SiWC Conference Newsletter

Here Comes SiWC 2010

KathyChung — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:31:45 -0500

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

From conference coordinator Kathy:

Welcome to our first email newsletter of the year!

And what a year it’s shaping up to be! Plans for our 18th annual Surrey International Writers’ Conference are well underway, and we’re thrilled with how things are beginning to come together.

October may still be a few months away, but it’s not too soon to mark your calendars for SiWC 2010. This year’s conference will be held October 22-24, with master classes on the 21st at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey, BC. Hope we’ll see you there!

We now offer lots of ways for you to keep up-to-date with all the SiWC news. We’ll keep sending this newsletter, of course, but for all the up-to-the-minute developments, check out some of these options:

Our blog, at www.siwc.ca/blog, is updated regularly. We’re about to start blogging presenter information for 2010. Sign up for our RSS feed or visit the site, and you’ll be among the first to know just whose workshops you’ll be enjoying come October.

We have a brand new fan page at Facebook. Join us! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Surrey-BC/Surrey-International-Writers-Conference-SiWC/343986316665.

And we’re on Twitter, too, @siwctweets

As always, we’re planning workshops and panels with something for everyone, from the beginning writer to published master wordsmiths. No matter what kind of writer you are – novelist, journalist, poet, short story writer, essayist, children’s writer, screenwriter, memoir writer, biographer – and no matter what genre you write, there will be something for you!

Finally, it’s definitely not too early to be working on your writing contest entry. Our amazing SiWC Writing Contest offers $1000 prizes in all four categories. Entries must be postmarked by September 10, 2010.

Have questions? Email me anytime at kathychung@siwc.ca. See you in October!

Kathy Chung
SiWC Conference Coordinator
www.siwc.ca
@siwctweets

The Surrey International Writers' Conference, held every October in British Columbia, is the most comprehensive conference of its kind in Canada. SiWC offers writers in all genres -- from beginners to experts -- the opportunity both to hone their craft and to expose their work to the international literary marketplace. For more information please visit http://www.siwc.ca

SiWC 2009 -- This Week!

siwcadmin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:48:54 -0400

Presenting The 17th Annual Surrey International Writers' Conference,
October 23-25, 2009.

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kooly collected konference coordinator kc dyer:

Here we go!

Pencils being sharpened, suitcases being packed, throats being cleared...

Are you ready?

There are still a few openings left, so if you want to come for a day or the weekend, don't delay -- you can attend the whole weekend for as little as $399.

More than 60 speakers are presenting more than 70 workshops, panels and special events. Questions will be answered. Techniques will be learned. Contests will be won. Auctions will be bid upon. Deals will be made. Books will be sold.

Aliens will be spotted.

More than 150 people have signed up for our Master Classes alone this year -- come join the fun! Classes are $99 if you are registered for the conference and $119 if you are not. Come join the fun at the Vancouver Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey this weekend. We take over the hotel and a guaranteed good time will be had by all.

Young writers are welcomed on Friday, including lunch, for a cost of $50. A great way to spend a Pro-D day!

This year I'll be tweeting the conference, too, so even the little blue bird is getting in on the action.
Follow along at @kcdyer and @siwc2009.

Questions? Email me at kcdyer@siwc.ca

See you very soon!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

Just a few days until SiWC 2009!

siwcadmin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:44:25 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kaotic cranium of konference coordinator kc dyer:

SiWC 2009 is almost upon us -- are you ready?

This year we have two solid themes that, in the way of these things, somehow work together. Being more conscious of our environment, plus the invasion of extraterrestrials coming on Friday night -- well, it seems to have led to a plethora of Little Green Writers.

As you can see, I am, as usual, jumping in the deep end. Have you got your alien antennae yet? If not, do not fear! We have them for sale at the conference, proceeds going to the Surrey Young Writers' Contest. Help support a good cause, and look weird all in one go! And don't forget to stop by the ballroom on Friday night for a performance of Michael Slade's Shock Theatre: War of the Worlds.

As usual, we have a wild and crazy weekend planned for you, so here are a few words of advice for you as you pack your pencils, collect your computers and scurry off to Surrey.

In addition to the single Pitch and Blue Pencil appointments that you may have signed up for when you registered, throughout the weekend you can head over to our appointment desk and book more appointments of either variety, subject to availability. Why limit yourself to just one? And don't forget to book some time with Cricket Freeman and Bev Boissery to practice that pitch before you hurl it at one of our wonderful agents, editors or publishers. They will be available by appointment all day Friday and Saturday.

A couple of final personnel changes to announce. We would like to welcome non-fiction agent Sharlene Martin of Martin Literary Management. We'd also like to welcome author Anthony Flaco. Anthony and Sharlene's bio and information will shortly be available up on our website. They are looking forward to the publication of their Writers' Digest book PUBLISH YOUR NON-FICTION BOOK this fall.

Agent Jenoyne Adams is unable to join us this year. If you have a pitch appointment with Jenoyne, it will automatically be transferred over to Sharlene Martin. If you'd like to change the appointment, you may do so at the conference appointment desk, or by emailing me this week at kcdyer@siwc.ca

If you are interested in starting your SiWC experience a little early, we still have room in our Master Classes, this year starring Jacqui Banaszynski, Jack Whyte, Donald Maass and Michael Slade. You can register on-line, or by phone at 604-594-2000. Master Classes are an additional $99 for conference registrants -- money well-spent for a 3-hour class from one (or two!) of the best in the business.

There is still room to register for the full conference, though our numbers are up from last year -- if you haven't registered, do it today to avoid disappointment. A reminder that we have a special rate for young writers (under 19) on Friday -- only $50, including a bag lunch. Spread the word to the young writers you know. (It's a provincial Professional Development day -- a great way to spend a day off!)

For those of you who have not attended before, please note that nothing will be mailed to you in advance of the conference. Remember to get to the hotel bright and early on Friday -- it's a BUSY time! You'll collect your appointments with your registration packs, -- along with a whole lot of fabulous info about the conference. There will be an orientation session for newbies held at 8:00 am in the hotel on Friday morning to help you get your bearings in Green Timbers #1. And if you want to get the most out of the conference, (or if 8:00 am is just a little too early for your blood!) I am offering a quick overview in SiWC 101 in the first session of workshops. I'll give you a few tips to help you enjoy the best the conference has to offer and then send you on your way!

Before you leave home, don't forget to raid your piggy bank to make a bid on one of the items in our fabulous Silent & Deadly Auction. And remember to bring $2 to buy yourself a pair of alien antennae for Friday night.

And please, if you have any food allergies or questions, ask at our registration desk. We will have the hotel menus on hand, or if you are registered in our Basic Conference package, we can make suggestions for nearby places to eat. The hotel has a food kiosk set up for light meals and snacks, and coffee. Water is provided in all the workshop rooms. Show us your green side and bring your own waterbottle!The conference board has worked closely with the amazing administration and staff of the Sheraton Guildford Hotel and we all want to make this the best possible weekend for you.

All the announcements that take place during meal times and banquets will be also posted on the bulletin board at our registration desk in the front lobby, so everyone can stay in the loop.

Oh -- and the bar is open until 1 am every night.

As always -- if you have a question you can't find an answer to on the website at www.siwc.ca you can reach me at kcdyer@siwc.ca Please put your topic in the subject line of the email -- and I will do my best to answer.

See you soon!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

A Quick Reminder...Last Chance for Early Bird Prices!

kcdyer — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:55:06 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kaotic cranium of konference coordinator kc dyer:

A couple of quick reminders...

Early bird pricing elapses October 1. If you want to attend the conference this year and take advantage of our lowest prices of the season, better act fast! Costs for each category of registration go up by $20-$30 in October, so get your best deal and register today!

Remember to keep an eye on our blog for presenter profiles, hints and tips for the conference. We're into our final three weeks before SiWC 2009 is upon us and we want you to make the best of your experience!

Why should you attend?

How about...

more than 70 workshops, panels and events in every genre and for all levels of ability, designed to build your skills as a writer.
over 60 presenters from near to far; from here and away; from Canada, the United States and Europe to help you build your writing career
night owl events, silent auction, banquets, book fair, trade show, silly writing contests, master classes, prizes and awards galore
fellowship with others who share your ideals, goals, aspirations and struggles...your colleagues and friends!

Who wouldn't want to attend?

Join us!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

Six Weeks and Counting

siwcadmin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:02:30 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kaotic cranium of konference coordinator kc dyer:

The countdown is on.

SO much to share! Where to begin? Where....?

Let's see.

Contest entries are in and being tabulated as I type this. Entries were down this year in all categories. A reflection of the economy, alas.

Bad news for us ...this is an important fundraiser for the conference. But good news for those who entered! Competition numbers are down, so your chances of winning are better. Best of luck to all!

If you are one of the excellent writers who makes the short list, you'll hear about it from me before the end of September. You'll need to submit the entry by email [if you haven't done so already], so that we can amalgamate and send to the judges. The exception is poetry -- we send hard copies of the poems, because sometimes the format of the poem has bearing, and the words make their own art on the page.

Fingers crossed for all who entered!

In other news, we have a few new presenters to announce for our conference, and a couple of other changes, too.

First change -- we are very sad to announce that Anica Mrose Rissi is unable to attend this year after all. We will sorely miss her! However, Annette Pollert, her colleague from Simon Pulse (the kids' imprint of Simon & Schuster) will be here in her stead. If you currently have booked an appointment with Anica, Annette will be taking it over. And if you haven't booked your pitch appointment yet...why not? Take the plunge!

Canadian agent Carolyn Swayze will also be taking pitches -- we've just added her name to our registration form. Remember that if you've already booked in your pitch and Blue Pencil appointments, there are always more to be had at the conference.

We'd also like to welcome April Eberhardt, of Reese Halsey agency in San Francisco, who will be joining us this year. We are very excited about this because April is particularly looking for Canadian talent. I think I am allowed to share with you that her latest deal was a debut Canadian author, in a two-book deal with a major publishing house. She's looking for more...could YOU be the one? Because she is just joining us now, April has LOTS of open appointments, and even if you have booked to see another agent already, never fear! Every day our appointment desk opens in the morning, and you are able to sign up for Pitch and Blue Pencil appointments in addition to the ones you booked with your registration.

Exciting! And this makes our conference almost unique, as there is NO charge for these appointments.

But before you book, make sure you take time to book a 'Pitch Practice' session with agent Cricket Freeman or author Beverley Boissery. They'll help you get your hook note-perfect before you go try it on April or one of our other agents and editors.

I'm very sorry to announce that Elizabeth Lyon will not be with us this year. Elizabeth has to undergo back surgery, and we send her the very best wishes and lots of SiWC wellness karma. If you planned to take Elizabeth's Master Class, I will be in touch over the next little while to go over your options. Stepping in for Elizabeth this year will be a favourite presenter from years past.

More details soon -- keep an eye on the blog.

Conference favourite Jack Whyte has had a crazy busy year. The final book in his Knights Templar trilogy has just emerged, he's embarked on doing justice to a collection of famous Scots heroes...and you might have caught his full-page profile in the Globe and Mail a few weeks back. Jack is returning this year with a Master Class to kick-start the conference for those lucky writers who choose to sign up. We've just got the description up on the site. Here's a summary:

It's not an Art. It's a Craft. Join master storyteller Jack Whyte as he delineates the differences between the oral art of storytelling, (in which the aural combination of voice, intonation and delivery can carry the tale while completely disguising a fundamental lack of understanding of literacy on the part of a gifted storyteller) and the written craft of storytelling, where that fundamental understanding of the rules of language, syntax and grammar is the sine qua non of success.

So what are you waiting for? With Master Classes from Pulitzer Prize winning author Jacqueline Banaszynski, Horror-Meister Michael Slade, uber-agent Donald Maass and now Jack Whyte...why not start your conference off in style and sign up right away?

Events, events, events! We have two Very Special Night Owl events this year. On Friday night, the inimitable Michael Slade will present Shock Theatre -- a radio-style production of WAR OF THE WORLDS. Be prepared...this night will definitely have the ghoulish Slade touch to it.

And on Saturday night, our very own Vampire creator [in that he is author of VLAD: THE LAST CONFESSION] will bring his own special sparkle to the Night Owl event: The Secrets of Sexy Swashbuckling -- an intimate evening with CC Humphreys and his Sword. Now those of you who attended our Masque last year will remember Chris in his golden mask. This guy is dangerous -- and he'll be armed. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Throughout the weekend, you'll have a chance to bid on items in our Silent but Deadly Auction. Keep an eye on the blog, as we'll be listing some of the writer-friendly items up for bid!

Finally -- here's a way you can help us. We want to make this year a sell-out, so later this month, I'll be hitting the road, visiting schools, colleges, book clubs -- anyone who wants to learn more about the conference. Please help us spread the word about this SiWC Road Show! Anyone interested in having me visit their group for an hour or so at no charge -- just to talk about the conference and answer any questions potential attendees might have, feel free to email conference assistant Ingrid Roeske at i.roeske@siwc.ca or me at kcdyer@siwc.ca and we'll do our best to book your group, school, University department, clan, coven -- you name it! -- a stop on the SiWC Road Show.

For general information, the best place to catch up on the latest is the website itself -- updates can be found regularly. Keep an eye on our blog (better still -- sign up for our RSS feed and have the blog brought to YOU!)

See you soon!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

The SiWC Contest Deadline Approaches...!

siwcadmin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:16:46 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kaotic cranium of konference coordinator kc dyer:

Here it comes -- September 4th is almost upon us!

Have you submitted your contest entry yet?

It's not too late -- as soon as you dot every i and cross every t, you can send your submission in until the very last minute via email.

Contest details can be found HERE in full. Or check out my most recent blog post on the site for an update. But whatever you do -- get those entries in. Contest fees are the same low price of $15 / submission. And the prizes total more than $4000 -- not to mention publication in our anthology!

If you have any questions, you can email me at kcdyer@siwc.ca.

Now -- other conference news. There's lots of it! We have a couple of new presenters to add to our exceptional roster. We have a whole selection of exciting events planned. And we have everything you've come to expect from our conference...all ready to go for this year. Want to know the details? Your best place to look is on the website itself -- updates can be found regularly. Keep an eye on our blog (better still -- sign up for our RSS feed and have the blog brought to YOU!)

In the next few weeks, we'll be adding a link on the site to our Facebook page -- yet another way to keep in touch with us. I twitter already [I'm @kcdyer if you'd like to follow me], but we'll be adding an SiWC twitter link as well.

And, to finish, here are a few regular reminders:

When you register, you are entitled to one Pitch appointment, and one Blue Pencil. And during the conference, our appointment desk opens up, and you can book more appointments of either variety, subject to availability. Why limit yourself to just one?
Once again this year, you you'll have a chance to practice that pitch before you hurl it at one of our wonderful agents, editors or publishers. Just book an appointment with author Bev Boissery or agent Cricket Freeman at the Pitch Practice desk -- they will be open all day Friday and Saturday so you can practice before you pitch.
If you are interested in starting your SiWC a little early this year, consider taking one of our Master Classes You can register on-line, or by phone at 604-594-2000. Master Classes are an additional $99 for conference registrants -- money well-spent for a 3-hour class from one (or two!) of the best in the business.

More news soon. Beginning this week, we'll be featuring our presenters every day in our blog. Make sure to read along to get a close look at who will be joining us at the conference this year!

See you soon!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

SiWC 2009 -- The Wait is Over!

kcdyer — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:41:33 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kaotic cranium of konference coordinator kc dyer:

SiWC 2009 is up and running!

I am delighted to announce that this year, we plan to open registration earlier than ever. Spread the word -- on-line registration will open at 12 noon PDT on Wednesday, June 10th, 2009. We have an exciting conference planned, packed with the usual array of brilliant and exciting presenters and more than 70 workshops, panels and special events.

If you've never been to one of our conferences, you are in for a treat. We've had our blog up and running for more than a year, and I'd like to suggest you peruse our archives to get a flavour for all the elements that make up this amazing event.

Here's a quick preview of our incredible line-up of presenters:

Authors: Jacquie Banaszynski, Linda Bailey, Darren Barefoot, Terry Brooks, Eileen Cook, Anthony Dalton, Robert Dugoni, kc dyer, Hallie Ephron, Diana Gabaldon, Gary Geddes, Ed Griffin, CC Humphreys, Kirk Lapointe, Robert McCammon, Richelle Mead, Bernice Lever, Annabel Lyon, Elizabeth Lyon, Carol Mason, Don McQuinn, Anne Perry, Lois Peterson, Robert J. Sawyer, Richard Scrimger, Michael Slade, Meg Tilly, Jack Whyte, Susan Wiggs

Screenwriters: Jeff Arch and Wally Lane

Social Media Experts: Sean Cranbury, Lorraine Murphy, Leanne Prain, Monique Trottier

Editors: Faith Black -- Avalon, Valerie Gray -- Mira (Harlequin), Abby Ranger -- Hyperion, Anica Mrose Rissi -- Simon Pulse, Lisa Rector-Maass -- Third Draft, Susan Safyan -- Arsenal Pulp Press, Kristin Sevick -- Tor/Forge, Crystal Stranaghan -- Gumboot, Stan Wakefield -- Amacom, Howard White -- Harbour

Agents: Jenoyne Adams -- Bliss, Verna Driesbach -- Dreisback Agency, Sorche Fairbank -- Fairbank Agency, Cricket Freeman -- August Agency, Sally Harding -- Cooke Agency, Meredith Kaffell -- Charlotte Sheedy Agency, Don Maass -- Maass Agency, Jeffery McGraw --August Agency, Katharine Sands -- Freyman Agency, Rachel Vater -- Folio Agency.

These experts from every field of writing, every genre have generously made themselves available to share their time and expertise with our attendees. Workshops, panels and special events are geared to every level of expertise... from beginners ready to share their stories with the world who come to SiWC to learn how to get their work out there, to experienced, published writers who come for the cameraderie and unparallelled professional development to be found in our Master classes and advanced stream workshops. There is something for every writer at the Surrey International Writers' Conference -- and we welcome you to join us and find out for yourself.

Each registrant is entitled to book one Pitch appointment (with an editor or agent), and one Blue Pencil (with a published writer). But why limit yourself to just one? More appointments are always available at the conference, and you can book those on-site, subject to availability. Before you register, have a look at our presenter bios (new ones are going up on the site every day).

And this year we are bringing back our popular pitch practice appointments. Author Beverley Boissery and agent Cricket Freeman will be available to give you a chance to to practice that pitch before you hurl it at one of our wonderful agents, editors or publishers. Just book an appointment on site at the Pitch Practice desk -- appointments will be available all day Friday and Saturday.

If you are interested in starting your SiWC a little early this year, check out our Master Classes. These are classes aimed at experienced writers, and are 3 hours of crafting magic from some of our favourite presenters.

Remember to register early to avoid disappointment -- all appointments are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. A reminder that we have a special rate for young writers (under 19) on Friday -- only $50, and this year it includes a bag lunch. Spread the word to the young writers you know. (It's a provincial Professional Development day -- a great way to spend a day off!)

A quick final note -- this will be my final year as conference coordinator. We'll be posting the position on our website soon -- if you know someone with lots of energy and enthusiasm who might be interested in taking on the job, spread the word! Details up soon on the website.

As always -- if you have a question you can't find an answer to on the website at www.siwc.ca you can reach me at kcdyer@siwc.ca. Please put your topic in the subject line of the email -- and I will do my best to answer.

Looking forward to seeing you again...

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

Just a few days to wait...!

siwcadmin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:37:18 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

> From the kaustic cerebellum of konference coordinator kc dyer:

SiWC 2008 is almost upon us -- are you ready?

We have a wild weekend planned for you, so pack your pencils, collect your computers and scurry off to Surrey.

A few things to remember ...

When you register, you are entitled to one Pitch appointment, and one Blue Pencil. But as of Friday morning, our appointment desk opens up, and you can book more appointments of either variety, subject to availability. Why limit yourself to just one? And this year, for the first time you'll have a chance to practice that pitch before you hurl it at one of our wonderful agents, editors or publishers. Just book an appointment with Bev Boissery at her Pitch Practice desk -- she'll be open all day Friday and Saturday, and you can book an appointment with her at the very same desk.

If you are interested in starting your SiWC a little early this year, we still have a bit of room in our Master Classes (with the exception of Jack Whyte's, which has been capped). You can register on-line, or by phone at 604-594-2000. Master Classes are an additional $99 for conference registrants -- money well-spent for a 3-hour class from one (or two!) of the best in the business.

The conference itself is teetering on the brink of a sell-out -- if you haven't registered, do it today to avoid disappointment. A reminder that we have a special rate for young writers (under 19) on Friday -- only $50, and this year it includes a bag lunch. Spread the word to the young writers you know. (It's a provincial Professional Development day -- a great way to spend a day off!)

For those of you who have not attended before, please note that nothing will be mailed to you in advance of the conference. Remember to get to the hotel bright and early on Friday -- it's a BUSY time! You'll collect your appointments with your registration packs, -- along with a whole lot of fabulous info about the conference. There will be an orientation session for newbies held at 8:00 am in the hotel on Friday morning to help you get your bearings in Green Timbers #1. And if you want to get the most out of the conference, (or if 8:00 am is just a little too early for your blood!) I am offering a chance to Crack the SiWC Code in the first session of workshops. I'll give you a few tips to help you enjoy the best the conference has to offer and then send you on your way!

Before you leave home, don't forget to raid your piggy bank to make a bid on one of the items in our fabulous Silent & Deadly Auction. And remember to bring $2 to buy yourself a mask for Saturday night. We have glitter and feathers decorations, too, so you can really go to town for our first SiWC Masque.

And please, if you have any food allergies or questions, please ask at our registration desk. We will have the hotel menus on hand, or if you are registered in our Basic Conference package we can make suggestions for nearby places to eat. The hotel has a food kiosk set up for light meals and snacks, and we are offering a complimentary coffee service both Friday and Saturday afternoon. The conference board has worked closely with the amazing administration and staff of the Sheraton Guildford Hotel and we all want to make this the best possible weekend for you.

All the announcements that take place during meal times and banquets will be also posted on the white board at our registration desk in the front lobby, so everyone can stay in the loop.

Oh -- and the bar is open until 1 am every night.

See you soon!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

One Month to SiWC 2008!

kcdyer — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:57:38 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

From the kurved consciousness of kc dyer:

The clock ticketh...

One month to go until the 16th annual Surrey International Writers' Conference is upon us. There is much to report, so here goes.

Registration numbers are climbing and our early-bird deadline is approaching. October 1, the rates for the conference go up, so make sure you register right away to get the best prices available. Register early to avoid disappointment!
Third Draft Editor (and long-time friend of the conference) Lisa Rector is offering a youth scholarship this year. We will have the eligibility details up on our site in the next day or two. In the meantime, you can contact Lisa for a set of guidelines at lisa@thirddraftnyc.com. Huge thanks to Lisa for her generosity!
Need a little practice before you make that important editor pitch? Have we got some help for you! Author and long-time friend of the conference Beverly Boissery will be available for you to practice with on Friday and Saturday, all day. She will be sitting at a table in the Fraser Room, and will be taking appointments from the very first morning of the conference. If you'd like to have someone impartial and experienced to evaluate what you have to say and perhaps give you a few tips on the best way to say it, Bev is your woman! We'll have a sign set up directing anyone interested to a volunteer, who will be scheduling these Practice Sessions. Sign up early -- this trial event will be on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Our 16th annual Writing Contest closed September 5th, and the folks behind the scenes are reading, reading, reading. Short-listed entrants will be notified sometime in the next couple of weeks and the winner will be annouced at the conference on Friday, October 24th at the evening banquet.
After the banquet on Friday, get ready for our special Night-Owl event -- the first ever Shock Radio Broadcast with Michael Slade and a celebrity cast you'll have to see to believe. On Saturday, of course, our Night Owl event is our first-ever Masque -- costumes are optional (but encouraged!) but masks...are mandatory. Masks will be available for purchase on site, (a token donation), with all proceeds going to the Surrey Library Young Writers' Contest -- and you'll even have a chance to decorate the mask you purchase...making your identity all the more mysterious. If you do choose to come in costume, we are asking you to find something literary in theme -- the sky's the limit!
Interested in sharing a ride -- or a room at the conference? We have opened up two comment sections on our blog to help connect people who want to share a ride to and from the airport, or share a room while you're at the conference.
Click here for Ride Share

And

Click here for Room Share

And remember ...caveat emptor! This is a service we are facilitating, but we are not vetting the responses. Make sure you are comfortable with the person you're connecting with!
We are still looking for volunteers -- particularly volunteer drivers for SiWC 2008. If you have a story to pitch, what better way to do it than in the half hour trip from the airport, bringing in (and sending home) the finest editors, agents and publishers in the world. If you are able to help out, contact Camille Netherton at c.netherton@siwc.ca (or me at kcdyer@siwc.ca -- I can connect you with Camille, too.)
Some of this news was first reported on our blog earlier this month. Have you been checking in? In addition to almost daily news tid-bits, our website holds a host of interesting and informative items. Our podcasts continue to be popular downloads, and this week our Wonderful WebWizard Dale McGladdery and I tried out a whole new format. I had the pleasure of interviewing best-selling author Michael Slade for a podcast earlier this year, and soon you'll be able to see Michael (aka Jay Clarke) in our very first video podcast. Keep an eye on our website for more visual and aural treats as the conference approaches.

There will be lots more news in the days to come. Check out our blog for daily updates. And if you have any questions or concerns -- you know where to find me: kcdyer@siwc.ca

So...have you got your costume ready yet?

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

Writing Contest Closes One Week From Today

kcdyer — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:44:48 -0400

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

From the kalloused cranium of kc dyer:

It's almost here!

One week until our 16th annual Writing Contest closes at 4 pm, Friday, September 5th, 2008. Submit entires in any (or all!) of our four categories -- Poetry, Writing for Young People, Non-Fiction and the Storyteller's Award (Fiction). With a total of $4600 in prizes, this contest draws great writers from around the world. Join them and compete!

We continue the practice of accepting entries both in hard copy and by email. You can send your entry in to contest@siwc.ca until 4pm, Friday, September 5, 2008. Your cheque or money order will need to be mailed, but as long as your entry is in under the wire, we'll put it in the running. Emailed entries will be acknowledged by return email.

If you are reading this email from a country other than Canada, please send your entry fee as an International Money Order to the address on the contest page. Find out about all the details on our Contest Page.

Our brochures have now been printed and are winging their way across the known world. In the past, we often mailed brochures to past attendees automatically, but with the growing (and greening) of our conference, we now send brochures only to those who request one. If you'd like one -- please let us know! Just send us a note (Here: on our Contact Page) and we'll pop one in the mail to you.

Listen closely....have you heard our most recent podcast? We have now got podcasted interviews with a number of SiWC presenter-celebrities on line, with new interviews going up every week. You can subscribe to our podcast RSS feed (Here: Podcast RSS Feed) or you can just go to the podcast page of the site (Here: Podcasts) and listen in right on your computer.

We've got new blog posts with more detail about the conference appearing every few days. Collect our RSS feed to bring the posts directly to your desktop (by clicking here: Blog RSS Feed) or check the front page of our website to read the latest.

If you have any questions or concerns -- you know where to find me: kcdyer@siwc.ca

Now quit reading and get that contest entry finished!

kc dyer
SiWC Conference Coordinator
kcdyer@siwc.ca
www.siwc.ca

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