Elora Gorge. Jessica West Photography
Bring the joy back into your writing.
All levels, genres and abilities are welcome.
Elora Writing Workshops provide a safe, inclusive space.
Fall & winter workshops are open for registration!
Next workshop: Saturday Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Gain clarity
Learn to recognize the strengths in your voice and unique writing style
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Build confidence
Develop trust in yourself as a writer and in the stories only you can write
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Grow your writing
Come away from each workshop with fresh new writing you’ll be proud of
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“When we write free from fear, we tend to write what matters most.”
—Pat Schneider
Elora Writing Workshops led by Colleen follow the Amherst Writers & Artists method—the gold standard for facilitating balanced, affirming creative writing spaces.
“The AWA core belief is simple: Every person is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop craft.”—amherstwriters.org
What happens in a workshop?
Within each three-hour, in-person workshop you’ll follow writing prompts to create new work, be invited to read your work aloud (optional), and learn elements of craft.
Will my writing be critiqued?
Fear not. If you choose to read your work we discuss what makes the piece a success, not what you should do differently.
Will I get advice on publishing?
You may learn elements of pitching, proposals and publishing, depending on the flow of individual workshops. Colleen has extensive media experience but limited book publishing knowledge; with enough interest we could invite a guest author via Zoom.
How do I register for a workshop?
Visit our Upcoming Workshops page to see which workshops appeal to you, then click on the image to reserve your spot. If cost or credit cards are a barrier we have a discreet pay-what-you-can policy. To pay cash at the workshop day-of just email us to reserve your spot: hello@elorawritingworkshops.com.
What are Elora Writing Workshops?
David Street Bridge. Jessica West Photography
Are Elora Writing Workshops for me?
Yes, if you’re a writer who:
Loves the idea of writing but doesn’t know where to start
Struggles to sustain a regular writing practice
Has a work-in-progress and feels stuck, afraid to share, or both
Seeks connection with like-minded creatives in beautiful downtown Elora
These workshops do not provide:
Tight rules around grammar or structure
Strategies for AI scripting
Harsh criticism – the focus is on joy and support
Instead, they’ll give you:
Courage and confidence in your unique voice and style
Fresh new writing and lasting work you’ll be proud of
Friendship and mentorship with fellow writers
As much coffee as you need to thrive in every workshop
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN EVERY WORKSHOP?
Who is Colleen?
Colleen is a corporate copywriter, former magazine editor and a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada. Her professional portfolio can be viewed here.
She’d rather be writing short stories and connecting with like-minded creatives.
In 2018 Colleen signed up for AWA workshops led by award-winning poet and author Jaclyn Desforges. They were life-changing. She attended nearly every week until the pandemic.
In 2023 Colleen completed the Humber Creative Writing graduate program where she received the Harlequin Diverse Voices Scholarship.
In 2024 she finished her leadership training with Amherst Writers & Artists and became a certified creative writing workshop facilitator.
Colleen is currently a masters candidate in Creative & Critical Writing with the University of Gloucestershire, UK. She graduates in spring 2025.
Colleen grew up wandering Elora, muttering stories to the family dog. After 20 years away she’s happily back home, wandering town with the family dog. She does her best to mutter quietly.
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