Due to COVID -19 our group presentation events are being rescheduled to a later time. We are working also on the possibility of hosting online events.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, June 4th, 2020 Flash Fiction Contest held by the City of Port Coquitlam closes.
Workshop online - Sunday, May 17, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Need help with your entry?
Join Vancouver author Kevin Spenst for a virtual writing workshop.
Register by email at to receive the workshop link and password.
Adults: Sunday, May 17, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Entries must be an adventure story, set in Port Coquitlam and include the word seed. Entries can be as short as 180 words, but no more than 750 words. Titles are not included in the word count. Entries must be original and not contain any copyrighted materials, including song lyrics etc. Contest is open to residents of Port Coquitlam of all ages. Staff of FVRL and the City of Port Coquitlam cannot enter.
Ongoing Events
Past Events
Shoreline Writers' Group
Once a month, on Sundays, 1-4 p.m., in 2nd floor boardroom of Coquitlam Public Library, City Centre Branch, 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, V3B 0Y1. This is a partnership between the Shoreline Writers' Group (formerly the Shoreline Writers' Society) and Tri-City Wordsmiths, uniting a critique group (SWG) and a community of writers (TCW). All area writers are welcome; it's not necessary to be a member of either group to attend.
Next meeting confirmed for Sunday, Feb. 23rd.
Feb 08, 2020
Taxing Writers
Tri-City Writers Presen author George Opacic on Helping Writers understand tax-related matters.
Apr 06, 2019
Beyond the First Draft: Revising Your Work
Tri-City Wordsmiths presenter John Mavin described a method of rewriting which can take your manuscript from a first raw draft to a polished story, ready for sharing with the world.
John Mavin, is the author of Rage, a collection of short stories. He has taught creative writing at Capilano University, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, with New Shoots (an annual UBC creative writing program), and at the Learning Exchange in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. He has also been a nominee for both the Aurora Award and the Journey Prize. In this workshop,
Feb 02, 2019
5 Top Ways to Avoid Looking like a Dork on Social Media
Barbara Drozdowich, author of 18 books, is an online course instructor and a technical trainer to writers. Her latest book, The Author’s Guide To Self-Publishing For Canadians, was released in 2018.
This workshop was aimed at writers who are new to social media and apprehensive about using it. The speaker discussed 5 simple ways to make life easier, when navigating this technology. She answered such questions as: What are the top three social media platforms for authors, and who is using them? What are hash tags and why are they so powerful? How can writers create an effective social media bio?
Jan 05, 2019
Dreaming into Reality: Editing Your Writing
Rhea Rose, Writer, Poet, Artist, Teacher, Indie Publisher addressed the Tri-City Wordsmiths’ Annual Membership Renewal and Social Meeting presenting her view as a professional editor about different types of editing and how to find reasonably priced help for polishing manuscripts.
Dec 01, 2018
Publishers, Libraries & Writers: An Evolving World
As Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Valley Regional Library Scott offered his insights as to how writers can work with their libraries, concentrating on three themes: recent trends in publishing, and what it means for you as an author; how to market your book, generally; and how to market your book specifically to libraries, given their changing role.
Oct 13, 2018
Dread, Horror and Gore: How to Write Effective Dark Fiction
Our speaker discussed the subject of dread, and the various techniques that can evoke it in your stories. Using examples from literature and movies, Tocher explained how to establish a horrifying mood, and provided miscellaneous tips for writing gore. Check out David's publishing website: Dark Dragon Publishing.
Aug 04, 2018
Living the Past: Historical Fiction for Storytellers With Carol M. Cram
In this 2-hour workshop, Carol focussed on using the past as a vehicle for story, rather than as an end in itself. Participants were offered tips for writing historical fiction and completed some hands-on exercises. Please visit her website at CarolCram.com
Feb 03, 2018
Research Tips: Discovering Stories in 19th Century North America with Yvonne Harris
Yvonne Harris, local author of six books of historical fiction for adults and children, as well as several travel books on Canada's north. www.yvonneharris.com.
Dec 06, 2014
A Crime Writers’ Panel with Owen Laukkanen, Derrick Carew, and Stefano Mazzega
Discover how these three writers started in the crime-writing genre, what they’ve learned along the way, and what tips and tricks they can share with those of us who hope to follow in their footsteps as crime writers.