RCLAS

RCLAS Royal City Literary Arts Society (RCLAS)
“Wordplay At Work”
www.rclas.com

RCLAS Mission Statement:

Our organization is Inclusive of ALL writers and all people connected with writing - including novelists, poets, songwriters, technical writers, memoir writers, essayists, article writers, editors, proofreaders, publishers, graphic artists, layout and design artists, etc. If you are involved in writing, you should be involved with us. The purpose of The Royal City Litera

ry Society is to increase and broaden the understanding and knowledge of written and spoken word as art forms; to provide readings, features, performances, open-mics, workshops and critiquing opportunities for literary artists; to provide support for touring and presentations in the schools; to stimulate, encourage and facilitate the development of written and spoken word arts and activities; and to encourage both emerging and established writers in all genres. RCLAS Board
President: Janet Kvammen
Vice-President: open position
Secretary: Deborah White
Treasurer: Angela Kenyon
Director: Carol Johnson
Director: Lisa Strong
Director: Sarah Wethered
Director: Iulia Sîncrăian

Founding Members
Candice James
Janet Kvammen
Ken Ader
Gavin Hainsworth
Renée Saklikar

📌Hello! Hope you are doing well! Sending out another reminder that our FRED COGSWELL AWARD Deadline is JUNE 28. We mov...
06/08/2026

📌Hello! Hope you are doing well! Sending out another reminder that our FRED COGSWELL AWARD Deadline is JUNE 28. We moved our submission period up this year, and we don’t want you to miss out!

Note this is for poetry books that were published in Canada last year in 2025.
Full info here https://rclas.com/2026-fred-cogswell-award/

Our sole judge is Kevin Spenst.

"Fred Cogswell (1917-2004) was a prolific poet, editor, professor, life member of the League of Canadian Poets, and an Officer of the Order of Canada."

05/19/2026
05/10/2026

Spread the word about our workshop for newcomer women and female identifying folx. May 28th at Wildfires Bookstore literary Lounge.

Your Story in Verse: Free Poetry Workshop for Newcomer Women
With Jessica Lee McMillan and Alan Hill

Your story in your own words –
a poetry workshop for newcomer women – no experience needed!

Meet new people, learn new skills, share your story.

Date: Thursday May 28, 2026
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
FREE to attend.
Drop in ok but registration helpful
– Email [email protected]

Location:
Wildfires Bookshop Literary Lounge
712 A 12th Street
New Westminster, BC
Canada V3M 4J6

Presented by the Royal City Literary Arts Society.

Join Janet Kvammen, Poet Laureate of New Westminster, for a free afternoon of poetry readings, art "Show & Tell" chats a...
11/14/2025

Join Janet Kvammen, Poet Laureate of New Westminster, for a free afternoon of poetry readings, art "Show & Tell" chats and more! Come listen, share, and connect. In partnership with Royal City Literary Arts Society.

This month's Salon will focus on the theme or Remembrance, grief and loss. Special guests will include, Allan Hill, Jerena Tobiasen, Alan Girling and more.

Sunday, November 16
Anvil Centre | Studio 417
2:00 - 4:00 pm
18 + years
Free, drop-in event

DETAILS: https://www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-events/events/8454.php

🚩DEADLINE is Looming! October 1.Hope you submit! Please pass the word on. Thanks!Full info here https://rclas.com/2025-f...
09/20/2025

🚩DEADLINE is Looming! October 1.

Hope you submit! Please pass the word on. Thanks!

Full info here https://rclas.com/2025-fred-cogswell-award/

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
• Book must be bound as a book, not a chapbook.
• Book length must be a minimum of 60 pages in length.
• Poetry must be written in English by a single author.
• No co-writes, anthologies or selected poetry collections.
• Book must be original work by an individual author (translations will not be considered at this time)
• Original date of publication falls between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
• Book must be published in Canada.
• Book must be written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident alive in the submission year.
• Electronic books are not eligible.

Cecily Nicholson is the sole juror for our 2025 Fred Cogswell Award For Excellence In Poetry.

Reading Fee: $25 (Canadian Funds).
Payment can be made through PayPal here https://rclas.com/2025-fred-cogswell-award/
or by cheque payable to “Royal City Literary Arts Society”.

If you pay with PayPal, please include a copy of your receipt with the submission package.

Two copies* of the book must be submitted to the Royal City Literary Arts Society, along with the reading fee (or proof thereof), and must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2025.

The society’s mailing address is:
Royal City Literary Arts Society
Fred Cogswell Award
Box #308 - 720 6th Street
New Westminster, BC V3L 3C5

Winners Announcement: Date TBA
*Submitted books will not be returned; they become the property of the Royal City Literary Arts Society.
*In case of any dispute about the book’s eligibility, the Society’s decision will be final. If any conflict of interest is to be determined the book will be deemed ineligible.

Thank you!

Janet Kvammen

Address

Box #308/720 6th Street
New Westminster, BC
V3L3C5

Website

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