2026 Workshop Series
Here's the line-up for Vocamus Writers Community's Spring Workshop Series:
The Bright-Eyed Fancy, by Anthony Carnovale – March 3
In this workshop, conception, practice, and composition are treated not as separate stages but as forces that can blossom into a single moment. Through improvisation, playfulness and the full use of imagination, writers are encouraged to compose with an authentic voice that emerges through risk, curiosity, and creative freedom.
The Plot Thickens 1 & 2, by Peter Szabo – April 21 and May 5
Have a story idea but aren’t sure how to shape it into a complete plot? This two-part, hands-on workshop is designed for writers who want clear, practical guidance on how to turn their ideas into a plot that works. You’ll learn the foundations of storytelling—theme, setting, point of view, and genre—along with how to define your main characters’ goals, challenges, and stakes. You’ll use these foundations to create a simple, flexible plot outline and understand what makes story arcs and scenes work. You’ll apply everything to your own short story through guided exercises, with assignments reviewed in Part 2 (attending both sessions is strongly recommended). Prerequisite: Bring a story idea.
Writing on Your Feet, by Sharon B. Moore – June 9
Writing on your feet! An embodied approach to writing. As writers, how can we access and utilize our imagination? This workshop is pure play; generating movement to create imaginative worlds. Participants are invited to move in a range and intensity safe and familiar to them.
Writing a Strong Second Draft of Your Novel, by Maggie Morris – July 7
You have written your first draft, but how do you evaluate your book and take it to the next level? Get easy-to-apply tips from a fiction editor with twelve years of experience. In this seminar, Maggie Morris will share the major issues she addresses during substantive and stylistic edits.
Send it: How to Publish in Lit Journals", by Allison Bothley – August 4
Stop letting your writing collect digital dust! Whether you're a first-time submitter drowning in choice paralysis or a seasoned writer looking to level up your submission game, this workshop demystifies the entire lit mag submission process.Based on 5 years of submission experience and insights from the literary community, this crash course takes you from "what's a lit mag?" to "thank you for accepting my piece!" We'll cut through the noise and give you exactly what you need to start getting your work out into the world.
Unlock the Heart of Your Story, by Denisha Naindoo – September 1
Is your story missing that spark? Are your characters just going through the motions?
Let’s uncover what truly drives your characters and your narrative forward.
Bring a pen, a notebook, and an open mind. Sharing is optional, inspiration is guaranteed.
Walk away with new writing, new insights and a new connection to your story.
Poetry As Medicine, by Brent Klassen – October 6
Explore the power of learning poems by heart. Inspired by Kim Rosen’s book, Saved By A Poem, Brent took up the lost art of learning poetryby heart. In this workshop, he’ll talk a bit about the process of working with a poem, gradually taking it in until it lives in your heart, where you can take it out whenever you need its comfort or wisdom. Far from rote memorization, this is about the healing power of words. Participants will be invited to bring along a poem they’d like to learn (preferably written by someone else), and we’ll workshop the learning process together.
A Celebration Writing, by Anthony Carnovale – November 10 and 24
Social events co-organized by writers in Orangeville and Guelph with one in Orangeville on November 10, and the other in Guelph on Novemebr 24. Stay tuned for details.
