Last Saturday, the Calgary Association of the RWA held its annual Fall Industry Workshop at beautiful Redwood Meadows, Alberta. CARWA President Moira Stelmack introduced our speakers: Victoria Curran from Harlequin Heartwarming and Jane Porter from Tule Publishing.

Brenda Sinclair, Ellen Jorgensen, Marlene Renee

Sherile Reilly and Jessica L. Jackson

Win Day and Alyssa Linn Palmer
With the fireplace blazing, President Moira Stelmack interviewed Jane and Victoria, and fielded questions from attendees. We learned about what’s new in the publishing world and talked about publishing challenges and opportunities.

A.M. Westerling and Jade Buchanan

Kymber Morgan and Lawna Mackie

Roxy Boroughs and CJ Carmichael
After a potluck lunch, Jane Porter presented her “Writing Well, Selling Well” workshop with additional insights from Victoria Curran and CJ Carmichael.

Shelley Kassian and Jane Porter

B.C. Deeks, Moira Stelmack, Victoria Curran
Next on the schedule, we had Manuscript Critiques. Members Jade Buchanan and Victoria Chatham read two-page manuscript samples to the audience, and then Victoria Curran and Jane Porter did their impromptu critiques. Victoria Curran assured us that this type of critique was more for entertainment value, and is not the usual process for critiquing a submission. Still, I think we all learned a lot, and we enjoyed each piece. Thank you to everyone who contributed a sample for discussion.

Alyssa Linn Palmer and Jennifer Howard

Suzanne Stengl and Victoria Chatham
With CARWA’s usual efficiency, the tables and chairs were soon put away and leftovers were packed up. Afterwards, a group of Carwackians (and one brave editor) headed over to the PowderHorn Saloon in Bragg Creek for debriefing and drinks.

B. C. Deeks, Victoria Curran, Alyssa Linn Palmer, Shelley Kassian, Kymber Morgan, Dara-Lee Snow, Jill Flanagan, Sherile Reilly, Roxy Boroughs

Victoria Curran and Cowboy at the PowderHorn Saloon
And a good time was had by all!
You writers have a lot of fun!!!
Yes we do! Gotta love those cowboys 😉
Was sorry to miss this one prior to coming for the photos. Now I’m doubly sorry. Looks like a great and educational time was had by all.
We missed you Jan. Hopefully we’ll see you at the Spring Workshop. Or if you’re in town, the Christmas party is the end of November…
VERY lively and informative, Jan! And great pics as always, Suzanne.
Thank you, Moira! I loved your interview.
What super photos! A great day all round.
Thank you, Ms. Chatham!
I really enjoyed your Readings with that lovely English accent. 🙂
Great pictures, Suzanne. I like that you’ve labelled everything.
Sherile
Thank you, Sherile. I think the captions are a good way for new members to learn everyone’s names.