbourassa@hotmail.com
www.pandorascollective.com
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Return date t.b.d. - On Hold due to Covid-19
Pandora's Collective Presents 
WORD WHIPS BY THE WATER 

We provide writing prompts and encourage people to take the challenge. Emphasis is on exercising the right brain in a safe environment – sharing is optional.
Host: Karen Shaw
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm 
Location: White Rock Library on Buena Vista Avenue.
15342 Buena Vista Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6
(604) 541-2201
Contact: pcwhiterock@yahoo.ca
or Karen Shaw, 
chezshaw2013@gmail.com
www.pandorascollective.com
Karen Shaw, chezshaw2013@gmail.com

On Going Events...
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Please check with the hosts to confirm the current scheduling or Zoom offerings. Due to Covid-19 most of these events will be on temporary hold. 

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Sundays

​Every Sunday (except holiday weekends) 
POETIC JUSTICE – POETRY NEW WEST

HERITAGE GRILL, BACK ROOM
Come early & sign up for Open Mic. Time: 2PM-4PM, FEATURED POETS START at 2 pm
Location: HERITAGE GRILL, 447 Columbia Street New Westminster, BC 
For updated information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/poeticjusticepnw/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215251815176114/
If you would like to feature in our series email 
co-managers Candice James & Alan Hill at poeticjusticepnw@gmail.com 


Usually every 2nd Sundays** 
(
We skip holiday weekends)
The Grind Writers Group, Vancouver - on Main Street

10am - 12:30pm
Since 2006
Facilitator: Margo Lamont
All levels, genres, outlooks, orientations, ages welcome.
** We sometimes have out-trips or have a cancellation, so please email (grindwriters@gmail.com)
and introduce yourself before you attend the first time - and will confirm location.
Blog: http://grindwriters.blogspot.ca/
Grind News: http://issuu.com/home/publications
Facebook: "The Grind Writers Group"


2nd Sundays of the odd months of the year
(Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov) 
DEAD POETS READING SERIES

From 3-5pm 
@ Vancouver Public Library, Main Branch, Georgia Street downtown Vancouver, downstairs.
 Free Event. 
For more information and featured readers: www.deadpoetslive.com 

Mondays

Every Monday of the month
HERITAGE WRITERS

meets at the Heritage Grill Mondays 10 to noon.
 $5. drop-in. 
Memoirs, Fiction, Non Fiction, Poetry. Readings and workshops. 
Contact: Ruth Kozak at ruthaki1@shaw.ca for further information. 


Every Monday of the month
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM

Featured readers, poetry open mic and poetry slam
7 pm sign up, show starts at 8 pm.  
Location: Café Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive
4th Monday of each month is the YOUTH POETRY SLAM 
Featured poets each week and a poetry open mic plus the competition. 
Slam Director: Hal Lackie
Contact: hal@vancouverpoetryhouse.com
Website: http://vanslam.ca/


Every Monday of the month
VANCOUVER WRITERS GROUP

Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: 520 Alexander St, Vancouver
Our main session is a Reading, Critiquing and Podcasting night every Monday night. We share material we are working on – fiction, creative non-fiction, comedy, scripts, poetry, non-fiction – and help each other refine our work. Some of us work on performance skills. Podcasting is optional though encouraged.
We also do series or one-offs on topics of interest to writers. We have been known to have social nights at a bar in Vancouver, and occasionally writing competitions.
Check out some of our work at http://vancouver-writers.podomatic.com 
Learn More: https://www.meetup.com/Vancouver-Writers-Group/


1st Monday of each month
The North Shore Writers' Association Presents
”Dare to be heard!” an Open Mike Night

Location: North Vancouver City Library, 120 W. 14th St., North Vancouver
6:30-8:45pm (as library closes at 9pm)
Enjoy a fireside coffee then step up to the mike to read your poetry, short fiction or non-fiction.
No cover charge. 
Sessions run the first Monday of each month; October to December, and February to June; and on the second Monday of September...check with front desk for the room location when arriving at library... 
For more information and updates visit North Shore Writers' website: http://nswriters.com/announcements/dare-to-be-heard-copy/

Tuesdays

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2nd Tues of every month 
Vancouver Public Library and Pandora’s Collective Present 

Word Whips Vancouver East 
6:30-8:30
Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. 
10 -15 minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. 
Location: Vancouver Library--Hastings Branch
2674 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z6
Hosts: Jami Macarty & Leanne Boschman
Supported by the Writers Union of Canada and The League of Canadian Poets.
Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com
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2nd Tuesday of every month
Parkgate Library and Wayne Smith present
Tell Your Story: Memoir Writing Group

Have you ever thought of sharing your memories, stories and life experiences through a memoir?
Join Wayne Smith for a monthly program to exchange storytelling tips and inspiration from fellow aspiring memoirists.
You can write to memoir prompts for fifteen minutes share your stories with others or just listen.
The program will focus on memoir writing and will allow participants to explore different media for recording memoir from books to audio recordings to various other media.
Time: 7 pm - 8.30 pm
Location: Parkgate Library, activities room, 3675 Banff Ct. North Vancouver V7H 2Z8
Contact: Wayne Smith 778 888 6250 wsmith@shaw.ca


First Tuesday of every month
RCLAS presents “SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC NIGHT”

for New & Emerging Songwriters. Everyone Welcome!
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Free admission.
Location: The Heritage Grill, Backstage Room, 447 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC 
Hosts: Enrico Renz, Lawren Nemeth and Poul Bech
More info https://www.facebook.com/groups/150810881784465/
Description: Original music only, performed by the songwriters! Great venue: good sound, food, beverages and a friendly, supportive audience that actually listens. If you write songs and need an outlet to share your material, this is the place to meet like-minded people! Join us for a fun, relaxed evening, either as a participant or audience member

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2nd Tuesday of every month
VANCOUVER STORY SLAM
8 pm
Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver
In this short-story-telling show, ten talented wordsmiths share their original wise, witty, or weird writings. Audience members vote on their favourites. Top monthly storytellers are invited to participate in the annual championship finals in December.
Organized and hosted by Susan Cormier and Bryant Ross
$5 cover includes a ballot to vote for your favorite stories! At least $150 in cash prizes are given away each month.
Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/VancouverStorySlam

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3rd Tuesday of every month (except Nov & Dec)
Pandora's Collective Presents

WORD WHIPS WRITING SERIES
Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. 10 -15 minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. 
Hosts: Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Britannia Library, Gallery Room,
1661 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC
http://www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/branches/details/britannia_branch
Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com
www.pandorascollective.com
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3rd Tuesday of every month (except July/August)
SPOKEN INK READING SERIES

Burnaby Writers' Society/Spoken INK
Deer Lake Gallery 6584 Deer Lake Ave from 8-9:30
The Burnaby Writers' Society workshop is held from 6:45-7:45 p.m. for members of the BWS, but others are welcome to participate as time allows. (No pre-registration required.) The workshop is followed by Spoken INK, BWS's monthly reading series, at 8:00 p.m. Both events are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, except July and August.
Info: bwscafe@gmail.com
http://burnabywritersnews.blogspot.ca/
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4th Tuesday of every month
Pandora's Collective Presents

WORD WHIPS - THE NORTH SHORE EDITION 
A warm environment, writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. Great for beginners or seasoned writers. Get past the inner critic by writing ten to fifteen minutes on each prompt. See what you can whip up. 
Host: Fran Bourassa
Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm
Location: The Silk Purse Arts Centre
1570 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1A1
Contact: Fran at fbourassa@hotmail.com
www.pandorascollective.com

Wednesdays

Every Wednesday
WAX POETIC - RADIO SHOW
Listen on CFRO 100.5FM Wednesday from 2-2:30pm.
Join hosts RC Weslowski and Kevin Spenst every week as they visit with poet laureates from across the country, the latest up and coming poetry slammers, the most seasoned touring spoken word artists, and poets with new books hot off the presses! 
Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/waxpoeticradio

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1st Wednesday of every month
Pandora's Collective Presents

WORD WHIPS BY THE WATER
We provide writing prompts and encourage people to take the challenge. Emphasis is on exercising the right brain in a safe environment – sharing is optional.
Host: Karen Shaw,
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm 
Location: White Rock Library on Buena Vista Avenue.
15342 Buena Vista Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6
(604) 541-2201
Contact: pcwhiterock@yahoo.ca
www.pandorascollective.com
Karen Shaw, chezshaw2013@gmail.com
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Every Other Wednesday
Incite - Reading Series
Mind-altering, metamorphic, twice-monthly.
A free, regular reading series organized by the Vancouver Writers Fest. 
Every other Wednesday, 7:30pm.
Vancouver Public Library Central Branch - Alice MacKay Room
Incite is presented in partnership with Vancouver Public Library and sponsored by the Downtown Vancouver Business Association and Vancouver Courier.
Contact: info@writersfest.bc.ca
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2nd Wednesday (Sept - June)
Canadian Authors Association
We meet monthly on the second Wednesday, September through June, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.). Our meetings are open to the general public and are held at the Alliance for Arts and Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe Street in downtown Vancouver. Meetings include Vancouver Branch announcements and guest speakers (or events). There will be time for socializing (and book signing) at the end of the evening. We charge a nominal fee to non-members.
www.canauthorsvancouver.org/meetings.htm

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Your Words Matter To Us - VIRTUAL EVENTS
2nd Wednesday of each month - Writing/Editing Event 
4th Wednesday of each month - Open Mic event 

Inception: The Writing and Open Mic Event began in June 2019 and has been continuing
since. The bi monthly booklet started in December 2019.
Who we are:
“Your Words Matter” is a program that allows people of all ages and walks of lives to
support one another in their creative thinking and professional success. 
This program involves Everyone’s Writing Event and Everyone’s Open Mic Event and a bi-
monthly booklet called Words Touch Souls is created.
The Writing/Editing event involves writers of all skill levels where they share their work
with one another and receive constructive feedback. In other words, writers would bring
copies of their work for others to edit.
This event occurs on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, at the South Surrey Recreation
Center (14601 20 Ave, Surrey, BC V4A 9P5) in room mp6 (NOW HELD VIRTUALLY)
The Open Mic event involves people with various skills and hobbies who would get to
perform in front of a friendly audience. They may sing, dance, perform stand up comedy, or
share their writing work with one another etc. Each person is given approximately 10-15
minutes worth of time to share their work.
This event occurs on the 4th Wednesday of the month, at the South Surrey Recreation
Center (14601 20 Ave, Surrey, BC V4A 9P5) in room mp6 ​(NOW HELD VIRTUALLY)
Words Touch Souls: This bi-monthly chapbook is created every two months, and
encompasses the artistic work (writing, dance, drawings etc.) of those who like their work
to be published. People are also encouraged to be interviewed, so as to be featured in the booklet.
This booklet is later showcased in various community centers and libraries.
Contact: skarthik.study@gmail.com
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3rd Wednesday of every month
POETS CORNER READING SERIES 

Formats:  Featured Poets, Open Mic, Book Launches, and Themed Readings.
When:  7 - 9:30 pm.
Where:  Massy Books, 229 East Georgia, Vancouver (a 10-minute walk or 3-minute bus ride north of the Main St.-Science World Skytrain station).
Admission:  Suggested donation of $5, but give whatever you can afford.
Contact:  James Felton, Manager (james@poetscorner.ca)
Website:  www.PoetsCorner.ca
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1479876268788189       
Poets Corner is a free reading series devoted to poetry, poets, and poetry fans. Poets, whether emerging or established, are showcased. We host book launch readings and themed readings, but our most frequent format features two (occasionally three) fine poets preceded by an open mic segment. We offer the perfect mix: poetry, a bookshop, and a cash bar.    

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3rd Wednesday of every month
LUNCH POEMS @SFU
12:00 -1:00pm
@ Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings, Vancouver, BC
Lunch poems @ SFU hosts well-known and up-and-coming poets on the third Wednesday of every month. For more information visit www.facebook.com/LunchPoemsAtSFU.
Free admission, no registration required. 

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4th Wednesday of every month (via Zoom)
Pandora’s Collective and Britannia Library Present
BOOK TALKS - BOOK CLUB 
Bring your favourite passages, points of interest, and share your reading experiences with us. Each person is responsible for either borrowing or buying their own copy to read. (4th Wednesday of each month except December) 
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Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm Via Zoom.
April 28th: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle 
It's no wonder that The Power of Now has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 30 foreign languages. Much more than simple principles and platitudes, the book takes readers on an inspiring spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality: the discovery of truth and light. - Amazon.ca
May 26th: Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Paula McLain, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller The Paris Wife, takes readers to Kenya in the 1920s, where the beautiful young horse trainer, adventurer and aviator Beryl Markham tells the story of her life among the glamorous and decadent circle of British expats living in colonial East Africa--and the complicated love triangle she shared with the white hunter Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa. - chapters.indigo.ca
Registration Required. Email booktalks@pandorascollective.com to receive the Zoom link. 
Hosts: Mary Duffy, Sita Carboni and Natasha Boskic
www.pandorascollective.com
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Last Wednesday of each month
Monica's Writers' Café

6:30pm-8:pm
Monica's Writers' Café is a forum for poets, writers, singers/songwriters and artists to share their work in a relaxed and friendly environment, providing the opportunity for budding writers to meet people, make new friends and take part in the open mic sessions. *Monica's Café is a diverse, all inclusive group.
Founder and host: Lucia Monica Gorea, PhD
​Location: Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C. 
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Thursdays

Every Thursday
Downtown Eastside Writers Collective
Thursday's between 2-4 at the third floor of Carnegie's location downtown.
All new writers are welcome.
There will be at least one chapbook put out by the group in the year Sept- Dec/ Jan-  2018/ Jan= April 2019..
Contact: d.n. simmers - dnsimmers@yahoo.ca


1st Thursday of every month 
The Regional Assembly of Text 

Letter Writing Club 
The Letter Writing Club has been gathering at our flagship store in Vancouver to write letters to their loved ones since September of 2005. This monthly event is open to everyone, especially those of us who love writing letters as much as we love receiving them.
Join us in Vancouver the first Thursday of every month at 7 pm. 
No need to sign up ahead of time. Everyone welcome. No cost. Supplies provided.
Time: 7 pm
Location: The Regional Assembly of Text
3934 Main Street 
Vancouver BC, V5V 3P2
http://www.assemblyoftext.com/letter_writing_club


1st Thursday of every month
TWS READING SERIES 
If you get on their mailing list the call for readers goes out the month before and then about eight or nine readers are scheduled with 10 min each. There is usually one feature. No open mic. 
8:00-10:00 p.m.
Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street (at East 29th), Vancouver 
Hosts: Ivan and Karen 
*Cottage Bistro takes cash or debit cards only

​
2nd Thursday of each month 
Royal City Literary Arts Society presents “Tellers of Short Tales” 

Free admission.
Location : Anvil Centre, 4th Floor, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster 
A feature author each session.
Open Mic Sign Up will be available for writers who would like to share their stories. 
More info https://rclas.com/recurring/tellers-of-short-tales/
Description: A program of monthly readings designed to engage fans of the short story genre with emerging and published short story writers. 


2nd Thursday of every month 
(though not December, July, August)

ZERO to 360
Zero – 360, Literary Open Mic is a collaboration of emerging and experienced writers who each share up to six minutes of poetry, short stories, chapters of novels in progress, memoirs or song lyrics. 
Location: South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre, words will ring out in the beautiful Turnbull Gallery.
Snacks and beverages will be available from the Sources concession stand in the Centre, with service shutting down at 7:30.
Sign-up for the Open Mic starts at 7 pm, with the readings beginning at 7:30.
Except for April, when it’s an all-poetry night (for National Poetry Month), all genres are welcome – just so long as the presentations stay within that magical ‘360 second’ mark (6 inutes). If the timer rings while you’re reading, it can be embarrassing, so do a bit of practice before you come.
All are welcome – and remember, you don’t need to read to attend. Audience members are appreciated, especially when they’re appreciative listeners.
Melissa melissa@semiahmooarts.com
Sponsored by Pelican Rouge and Semiahmoo Arts Council


3rd Thursday of every month
RCLAS presents “In Their Words: A Royal City Reading Series”
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Free admission
Location: Anvil Centre, 4th Floor Room TBA, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
Host: Ruth Kozak 
Description: In Their Words happens on the 3rd Thursday of every other month. Feature speakers present their favourite author from any genre in poetry, fiction, non-fiction or drama. Presentations include a brief commentary about the author and a reading of selections that exemplify what the presenter loves about the author’s work. A short Q&A follows each presenter.



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4th Thursday of every month
Pandora's Collective Presents 

​​​TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON 
Features poets plus an open mic.
​Suggested donation at the door: $5
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Open Mic sign up at 7 pm. Readings begin at 7:30
Location: The Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver
Hosts: Daniela Elza and Bonnie NIsh
Supported by the Writers Union of Canada and The League of Canadian Poets.
Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com
www.pandorascollective.com ​
​

Fridays

Every Friday (except summer months)
PLANET EARTH POETRY READING SERIES, Victoria 

Fridays at 7:30pm. 
@ Hillside Coffee and Tea, 1633 Hillside Ave (across from Bolen Books)
$5 donation at the door. 
Planet Earth Reading Series is a launching pad for the energies of writers and poets established and not. It is a place where words are most important. A venue in which all manner of poets and writers are welcome; a place for excellence, innovation, collaboration, diverse projects and experiments. The format includes an open mic and normally two feature writers. The evening begins at 7:30 with an open mic, followed by feature reader(s). Between 7 and 7:15, put your name in the hat to read at open mic.Visiting writers are encouraged to contact Daniel Scott pepoetry2@gmail.com to arrange a reading. For more information visit: http://planetearthpoetry.com/ 


4th Friday of every month (except Dec.)
Surrey Muse 
Presenters (Guest Author, Featured Poet, Featured Artist/Performer), 
​Book Signing, Refreshments, Book Table, Open Mic (3-5 min each).
5:30-8:30 pm
@Room 405 – City Centre branch, Surrey Public Library
Events are free
Donations are welcome.
More Information: http://surreymuse.wordpress.com/meetings/

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