In 2019, NBES facilitated two creative writing workshops in the Western Nunavut communities of Kugaaruk and Kugluktuk.

The goals of the workshop were to:

• Introduce new writers to the basics of writing

• Guide them through the process of writing a story

• Provide them with writing time and access to editorial support

• Help them revise and polish their stories

• Encourage them in skill and confidence in their writing for both creative writing purposes and for other professional writing

  Topics covered included:

• Brainstorming, outlining, and plotting

• Setting, mood, and pacing

• How to develop characters and dialogue

• Different genres, with a focus on children’s books and narrative non-fiction (particularly memoir)

• The editing, revision, and publishing process

• How to work individually, in pairs, and in small writing groups to give and receive constructive feedback

  Participants were given several writing prompts and exercises each day to gain confidence and new skills in writing. Participants were also encouraged to use oral storytelling, traditional song, personal experiences with art (including drawing, carving, and sewing), and stories from their lives to relate to story writing.

  Facilitators included short videos provided by 10 published authors from Nunavut and across Canada on a wide range of writing topics to encourage and instruct participants.

  Since the completion of the workshop, editors are working with five of these writers by email, offering ongoing mentorship, editorial advice, and revision on these stories as well as the writers’ new story ideas.

  For more information or if you are interested in working with NBES to coordinate a workshop in your community, please email [email protected].