creative writing workshop ottawa

special events,

& support for, tender hearted writers, you and your art deserve care and attention on your good days and your bad ones..

Writers in Bloom offers online creative writing and exploratory art events for all, while celebrating the experiences of mad, chronically ill artists.

This community is your invitation to show up depressed. Anxious. In pain. Uncertain. Exhausted. Understimulated. Overstimulated. Nervous. Join in your pyjamas, with your snacks, your fidgets, your pets. Come from bed or the sofa. Here, there’s no such thing as too weird or too wild or too excited or too much or too quiet or too emotional. You can be your whole self, and be met with understanding and kindness.

Community members range from brand-new, baby writers to curious artists to seasoned pros, and we all come together to learn, support and build a welcoming space for one another. Though events are facilitated by Writers in Bloom Founder, Meg , it’s the community of folks who show up in these spaces who make it a truly brilliant place to be.

Because commodifying art and community is gross, most events are offered on a tiered pricing model to help keep them accessible to as many people as possible. I also offer full and partially community funded seats. You can find more info about using the tiered pricing model, community funded seats, and my refund policy here .

Please note that Creative Chaos is a group for neurodivergent artists and writers. All other events are open to all!

I’d love to hear from you if you have any questions.

Let’s write together…

What People Are Saying about Writers in Bloom.

“Thank you so much for creating a safe enough space that I stopped worrying, for that brief time, about wether other people would like my writing. You reminded us that our words have inherent worth. (And you obviously believe it, because you made me believe it, too.)”

— Michelle K.

“The workshops I attended were such a treat. It felt like a playground visit for my sometimes shy writing self- a place to try new things, make a mess, and meet some other former weird kids in a protected space, as I was guided by an attentive and enthusiastic caregiver. Meg has an easy and enlivening presence, while clearly taking her work to make space for and encourage a range of writing voices seriously .”

“Meg is amazing. I’ve participated in several of her writing groups and loved every minute of them, even during the pandemic! Her kindness and encouragement allows even the newest of writers to develop and share their voice.”

“The workshops were amazing. I haven’t wrote in a long time prior to doing the workshops. I had all these ideas in my head and just write. That it doesn’t have to be perfect and getting used to just writing. The workshops helped me find my voice and write again. Meg was helpful, supportive and gave good advice. Everyone in the workshop was great and made you feel comfortable to share your work.”

[email protected]

Guest Speaker - via Zoom

Caitlin jans (née thomson), tuesday september 17, 7 pm, breaking through publishing blocks in the literary world.

Caitlin Jans has an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. She is the co-founder of Authors Publish and The Poetry Marathon. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies and literary journals including: The Literary Review of Canada, The Fiddlehead, Eleven, Eleven, The Adroit Journal, and Killer Verse. Her prose and poetry has been nominated for The Pushcart Prize, BILiNE, The Best Small Fictions Anthology, and The Best of the Net. You can learn more at www.caitlinthomson.com.

In-person Workshop

Neil saravanamutto, monday september 23, 5:30 pm, why you probably want a substack.

For writers looking for an audience, Substack is probably the first platform that gets it. Substack makes three things really easy. Publishing. Monetization. Outreach. It lets writers focus on writing. Neil Saravanamuttoo is an Ottawa community organizer and former G20 chief economist for infrastructure with over 7,000 Substack subscribers. Learn what Neil has figured out about finding an audience and engaging with them through Substack.

In-person Event

Movie night, saturday october 5, 5 pm, free trip to egypt.

We're thrilled to host Tariq Mounib , the visionary creator behind  "Free Trip to Egypt, " a profoundly touching documentary that transcends boundaries and bridges gaps.

As writers, we know all too well how ideas can simmer; learn from Tariq how to nurture these sparks into flames.

Join the OIW community for an extraordinary evening of film and inspiration.

OIW currently meets on Zoom and in-person depending on the event.

For on-line meetings, a link is sent to paid members before the meeting.

Our in-person events are spread throughout the year with plenty of workshops, book launches, reading nights, and get-togethers that encourage members to meet, network, and share writing, and publishing experiences. Our Events page has all the details!

Interested in joining? Visit our Membership   page to learn more. 

OUR MEETINGS

Monthly meetings, oiw holds nine monthly program meetings from september to june each year on a wide variety of writing related topics, normally with a speaker and plenty of opportunity for questions., current meetings, oiw gathers every third tuesday of the month with presentations starting at 7 pm, lasting until 9 pm. the meetings currently take place on the zoom virtual platform. visit our membership page to sign-up now, our members meet a few of our writers.

Kirk's Landing

Mike was born and raised in Kirkland Lake, a small northern mining town with a nearby First Nations reserve. He grew up with a love of the north, even in the midst of winter, exploring the surrounding woods with his friends, and his grandfather. Kirk's Landing, a crime novel, was his first book. In 2016, he published a sequel, Return to Kirk's Landing.

Patricia McCarthy

The Crimson Man

Author of the wildly imaginative Crimson vampire series, currently consisting of (6) novels: The Crimson Man, The Crimson Boy, The Crimson Woman, The Crimson Time, The Crimson Crimes, and her latest in the series The Crimson Dream. The Crimson vampire series takes place in Ottawa, Canada.

Craig Munro Bones of the Past

Craig has spent his life traveling and moving from one field of work to another. A voracious fan of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, it was only a matter of time before he turned his mind to creating a world of his own. The Bones of the Past is the first installment in the epic fantasy series - The Books of Dust and Bone.

Melissa Yuan-Innes Human Remains

Melissa Yuan-Innes (Melissa Yi) is an emergency room physician. Her newest Hope Sze crime novel is HUMAN REMAINS. THE STOCKHOLM SYNDROME, a previous Hope Sze novel, was selected by CBC Radio as a best crime novel of the season.

Creative Writing

Program overview.

These programs are offered in English only. All assignments and examinations must be submitted or written in English.

Join one of the more rigorous and comprehensive creative writing programs of its kind. We offer a comprehensive curriculum for you to hone your writing craft with workshops and seminars in a broad range of genres. You will develop practical abilities in at least three creative writing genres (prose fiction, poetry, screen writing, graphic fiction and creative non-fiction), while acquiring a critical understanding of key concepts and a historical awareness of methodologies, techniques and approaches to literary expression. Through our award-winning faculty and our yearly Writer-in-Residence program, you will gain access to some of the most successful writers in Canada, as well as a diverse and supportive writing community.

Minor in Creative Writing

Opportunity to acquire a solid foundation while following a Specialization or a Major in another discipline.

Must be taken in addition to a main program.

Program structure

Course sequence

Certificate in Creative Writing

Can be taken without a main program.

Microprogram in Creative Writing

Only open to students already enrolled in an undergraduate major or honours program at uOttawa. 

Program Structure

The Department of English

Choose the right program structure for you, more information.

• Typical combinations
• Sample courses

Can be combined with most other programs.

Introduction to Writing Prose Fiction (2303)

Introduction to prose forms and fictional story-telling techniques. Students will read exemplary works and relevant criticism and will compose their own works of short fiction.

Advanced Workshop in Prose Fiction (3303)

This is an advanced workshop for fiction writers of intermediate experience. For the duration of the semester, we will work on in-depth explorations of the various stages in the writing journey. This will entail close reading, writing exercises, workshop and peer review, and revision practice.

Writing with Visuals: An Introduction (2307)

Introduction to forms of creative writing such as graphic fiction, concrete poetry, collage, artists' books and illustrated texts that combine written texts and visual materials. Students will read exemplary works and relevant criticism and will create their own short works.

Advanced Workshop in Comics and Graphic Fiction (3307)

Advanced workshop in graphic fiction and comic book writing. Students will work on both the textual and visual dimensions of this popular art form. The focus will be on creative exercises, peer review, and the development of the student's portfolio.

Writer in Residence

Student for a day program

I’ve received a decision

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Creative writing workshops events in Ottawa, Canada

Realtors: Boost Your Online Engagement With sGrow’s Fall Social Media Kit

Wed, Sep 4, 5:00 PM PDT

Authenticity Through Poetry

Mon, Sep 9, 1:00 PM EDT

From $20.00

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EMPOW'HEARD

Mon, Nov 4, 6:00 PM + 5 more

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Business Case Writing Certification Training in Ottawa, ON

Fri, Sep 27, 9:00 AM + 11 more

Regus Business Centre

Business Writing 1 Day Training in Ottawa

Wednesday at 9:00 AM + 3 more

For venue details reach us at: [email protected]

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Adaawe Indigenous Business Hub

Henry's Ottawa Creative Portraits Workshop

Tue, Oct 8, 4:00 PM

Henry's Ottawa - Bank Street

For venue details reach us at [email protected]

Henry's Kanata Creative Portraits Workshop

Sun, Oct 20, 3:00 PM

Henry's Kanata

Fri, Sep 27, 9:00 AM + 18 more

Henry's Kanata Photography 101 Workshop

Sunday at 3:00 PM

Henry's Camera

Soul Sisters Art Workshop- BEJEWELLED GYPSY

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Set Goals & Build An Action Plan for Q4

Thu, Sep 5, 9:30 AM

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Thu, Sep 5, 9:00 AM + 3 more

FAB Festival - Celebrating Everyday Creativity

Sat, Sep 14, 10:00 AM

Rideau Community Hub

Classic Planning Masterclass -- Ottawa September 19, 2024

Thu, Sep 19, 1:00 PM

Rideau Club

Writing a CV 1 Day Training in Ottawa

Tue, Sep 24, 9:00 AM + 3 more

Business Case Writing 1 Day Training in Ottawa

For venue details reach us at [email protected]

Things to do around Ottawa

Trends in ottawa, 1 . job fairs, 2 . september, 4 . firework show, 5 . events in ottawa, 6 . live concerts, 7 . comedy shows, 8 . lansdowne, 9 . adult fun, 11 . live music, 12 . labor day events.

Department of English Language and Literature

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Home / Courses / Creative Writing Workshops

Creative Writing Workshops

• Students who have completed a 2000-level workshop and received a grade of B+ or higher may register themselves in subsequent 3000-level workshops following the same procedures and deadlines that apply to other courses in the Department of English.
• Students that have completed a 3000-level workshop and received a grade of B+ or higher may register themselves in subsequent 4000-level workshops following the same procedures and deadlines that apply to other courses in the Department of English.
• Students who have never taken a creative writing workshop must submit a registration override request . Once the override has been submitted, students must email their writing portfolio to english@carleton.ca . You can find the writing portfolio guidelines here .
• Once the writing portfolio has been assessed, students will be notified via the registration override system. Students are advised to register in an alternate course until their override has been completed.

The deadline for submitting the override request and portfolio for 2024-2025 has now passed. Please contact english@carleton.ca if you have any questions or concerns. 

Please see a full list of Creative Writing Workshops offered below. Workshop availability varies each academic year.  For more information on which workshops are currently being offered, please click here .

Second-Year Workshops

Third-Year Workshops

Fourth-Year Workshops

When we write with others, we discover ourselves. Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) is a charitable arts-health organization that ignites connection through creativity by inspiring powerful, authentic stories shared in community.

We work with partners to offer our community writing workshop program that is proven to create deep connection, increase resilience, and strengthen self-advocacy among community members. Our unique workshops empower  the authentic voices of one and all, including traditionally underserved populations and underheard individuals nationwide.

The work of the WCC is among the most important in today’s world: to help give the power of word and voice to those who need it most. I have seen first-hand how becoming the authors of their own stories can transform people’s lives, and those of their entire communities.

WRITE WITH US

Wcc – public – virtual, kindspace- public – on-site ottawa – celebrating ottawa pride.

Find out how to join the WCC in its mission – whether you are an individual, organization, business, or agency.

Sign up to stay up-to-date on the latest workshops, news, and opportunities at WCC via our email list.

Writers of Ottawa

• Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Writers of Ottawa homepage!

We’re a group of writers at varying skill levels with diverse goals (hobbyist and professional). no matter what genre you write, what languages you write in, or what form your writing takes (e.g. novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, graphic novels, children’s books, web content, or fanfiction), we welcome you to come drop by, join us to chat about various aspects of writing, share what you’re working on, discuss writerly things with other writers, or just enjoy the creative companionship. writing can be a solitary activity, and so our community focuses on fostering friendships between fellow writers, artistic fulfillment through personal growth, and supporting one another to sustain our craft., we meet locally in ottawa , ontario (unceded anishinaabe algonquin territory), on the second saturday of every month from 1:00-3:00pm at the royal oak (kent at slater) . we also host ad hoc in-person meet-ups, critique circles, and other activities., sign up for our next discussion group here: july 13th 2024, we also have a [  discord server ]  that you’re welcome to join. it’s a great way to keep in touch with our local community, particularly for those who cannot make in-person meet-ups or prefer to communicate online. please be sure to read the rules before you post and take a moment to introduce yourself if you like., (note that for moderation purposes, this community is 18+. but those under the age of 18 can attend events if they are accompanied by an adult.), if you’d rather email us directly, you can reach us at:, [email protected].

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Ottawa iGaming Writers

Opportunities for Writers in Ottawa: Workshops, Classes & Courses

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, has a deep-seated literary culture and history. Not only is it home to a multitude of writers and authors, but it also hosts a series of literary events and serves as a hub for many publishers. One interesting trend among Ottawa writers is the incorporation of online gambling themes into their stories. These themes add complexity and modernity to their narratives , resonating with contemporary readers. In this article, we’ll explore Ottawa’s literary world, its significance, and the various opportunities available for writers.

Ottawa Writers Scene

Ottawa, the heart of Canada, boasts a rich tapestry of literary talent. Many Ottawa writers have made significant contributions to the world of literature, making the city a hotspot for literary enthusiasts.

Notable Ottawa Authors

From historical figures to contemporary novelists, Ottawa has been home to authors whose works span across various genres. The city has always been a melting pot of culture, history, and art, which reflects in its diverse literary contributions.

One cannot discuss Ottawa’s literary history without mentioning Jacques Cartier. His accounts of the northwest passage, known as the “Jacques Cartier northwest passage”, provide a detailed insight into the exploration narratives of the time. These narratives have not only been a significant part of Ottawa’s literary history but have also contributed to Canada’s historical fabric. For a deeper understanding of Cartier’s voyages and writings, here’s Jacques Cartier’s biography and exploration accounts.

Writing Workshops, Classes, and Courses in Ottawa

The city’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident through the numerous writing workshops Ottawa offers.

Writing Workshops

Ottawa is teeming with workshops catering to writers at every stage of their journey. From beginner’s courses to advanced fiction writing, there’s something for everyone.

• Beginner’s Creative Writing Workshop : For those taking their first steps in the world of writing, this workshop offers a comfortable environment to learn the basics, from building characters to setting scenes.
• Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop : Aimed at writers who already have a manuscript or are working on one, this workshop dives deep into storytelling techniques, character development, and pacing.
• Poetry Crafting Workshop : Poetry enthusiasts can learn about different forms, rhythms, and the art of evoking emotions through words in this workshop.
• Memoir Writing Workshop : Designed for those looking to pen down personal stories, participants are guided on how to navigate and narrate their life experiences.
• Scriptwriting Workshop : Aspiring playwrights and screenwriters can benefit from this workshop that delves into dialogues, setting scenes, and building tension.

Writing Classes and Courses

Writing classes Ottawa and writing courses Ottawa are offered by various institutions and independent authors. These classes provide a structured approach to learning, ensuring that writers gain comprehensive knowledge.

• Ottawa University’s Creative Writing Course : A comprehensive course touching on various forms of writing, from fiction to non-fiction, poetry to scripts.
• Ottawa Writers’ Guild Courses : They offer a series of classes aimed at refining writing skills, from the basics to the more advanced nuances of the craft.
• Independent Authors’ Masterclass : Organized by established authors, these classes often provide an intimate setting where students can receive personal guidance and feedback on their work.
• Short Story Writing Course : Ideal for those looking to master the art of short narratives, focusing on structure, pacing, and character development.
• Non-fiction Writing Class : For writers looking to delve into essays, journalistic pieces, or biographies, this class offers insights into research, voice, and structure.

Benefits for Independent Authors

The courses and workshops in Ottawa are especially beneficial for independent authors. They offer a platform to network, learn from seasoned writers, and gain exposure. The Ottawa Writers Guild is a resource-rich platform offering a plethora of courses and workshops tailored to cater to writers of all kinds.

Ottawa’s Publishing Landscape

The capital city of Canada, Ottawa, has always been a hub of culture, history, and intellect. This extends naturally to its literary realm. Publishers in Ottawa play a pivotal role in shaping this landscape, offering platforms for voices, both established and nascent.

Role of Local Publishers

The local publishers of Ottawa stand out not just for their publishing prowess but for their discerning taste in quality literature. They bridge the gap between writers and readers, ensuring that the stories worth telling are the stories being heard.

Renouf Publishing stands as a beacon among them. With a history that’s deeply rooted in the city’s literary fabric, Renouf Publishing has been pivotal in introducing both new and established voices to a broader audience. Their eclectic range of published works showcases their commitment to diversity and quality in literature.

Opportunities for Independent Writers

Ottawa, with its rich literary history, offers a haven for independent writers. The city’s publishers have a keen eye for fresh, innovative narratives. This appetite for new content provides independent writers with a golden opportunity to get their work published.

However, the publishing world is ever-evolving. It’s influenced by various factors such as market dynamics, shifting reader preferences, and global trends. Thus, for an independent writer, while the opportunities are rife, understanding and aligning with the current market trends can be the difference between a manuscript being accepted or shelved.

Tips for Independent Authors

• Network : The age-old adage, “It’s not just what you know, but who you know,” holds. Engaging with fellow writers, publishers, and literary agents can open doors you didn’t know existed.
• Stay Active in the Community : Ottawa hosts a myriad of literary events throughout the year. Attend workshops, book launches, and literary festivals. These not only provide learning opportunities but also a chance to mingle with industry insiders.
• Research and Adapt : Understand the kind of content publishers are looking for. Adapt your writing to align with market preferences without compromising your unique voice.
• Explore Publishing Houses : While Renouf Publishing is a prominent name, Ottawa boasts several other publishing houses, each with its unique style and preferences. Research each one to understand which might be the best fit for your work.

Bookstores and their Role in Promoting Local Writers

Local bookstores play an instrumental role in Ottawa’s literary ecosystem. Located at the University of Ottawa, the Agora Bookstore UOttawa is a hub for academic and non-academic literature, often promoting works by Ottawa writers.

Coles Books Ottawa and Chapters Indigo (with branches in Kanata, Hamilton, and Victoria BC) are retail giants supporting and promoting local authors. Their events often spotlight regional talents, providing them with a broader audience.

Serving the Barrhaven community, the Indigo Books Barrhaven store places emphasis on promoting local and independent writers.

Ottawa’s International Writers Festival

The Ottawa International Writers Festival is a cornerstone event in Ottawa’s literary calendar. It provides a platform for authors, readers, and publishers to come together, share ideas, and celebrate literature.

Independent authors, especially, can gain significant exposure, network with industry professionals, and even find potential publishing opportunities. To learn more about the event schedule and participation, visit the Ottawa International Writers Festival.

Writing Retreats and Centers

Solitude and a conducive environment often spark creativity. Ottawa offers sanctuaries like the Galilee Centre Arnprior for writers seeking inspiration.

Galilee Centre

Located in Arnprior, the Galilee Centre is a retreat known for its serene environment, making it a favorite spot for writers. It provides the perfect backdrop for writers to pen down their thoughts without any disturbances. For those interested in booking a retreat or exploring events, here’s more information on the Galilee Centre.

Ottawa, with its rich literary history and plethora of opportunities, is a haven for writers. Whether you’re an independent author or someone just starting, Ottawa offers an environment of growth, inspiration, and support. Dive in, explore, connect, and be a part of the ever-growing Ottawa literary scene.

Creative%20writing events near Ottawa, ON

Creative writing workshops events in Ottawa, Canada

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From $200.00

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Proposal Writing 1 Day Training in Ottawa

Wednesday at 9:00 AM + 3 more

For venue details reach us at [email protected]

Coffee Date with Entrepreneurs - Summer 2024

Tue, Sep 10, 9:00 AM

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For venue details reach us at: [email protected]

Business Case Writing 1 Day Training in Ottawa

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Bayview Yards

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Wed, Sep 18, 7:00 PM

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Staples Kanata Store 87

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City LOVE Scavenger Hunt for Couples Date Night! - Ottawa Area

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(Recommended scavenger starting point or other city spot of your choice!USE PDF TICKETS NO QR CODES)

Public Speaking 1 Day Training in Ottawa

Fri, Sep 27, 9:00 AM + 3 more

For venue details reach us at [email protected]

Report Writing 1 Day Training in Ottawa

Tue, Sep 24, 9:00 AM + 3 more

Presentation Skills - Expert 1 Day Training in Ottawa

10th Global Conference on African Economy and Culture (GCAEC)

Fri, Oct 4, 1:00 PM

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For venue details reach us at: [email protected]

Things to do around Ottawa

Trends in ottawa, 1 . job fairs, 2 . september, 4 . firework show, 5 . events in ottawa, 6 . live concerts, 7 . comedy shows, 8 . lansdowne, 9 . adult fun, 11 . live music, 12 . labor day events.

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• Int'l Campuses
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Creative Writing Workshop-Beginners

Course: ENL5100

This course is listed under the following fields of study:

• Media and Communications

Beginner writers and those with previous writing experience will hone their skills, benefit from a series of exercises and get involved in creative writing and critical reading. Workshop your own exercises and stories and receive valuable critique from fellow participants and the instructor.

Required Software

All sections for this course are in progress.

Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.

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CREATIVE WRITING

Unlike any other creative writing program in Ontario, it enables students to hone their craft while exploring multiple art and design practices.

Collaborative by nature, our transdisciplinary and transcultural approach enriches imaginations, broadens perspectives and helps to develop each individual writer’s voice.

Our program includes the study of living literary culture and literary art practices and production, and emphasizes the practice, craft and production of spoken, written, visual and verbal texts as well as experimental language forms that exist both inside and outside established genres. We welcome ‘attitude’ translated on the page and off, through performance texts and other media.

This program combines written, performance and visual expression. You’ll participate in:

• An online and print journal
• Symposia, workshops
• Showcasing and public performances
• A book, zine and publications fair
• Field trips to local readings, conferences and festivals
• A digital and analog writing lab and access to sound studio
• A reading series featuring established, emerging and student writers
• Mentorships, as both mentees and later as mentors
• University slam team
• A nurturing and supportive emerging literary community
• Mentorship by faculty

This program is for both new and emerging writers. You’ll become part of a nurturing and supportive literary community. By the end of your degree, you’ll complete a body of work aimed at publication or exhibition to launch your career.

Program Highlights

Admissions requirements.

• For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
• Statement of Intent
• Official transcripts
• Portfolio requirements here
• see detailed academic requirements here

Internships & Experiential learning

OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:

• Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
• Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
• Exclusive summer internships
• Gallery exhibitions of your work
• Freelance creative opportunities
• Jobs after graduation

At the End of this Program...

At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.

Jobs You Can Get

Graduates of this program can work in:

• Professional writing
• Artistic practice
• Performance art

What You'll Do in the Program

In first year, you will take art or design studio courses based on your interest as well as:

• Art history
• English class of your choice
• Introduction to History and Practice of Creative Writing
• Research, Reading and Editing for Creative Writers
• Writing in Community

In second year and third year, you will take art, design, social science and humanities courses based on your interest and:

• Creative Writing: Introduction to Four Genres
• Language and the Land
• Nano Publishing: Independent Publications
• Intro to Dub and Spoken Word

In third year you will have options to take classes in art and design that interest you but you’ll focus more on creative writing. Classes include:

• Poetry and Spoken Word
• Non-fiction
• Short Fiction
• Studies in Canadian Literature
• Indigenous Literature
• Publications: Editorial

In fourth year, all students will also have the opportunity to do an independent thesis project and showcase work at OCAD U’s  Graduate Exhibition , the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with over 40,000 visitors.

In all undergraduate programs you can choose to take a minor alongside your major to explore and expand your practice. Minors give you the opportunity to pursue a focused secondary field of study in addition to or sometimes instead of taking electives in your program and can help you look better for employers or in grants or grad school applications.  You don’t need to choose a minor on your application – rather once you start at OCAD U, you’ll be able to choose from over 90 electives that can build towards one of our 25 focused minors.  Learn more about Minor Programs here .

Program Creative Writing Degree earned Bachelors of Fine Arts (Honours) (BFA) Faculty Faculty of Arts & Science Duration 4 years Portfolio required Yes More link View tuition fees and funding

Take the Next Step

Meet Blaine Thornton

Student work.

Follow the Creative Writing program on Instagram @ocaducreativewriters.

Meet Creative Writing student Chris Markland

Goodbye and Good luck! Thank you for ten years!

The Ottawa Writer’s Circle was founded  by Averill Elisa Frankes  in September 2013 to make the solitary act of writing a little less lonely and steadily grew into one of the largest and most active writing communities in the City of Ottawa. For nearly ten years, Averill and the OWC volunteer team organized and facilitated social mixers, discussion groups, critique circles, Shop Talks, workshops, presentations from industry professionals, and so much more for its members and the writing community at large. It was an enormous pleasure to lead such a diverse and enthusiastic community through our individual writing journeys. I will always be grateful for the lessons and tools I’ve gained from this experience and from the entire membership!  I wish each and every one of you so much luck in your next chapters as I close the book on one of the most rewarding experiences of my life (so far!).

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Ottawa Public Library

Bibliothèque publique d’ottawa, you are here, writing workshop.

Come and share your writing and participate in guided writing activities with other writers in the neighborhood. Writers of all genres and skill levels are welcome. 

Programs and courses

• Future students
• Support uOttawa
• Brightspace

Minor in Creative Writing

Do you have a way with words? A powerful imagination? The Minor In Creative Writing provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop and hone their writing skills while experimenting in a variety of genres and styles. Guided by accomplished experts, students will learn to create, edit, and revise their creative writing in 3 of the following genres: poetry, fiction, creative-non-fiction, writing for stage and screen and graphic fiction and comics.

This program is offered in English only.

The table below includes only the discipline-specific courses. Please refer to the  Academic Regulations  for information on the Honours bachelor's with double major and the Honours bachelor's with major and minor.

Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the  2023-2024 calendars  for the previous requirements.

ENG 2105 , ENG 2106 ENG 2124 , ENG 2301 , ENG 2303 , ENG 2304 , ENG 2305 , ENG 2306 , and ENG 2307 cannot count towards this requirement.

ENG 3170 , ENG 3171 , ENG 3180 , ENG 3181 , ENG 3182 , ENG 3303 , ENG 3304 ,  ENG 3305 , ENG 3306 , ENG 3307 , ENG 4397 , ENG 4398 , and ENG 4399 cannot count towards this requirement.

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

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Creative Writing & Feng Shui Workshop

Tue Nov 28, 2023

361 Richmond Rd, 361 Richmond Road, Ottawa, Canada

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