Here at CWILL, we get a lot of questions about getting published, which is one of the reasons we host an annual panel event with the Vancouver Public Library—we’ll give you the insider perspective! So don’t hesitate, sign up now to join six of our authors and illustrators for an online discussion on how they broke into this exciting and competitive field.  When: March 14, 2023, 7:00pm-8:30pm Where: Online event Ask questions and get practical information on topics such as: How to improve your writing How to find a publisher and submit your work What agents do What to look for in a book ..read more

A Vancouver literary institution needs some support!  A sudden, steep rental increase has threatened the existence of a well-loved centre for arts and literature. Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art—like many Vancouver businesses in similar situations—considered closing. The Lyceum needs to raise $60,000 to help stay in business and re-root itself in a new location. We know this is possible with the community’s help. Please visit the Lyceum’s GoFundMe page What will the funds be used for? Your gift will be used for moving costs and to complete necessary renovations to the new spac ..read more

Our members (and their publishers!) have been hard at work this year. We’re proud to see over 50 titles (including a solid collection of sweet-and-spooky Halloween-ready books!) by BC authors and illustrators published across all juvenile age ranges and categories. Looking to add more quality kidlit to your shelves? Browse & Shop 2022 Releases on Pinterest Search, Sort & Shop 2022 Releases in Google Sheets ..read more

One of our members, Karen Autio, is launching her picture book I Can, Too! and its French translation Moi aussi, je peux! in person along with Loraine Kemp who is launching her middle grade novel Luna, her first book as both author and illustrator!  They will be sharing their stories behind the books in the newly renovated children’s area in Kelowna’s Mission Branch Library. Once Upon a Bookstore will be handling book sales onsite. Activities for Kids | Prizes | Readings Simultaneously Interpreted in ASL | Autographed Books for Sale For more information, check out the event page on Faceb ..read more

We’re having a busy fall here at CWILL BC! If you missed Word Vancouver Festival, not to worry, there are plenty more awesome events coming up: Paper Covers Rock Festival, Saltspring Island Join Jenn Wint for a free, drop-in children’s storytime on Saturday, October 1 from 10-10:30 am at Salty Pear Gallery. Visit the festival website for the full lineup. Decidedly Different, Completely Himself: the Legacy of Glenn Gould with Nancy Vo and Sarah Ellis: 10:15 am, Tuesday, October 18 at The NEST and online World-famous classical musician Glenn Gould loved playing the piano, and gave concerts al ..read more

CWILL BC is excited to be participating in the Word Vancouver festival. Many of our members are appearing in events or as part of panels—in addition, we are leading several kid-focused events on Saturday, September 24 at the Surrey City Centre Library. 10am-12 noon Join award-winning author-illustrator Paola Opal for an adorably spooky craft for ages 3+. 12 noon-2pm Picture book author Jane Wittingham is leading a fun, mixed-media craft celebrating her newest book THE LANGUAGE OF TREES.  2-4pm Join author Rhiannon Wallace for elementary-age drop-in activities. Stick around for mor ..read more

The amazing folks at WORD Vancouver Festival have put together over a week of free literary programming this year and we’re celebrating with a giveaway! Enter to win a stack of books for kids by BC authors and illustrators for your classroom, library, or home! Closes at midnight September 25, 2022. Open across BC, so even if you’re attending the virtual events only, you can still enter! Enter the Giveaway Attend midweek online sessions, Saturday children’s programming in Surrey, and Sunday all-audiences programming in downtown Vancouver and livestreaming (full schedule here.) Check out our ..read more

Here’s the next in our series of profiles on CWILL members. Hi, Kari! Please give us your quick bio. I am a free-lance illustrator who draws on a long career as a visual artist. I studied fine arts at Guelph University (BFA) and later at Concordia University (MFA). I’ve illustrated picture books for Planète Rebelle (Montréal), Annick Press (Toronto), Portage & Main Press (Winnipeg) and Les Éditions du soleil de minuit (Saint-Damien-de-Brandon). I also do editorial illustration for magazines. I have been teaching art courses for ten years at the University of Victoria. How long have you be ..read more

Here’s the next in our series of profiles on CWILL members. Hi, Karen! Please give us your quick bio. I am a freelance illustrator who draws on a long career as a visual artist. I studied fine arts at Guelph University (BFA) and later at Concordia University (MFA). I’ve illustrated picture books for Planète Rebelle (Montréal), Annick Press (Toronto), Portage & Main Press (Winnipeg) and Les Éditions du Soleil de Minuit (Saint-Damien-de-Brandon). I also do editorial illustration for magazines.  I have been teaching art courses for ten years at the University of Victoria. How long have ..read more

We have so many fantastic and talented members of CWILL that we have decided to start featuring them on our blog with some fun and quirky interviews. Today we’re talking with Claire Lordon!] Hi, Claire! Please give us your quick bio. I am an author, illustrator, and designer living in Vancouver, Canada. I create children’s books, comics, surface designs, murals, maps, and greeting cards for a number of companies. I earned my BFA in illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. My work is inspired by my lifelong spirit for adventure, a love of the outdoors, and an enthusiasm for travel. I ..read more