Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia
@writersfedofns.bsky.social
WFNS fosters the profession, the success, and the public recognition of Nova Scotian writers at all stages of their careers. More at writers.ns.ca
UPCOMING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Death by Info Dump with donalee Moulton (Nov 18 & 25)
This workshop tackles the common trap of the info dump and discusses how to reveal character histories, settings, and key facts in ways that feel natural, compelling, and necessary.
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
This workshop tackles the common trap of the info dump and discusses how to reveal character histories, settings, and key facts in ways that feel natural, compelling, and necessary.
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
October 29, 2025 at 5:16 PM
UPCOMING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Death by Info Dump with donalee Moulton (Nov 18 & 25)
This workshop tackles the common trap of the info dump and discusses how to reveal character histories, settings, and key facts in ways that feel natural, compelling, and necessary.
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
This workshop tackles the common trap of the info dump and discusses how to reveal character histories, settings, and key facts in ways that feel natural, compelling, and necessary.
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
Introducing the WFNS 2025/2026 Board of Directors!
Thank you to those directors who are returning for another year, and welcome new directors Sonja Boon and Renée Hartleib!
See the full list of board members here: writers.ns.ca/about/staff-...
Thank you to those directors who are returning for another year, and welcome new directors Sonja Boon and Renée Hartleib!
See the full list of board members here: writers.ns.ca/about/staff-...
June 17, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Introducing the WFNS 2025/2026 Board of Directors!
Thank you to those directors who are returning for another year, and welcome new directors Sonja Boon and Renée Hartleib!
See the full list of board members here: writers.ns.ca/about/staff-...
Thank you to those directors who are returning for another year, and welcome new directors Sonja Boon and Renée Hartleib!
See the full list of board members here: writers.ns.ca/about/staff-...
WFNS AGM tonight!
7:00pm to 8:30pm Atlantic, on Zoom
Register: us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_ylvlB....
Important docs: writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
Join us to hear from WFNS’s staff and outgoing Board of Directors, review the annual financial statements, and get up-to-date on our newest programming.
7:00pm to 8:30pm Atlantic, on Zoom
Register: us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_ylvlB....
Important docs: writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
Join us to hear from WFNS’s staff and outgoing Board of Directors, review the annual financial statements, and get up-to-date on our newest programming.
June 16, 2025 at 2:11 PM
WFNS AGM tonight!
7:00pm to 8:30pm Atlantic, on Zoom
Register: us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_ylvlB....
Important docs: writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
Join us to hear from WFNS’s staff and outgoing Board of Directors, review the annual financial statements, and get up-to-date on our newest programming.
7:00pm to 8:30pm Atlantic, on Zoom
Register: us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_ylvlB....
Important docs: writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
Join us to hear from WFNS’s staff and outgoing Board of Directors, review the annual financial statements, and get up-to-date on our newest programming.
Congratulations to the the three finalists for the 2025 Ellemeno Visual Literature Prize: Sonja Boon, Doretta Groenendyk, and Jamie Samson!
The Ellemeno Prize annually celebrates creative cross-pollination between the literary arts and the visual arts.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the winner!
The Ellemeno Prize annually celebrates creative cross-pollination between the literary arts and the visual arts.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the winner!
April 26, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Congratulations to the the three finalists for the 2025 Ellemeno Visual Literature Prize: Sonja Boon, Doretta Groenendyk, and Jamie Samson!
The Ellemeno Prize annually celebrates creative cross-pollination between the literary arts and the visual arts.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the winner!
The Ellemeno Prize annually celebrates creative cross-pollination between the literary arts and the visual arts.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the winner!
Virtual panel, WED April 23, 7PM Atlantic
Join trans and gender non-conforming writers Zoë Comeau, K.R. Byggdin, Luke Hathaway, Trynne Delaney, and moderator Sal Sawler for an evening panel on reading, writing, storytelling, and celebrating trans narratives.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join trans and gender non-conforming writers Zoë Comeau, K.R. Byggdin, Luke Hathaway, Trynne Delaney, and moderator Sal Sawler for an evening panel on reading, writing, storytelling, and celebrating trans narratives.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
April 21, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Virtual panel, WED April 23, 7PM Atlantic
Join trans and gender non-conforming writers Zoë Comeau, K.R. Byggdin, Luke Hathaway, Trynne Delaney, and moderator Sal Sawler for an evening panel on reading, writing, storytelling, and celebrating trans narratives.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join trans and gender non-conforming writers Zoë Comeau, K.R. Byggdin, Luke Hathaway, Trynne Delaney, and moderator Sal Sawler for an evening panel on reading, writing, storytelling, and celebrating trans narratives.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Our Self-Directed Retreat program at Jampolis Cottage is available to Nova Scotian, Canadian, AND international writers!
Now booking for weeks between May 25 and December 6.
Apply by APR 17: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/sel...
Now booking for weeks between May 25 and December 6.
Apply by APR 17: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/sel...
April 15, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Our Self-Directed Retreat program at Jampolis Cottage is available to Nova Scotian, Canadian, AND international writers!
Now booking for weeks between May 25 and December 6.
Apply by APR 17: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/sel...
Now booking for weeks between May 25 and December 6.
Apply by APR 17: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/sel...
Rita Joe Poetry Prize
"Family Function" by Susie DeCoste
Joyce Barkhouse Middle-Grade & YA Fiction Prize
"Going Back Home" by Charlie Bligh
Mark your calendars for our Celebration of Emerging Writers on June 11, where we'll launch our new Nova Writes Anthology! 🎉
2/2
"Family Function" by Susie DeCoste
Joyce Barkhouse Middle-Grade & YA Fiction Prize
"Going Back Home" by Charlie Bligh
Mark your calendars for our Celebration of Emerging Writers on June 11, where we'll launch our new Nova Writes Anthology! 🎉
2/2
April 12, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Rita Joe Poetry Prize
"Family Function" by Susie DeCoste
Joyce Barkhouse Middle-Grade & YA Fiction Prize
"Going Back Home" by Charlie Bligh
Mark your calendars for our Celebration of Emerging Writers on June 11, where we'll launch our new Nova Writes Anthology! 🎉
2/2
"Family Function" by Susie DeCoste
Joyce Barkhouse Middle-Grade & YA Fiction Prize
"Going Back Home" by Charlie Bligh
Mark your calendars for our Celebration of Emerging Writers on June 11, where we'll launch our new Nova Writes Anthology! 🎉
2/2
WFNS is delighted to announce the four winners of the 2025 Nova Writes Competition!
Budge Wilson Short Story Prize
"two girls at the end of the world" by Sophia Linfield
Silver Donald Cameron Essay Prize
"Helicopter Down in the Barrens" by Larry Hicks
1/2
Budge Wilson Short Story Prize
"two girls at the end of the world" by Sophia Linfield
Silver Donald Cameron Essay Prize
"Helicopter Down in the Barrens" by Larry Hicks
1/2
April 12, 2025 at 5:32 PM
WFNS is delighted to announce the four winners of the 2025 Nova Writes Competition!
Budge Wilson Short Story Prize
"two girls at the end of the world" by Sophia Linfield
Silver Donald Cameron Essay Prize
"Helicopter Down in the Barrens" by Larry Hicks
1/2
Budge Wilson Short Story Prize
"two girls at the end of the world" by Sophia Linfield
Silver Donald Cameron Essay Prize
"Helicopter Down in the Barrens" by Larry Hicks
1/2
You asked, and we’re answering: WFNS is finally offering a creative writing day camp for adults! 😎
June 23-27 at our office on the Halifax waterfront
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
June 23-27 at our office on the Halifax waterfront
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
April 9, 2025 at 11:39 PM
You asked, and we’re answering: WFNS is finally offering a creative writing day camp for adults! 😎
June 23-27 at our office on the Halifax waterfront
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
June 23-27 at our office on the Halifax waterfront
writers.ns.ca/workshops-ev...
And finally, the 2025 Evelyn Richardson Non-Fiction Award nominees are:
Martin Bauman, Andrea Currie, and Dean Jobb! 🙌
5/6
Martin Bauman, Andrea Currie, and Dean Jobb! 🙌
5/6
April 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
And finally, the 2025 Evelyn Richardson Non-Fiction Award nominees are:
Martin Bauman, Andrea Currie, and Dean Jobb! 🙌
5/6
Martin Bauman, Andrea Currie, and Dean Jobb! 🙌
5/6
The 2025 Maxine Tynes Nova Scotia Poetry Award nominees are:
Alice Burdick, Cory Lavender, and Annick MacAskill! ✨
4/6
Alice Burdick, Cory Lavender, and Annick MacAskill! ✨
4/6
April 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The 2025 Maxine Tynes Nova Scotia Poetry Award nominees are:
Alice Burdick, Cory Lavender, and Annick MacAskill! ✨
4/6
Alice Burdick, Cory Lavender, and Annick MacAskill! ✨
4/6
The 2025 Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award nominees are:
Carol Bruneau, Charlene Carr, David Huebert, Susie Taylor, and Mark Blagrave! 🥂
3/6
Carol Bruneau, Charlene Carr, David Huebert, Susie Taylor, and Mark Blagrave! 🥂
3/6
April 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The 2025 Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award nominees are:
Carol Bruneau, Charlene Carr, David Huebert, Susie Taylor, and Mark Blagrave! 🥂
3/6
Carol Bruneau, Charlene Carr, David Huebert, Susie Taylor, and Mark Blagrave! 🥂
3/6
The 2025 J.M. Abraham Atlantic Poetry Award nominees are:
Clare Goulet, Annick MacAskill, Johanna Skibsrud, Bren Simmers, and Douglas Walbourne-Gough! 🥳
2/6
Clare Goulet, Annick MacAskill, Johanna Skibsrud, Bren Simmers, and Douglas Walbourne-Gough! 🥳
2/6
April 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The 2025 J.M. Abraham Atlantic Poetry Award nominees are:
Clare Goulet, Annick MacAskill, Johanna Skibsrud, Bren Simmers, and Douglas Walbourne-Gough! 🥳
2/6
Clare Goulet, Annick MacAskill, Johanna Skibsrud, Bren Simmers, and Douglas Walbourne-Gough! 🥳
2/6
We're thrilled to announce the nominees for our 2025 Nova Scotian and Atlantic Book Awards!
First up, the nominees for the 2025 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children's Literature (YA) are: Chad Lucas, Rebecca Phillips, Valerie Sherrard, Hannah State, and Gloria Ann Wesley! 🎉
1/6
First up, the nominees for the 2025 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children's Literature (YA) are: Chad Lucas, Rebecca Phillips, Valerie Sherrard, Hannah State, and Gloria Ann Wesley! 🎉
1/6
April 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
We're thrilled to announce the nominees for our 2025 Nova Scotian and Atlantic Book Awards!
First up, the nominees for the 2025 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children's Literature (YA) are: Chad Lucas, Rebecca Phillips, Valerie Sherrard, Hannah State, and Gloria Ann Wesley! 🎉
1/6
First up, the nominees for the 2025 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children's Literature (YA) are: Chad Lucas, Rebecca Phillips, Valerie Sherrard, Hannah State, and Gloria Ann Wesley! 🎉
1/6
Congratulations to Claire Morley, the winner of this year's Message on a Bottle contest!
Claire's poem, "Starfall Scrumping," will be published on Island Folk Cider House's new elderflower cider. Both the poem and the eponymous cider will be revealed at a Halifax launch in May. Details to come!
Claire's poem, "Starfall Scrumping," will be published on Island Folk Cider House's new elderflower cider. Both the poem and the eponymous cider will be revealed at a Halifax launch in May. Details to come!
April 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Congratulations to Claire Morley, the winner of this year's Message on a Bottle contest!
Claire's poem, "Starfall Scrumping," will be published on Island Folk Cider House's new elderflower cider. Both the poem and the eponymous cider will be revealed at a Halifax launch in May. Details to come!
Claire's poem, "Starfall Scrumping," will be published on Island Folk Cider House's new elderflower cider. Both the poem and the eponymous cider will be revealed at a Halifax launch in May. Details to come!
Congratulations to the four finalists in this year's Message on a Bottle contest!
Jamie Feldman (Cape Breton | @jamiefeldman.bsky.social)
Melissa Kuipers (Antigonish)
Claire Morley (Halifax)
Jamie Samson (Halifax)
Winner announced April 3. Full details: writers.ns.ca/award-news/m...
Jamie Feldman (Cape Breton | @jamiefeldman.bsky.social)
Melissa Kuipers (Antigonish)
Claire Morley (Halifax)
Jamie Samson (Halifax)
Winner announced April 3. Full details: writers.ns.ca/award-news/m...
March 31, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Congratulations to the four finalists in this year's Message on a Bottle contest!
Jamie Feldman (Cape Breton | @jamiefeldman.bsky.social)
Melissa Kuipers (Antigonish)
Claire Morley (Halifax)
Jamie Samson (Halifax)
Winner announced April 3. Full details: writers.ns.ca/award-news/m...
Jamie Feldman (Cape Breton | @jamiefeldman.bsky.social)
Melissa Kuipers (Antigonish)
Claire Morley (Halifax)
Jamie Samson (Halifax)
Winner announced April 3. Full details: writers.ns.ca/award-news/m...
Wordsmiths! You are hereby challenged to test your meddle in the inaugural WFNS Scrabble Tournament!
When: Sunday, Mar 2nd (1-5pm)
Where: WFNS offices (1113 Marginal Rd)
Why: Because scrabble+snacks+new friends+ruthless competition = your version of heaven :)
Register here: bit.ly/4ks4cGr
When: Sunday, Mar 2nd (1-5pm)
Where: WFNS offices (1113 Marginal Rd)
Why: Because scrabble+snacks+new friends+ruthless competition = your version of heaven :)
Register here: bit.ly/4ks4cGr
February 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Wordsmiths! You are hereby challenged to test your meddle in the inaugural WFNS Scrabble Tournament!
When: Sunday, Mar 2nd (1-5pm)
Where: WFNS offices (1113 Marginal Rd)
Why: Because scrabble+snacks+new friends+ruthless competition = your version of heaven :)
Register here: bit.ly/4ks4cGr
When: Sunday, Mar 2nd (1-5pm)
Where: WFNS offices (1113 Marginal Rd)
Why: Because scrabble+snacks+new friends+ruthless competition = your version of heaven :)
Register here: bit.ly/4ks4cGr
Upcoming virtual workshop with Julian Mortimer Smith:
Intro to Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mondays, Mar 3-24 (7-9pm Atlantic) on Zoom
Register here: writers.ns.ca/workshops/in...
Intro to Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mondays, Mar 3-24 (7-9pm Atlantic) on Zoom
Register here: writers.ns.ca/workshops/in...
February 20, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Upcoming virtual workshop with Julian Mortimer Smith:
Intro to Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mondays, Mar 3-24 (7-9pm Atlantic) on Zoom
Register here: writers.ns.ca/workshops/in...
Intro to Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mondays, Mar 3-24 (7-9pm Atlantic) on Zoom
Register here: writers.ns.ca/workshops/in...
Join us on Feb 24 at 7PM for a virtual info session with the fine folks from the NS Talent Trust!
You'll learn about the NSTT scholarship application process, the online application system, and you'll pick up some tips on how to submit a strong application.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
You'll learn about the NSTT scholarship application process, the online application system, and you'll pick up some tips on how to submit a strong application.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
February 14, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Join us on Feb 24 at 7PM for a virtual info session with the fine folks from the NS Talent Trust!
You'll learn about the NSTT scholarship application process, the online application system, and you'll pick up some tips on how to submit a strong application.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
You'll learn about the NSTT scholarship application process, the online application system, and you'll pick up some tips on how to submit a strong application.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
"It was the bay water that buoyed me, the landscapes that beguiled me, and the old house that held me in its history."
A beautiful reflection from our 2024 Robert Pope Foundation poet-in-residence, Janelle Levesque.
writers.ns.ca/jampolis-cot...
(Photo of Penny Beach, Janelle Levesque)
A beautiful reflection from our 2024 Robert Pope Foundation poet-in-residence, Janelle Levesque.
writers.ns.ca/jampolis-cot...
(Photo of Penny Beach, Janelle Levesque)
February 13, 2025 at 1:51 PM
"It was the bay water that buoyed me, the landscapes that beguiled me, and the old house that held me in its history."
A beautiful reflection from our 2024 Robert Pope Foundation poet-in-residence, Janelle Levesque.
writers.ns.ca/jampolis-cot...
(Photo of Penny Beach, Janelle Levesque)
A beautiful reflection from our 2024 Robert Pope Foundation poet-in-residence, Janelle Levesque.
writers.ns.ca/jampolis-cot...
(Photo of Penny Beach, Janelle Levesque)
Apply to the Oliver-Craig Black Writers' Retreat by Feb 20!
This two-week retreat (Aug 3-16) offers two successful applicants free residence, a $500 honorarium, and the instruction and mentorship of this year's mentor, Wanda Taylor.
For details and to apply, visit: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/oli...
This two-week retreat (Aug 3-16) offers two successful applicants free residence, a $500 honorarium, and the instruction and mentorship of this year's mentor, Wanda Taylor.
For details and to apply, visit: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/oli...
February 13, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Apply to the Oliver-Craig Black Writers' Retreat by Feb 20!
This two-week retreat (Aug 3-16) offers two successful applicants free residence, a $500 honorarium, and the instruction and mentorship of this year's mentor, Wanda Taylor.
For details and to apply, visit: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/oli...
This two-week retreat (Aug 3-16) offers two successful applicants free residence, a $500 honorarium, and the instruction and mentorship of this year's mentor, Wanda Taylor.
For details and to apply, visit: writers.ns.ca/jampolis/oli...
🔎 Unravelling Time: Writing Historical Mysteries with donalee Moulton
Take a step back in time to unravel the secrets of the past and craft a compelling story today.
Tuesdays, Feb 25 - Mar 18, 7-9pm Atlantic
On Zoom
writers.ns.ca/workshops/un...
Take a step back in time to unravel the secrets of the past and craft a compelling story today.
Tuesdays, Feb 25 - Mar 18, 7-9pm Atlantic
On Zoom
writers.ns.ca/workshops/un...
February 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
🔎 Unravelling Time: Writing Historical Mysteries with donalee Moulton
Take a step back in time to unravel the secrets of the past and craft a compelling story today.
Tuesdays, Feb 25 - Mar 18, 7-9pm Atlantic
On Zoom
writers.ns.ca/workshops/un...
Take a step back in time to unravel the secrets of the past and craft a compelling story today.
Tuesdays, Feb 25 - Mar 18, 7-9pm Atlantic
On Zoom
writers.ns.ca/workshops/un...
Messy weather tomorrow means we unfortunately have to cancel our "Just My Type" appearance at the Lunenburg Farmers' Market.
BUT this fundraiser has been a great success so far, and it's clear that the people want poetry 🥰 So, keep your eyes out for more similar events throughout the year!
BUT this fundraiser has been a great success so far, and it's clear that the people want poetry 🥰 So, keep your eyes out for more similar events throughout the year!
February 12, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Messy weather tomorrow means we unfortunately have to cancel our "Just My Type" appearance at the Lunenburg Farmers' Market.
BUT this fundraiser has been a great success so far, and it's clear that the people want poetry 🥰 So, keep your eyes out for more similar events throughout the year!
BUT this fundraiser has been a great success so far, and it's clear that the people want poetry 🥰 So, keep your eyes out for more similar events throughout the year!
🍎Your favourite micro-writing contest is back!
We're partnering with Island Folk Cider to determine the name/label text for their new ELDERFLOWER cider💕
Nova Scotian writers (19+) can submit entries of very short prose or poetry. Deadline March 6.
Details here: writers.ns.ca/programs/mes...
We're partnering with Island Folk Cider to determine the name/label text for their new ELDERFLOWER cider💕
Nova Scotian writers (19+) can submit entries of very short prose or poetry. Deadline March 6.
Details here: writers.ns.ca/programs/mes...
February 4, 2025 at 6:33 PM
🍎Your favourite micro-writing contest is back!
We're partnering with Island Folk Cider to determine the name/label text for their new ELDERFLOWER cider💕
Nova Scotian writers (19+) can submit entries of very short prose or poetry. Deadline March 6.
Details here: writers.ns.ca/programs/mes...
We're partnering with Island Folk Cider to determine the name/label text for their new ELDERFLOWER cider💕
Nova Scotian writers (19+) can submit entries of very short prose or poetry. Deadline March 6.
Details here: writers.ns.ca/programs/mes...
And because we love you all so much and want to make it easy for you to participate, you can also order a custom poem ONLINE until February 7.
Our dream team of on-call poets includes Lindsey Harrington, Jen Colclough, Andy Verboom, and Dea Toivonen. 💕
Details here: writers.ns.ca/fundraisers/...
Our dream team of on-call poets includes Lindsey Harrington, Jen Colclough, Andy Verboom, and Dea Toivonen. 💕
Details here: writers.ns.ca/fundraisers/...
February 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
And because we love you all so much and want to make it easy for you to participate, you can also order a custom poem ONLINE until February 7.
Our dream team of on-call poets includes Lindsey Harrington, Jen Colclough, Andy Verboom, and Dea Toivonen. 💕
Details here: writers.ns.ca/fundraisers/...
Our dream team of on-call poets includes Lindsey Harrington, Jen Colclough, Andy Verboom, and Dea Toivonen. 💕
Details here: writers.ns.ca/fundraisers/...