SiWC
@siwc.bsky.social
The Surrey International Writers' Conference, a professional development conference for writers, takes place every October in Surrey, BC, and online. https://www.siwc.ca
Reposted by SiWC
Acoustic guitars used to just be called ‘guitars.’
Then, we invented electric guitars. Oh no.
Which meant saying ‘guitar’ wasn’t clear enough.
So 'guitars' became 'acoustic guitars.'
‘Acoustic guitar’ is an example of a ‘retronym.’
🧵⬇️
Then, we invented electric guitars. Oh no.
Which meant saying ‘guitar’ wasn’t clear enough.
So 'guitars' became 'acoustic guitars.'
‘Acoustic guitar’ is an example of a ‘retronym.’
🧵⬇️
January 13, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Acoustic guitars used to just be called ‘guitars.’
Then, we invented electric guitars. Oh no.
Which meant saying ‘guitar’ wasn’t clear enough.
So 'guitars' became 'acoustic guitars.'
‘Acoustic guitar’ is an example of a ‘retronym.’
🧵⬇️
Then, we invented electric guitars. Oh no.
Which meant saying ‘guitar’ wasn’t clear enough.
So 'guitars' became 'acoustic guitars.'
‘Acoustic guitar’ is an example of a ‘retronym.’
🧵⬇️
Our deepest condolences to our friends at @writersfest.bc.ca, and all the colleagues, friends, and family of Hal Wake. We spent many a @wordvancouver.bsky.social with a table near Hal and @writersfest.bc.ca over the years, and he always had a friendly word for every writer who came by.
January 9, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Our deepest condolences to our friends at @writersfest.bc.ca, and all the colleagues, friends, and family of Hal Wake. We spent many a @wordvancouver.bsky.social with a table near Hal and @writersfest.bc.ca over the years, and he always had a friendly word for every writer who came by.
Did you know SiWC Kathy is also a professional genealogist? Check out her new adventure for people interested in researching their Scottish family history in Edinburgh! Next trip is June 13-20. (And yes, she's still our SiWC Kathy, too!). scottishgenealogy.ca
ScottishGenealogy.ca - ScottishGenealogy.ca
Genealogy research trips to Edinburgh, Scotland, with a professional genealogist. Unlock your family history and experience a taste of Scotland.
scottishgenealogy.ca
January 1, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Did you know SiWC Kathy is also a professional genealogist? Check out her new adventure for people interested in researching their Scottish family history in Edinburgh! Next trip is June 13-20. (And yes, she's still our SiWC Kathy, too!). scottishgenealogy.ca
As 2025 ends, we're reflecting on the amazing generosity and support we’ve received this year. It was a difficult year at SiWC HQ, but every dollar, every share, and every act of kindness reminded us of the strength of this incredible community.
December 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
As 2025 ends, we're reflecting on the amazing generosity and support we’ve received this year. It was a difficult year at SiWC HQ, but every dollar, every share, and every act of kindness reminded us of the strength of this incredible community.
Reposted by SiWC
They're always looking for the secret handshake, no matter how many times people tell them it doesn't exist, and they have to actually do the work to (hopefully, no guarantees) get the results.
Talking to one of these types at a con who asked how I 'got in' with so many 'famous writers' who I'd been talking to and I said "we made friends before anyone knew who we were decades ago by striking up interesting conversations and enjoying each other's company" and he kept re-asking the question.
They have come to the convention hoping to "break in" and then find themselves -- shocker! -- a "nobody in the book world." Yeah no shit! We all are! I have gently told guys like this a million times that it takes most of us *years* of hard work but they do not believe that could be true for them. +
December 26, 2025 at 8:11 PM
They're always looking for the secret handshake, no matter how many times people tell them it doesn't exist, and they have to actually do the work to (hopefully, no guarantees) get the results.
Reposted by SiWC
I was in first-year university, living away from home for the first time, when these women were murdered at school because of their gender. I will always remember. Je me souviens.
Geneviève Bergeron, 21
Hélène Colgan, 23
Nathalie Croteau, 23
Barbara Daigneault, 22
Anne-Marie Edward, 21
Maud Haviernick, 29
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, 31
Maryse Laganière, 25
Maryse Leclair, 23
Anne-Marie Lemay, 22
Sonia Pelletier, 28
Michèle Richard, 21
Annie St-Arneault, 23
Annie Turcotte, 20
Hélène Colgan, 23
Nathalie Croteau, 23
Barbara Daigneault, 22
Anne-Marie Edward, 21
Maud Haviernick, 29
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, 31
Maryse Laganière, 25
Maryse Leclair, 23
Anne-Marie Lemay, 22
Sonia Pelletier, 28
Michèle Richard, 21
Annie St-Arneault, 23
Annie Turcotte, 20
December 6, 2025 at 7:18 PM
I was in first-year university, living away from home for the first time, when these women were murdered at school because of their gender. I will always remember. Je me souviens.
Giving Tuesday is here! If you're able, we'd appreciate your help so SiWC can continue to provide an inclusive, welcoming, and career-expanding experience—online and in person—for many years to come. www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc Thank you!
December 2, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Giving Tuesday is here! If you're able, we'd appreciate your help so SiWC can continue to provide an inclusive, welcoming, and career-expanding experience—online and in person—for many years to come. www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc Thank you!
We're thrilled to announce that the strike at our conference hotel has been resolved. We'll be returning to our home of three decades for SiWC 2026. Join us from October 23-25 with master classes on the 21st (online) and 22nd (in person and live-streamed).
December 2, 2025 at 6:25 PM
We're thrilled to announce that the strike at our conference hotel has been resolved. We'll be returning to our home of three decades for SiWC 2026. Join us from October 23-25 with master classes on the 21st (online) and 22nd (in person and live-streamed).
Five days left to take advantage of our donor bonus, a 90-minute Zoom with agent Sara Megibow on December 4 (thanks, Sara!). www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
November 25, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Five days left to take advantage of our donor bonus, a 90-minute Zoom with agent Sara Megibow on December 4 (thanks, Sara!). www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
Reposted by SiWC
We're thrilled to offer a 90-minute Zoom session with agent Sara Megibow as a donor bonus for our GoFundMe. Donate $250CAD or more Nov 15 - 30 inclusive to get an invite to the Dec 4 Zoom. We're incredibly grateful to Sara for her generosity! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
November 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM
We're thrilled to offer a 90-minute Zoom session with agent Sara Megibow as a donor bonus for our GoFundMe. Donate $250CAD or more Nov 15 - 30 inclusive to get an invite to the Dec 4 Zoom. We're incredibly grateful to Sara for her generosity! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
We're thrilled to offer a 90-minute Zoom session with agent Sara Megibow as a donor bonus for our GoFundMe. Donate $250CAD or more Nov 15 - 30 inclusive to get an invite to the Dec 4 Zoom. We're incredibly grateful to Sara for her generosity! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
November 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM
We're thrilled to offer a 90-minute Zoom session with agent Sara Megibow as a donor bonus for our GoFundMe. Donate $250CAD or more Nov 15 - 30 inclusive to get an invite to the Dec 4 Zoom. We're incredibly grateful to Sara for her generosity! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
Reposted by SiWC
The Surrey International Writers Conference has been my happy place for 5 years running. It's where I recharge & refocus for the year. If you value books, please support the people who create them. Your contribution to SiWC will help hundreds of writers bring their stories to life for you to enjoy.
We were heartbroken to have to cancel this year’s SiWC. We want to continue to provide an inclusive, welcoming & career-expanding experience for years to come. We're running a GoFundMe to help secure the future of SiWC. Please help if you can by boosting or donating. Thank you! gofund.me/5b4760382
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
November 5, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The Surrey International Writers Conference has been my happy place for 5 years running. It's where I recharge & refocus for the year. If you value books, please support the people who create them. Your contribution to SiWC will help hundreds of writers bring their stories to life for you to enjoy.
We are so very grateful to our community. More than 100 people have given to our GoFundMe. Thank you for your support! We're closing in on a 15k miletone. Let's try to get there this week! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
www.gofundme.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:14 PM
We are so very grateful to our community. More than 100 people have given to our GoFundMe. Thank you for your support! We're closing in on a 15k miletone. Let's try to get there this week! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
Reposted by SiWC
This is also my favorite writing conference, hands down. Hoping we can come through for them and keep this con going. It's the best.
The Surrey International Writers Conference has been my favorite conference for over a decade. This year, it's not happening, because the hotel is in a labor disputed.
SiWC had already purchased plane tickets, etc, for all the presenters. Can you help ensure its future?
gofund.me/19c353dac
SiWC had already purchased plane tickets, etc, for all the presenters. Can you help ensure its future?
gofund.me/19c353dac
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 AM
This is also my favorite writing conference, hands down. Hoping we can come through for them and keep this con going. It's the best.
We are just $23 short of hitting $10k on our fundraiser! Every little bit helps. Thank you to everyone who's given and spread the word so far. www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
October 27, 2025 at 6:45 PM
We are just $23 short of hitting $10k on our fundraiser! Every little bit helps. Thank you to everyone who's given and spread the word so far. www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
Reposted by SiWC
@siwc.bsky.social is, hands down, the highlight of my writing year, and their conferences are truly the best. If you’ve ever been touched by them in any way, or hope to attend in the future, please help now. They wouldn’t ask if they didn’t need you.
Hey #WritingCommunity
Surrey Int’l Writers Con needs our help. Instead of crossing the picket line at their long-time hotel venue, organizers cancelled. But now they’re on the hook for presenters’ airfare etc.
Please donate to keep this incredible con going? 🙏
& pls boost! ✨
gofund.me/5b4760382
Surrey Int’l Writers Con needs our help. Instead of crossing the picket line at their long-time hotel venue, organizers cancelled. But now they’re on the hook for presenters’ airfare etc.
Please donate to keep this incredible con going? 🙏
& pls boost! ✨
gofund.me/5b4760382
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
@siwc.bsky.social is, hands down, the highlight of my writing year, and their conferences are truly the best. If you’ve ever been touched by them in any way, or hope to attend in the future, please help now. They wouldn’t ask if they didn’t need you.
Reposted by SiWC
Hey #WritingCommunity
Surrey Int’l Writers Con needs our help. Instead of crossing the picket line at their long-time hotel venue, organizers cancelled. But now they’re on the hook for presenters’ airfare etc.
Please donate to keep this incredible con going? 🙏
& pls boost! ✨
gofund.me/5b4760382
Surrey Int’l Writers Con needs our help. Instead of crossing the picket line at their long-time hotel venue, organizers cancelled. But now they’re on the hook for presenters’ airfare etc.
Please donate to keep this incredible con going? 🙏
& pls boost! ✨
gofund.me/5b4760382
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 26, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Hey #WritingCommunity
Surrey Int’l Writers Con needs our help. Instead of crossing the picket line at their long-time hotel venue, organizers cancelled. But now they’re on the hook for presenters’ airfare etc.
Please donate to keep this incredible con going? 🙏
& pls boost! ✨
gofund.me/5b4760382
Surrey Int’l Writers Con needs our help. Instead of crossing the picket line at their long-time hotel venue, organizers cancelled. But now they’re on the hook for presenters’ airfare etc.
Please donate to keep this incredible con going? 🙏
& pls boost! ✨
gofund.me/5b4760382
Reposted by SiWC
I kicked in a few dollars tonight because back in 2020 SIWC held an online conference in conjunction with Writing Excuses. That conference gave me a big boost when I needed it, and I met so many of my friends because of this conference.
If y’all can donate, please do. It’s a good group of people.
If y’all can donate, please do. It’s a good group of people.
We were heartbroken to have to cancel this year’s SiWC. We want to continue to provide an inclusive, welcoming & career-expanding experience for years to come. We're running a GoFundMe to help secure the future of SiWC. Please help if you can by boosting or donating. Thank you! gofund.me/5b4760382
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 26, 2025 at 12:10 AM
I kicked in a few dollars tonight because back in 2020 SIWC held an online conference in conjunction with Writing Excuses. That conference gave me a big boost when I needed it, and I met so many of my friends because of this conference.
If y’all can donate, please do. It’s a good group of people.
If y’all can donate, please do. It’s a good group of people.
Reposted by SiWC
The Surrey International Writers Conference has been my favorite conference for over a decade. This year, it's not happening, because the hotel is in a labor disputed.
SiWC had already purchased plane tickets, etc, for all the presenters. Can you help ensure its future?
gofund.me/19c353dac
SiWC had already purchased plane tickets, etc, for all the presenters. Can you help ensure its future?
gofund.me/19c353dac
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 25, 2025 at 6:52 PM
The Surrey International Writers Conference has been my favorite conference for over a decade. This year, it's not happening, because the hotel is in a labor disputed.
SiWC had already purchased plane tickets, etc, for all the presenters. Can you help ensure its future?
gofund.me/19c353dac
SiWC had already purchased plane tickets, etc, for all the presenters. Can you help ensure its future?
gofund.me/19c353dac
We have the most amazing community! You've already raised more than $8500 to help the magic of SiWC stay alive long into the future. Let's keep it going! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
October 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
We have the most amazing community! You've already raised more than $8500 to help the magic of SiWC stay alive long into the future. Let's keep it going! www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
We need storytellers now more than ever. Please support SiWC and keep the magic alive. www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
October 24, 2025 at 11:58 PM
We need storytellers now more than ever. Please support SiWC and keep the magic alive. www.gofundme.com/f/support-siwc
Reposted by SiWC
SiWC has been the beating heart of my local writing community for over thirty years—please consider donating to keep this not for profit conference going after a financially brutal year.
We were heartbroken to have to cancel this year’s SiWC. We want to continue to provide an inclusive, welcoming & career-expanding experience for years to come. We're running a GoFundMe to help secure the future of SiWC. Please help if you can by boosting or donating. Thank you! gofund.me/5b4760382
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 23, 2025 at 6:04 PM
SiWC has been the beating heart of my local writing community for over thirty years—please consider donating to keep this not for profit conference going after a financially brutal year.
Reposted by SiWC
I really like the Surrey International Writer's Festival. It should be happening right now. But they canceled their event because of the workers who are fighting for a fair deal from the hotel that usually hosts the convention.
It was the right thing to do, but the cost to SIWC was $$$$$. help?
It was the right thing to do, but the cost to SIWC was $$$$$. help?
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
www.gofundme.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I really like the Surrey International Writer's Festival. It should be happening right now. But they canceled their event because of the workers who are fighting for a fair deal from the hotel that usually hosts the convention.
It was the right thing to do, but the cost to SIWC was $$$$$. help?
It was the right thing to do, but the cost to SIWC was $$$$$. help?
Reposted by SiWC
SIWC is an amazing conference and community I've been part of many times. They're very worth supporting.
We were heartbroken to have to cancel this year’s SiWC. We want to continue to provide an inclusive, welcoming & career-expanding experience for years to come. We're running a GoFundMe to help secure the future of SiWC. Please help if you can by boosting or donating. Thank you! gofund.me/5b4760382
Donate to Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!, organized by Jenn Striemer
For thirty-two years, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference… Jenn Striemer needs your support for Support the Surrey International Writers' Conference!
gofund.me
October 23, 2025 at 5:29 PM
SIWC is an amazing conference and community I've been part of many times. They're very worth supporting.