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Saskatchewan Festival of Words Inc.

The Saskatchewan Festival of Words Inc. celebrates literature and storytelling by hosting an annual festival that connects writers, readers, and the community, fostering a love for the written word and promoting literary arts in Saskatchewan.

In the world of writing, editing is an essential step that transforms initial drafts into polished, compelling narratives. This presentation explores the critical role of editing in the publishing journey, highlighting importance in enhancing clarity, coherence, and impact. Attendees will not only learn about the various types of editing, but the dynamics of the editor-writer relationship and how timelines and expectations vary depending on your chosen publishing route.  Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this session will provide practical insights and actionable next steps to embark on your editing journey with confidence. Following the presentation, one attendee will be chosen for a Free Manuscript Evaluation Giveaway. (Value of $499) Zoom meeting link will be sent out the day before the webinar. Marc Brick is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s English program, Marc brings over a decade of communications experience to his role as Publishing Consultant at FriesenPress. Marc’s supportive nature and passion for storytelling has helped hundreds of writers around the globe successfully publish books they are proud to have authored. FriesenPress is the world's only 100% employee-owned publishing services provider. Since 2009, we have helped thousands of authors publish over 8,000 titles. Part of Canada's largest independent book printer, Friesens Corporation, FriesenPress offers professional editing, design, distribution, and promotional support to those seeking to self-publish their books. Find us online: Facebook: @friesenpress, Twitter: @friesenpress, Instagram: @friesenpress

LitCon 2026 Webinar: Inside the Edit: Navigating Process, Partnerships, and Publishing Routes with FriesenPress and Marc Brick

In an unstable, divided world, good storytelling is a transformative, audacious act. In this workshop we&#39;re going to use dystopian fiction as a lens to examine how to make your work compelling. We&#39;re also going to explore how Truthtelling in fiction&mdash;the act of honesty, truth, and authenticity&mdash;can make dystopian fiction stand out in a wild, busy world! This workshop is In Person only. Miguel Fenrich&nbsp;(he/him) is a queer, black professional artist living and playing on Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatoon. As a truth-teller, and future historian, his artistic work often explores community/culture/care and their messy relationships with truth through an intersectional, anti-racist, and decolonial lens. He is the author of Blue: a Novel and What Lies in the Valley. He is the 43rd President of the Saskatchewan Writers&rsquo; Guild, is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and a 2024 recognized artist at the inaugural Arts of Celebration event. Fenrich is a 2025 CBC Future 40 Winner, and is working on his third novel with support of SK Arts.

LitCon 2026: Exploring Dystopian Fiction and Examining Strong Storytelling

Looking for some tips on how to polish up those romance and fight scenes? Join author Tanya Reimer in this 2‑hour workshop exploring the art of crafting memorable kissing and fighting scenes. Perfect for writers at all levels. Sponsored by Saskatchewan Writers&#39; Guild This Workshop is In Person only Born and raised on the Saskatchewan prairies, Tanya Reimer draws inspiration from the tranquil setting to craft her not-so-peaceful speculative fiction. Her literary journey began at fifteen with her first column, and she has since published six novels spanning alternate history, sci-fi, and supernatural fantasy. Under a pen name, she explores forbidden romance with six additional novels. Beyond fiction, Tanya&rsquo;s passion for storytelling extends to articles, newsletters, short stories, yearbooks, historical magazines, grant writing, and her blog, Life&rsquo;s Like That. She is currently dreaming up her next magical adventures.

LitCon 2026 Workshop: Writing, Rewriting KISSING & FIGHTING Scenes

How do you make money as an artist? Join us on March 4th with David Berry to have this question and more answered in our 2026 LitCon Industry Interview. This interview will be streamed live from our festival Youtube account.&nbsp; David Berry is a writer, editor, and critic. He spent the first two decades of his professional career profiling and critiquing the book, film, music, and theatre scenes for an Edmonton-based alt-weekly and then did the same nationally for the National Post. He has contributed essays, criticism, and features to the Globe and Mail, The Walrus, CBC, Hazlitt, and many other places, some of which still exist. His first book, On Nostalgia, was published in 2020, and his most recent book, How Artists Make Money &amp; How Money Makes Artists, was released in October of last year.

LitCon 2026 Industry Interview: Making Money as an Artist

*WE CANNOT PROVIDE ALLERGY/FOOD RESTRICTION ACCOMMODATIONS AT THIS TIME (JAN 28 2026)* The Saskatchewan Festival of Words is back with its beloved wine fundraiser!&nbsp; Join us on February 6th for a taste of Italy! There will be five rounds of beautifully prepared dishes from High Regards Catering matched with some gorgeous Italian wines. The night will also feature a wine basket raffle, live music, and a silent auction. Thank you to our title sponsor Bruce Willms &amp; Willms Private Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities

A Taste of Italy Wine Fundraiser

The publishing industry today looks much different than it did a decade ago. In that time, self-publishing has outgrown its longstanding &#39;vanity&#39; stigma and become a viable publishing option for many writers. Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned writer seeking new adventures or an aspiring author taking your first steps into the world of self publishing, this webinar promises to equip you with a brief understanding of the industry&#39;s evolution, debunk common myths surrounding self-publishing, and shed light on the importance of choosing a publishing partner. Giveaway: One attendee to receive a Free Manuscript Evaluation with FriesenPress - valued at $499. Christoph Koniczek joined FriesenPress&#39;s team of employee owners in 2013, reconnecting with his passion for literature after a career in the culinary arts. A Publishing Consultant with the largest publishing services provider in Canada, Christoph has assisted authors with bringing over 2,000 titles to the market (and counting) in his decade-plus in the trade. When he isn&#39;t busy helping authors find their path, you can find him with a good book (European history and science fiction are favorites) and a strong cup of chai tea.

Demystifying Self Publishing with Christoph Koniczek and FriesenPress

Cineview is back! All films start at 7PM at the MJ Centre for Arts and Culture. Individual tickets are $10 at the door. September 24 - Life of ChuckSynopsis: A life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. October 22 - Penguin LessonsSynopsis: A disillusioned Englishman who goes to work in a school in a divided Argentina in 1976 finds his life transformed when he rescues an orphaned penguin from the beach. November 12 - The Wedding BanquetSynopsis: A gay man makes a deal with his lesbian friend: a green-card marriage for him, in exchange for in vitro fertilization treatments for her. Plans evolve as Min&#39;s grandmother surprises them with a Korean wedding banquet. November 26 - Blue MoonSynopsis: Tells the story of Lorenz Hart&#39;s struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of &quot;Oklahoma!&quot;.

Cineview Fall 2025

The Saskatchewan Festival of Words is a 4-day literary Festival that hosts 50 events every third weekend in July. It features authors from across Canada with events such as readings, interviews, workshops, and more. In our effort to make our Festival more accessible to everyone, we also host every author at least once online and with captioning throughout the Festival. Every event hosted at the Mae Wilson Theatre, Moose Jaw Events Centre, and Art Museum Theatre will be available online with captioning. Please see the website for full schedule details.

2025 Festival of Words Online Pass

Kids Ink is a free program to youth, ages 10-13, run by the Saskatchewan Festival of Words. This program allows kids to explore their creativity while learning from a professional author. This year we are so excited to have Kristy Jackson as our Kids Ink instructor! Join author Kristy Jackson to hear the inside story behind all the embarrassing moments in her hilarious middle grade novel MORTIFIED (are they true??). &nbsp; Hear about what it was like getting her first book published, the importance of determination, and learn Kristy&rsquo;s writing secrets. Kristy will guide workshop participants in writing their very own pitch sentence, which is the first step she always takes when writing a novel. Fun, writing practice, and prizes! Each attendee will receive a copy of Kristy&#39;s middle grade novel Mortified! Sponsored by SSCF and Rotary Club of Moose Jaw

Kids Ink 2025

Join us as we ramp up to our 2025 Festival of Words with this informative webinar about how you can make the most out of your marketing. Presented by Bret Newton and Friesen Press.&nbsp; Marketing is one of the most important elements of a self publishing authors journey. Whether you&rsquo;re planning to make this a career or fulfilling a passion project, you&rsquo;ll want to ensure you establish the right marketing strategy for your book. This webinar will provide an overview of the foundational marketing practices needed to build an audience for your book prior to publication and in the long term. We&rsquo;ll also explore the differences between hiring a company to handle your book promotion versus executing those pieces yourself with or without coaching. Within the vast expanse of publishing, it&rsquo;s easy for authors to feel overwhelmed. The goal of this webinar is to provide a clear understanding of your options, the marketing services available to you, and develop an informed opinion on how to best move forward in your publishing journey. All attendees are automatically entered into our Manuscript Evaluation Giveaway (Value $499)

2025 Festival Prelude: Self Publisher's Guide to Marketing with Bret Newton and FriesenPress

Join us and Ell Bird to learn about writing practices that record and process your ever-changing identity for future reflection. This special Pride workshop will go over such practices as morning papers, common placing and junk journaling. Hosted as part of MJ Pride 2025

Cultivating Identity: Writing Practices to Nurture Your Developing Identity

The Saskatchewan Festival of Words is back with its beloved wine fundraiser!  Join us on March 28th for a night of perfect pairings! There will be five rounds of beautifully prepared dishes matched with some gorgeous but unlikely wines. The night will also feature a wine basket raffle, live music, and a silent auction.

Perfect Pairings Wine Fundraiser

LitCon 2025 Webinar: Inside the Edit: Navigating Process, Partnerships, and Publishing Routes with FriesenPress and Marc Brick

Unlock the secrets to writing compelling fantasy in this interactive workshop designed for aspiring and experienced writers alike. Dive into worldbuilding, craft believable magic systems, and explore how to reinvent classic tropes to create stories that captivate readers. Learn how to ground fantastical elements with relatable characters and consistent rules, while discovering how your favorite fantasy media can inspire your unique voice. Whether you're building epic realms or enchanting modern settings, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to bring your fantastical ideas to life. Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Writers' Guild Ashleigh Mattern has worked as a professional writer since 2007, getting her start at the University of Saskatchewan student newspaper The Sheaf and The Saskatoon StarPhoenix. From 2017 to 2021, she worked at CBC as a reporter and copy editor, and as a Saskatoon Morning associate producer. In 2023, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Magicked Born. She’s the co-owner of Vireo Creative Web Design & Marketing. You'll run into her in Saskatoon at the downtown library, in bookstores, riding her bike along the Meewasin Trail, practicing yoga, and playing rec sports. Read more about Ashleigh at ashleighmattern.com.

LitCon 2025: The Writer’s Spellbook: Fantasy Essentials from Worldbuilding to Magic Systems with Ashleigh Mattern

Dive into the eerie world of paranormal storytelling with this immersive workshop designed for aspiring writers and/or podcasters. Learn how to craft compelling paranormal storylines that captivate your audience, whether through fact or fiction. Explore techniques for creating memorable characters and supernatural beings and discover the importance of research and authenticity in your narratives. Additionally, gain insights into building a strong personal brand that resonates with your audience, builds community, and makes you stand out. Through interactive exercises and expert guidance, you'll leave with practical skills and a clear direction for your paranormal projects. K.D. Kulpa is a horror author based in Regina, SK. Her debut supernatural horror novel, Coma, was released in September 2024. Growing up in a haunted house sparked her love for the paranormal and horror. When she’s not reading and writing, she’s going on adventures with her family and researching Canadian paranormal and mysteries for her weekly radio show and podcast, ParaGhoul Paranormal.

LitCon 2025 Workshop: Bringing Life  to the Shadows: Crafting Compelling Paranormal Narrative for Writers and Podcasters

What is a literary agent? Do you need one? How do you get one? Join us on March 4th with Amanda Orozco from Transatlantic Agency to have these questions and more answered in our 2025 LitCon Industry Interview. This interview will be streamed live from our festival Youtube account.  Amanda Orozco is a senior literary agent at Transatlantic. She graduated from NYU with her Masters of Science in Publishing: Digital and Print Media. Before joining Transatlantic, she worked in Subsidiary Rights at Little, Brown and at Park & Fine Literary and Media. While at NYU, she interned at the National Book Foundation, Shreve Williams Public Relations, and The Gernert Company. She currently lives and works in Los Angeles

LitCon 2025 Industry Interview: What Is An Agent And How Do You Get One?

This Cineview Pass gains you entry into the following events September 18: Queen of My DreamsFawzia Mirza’s stylish feature debut mashes up the textures of Indian cinema and a Canadian coming-of-age picture, tracing key moments in the lives of a mother and daughter born three decades apart. October 9: Sing SingImprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, Divine G finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer. October 23: ThelmaThelma Post is a 93-year-old grandmother who loses $10,000 to a con artist on the phone. With help from a friend and his motorized scooter, she soon embarks on a treacherous journey across Los Angeles to reclaim what was taken from her. November 27: Perfect DaysHirayama feels content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, reads books and takes photos. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.

Cineview 2024 Fall Passes

2024 Festival of Words Online Pass

Kids Ink is a free program to youth, ages 10-13, run by the Saskatchewan Festival of Words. This program allows kids to explore their creativity while learning from a professional author. This year we are so excited to have Victoria Koops as our Kids Ink instructor! Join young adult author and self-proclaimed geek, Victoria Koops, for a role playing game inspired playshop (like a workshop, but more fun) for young adventurers! Using elements familiar to both gamers and bards writers, such as character creation, backstory, and even some actual role-play, teens will develop their storytelling skills, both in game and "on-the-page" in real life! No prior experience points needed to enjoy this playshop, just bring some pencils, paper, and any other props that give you bardic inspiration! Sponsored by SSCF and Rotary Club of Moose Jaw

2024 Kids Ink: Bardic Inspiration

Join us as we ramp up to our 2024 Festival of Words with this informative webinar about how publishing has drastically changed over time. Presented by Marc Brick and Friesen Press.  The publishing industry today looks much different than it did a decade ago. In that time, self-publishing has outgrown its longstanding 'vanity' stigma and become a viable publishing option for many writers. The traditional publishing industry has also experienced great changes and as a result it just isn’t what it used to be, even for those who’ve found success within the system. This webinar provides an overview of the modern book publishing landscape and gives advice to authors on how to successfully navigate it. We’ll discuss the general publishing options of Traditional Publishing, DIY, and Assisted Self Publishing — how it all works and the logistics of moving your book from the computer screen to the bookshelf. All attendees are automatically entered into our Manuscript Evaluation Giveaway (Value $499)

2024 Festival Prelude: The Modern Publishing Landscape

This workshop discusses the different roles of writers in AAA and mobile video games and what companies look for in portfolios. The workshop will also include how to write a quest with branching dialogue from start to finish. Tonia Laird is a Métis video game writer from Treaty 6 territory. She's written for the AAA studio, Bioware's Dragon Age 2 and the 2014 Game of the Year, Dragon Age: Inquisition. She was also the lead writer on the mobile game, Everlove: Rose, and created her own interactive novel, Poster Girl, through Fable Labs. She now works at Thought Pennies Entertainment on an unannounced community-driven Dark Fantasy RPG as their resident Lorekeeper and world-builder.

LitCon 2024 Workshop: Where Pen Meets Pixel: Writing for Video Games with Tonia Laird

Horror has often been unfairly looked down upon genre but its importance and evolution can be seen throughout literary history. In this workshop, we’ll be examining the legacy of the genre, why horror is an important outlet for our inner selves, the importance of a great opening line, choosing which type of horror story you wish to write, traditional publishing vs. self publishing, and how to approach editors and handle criticism.  Drew Nicks is a writer of short horror and weird fiction from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. His short stories have been published by the likes of Hellbound Books, The Ghastling, Novel Noctule, Gehenna and Hinnom, Oscillate Wildly Press, and others. His fascination for the genre came at a young age.

LitCon 2024 Workshop: Disquiet and Unease: Horror and The Weird with Drew Nicks

Marketing is one of the most important elements of a self publishing authors journey. Whether you’re planning to make this a career or fulfilling a passion project, you’ll want to ensure you establish the right marketing strategy for your book. This webinar will provide an overview of the foundational marketing practices needed to build an audience for your book prior to publication and in the long term. We’ll also explore the differences between hiring a company to handle your book promotion versus executing those pieces yourself with or without coaching. Within the vast expanse of publishing, it’s easy for authors to feel overwhelmed. The goal of this webinar is to provide a clear understanding of your options, the marketing services available to you, and develop an informed opinion on how to best move forward in your publishing journey. All attendees will be entered into our FriesenPress Manuscript Evaluation Giveaway ($499 value)! About Marc BrickA graduate of the University of Manitoba’s English program, Marc brings over a decade of communications experience to his role as Publishing Consultant at FriesenPress. Marc’s supportive nature and passion for storytelling has helped hundreds of writers around the globe successfully publish books they are proud to have authored. About FriesenPressFriesenPress is the world's only 100% employee-owned publishing services provider. Since 2009, we have helped thousands of authors publish over 8,000 titles. Part of Canada's largest independent book printer, Friesens Corporation, FriesenPress offers professional editing, design, distribution, and promotional support to those seeking to self-publish their books.

LitCon 2024 Webinar: Self Publishers Guide to Marketing with Marc Brick and FriesenPress

<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;float:none;display:inline !important;box-sizing:inherit">The Saskatchewan Festival of Words is bringing back our wine fundraiser.  Join us for a night of expert food and wine pairings, raffles and more!   Doors Open at 6:00PM

Wines Around the World Fundraiser

Cineview is back! All films start at 7PM at the MJ Centre for Arts and Culture. Individual tickets are $10 at the door. January 21 - Sentimental ValueSisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. Nora turns it down, but soon discovers he&#39;s given the part to an eager young Hollywood star. February 25 - The Secret AgentIn 1977, Marcelo, a technology teacher, moves from S&atilde;o Paulo to Recife during Carnival to escape his violent past and start over. He finds the city full of chaos, and his neighbours begin to spy on him. March 18 - MeadowlarksMeadowlarks is a Canadian drama film, directed by Tasha Hubbard and released in 2025. It stars Michael Greyeyes, Carmen Moore, Alex Rice, Michelle Thrush and Lorne Duquette as five Cree siblings who were separated by the Sixties Scoop, who are meeting for the first time as adults. April 15 - No Other ChoiceAbruptly laid off after 25 years at the same company, a desperate man goes to extreme lengths to eliminate the competition for the job he wants. April 29 - The ChoralA choral society&#39;s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr Guthrie to recruit teenagers and experience the joy of singing.

Saskatchewan Festival of Words Inc.

Saskatchewan Festival of Words Inc.

Events

Events

Cineview Winter/Spring 2026

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