Writers NL

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We are the organization for writers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Founded in 1987, the WritersNL, formerly The Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, contributes to a supportive environment for writing in the province; works to nurture and inspire writers at all levels and stages of their careers; fosters public recognition of NL writers; advocates for the well-being of writers; and promotes the enhancement of the literary arts in the province and beyond.

11/02/2026

If you're in Labrador on Wednesday, be sure to stop by the Interpretation Centre in North West River for WritersNL Member Michael Friis Johansen's Book Launch! Congratulations Michael!

If you are in Upper Lake Melville, we would also be delighted to see you at the release party for Separation Point on Wednesday, November 4, at the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River.

Join author Michael Friis Johansen, artist Kayla Williams, musician Jacinda Beals, and our very own Creative Director, Morgen Mills, for an evening celebrating the book’s release. Copies will be available for purchase.

Separation Point launch
Wednesday, November 4, 7:30–9:30 pm
Labrador Interpretation Centre, North West River
Free admission and refreshments

In the meantime, the book is also available for pre-order from Memorial University Press and Amazon, or ask your local bookstore to order it in!

10/31/2026

Publishers are invited to submit titles for the 2026 BMO Winterset Award. Submissions can be made online via the ArtsNL website: https://artsnl.ca/awards/winterset

⏰ Submission Deadline: December 16, 2026

10/29/2026

Come to Bannerman Brewing tonight at 7pm to hear short readings from books vying for the Newfoundland & Labrador Book Awards in Fiction and Children's Literature.

And to find out who wins, join us tomorrow, also at 7pm, at the Colonial Building on Military Road for the prize ceremony! Open to the public. Tickets no longer required. Light refreshments and snacks on hand!

Nominees for the Children's Prize are: Xaiver Michael Campbell, Charis Cotter, Annie Gregoire-Apau (Annie Picard)

Nominees for the Fiction Prize are: Ray Critch, David Demchuk, Susie Taylor

Come cheer on your favourite authors, and get your copies signed on site! Still need to get a copy? Independent bookstore Running the Goat Books will be on hand to sell! Cash or tap.

10/27/2026

Announcing our 2026 Fiction Contest Longlist! Congratulations to these 10 writers! Stay tuned for the Poetry contest longlist, both shortlists and winners, along with our Issue 59 Feature content coming soon!

Fiction Contest Longlist:

“Still Life” Martin Borden
“Salome and Antigone Walk Out of A Bar” Emma Cole
“For Show” Eva Crocker
“Another Word for Dog” Hannah Jenkins
“The Good Times Are Killing Me” Fletcher FitzGibbon
“We Were Once Radiant” Nancy Kang
“Poor Dear Andy” Elaine McCluskey
“Wei Jimin at the Park” Scott Randall
“Oviparity” Misha Solomon
“Bearmother” Zaren White

Artwork: Philippa Jones (2025) No words needed,
Acrylic and acrylic ink on panel, 30in × 24in

10/26/2026

Before we Fall Back, lets Look Ahead to everything happening this week leading up to the AGM.

Thursday, Oct 29, 7pm
30th Annual Newfoundland & Labrador Book Awards Shortlist Readings
Bannerman Brewing (on Duckworth near the Sheraton)
Public event, no ticket required

Friday, Oct 30, 7pm
30th Annual Newfoundland & Labrador Book Awards Ceremony
Colonial Building (on Military at Bannerman Park)
Public event, tickets for free at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nlba-award-ceremony-tickets-2003004714019

Saturday, Oct 31, 11am
Hone Your Pitch! workshop with five top industry professionals
Online on Zoom
Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hone-your-pitch-tickets-2003467594507

Sunday, Nov 1, 11am
WritersNL AGM Business Meeting
Online on Zoom
(Link will be emailed to members-in-good-standing this week)

Make sure to reserve your spot for ticketed events or arrive early for seats at the reading!

Questions? Email [email protected]

10/24/2026

The 30th Annual Newfoundland & Labrador Book Awards readings and ceremony are fast approaching! This week we take a closer look at the six shortlisted titles for the Killick Capital Fiction Prize and the NL Book Award for Children and Youth.

Our final NLBA highlight is Kuekuatsheu Creates the World by Annie Picard (Running the Goat).

Join us at Bannerman Brewing Company on Thursday, Oct 29 at 7pm (open to all) to hear readings from all six shortlisted titles. The awards ceremony will follow the next night at the Colonial Building (tickets for this event are limited and must be reserved in advance through the EventBrite link in our Facebook event below).

Buy this book at the readings or through this link:
https://runningthegoat.com/products/9781998802210

10/23/2026

Because we live in dystopian times, we can't directly link from here to Executive Director George Murray's WAM interview about AI and creative endeavour -- but if you go to CBC NL and check out the Weekend Arts Magazine page, you can listen to the entire interview now.

10/23/2026

WritersNL Executive Director George Murray was asked to talk about our little Canva/AI drama on Weekend Arts Magazine. It turned into a wider-ranging conversation about art, human endeavor, and the foreseeable future. Here's the interview, for those who missed it.

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-72-weekend-am/clip/16244831-ai-generators-vs-human-writers

10/23/2026

The 30th Annual Newfoundland & Labrador Book Awards readings and ceremony are fast approaching! This week we take a closer look at the six shortlisted titles for the Killick Capital Fiction Prize and the NL Book Award for Children and Youth.

The final shortlisted title for the Fiction prize is Vigil by Susie Taylor (Breakwater Books).

Join us at Bannerman Brewing Company on Thursday, Oct 29 at 7pm (open to all) to hear readings from all six shortlisted titles. The awards ceremony will follow the next night at the Colonial Building (tickets for this event are limited and must be reserved in advance through the EventBrite link in our Facebook event below).

Buy this book at the readings or through this link:
https://breakwaterbooks.com/products/vigil

Address

223 Duckworth Street
St. John's, NL
A1C6N1

Website

http://www.writersnl.ca/

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