The MWG offers a variety of programs and services for writers and readers in Manitoba. Many of these programs, such as our workshops and reading series, are open to non-members as well.
If you’re looking for information on calls for submission, local readings, writing groups, workshops, writers’ retreats and residencies, as well as local and international writing news, our monthly newsletter is a great resource, full of useful information.
If you’re a developing writer who is also a MWG member and are looking to hone your craft with a professional, you may be interested in the Sheldon Oberman Mentorship Program, a 5-month intensive one-on-one training program with a professional writer, during which you will be able to develop your writing project. If you are a professional writer who wants to share your knowledge, apply to be a Mentor.
Whether you’re a beginning or established writer, we have workshops tailored to varied skill levels. From our Blue Pencil Sessions (free to members and designed for emerging writers) to our intensive day-long masterclasses, which are designed for more established writers and are conducted by some of the finest writers in Canada, to our or 2-3 hour workshops.
We also have a presence on Facebook and Twitter, where we are able to provide more up-to-date information about our programs.
Virtual Programming
We are now providing many programs in the virtual world, not just because of the Pandemic, but also to allow our rural members to take part.
Our Writing Circle critique sessions have expanded to two sessions per month at 7 p.m. on the second and last Tuesdays of each month (excluding December, which is busy time for everyone!). We have two professional editors and other published authors who will give advice on small writing samples, up to 10 pages per session. The Writing Circle is free to members only and space is limited to allow each participant a chance to share. To participate, email the Guild office (manitobawritersguild3@gmail.com) so we can send you the links and log-in information. To view the Code of Conduct for the Critique Group, go here.
If you just want to vent about the writing process or talk about your successes, join other writers at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month for our Writing Rants and Ramblings. These sessions are free and you don’t have to be a member to join a meeting. Simply email the Guild so we can send you the links and info. Enjoy the camaraderie of our vibrant writing community in the safety and comfort of your own home!
Our newest program is the MWG Book Chats at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month, offered to members only. We have a great line-up of Featured Authors, who will read to participants and answer any questions you might have. Following this, we offer an Open Mic session where participants can read from their own body of work, or share the writing of a favourite author. PG rated passages only, please! These are virtual sessions as well, so email the Guild to receive the links and info on how to join these fun evenings.
For members who have young children or grandchildren, join us for our virtual Kids Book Chats, which usually occur on the first Saturday of each month at 2 pm to listen to the stories of authors who write for children. We try to include the illustrators of picture books as well as the authors, so if you want to learn about the author/illustrator relationship, this is your chance. See our Facebook Events page for details or email the Guild office for the Zoom links.
Follow our blog for more programs as they develop and for more info on our Strategic Plans for the future.
