Upcoming Events | Ongoing events | Press Releases

Upcoming Events

Following is a list of upcoming events: readings, writing workshops and seminars, and so on. Unless specified otherwise, events happen in Nova Scotia, Canada. We strongly encourage you to check dates and times with hosting organizations -- typos and sudden changes happen.

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NOVEMBER

• November 20, 7:30 pm:  Comedy Cabaret Fundraiser.  Lorne Elliott, Sheree Fitch and Donna Morrissey are the featured entertainment for this Atlantic Book Awards Fundraiser hosted by Costas Halavrezos of CBC’s Maritime Noon.  Doors open at 7 pm.  Alderney Gate Theatre, Dartmouth.  Tickets:  $25 in advance, $28 at the door, available by contacting Terrilee Bulger at (902) 455 2963 or tbulger@eastlink.ca (note:  ABAS makes more money if tickets are bought this way).  Tickets can also be purchased through Ticket Pro: 1 888 311 9090 or at the box office in person, Friday 9 am- 5 pm.

• November 21, 10:30 am-1 pm:  Reading.  Lorne Elliot reads from The Fixer Upper, Karen Forest reads from Canadian Angels By Your Side.  1-3 pm:  Joan Dawson reads from Nova Scotia’s Lost Highways and Francis Mitchell reads from The Boys of ‘62 at Carrefore Atlantic Emporium, Historic Properties, Halifax.  (902) 423 2940.

• November 21, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Kate Inglis signs copies of her book The Dread Crew:  Pirates of the Backwoods at Coles, New Minas.  3:30-5:30 pm at Coles, Bridgewater.  For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 21, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Allison Lawlor signs copies of Rum-Running, the first book in the Stories of our Past history series, at Chapters, Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth.  3-5 pm at Indigo, Sunnyside Mall, Bedford.  For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 21, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Laura Best signs copies of her new YA novel Bitter, Sweet (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, Bridgewater.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 21, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Chef Michael Howell signs copies of his new cookbook Atlantic Seafood (Nimbus Publishing) at Indigo, Sunnyside Mall, Bedford.  3-5 pm at Chapters, Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 21, 6-9 pm:  Christmas Party and Book Extravaganza.  The Annex Bookstore hosts writers Judith James, Donna Alward, Pam Callow, Carol Moreira, Louise Christie, Deanna Foster, Jeanne Ripley and Joanne Chilton.  There will be readings, book signings, food, prizes, discounts, draws and gift packages.  196 Tantallon Crescent, Tantallon Woods.  For more information, please call (902) 430 2366 or email:  the annex@eastlink.ca.

• November 22, noon-2 pm: Book Signing. Jill MacLean signs copies of The Nine Lives of Travis Keating and its sequel The Present Tense of Prinny Murphy at Coles, Halifax Shopping Centre and from 3-5 pm at Chapters, Bayer’s Lake.

• November 22, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Joan Dawson signs copies of her latest book Nova Scotia’s Lost Highways at Coles, New Minas.  For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 22, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Allison Lawlor signs copies of Rum-Running, the first book in the Stories of our Past history series, at Chapters, Bayer’s Lake, Halifax.  3-5 pm at Coles, Halifax Shopping Centre.  For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 22, 3-5 pm:  Book Signing.  Carol McDougall signs copies of her new book Nova Scotia Guide to Frugal Living at Chapters, Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth. For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca. 

• November 24, 7 pm:  Reading.  red earth women presents Catherine Owen, an Edmonton based poet reading from her sixth collection Frenzy (Anvil Press) followed by an open mic.  UPEI Main Faculty Lounge, Charlottetown.

• November 24, 7:30: Reading. The Dalhousie English Department and the Killam Library host poet Randall Maggs in the DUASC Reading Room on the 5th floor of the Killam Library.

• November 25, 7 pm:  Gallery Reading Series.  Fred Stenson reads from his novel The Great Karoo (Random House) at Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery in the Loyola Building, 5865 Gorsebrook Avenue, Halifax.

• November 26, 5-8 pm:  Book Launch.  Carol Ann Cole launches her new book If I Knew Then What I Know Now at Puffin Gallery, Historic Properties.  For more information, call Carrefour Atlantic Emporium:  (902) 423 2940.

• November 26, 6pm:  Reading.  Little Mysteries hosts poet Catherine Owens reading from her latest collection Frenzy and Sue Goyette reading work from her forthcoming collection Outskirts.  1663 Barrington Street (between Sackville and Prince), Halifax. 

• November 26, 7 pm:  Left Bank Reading Series.  Writers’ Open Mic at Local Jo Café, 2959 Oxford Street, Halifax.

• November 27, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Stephen Kimber signs copies of his books, including his latest, IWK:  A Century of Caring for Families (Nimbus Publishing) at Smithbooks, Scotia Square Mall, Halifax.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 27, 3-5 pm:  Book Signing.  Authors Trevor J. Adams and Stephen Patrick Clare signs copies of their book Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, McAllister Place, Saint John.  7-9 pm at Indigo, Saint John.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 27 & 28, 7:30 pm:  Theatre.  Quick as a Wink Theatre presents Snowbirds by Darcy Rhyno with a matinee on November 29 at 2 pm.  Kinsway Gardens Function Room, Wentworth Road, Windsor.  Tickets:  Adults $12; Children $10.  For more information, call (902) 472 7229.

• November 27, 7-9 pm:  Book Signing.  Carol McDougall signs copies of her new book Nova Scotia Guide to Frugal Living at Chapters, Bayer’s Lake, Halifax.  For more information, visit: www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 28, 10 am-noon:  Reading.  Allison Lawlor reads from her book Rum-Running.  1-3 pm:  Anne Emery reads from Cecilian Vespers, Paul Bennett reads from The Grammer School and Doretta Groenendyk reads from I’m Writing a Story at Carrefore Atlantic Emporium, Historic Properties, Halifax.  (902) 423 2940.

• November 28, 11:30-1:30 pm and 7-9 pm:  Book Signing.  Authors Trevor J. Adams and Stephen Patrick Clare signs copies of their book Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books (Nimbus Publishing) at Chapters, Fredericton.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 28, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Carol McDougall signs copies of her new book Nova Scotia Guide to Frugal Living at Coles, Halifax Shopping Centre, Halifax.  For more information, visit: www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 28, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Laurie Glenn Norris signs copies of her new book Cumberland County:  Facts and Folklore at Coles, Amherst.  3:30-5:30 pm at Coles, Truro.  For more information, visit: www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 28, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Lesley Crewe signs copies of Hit & Mrs. at Coles, Mayflower Mall, Sydney.  3-5 pm:  Coles, Sydney Shopping Centre.  For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• November 28, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Stephen Kimber signs copies of his books, including his latest, IWK:  A Century of Caring for Families (Nimbus Publishing) at Indigo, Sunnyside Mall, Bedford.  3-5 pm at Chapters, Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 28, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Julie Watson signs copies of her book Sensational Seafood (Nimbus Publishing) at Indigo, Charlottetown.  For more information, visit:  nimbus.ca.

• November 28, 1-3 pm:  Book Signing.  Trevor J. Adams and Stephen Patrick Clare signs copies of their book Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books (Nimbus Publishing) at Westminster Books, Fredericton and from 7-9 pm at Chapters, Fredericton.  For more information, visit:  nimbus.ca.

• November 28, 2-4 pm:  Book Launch.  Poet Clyde A. Wray launches his new collection  Bridges We Can Walk Across (Dreamcatcher Publishing) at the Saint John Arts Center.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information, visit:  http://www.clydeawray.com/events.html.

• November 28, 3-5 pm:  Book Signing.  Laura Best signs copies of her new YA novel Bitter, Sweet (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, New Minas.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 29, 11:30-1:30 pm:  Book Signing.  Authors Trevor J. Adams and Stephen Patrick Clare signs copies of their book Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books (Nimbus Publishing) at Chapters, Moncton.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 29, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing. Jill MacLean signs copies of The Nine Lives of Travis Keating and its sequel The Present Tense of Prinny Murphy at Indigo, Sunnyside Mall, Bedford and from 3-5 pm at Chapters, Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth.

• November 29, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Laura Best signs copies of her new YA novel Bitter, Sweet (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, Halifax Shopping Centre and from 3-5 pm at Chapters, Bayer’s Lake, Halifax.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• November 29, 2-4 pm:  Book Signing.  Jennifer McGrath Kent signs copies of her books, included her latest, White Cave Escape at Chapters, Moncton.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

DECEMBER

• December 1, 7-8 pm:  Author Talk.  Authors Trevor J. Adams and Stephen Patrick Clare talk about their book Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books (Nimbus Publishing) at Spring Garden Public Library, Halifax.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• December 2, 7 pm:  Talk.  Carol McDougall, author of Nova Scotia Guide to Frugal Living, talks about making this holiday season a frugal one at Wolfville Memorial Library, Wolfville, NS.  For more information, visit: www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• December 4 & 5, 7:30 pm:  Theatre.  Quick as a Wink Theatre presents Snowbirds by Darcy Rhyno.  Kinsway Gardens Function Room, Wentworth Road, Windsor.  Tickets:  Adults $12; Children $10.  For more information, call (902) 472 7229.

• December 5, noon-2 pm:  Reading.  Don Cunningham and Don Artz read rom The Halifax Railway, Bill Naftel reads from Wartime Halifax and John Tattrie reads from Black Snow.  1-3 pm:  Trevor Adams and Stephen Clare read from Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books and Sean Buckland reads from Annapolis Valley Tastes at Carrefore Atlantic Emporium, Historic Properties, Halifax.  (902) 423 2940.

• December 5, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Jocelyn Bethune signs copies of her book Historic Baddeck (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, Sydney Shopping Centre and at 3-5 pm at Coles, Mayflower Mall, Sydney Shopping Centre.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• December 5, noon-2 pm.  Book Signing.  Monica Graham signs copies of her books, including her latest The Great Maritime Detective at Coles, New Glasgow and from 3-5 pm at Coles, Truro.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/.

• December 5, 2-4 pm:  Book Signing.  Joan Dawson signs copies of her latest book Nova Scotia’s Lost Highways at Coles, Bridgewater.  For more information, visit:  www.nimbus.ns.ca.

• December 5, 3:30-5:30 pm:  Book Signing.  Chef Michael Howell signs copies of his new cookbook Atlantic Seafood (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, New Minas.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• December 6, noon-2 pm:  Book Signing.  Stephen Kimber signs copies of his books, including his latest, IWK:  A Century of Caring for Families (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, Halifax Shopping Centre.  3-5 pm at Chapters, Bayer’s Lake, Halifax.  For more information, visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• December 7, 7-8:30 pm:  Reading.  Anna Quon reads from her novel Migration Songs at Mu Lan Chinese Culture Centre, 1360 Lower Water, Halifax.

• December 11, 7-8:30 pm:  Storytellers Circle of Halifax.  This monthly gathering meets at Just Us Café on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.

• December 12, 11 am-1 pm:  Reading.  Paul Bennett reads from The Grammar School.  1-3 pm:  Mike Parker reads from Gold Rush Ghost Towns of Nova Scotia, Bill Naftel reads from Wartime Halifax, Francis Mitchell reads from The Boys of ’62 and Bruce Nunn reads from History With a Twist and Buddy, The Bluenose Reindeer at Carrefore Atlantic Emporium, Historic Properties, Halifax.  (902) 423 2940.

• December 17, noon-1:30 pm:  Book Signing.  David Goss signs copies of his books, including Saint John Curiosities (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, Brunswick Square, Saint John.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• December 17, 7 pm:  Left Bank Reading Series.  Writers’ Open Mic at Local Jo Café, 2959 Oxford Street, Halifax.

• December 18, noon-1:30 pm:  Book Signing.  David Goss signs copies of his books, including Saint John Curiosities (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, Lancaster Mall, Saint John.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

• December 19, 11 am-1 pm:  Reading.  Karen Forrest reads from Canadian Angels By Your Side and Susan MacDonald reads from Balance at Carrefore Atlantic Emporium, Historic Properties, Halifax.  (902) 423 2940.

• December 19, noon-1:30 pm:  Book Signing.  David Goss signs copies of his books, including Saint John Curiosities (Nimbus Publishing) at Coles, McAllister Place, Saint John and from 3-4 pm at Indigo, Saint John.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=882.

JANUARY 2010

• January 14, 7-8:30 pm:  Storytellers Circle of Halifax.  This monthly gathering meets at Just Us Café on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.

• January 20, 7 pm:  Gallery Reading Series.  Steven Galloway reads from his latest novel The Cellist of Sarajevo and Ryan Turner reads from his first book of linked short stories What We Are Made Of (Oberon Press) at Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery in the Loyola Building, 5865 Gorsebrook Avenue, Halifax.

FEBRUARY

• February 10, 7 pm:  Book Launch.  The Essential James Reaney (Porcupine’s Quill) is a collection of Reaney’s poetry written from the early 1940’s into the 21st century.  Various Halifax poets and readers of poetry will gather to read and celebrate Reaney’s work.  Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery in the Loyola Building, 5865 Gorsebrook Avenue, Halifax.

• February 11, 7-8:30 pm:  Storytellers Circle of Halifax.  This monthly gathering meets at Just Us Café on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.

MARCH

• March 4, 7 pm:  Gallery Reading Series.  Robyn Sarah reads from her most recent collection of poems Pause for Breath (Biblioasis) and Wanda Campbell reads from her collection Looking for Lucy (Leaf Press) at Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery in the Loyola Building, 5865 Gorsebrook Avenue, Halifax.

• March 11, 7-8:30 pm:  Storytellers Circle of Halifax.  This monthly gathering meets at Just Us Café on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.

• March 24, 7 pm:  Gallery Reading Series.  Anne Compton reads from her latest collection of poetry Asking Questions Indoors and Out (Fitzhenry &Whiteside) and James Langer reads from Gun Dogs (Anansi) at Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery in the Loyola Building, 5865 Gorsebrook Avenue, Halifax.

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Ongoing Events/Venues

• We hold workshops from time to time as part of our Workshop Series.

• July: Tulepo Press will hold open submissions throughout July for book-length poetry sumbissions (48-90 pages), with a reduced reading fee of $25. They will not also accept electronic submissions via a special transfer site, in addition accepting submissions through postal mail. Editors will read all manuscripts. See their submission guidelines on the Tulepo Press website.

• The Nova Scotia Children's Literature Roundtable is a growing collection of people who love children's literature. The Roundtable holds a yearly "New Books Bash" and supports a number of children's literature events throughout the year, including the Hackmatack Award, Canadian Children's Book Week and book discussion evenings. To join send a message to nsclrt@yahoo.ca

• The Canada Council has a host of deadlines for various writing and publishing programs. Some are listed below - for more details visit their website or call The Writing and Publishing section at 1-800-263-5588 ext.5537 or (613) 566-4414 ext.5537.

• The Shoestring Reading Series is 15 minutes of original reading presented by the Economy Shoe Shop in association with Sinc Ink. Readings happen most Tuesdays, at 8 pm, at The Seahorse Tavern on Argyle Street (just next to the Shoe Shop), Halifax. Need more info? Call David Rimmington at (902) 488-9643.

• Tall Tales at the Chatterbox Café in celebration of the upcoming Pugwash Harbourfest Tall Ships visit. Throughout July, Durham St., Pugwash, 2pm Saturday afternoons. For more information and a schedule of storytellers, contact Norene Smiley at (902) 243-4059 or e-mail nsmiley@pelicaneng.com.

• The Biscuit Eater books & café is a new fabulous reading venue located at: 16 Orchard Street, Mahone Bay. For information, visit: www.biscuiteater.ca or contact Dawn Higgins at (902) 624 2665 or e-mail: biscuiteater@ns.sympatico.ca.

• Cargo & James is a lovely tea cafe located at 1231 Barrington Street, Halifax. The owner, Becca Babcock, is interested in hosting readings or book launches. For more information about the venue, visit: www.cargoandjameshalifax.com.

• Local Jo Café is a great place for a reading and can also be rented for larger functions such as book launches. Information about the café and it's rental options can be found at: www.localjo.ca

• The Write Club meets every Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the community room in the Atlantic Superstore, Port Hawkesbury. No fees.

• The Poetry Show on CKDU (88.1 FM in Halifax) airs 8:30-9pm on Wednesdays; The Fine Print airs Tuesdays at 6 pm. Call (902) 494-6479 for details.

• The Canadian Poetry Association will host poetry readings in Moncton, NB on the 1st Sunday of every month (weather permitting). The readings will take place from 7:30-9:30 pm at the Chateau Moncton pub/deck. A book sales table will be available. For more information, please visit their temporary website: www.canadianpoetryassoc.com.

• The PEI Chapter of the CPA holds a poetry reading every other Wednesday night at Sobeys in Charlottetown. 7 pm. Contact Pierre Beaumier at grrovymotion@hotmail.com for more information.

• Nova Scotia's libraries and universities often host events. For info:

  • Acadia University: Wanda Campell, (902) 585-1111.

  • Annapolis Royal Community Arts Council: Gene Lane, (902) 532-7069.

  • CLCP Public Reading Series: Karen Smith or Tina Usmiani, (902) 494-3615.

  • Eastern Counties Regional Library: Mary Landry, (902) 747-2597 or email mlandry@nsme.library.ns.ca

  • Halifax Regional Library: Cheryl Black, (902) 490-5718.

  • Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library: Steve MacLean, (902) 755-6031 or email

  • stmaclea@nsngp.library.ns.ca

  • Saint Mary's University: Brian Bartlett,(902) 420-5715.

  • Cape Breton University: Richard Marchand, (902) 563-1251.

  • NS Agricultural College, Truro: Alexandra MacDonald, (902) 893-6227.

  • Windsor Children's Literature Roundtable: Jane Wamboldt, (902) 757-1638.

  We do our best to keep this information current, accurate and comprehensive, but sometimes we make mistakes. Check with hosting organizations to be sure of dates and times.

Press Releases

• Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia Seeks New Executive Director (10 November 2009)
• Winners of the 32nd Atlantic Writing Competition announced (20 August 2009)
• ATLANTIC INK, The Writers Festival: The 2009 Winners!
• 2009 ATLANTIC INK, The Writers' Festival - Short List Announced (17 March 2009)
• Julie Curwin wins Commonwealth Short Story Prize (13 November 2008)
• Winners of the 31st Atlantic Writing Competition announced (25 August 2008)
• 2008 Atlantic Book Festival and Awards: WINNERS announced (12 May 2008)
• 2008 Atlantic Book Festival and Awards: WFNS announces shortlisted books for the 2007 Atlantic Book Awards.
• 30th Annual Atlantic Writing Competition Winners Announced (23 August 2007)
• 2007 Atlantic Book Awards WINNERS Announced! (11 May 2007)
• 2007 Atlantic Book Festival and Awards: WFNS announces shortlisted books for the 2007 Atlantic Book Awards.

See the press release archive HERE