Alexandra Writers Centre Society

10/05/2026

CLASSES STARTING THIS WEEK - Seats Still Available

Late Bloomers - a class for those starting out later in life.

Creative Writing Basics Level One - learn the basics of creative writing.

Creative Writing Basics Level Two - build on the tools you learned in level one.

3Ts of a Strong Start - learn tools to make your opening shine and get noticed.

10/05/2026

Great afternoon at Meet in the Middle in Lacombe on Sunday. Writers from all over the province gathered at Blindman Brewing. There were readings, laughter, and great conversation. This is community working for you. Thanks to everyone who came out and shared their stories.

10/02/2026

One month left to apply to the Author Development Program for 2027.

Loosely modeled after the Humber School Creative Writing Program, the Author Development Program (ADP) is an opportunity for a Story Maker to work one-on-one with a Story Coach and bring their writing closer to publication. Think of it as personal training for writers.

A Story Maker will choose their Story Coach and work through all or part of their manuscript with attention given to elements of craft such as plot, story, character, dialogue, pace, style and structure. Makers will focus on the particular needs of the manuscript, as determined by the Story Coach.

The Story Coach will provide feedback and meet with the Story Maker to discuss next steps, suggestions for improvement and to provide the encouragement needed to see the writing projects to completion. There will also be workshops and roundtable discussions with other participants within the program and monthly workshops and guests speakers brought in. Story Makers will maintain regular communication with their Story Coaches and meet one-on-one at various points during the program.

The AWCS will provide private meeting/writing space for Story Makers to work together or independently, to form new connections to further advance their professional development and networking opportunities.

This program is for intermediate to advanced level writers with a complete first draft of a full-length manuscript in any genre.

Preference will be given to those with publication credits and/or a proven commitment to professional development (courses, workshops, writers in residence). Experience giving and receiving feedback is essential.

Find out more at link in bio.

10/02/2026

Full house to hear Onyx Shelton and Robert J Sawyer talk about dinosaurs, diets, word processors and world building.

Great fun!

10/01/2026

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
And the prompt is...even in the dark

Writers have many stories, many voices, taken from many experiences. From poets and fiction writers to creative nonfiction writers and more, and we are on a mission to showcase some of our wonderful talent. Everyone is invited to submit to our monthly short story contest.

The first day of each month, you will receive the writing prompt and genre for the month by email. You have 10 days to write and submit a piece of flash fiction/creative nonfiction or poetry (depending on the month).

Submission fee: $5
Submission deadline: the 10th of each month.

The winning entry will be published in the Member Connections at the end of the month, be featured on our website, and win 50% of the pot, to a maximum of $50.

Can't get much easier, right? So, let's write.

09/29/2026

Check out these unmissable events. Six great opportunities to connect with other writers in the community, to network, and to share.

And they are free to the public.

OCTOBER 1 - Join us for a Writer in Residence Event with Robert Sawyer - 7pm at the Alexandra Writers Centre Society

OCTOBER 4 - Meet in the Middle is back again. Alberta writers connect at Blindman Brewing in Lacombe - 1pm-3pm

OCTOBER 5 - Member Book Launch - Linda Sanche launches her first book at Owl's Nest Books - 7pm

OCTOBER 13 - Connections Brewing at Last Best Brewing - 6pm

OCTOBER 20 - Member Book Launch - Hilary Faktor launches her first book at cSPACE Marda Loop in the Treehouse - 7pm

OCTOBER 28 - Writers Unplugged takes place in Calgary at Owl's Nest Books and in Cochrane at Found Books.

So much fun to be had, so much community to be built.

09/28/2026

TONIGHT - September 28, 2026 | 7PM

Enjoy an evening of timed writing, stretch breaks, prompts, camaraderie and sharing in a safe and cozy environment. Each evening will be structured, but no two evenings will be the same. Come ready to write, laugh and share. Who knows what you will discover when you let your imagination run wild.

09/28/2026

The AWCS office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30 for Truth and Reconciliation Day.

“Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practice reconciliation in our everyday lives – within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, schools and workplaces. To do so constructively, Canadians must remain committed to the ongoing work of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships.” – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

What can you do?

1. Recognize the word Indigenous refers to diverse and distinct nations
2. Learn the history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples
3. Understand the history and legacy of residential schools
4. Explore the unique intersections we have between treaty, constitutional, Indigenous and human rights in Canada
5. Recognize the rich contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada
6. Take action to address historical injustices and present-day wrongs
7. Teach others
8. Create a culturally safe environment

Events around Calgary

Dancing in Their Honour: Truth & Reconciliation Pow Wow - Heritage Park - 4pm
NMC presents Jeremy Dutcher - National Music Centre - 8pm
Alberta Culture Days: In Conversation with Maria Campbell - Calgary Public Library Central Library - 5pm
AWCS presents: Writers Unplugged open mic with featured indigenous readers - Owl's Nest Books - 7pm

Know of other ways to support truth and reconciliation or of other events around the city, please share in the comments.

09/26/2026

AWCS and Frank's Haunted Book Society Presents
The Spooktacular Book Bazaar

Thursday | October 29, 2026 | 530pm-830pm MT at the RGO Treehouse, cSpace Marda Loop in Calgary

FREE. Open to the public.

Step inside… if you dare.

Wander through our shadowy corridors for stories that whisper when no one’s looking. Join us for a spooktacular book market where local authors, eerie tales, and curious treasures await around every table.

Presented by the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (AWCS) and Frank's Haunted Book Society, The Spooktacular Book Bazaar is a spine‑tingling literary event that brings together readers, writers, and brave souls ready to dive into darker side of storytelling. Expect haunted reads, mysterious vendors, and enough ghostly charm to raise your goosebumps.

It's part of the cSpace Halloween Showcase, which features events running throughout the building.

09/24/2026