Celebrating its 11th year, Word on the Lake is the largest writers’ festival outside the Lower Mainland.
This three-day conference that runs from May 16 to 18 attracts participants largely from the B.C. Interior, as well as the Lower Mainland and Alberta.
This year’s stellar slate includes bestselling authors Diana Gabaldon, Gail Anderson Dargatz, CC Humphreys and Gary Geddes, among others, who will lead workshops, master classes and a panel discussion.
Another popular feature of the festival is writing contests for adults and youths, which are now open.
Contestants may submit original, unpublished works in the following categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry and young adult.
First-place winners will receive a cash prize of $150, plus a 2014 conference package including banquet ($225 value.) As well, their entry will be published in the 2014 Word on the Lake anthology which will be available at the festival.
The deadline is midnight, March 3. Winners will be contacted prior to the conference and will be recognized at the Saturday-night banquet.
The Shuswap Association of Writers sponsor the seventh annual Young Writers’ Contest. Once again there’s a chance for recognition and awards for writers from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Students may enter one story or poem, and there is no entry fee. There are four age categories and all entries are judged by local authors.
The deadline for entries is April 17 and prizes will be awarded on Saturday, May 17 at the festival.
This is a popular contest with more than 200 entries some years.
The contest is held specifically to encourage young writers early, with the hope that they continue to develop their skills.
Word on the Lake is the major annual event of the Shuswap Association of Writers (SAW). Founded in 2003, SAW is a non-profit, volunteer organization and a registered society.
For more details on the festival and submission guidelines for the contests, visit www.saow.ca.