Workshops & Events

New writers: those with less than two years&#8217; creative writing experience and/or no short-form publications (e.g., short stories, personal essays, or poems in literary magazines, journals, anthologies, or chapbooks).
Emerging writers: those with more than two years&#8217; creative writing experience and/or numerous short-form publications.
Early-career authors: those with 1 or 2 book-length publications or the equivalent in book-length and short-form publications.
Established authors: those with 3 or 4 book-length publications.
Professional authors: those with 5 or more book-length publications.

The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) offers creative writing workshops, focused on the craft side of writing, for writers of all experience levels. Specialized workshop formats include foundations workshops (introducing fiction, nonfiction, or poetry to new and emerging writers), intensives (blending creative and professional development instruction while emphasizing peer feedback), and masterclasses (reserved for early-career, established, and professional authors). We also offer professional development workshops, focusing on the logistical and business aspects of creative writing.

WFNS’s other events include several public event series as well as standalone author talks (blending readings with lecture-style creative and professional instruction), author panels (featuring interviews and discussions with two or more notable authors), info sessions (featuring staff members of WFNS and other literary organizations), and writer meet-ups (providing opportunities for members and non-members to socialize, network, and build creative community).

Click on a specific workshop or event below for more details and to register online. You may also register by phone (902 423 8116). We encourage you to register early: most events have a limited number of seats, and registration is subject to availability.