The Whistler Writing Society marks its annual general meeting with pizza and a free workshop about self-publishing with Leanne Janzen of Friesen Press. The workshop is available online, and in person at the Whistler Public Library.

The Whistler Writing Society holds its annual general meeting on Sept. 26 at the Whistler Public Library. After the AGM, there is a free workshop. Participants can join in Demystifying Self-Publishing: Myths, Realities & Stories with Leanne Janzen.

The writing society, which runs the Whistler Writers Festival, Authors in the Schools, the Whistler Writers in Residence program, one day writing retreats and several events every spring, encourages Sea to Sky residents to come, meet some people, enjoy some free pizza and see how the society is growing the literary arts in the community. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for pizza and networking, and the AGM starts at 6 p.m. on Zoom and in-person. The workshop starts at 6:30 p.m. 

All AGM attendees will have a chance to win a copy of Just Say Yes by Bob McDonald, who is one of the festival’s guest authors this fall, and the host of Quirks & Quarks on the CBC. 

“We’re a creative, community organization, and it’s important to us that people feel welcome and can see what we’re about, which is why we open our doors to everyone,” said Rebecca Wood Barrett, the festival artistic director. “Plus, it’s fun to connect with people and to be able to offer a free workshop to inspire writers and help them on their publishing journey.”

The workshop is perfect for seasoned writers seeking new adventures, or aspiring authors taking their first steps into the world of self-publishing. The workshop, offered as a webinar, will equip attendees with an understanding of the industry’s evolution, debunk some common myths about self-publishing, and shed light on how important it is to find the right publishing partner. On top of that, Janzen, who is a publishing specialist at Friesen Press, is giving one attendee a free manuscript evaluation.