by Barb Rees

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Do you need more tools in your writing kit? You’re just starting out and want encouragement? All this and more awaits you as the former Festival of Writers, all grown up into a world-class Writers’ Conference, celebrates its 7th anniversary.

 Presenters include Heidi Greco with “The Prickly Art of Self-Editing”  and award-winning author Brian Brett on creative non-fiction with “Writing Your Life.” Federation of BC Writers’ Director Sylvia Taylor offers a master class on “Building Your Professional Platform: A Blueprint for Success.” Canadian Association of Authors’ President, Anthony Dalton, brings his master class, “Don’t Give Away All Your Rights: Understanding Publishing Contracts.” Back by popular demand, the writing contest, this year entitled “So You Think You Can Write”, offers cash prizes and conference registration. Join us for entertaining opening ceremonies on April 30 at Dwight Hall as Powell River’s version of American Idol judges take on the contest winners. Contestants will write poetry or prose using “Take it to the next level” as the theme.

 A West Coast Writers’ Banquet on May 1 at 6:00 p.m wraps up the weekend with entertainment. Everyone welcome!

For the first time, PRWC Society is offering sponsorship to people who are serious about writing but have financial difficulties. Businesses or individuals have the opportunity to sponsor a writer’s $120 registration or a portion thereof. Writers who want to be considered should write a letter outlining how serious they are about writing, why financial circumstances make it a hardship to attend, and what they can pay towards registration. Sponsors’ names are posted online and on some promotional material. Send requests or offers to sponsor to: Powell River Writers Conference, #14-7624 Duncan St. Powell River, V8A 5L2

Join us as the biggest writers’ conference ever to hit Powell River lights up the hearts and minds of readers and writers alike. Contest rules, conference registration and booth forms at: www.prwriters.org.  Or call: Barb 604-485-2732.  Email: festivalofwriters@shaw.ca