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Choosing the best among many good stories is not so straightforward a task as one might imagine. Our three lead judges, Michael Hutchinson, Zilla Jones, and Mitchell Toews engaged in energetic discussions focusing on the craft of writing and the elements of fiction, ultimately deciding on the following seven stories for our shortlist. The finalists for “The Dave” 2025 are:(in alphabetical order) “The Opposite of Comforting” by Agata Antonow (Hamilton)“Tides” by Amber Fenik (Ottawa)“Chaiwali” by Sarah Israr (Toronto)“Wild …

By barb janes Against the stereotype of the lonely writer pecking away at a keyboard in some dreary attic, the Manitoba Writers’ Guild Critique Circles offer great community with fellow wordsmiths, and opportunity to share work. More, the Circles also expect participants to read the submissions of other writers and offer feedback. As a participant, I take notes of feedback offered…but, as I’m churning out the first draft of a novel (vomit edition!), I’m squirrelling …

The Manitoba Writers Guild’s Creative Arts Hub for North Point Douglas is hosting several exciting creative arts events for North Point Douglas this spring: a Four-Week Poetry Writing Workshop for “disadvantaged” Women, taught by Winnipeg’s inaugural Poet Laureate Di Brandt, and a series of Saturday afternoon Creative Arts Workshops in May for all interested adults living in NPD (with enrollment limits for each workshop). The Four-Week Poetry Writing Workshop for Women of NPD concluded this …

We are thrilled to announce the longlist for this year’s David Williamson National Short Story Competition (aka “The Dave”). We received 125 entries, a steady growth over our first year with 96 entries, once again ranging from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. The judges have been busy reading this diverse range of stories and have made their selection. Names of the authors are being withheld until the short list is announced, but scan these tantalizing …

by Roxane Anderson Jessica Smithies, MWG’s Book Launch Coordinator, welcomed author Ainsley Bloomer to present her book, A Viking Legend: The Descendants of Odin, in front of a captive audience at Artspace on a sunny Sunday afternoon on April 6. Ainsley Bloomer is passionate about Old Norse Mythology. The audience was spellbound by her descriptions of Norse Eddas and Sagas, gods and goddesses, the nine realms of the Norse universe, and of Odin, the supreme …

By Lynda Schmidt I was excited to attend the Manitoba Writer’s Guild first Open Mic afternoon with fellow Guild reporters Steve, Amanda, Luke, Stacy and Heather. After enduring what felt like an indomitable cold snap of extreme weather warnings, the balmy plus three seemed to add momentum to the spirit of enthusiasm I sensed when we arrived at Artspace. Andy Dutfield greeted us with a friendly smile and as we rode the rickety old elevator …

The BIPOC Critique Circle met in person on Jan. 23, 2025. People arrived between after 6 p.m., and the group relaxed and took the time to get to know each other. A potluck dinner commenced around 7 p.m., followed by the meeting starting at 8 p.m. The group listened and provided feedback to readings by Tula, Jenn, Mubo, Ralph, and Zilla. Tolu shared her poem, “Ascension for Desire,” with attendees finding it relatable and enjoying …

The Sheldon Oberman Mentorship Program held its annual celebratory reception on Friday, Jan. 25, to hear from last year’s mentor/apprentice pairings and introduce this year’s cohort. It was a positive literary affair, held this year in a house because Artspace was closed for building repairs. Last year’s mentors talked about the relationship they developed with their apprentices and complimented them on how they took to heart the lessons and suggestions they offered. The apprentices spoke …

by barb janes We make plans, God says “Ha!” January’s Poetry Critique Circle planned to gather at the Artspace building and via Zoom (a hybrid event) but the old sewage pipe leading to that building had other ideas, and the building is closed until repairs can be made. Much scrambling ensued, and the poets met instead for a lively dinner conversation at the Peasant Cookery, then Zoomed in other participants. The poets are a cohesive, …

By Stacey Lupky Can an earnest writer, perhaps introverted and self-conscious, really put their feelings aside and share their work with complete strangers for critique and come out of the experience with ego unscathed? Short answer: Yes. The Manitoba Writer’s Guild Critique Circles provides feedback on any type of writing by a group of peers. By utilizing this feedback, the writer gives themself permission to be bolder: both personally and with their craft. Tuesday night’s …

By Steve Oetting Hungry for an information-fueled gab with other writers? Looking for some helpful suggestions as you scratch your head about what to write next? Writing, Rants, and Rambling sessions, such as the one I attended via Zoom on Jan. 9, could be your answer. The recent WR&R session was brimming with interesting topics and discussion. Our moderator, Susan Rocan, provided her expert guidance to lead us through the land acknowledgement reading, attendee introductions, …

by Steve Oetting Are you up on your Mushkegoinnimowin? The Annual General Meeting for this year was held at the Bill and Helen Norrie Library Oct. 19. This lovely new library is one large rectangular room with solid windows on each side, offering a bright and sunny welcome to all of the MWG members that attended. The boardroom, spacious and equally luminous, was humming with the conversations of three to four dozen members as I …