Writers' Guild of Alberta Podcast
The Writers' Guild of Alberta Podcast is produced by the Writers' Guild of Alberta, the province's largest organization supporting writers and literary professionals. Episodes feature conversations with Alberta authors, poets and storytellers about their work, their creative process and the craft of writing. Listeners also hear practical advice on publishing, funding and building a writing career in Canada. It serves as a resource and community hub for emerging and established writers connected to Alberta's literary scene.
Episodes
September 2026 Controversy at Noon
We say literary merit is a subjective topic, but do we really think that? Is it a matter of taste or is there criteria that defines why some works are thought to carry more literary weight than others? How do we decide which works deserve literary prizes, or what is included in the CanLit canon? How do we judge the qualifications of who does the judging for said prizes? Does how we define “literar
May 2026 Controversy at Noon: Is an online presence vital for today's writers
May 2026 Controversy at Noon: Is an online presence vital for today's writers by Writers' Guild of Alberta
2026 Alberta Literary Awards finalists online reading
2026 Alberta Literary Awards finalists online reading by Writers' Guild of Alberta
February 2026 Controversy at Noon: Are Children’s Writers the Ultimate Freedom Fighters?
February 2026 Controversy at Noon: Are Children’s Writers the Ultimate Freedom Fighters? by Writers' Guild of Alberta
November 2025 Controversy at Noon: The Things They Never Told Me About Publishing
November 2025 Controversy at Noon: The Things They Never Told Me About Publishing by Writers' Guild of Alberta
August Controversy at Noon. Banned Books: What Next?
Book banning across the country continues to concern the Canadian literary community, especially in Alberta where certain books are slated to be pulled from school shelves this Fall. What do these types of bans mean for writers and for readers, now and in the coming months? Years? What calls to action might help prevent the banning of books in the future? Join our panelists and experts as they exp
May Controversy at Noon: Why Buy Canadian
The current trade war between the United States and Canada–including tariffs focused on the book and publishing industry– has people thinking about buying products made in Canada and supporting local companies that keep our money in Canada. With Canadians paying closer attention to how our money is spent, is there now a fresh opportunity to get the word out there about reading books authored by Ca
Alberta Literary Awards Finalists Online Reading
Alberta Literary Awards Finalists Online Reading by Writers' Guild of Alberta
Freedom to Read Week Discussion
Please join us for a virtual conversation with Kit Dobson and David A. Robertson for Freedom to Read Week. The authors will discuss the importance of intellectual freedom, and share their own experiences with writing, teaching, and reading banned and/or challenged books.
About the Speakers:
David A. Robertson is the author of When We Were Alone (2017 Governor General’s Literary Award), The Barre
Controversy at Noon: Writers Against AI
Controversy at Noon: Writers Against AI by Writers' Guild of Alberta
Controversy at Noon: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
Expanding on our September Controversy @ Noon discussion, which focused on traditional publishing vs self-publishing, our December panel will address questions WGA members and fellow literary folks submitted on the topic. Panelists will also have the opportunity to share their views, insights, and experiences with self-publishing, traditional publishing, and/or hybrid publishing.
Submitting Quest
Controversy at Noon: Do Diasporic Writers Face More Pressure to Write About Current Affairs...?
Do newcomers and immigrants to Alberta face more pressure to write about current issues in their place of origin (eg, Gaza, Ukraine, Venezuela, etc.) than other writers? How do writers, especially immigrants and refugee writers, deal with the many giant global “distractions” enough to write about anything else? Should current events and related topics be prioritized by all writers in all genres? W
Controversy at Noon: Who is the Greatest Horror Writer of All Time?
We’re pivoting a bit and looking to have some fun with our October Controversy @ Noon Panel; this may be our most controversial discussion to date! We want to know: Who is the greatest horror writer of all time? From the gothic pages of Stoker and Shelley, to King’s twisty endings or Rice’s description-laden vampire tales, who really takes the cake when it comes to making us squirm, scream, cry, o
Controversy at Noon: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
The publishing world has gone through tremendous change in recent years, especially post-pandemic. Even established authors who have found great success being traditionally published have aired their grievances about the hardships and uncertainty in the industry moving forward. Self-publishing has become a popular alternative for writers who want more control and autonomy when publishing their wor
Controversy at Noon: Genre and Style Bias
Marty Chan (Moderator): Marty Chan writes books for kids, theatre for adults, and social media posts for fun. The 2024 recipient of the WGA’s Golden Pen Award, Marty has written dramas, comedies, fantasy, and suspense. He works and lives in Edmonton with his wife Michelle and their two cats, Minnie and Hugo. For more information about Marty, visit martychan.com.
Social handles:
X: Marty_Chan
Blu
Controversy at Noon: Saying NO to AI
Folks in the writing world continue to talk about AI and how they are using – or not using – it as a tool, a test, or even a novelty party trick. The writing seems to be on the wall when it comes to the inevitability of AI and its use in everyday life, but have writers and readers had their say about how AI creates new works of art? Some groups of writers are speaking out against the use of their
Controversy at Noon: Rejection. "Frame" or Reframe?
As writers, we are told that rejection, a lot of rejection – most likely – is par for the course. Some of us cope by making light of the situation, framing rejection letters and showcasing them on an office wall or shelf. Others opt to go back to the drawing board, reframing their process, their work, or even their overall career plans. When is enough enough? Is there a point where we accept that
Reading with Alberta Literary Awards Finalists
This recording is from an online reading featuring finalists for the 2024 Alberta Literary Awards.
Antoinette Bekker
Astrid Blodgett
Kate Boorman
Jennifer Bowering Delisle
Natasha Deen
Julie Sedivy
Josée Thibeault
*Note. The audio volume drops at the end of the recording during Astrid Blodgett's reading. Apologies for the inconvenience*
Controversy at Noon: Ageism in the Industry
Does bias exist in the literary world where age is concerned? Writing is hard enough in the first place, do writers also have to worry about the continued relationship with their publisher, agent, readers, and other writers in the industry as they get older? If so, in what ways? Additionally, are writers in certain genres prone to be more successful if they fall under a particular age group? Less
Controversy at Noon: Book Banning in Alberta and Canada
With book banning in Alberta and Canada seemingly on the rise, it’s left many wondering what this means for writers, for readers, and for the community at large. What are the ways in which censorship affects and/or impedes the literary world, and what can we do to maintain the creative freedom to read and to write what we choose to?
Controversy At Noon: The ethics of writing on social issues
The ethics of writing on social issues can be a complicated topic of conversation for writers: What does it mean, really? Are certain issues off-limits for particular writers? What are the types of issues that fall under this very broad theme? How can we strive to write characters and narratives that feel meaningful, informed, and appropriate to the story we’re trying to tell? Join our group of pa
Alice Major hosts Michelle Porter and Hari Alluri
We are thrilled to present the latest episode of the Canadian Literature Centre podcast. In this episode, also part of the “Air and Fire” series of readings and conversations this year, Hari Alluri, Alice Major, and Michelle Porter explore the literal and metaphorical significance of fire in a brilliant, wide-ranging reading and conversation.
Controversy @ Noon
As the presence of Artificial Intelligence evolves and its reach continues to expand, writers are forced to ask themselves: What does this mean for me and my work? The topic of AI is multi-faceted, and while AI promises endless possibilities for artists and writers alike, it also brings with it fear and uncertainty. What lines have been drawn between AI as a supplemental tool and AI as the career-
Writers' Outside but Inside!
July 26, 2023 was supposed to be an outdoor event featuring writers Katherine Abbass, Meghan Eaker, and Colby Clair Stolson. The event was rained out but the writers were kind enough to jump on a Zoom to be recorded and shared with you now. Please enjoy.
Freedom to Read Week Panel
Freedom to read can never be taken for granted. Even in Canada, a free country by world standards, books and magazines are banned at the border. Schools and libraries are regularly asked to remove books and magazines from their shelves. Few of these stories make headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read. Our neighbours to the south seem to
Farzana Doctor And Kelly Kaur
Farzana Doctor and Kelly Kaur talk about what goes into writing that first novel, and what comes next.
Bertrand Bickersteth And Makda Mulatu
Bertrand Bickersteth and Makda Mulatu talk about being racialized writers in Alberta.
Carissa Halton And Michael Hingston
Carissa Halton and Michael Hingston talk about the important role that research plays in a writer's work.
Gail Anderson Dargatz And Lisa Murphy Lamb
A conversation between WGA's Virtual Writer-in-Residence Gail Anderson-Dargatz and Lisa Murphy Lamb recorded in May of this year. Gail also gives a brief reading of her work.
Canadian Literature Centre Podcast - Episode 9 - Chloe Savoie Bernard And Lorrie Jean Louis
En Francais.
Micheline Maylor: The Bad Wife
Micheline Maylor reads from her new book, The Bad Wife, followed by a conversation with Anne Sorbie. Sponsored by The University of Alberta Press.
*Original recording date: October 20, 2021*
Beth Sanders: Nest City
Beth Sanders reads from her book, Nest City, followed by a Q&A with host Kelly Shepherd. Sponsored by Read Alberta
*Original recording date: Oct 20, 2022*
Ali Bryan: The Hill
Ali Bryan reads from her new novel, The Hill, followed by a conversation with host Heidi Klaassen. Sponsored by Read Alberta.
*Original recording date: Oct 13, 2021*
Barb Howard: Happy Sands
Barb Howard reads from her new book, Happy Sands, followed by a conversation with Anne Logan.
*Original recording date: October 6, 2021*
Jennifer Bowering Delisle: Deriving
Jennifer Bowering Delisle reads from her book, Deriving, followed by a conversation with host Katherine Abbass.
*Original recording date: September 29, 2021*
Robert Proudfoot: Come by Here, My Lord
Robert Proudfoot reads from his new book, Come by Here, My Lord, followed by a conversation with host Leif Gregersen.
*Original recording date: September 22, 2021*
Pamela Medland: Echo of Ash
Pamela Medland reads from her book, Echo of Ash, followed by a conversation with David Martin.
*Original recording date: September 15, 2021*
Dan Martin: An Orphan's Journey
Dan Martin reads from his new YA novel, An Orphan's Journey, followed by a Q&A from author Steven Sandor.
*Original recording date: September 8, 2021*
Sharon Butala: This Strange Visible Air
Sharon Butala reads from her new book, This Strange Visible Air: Essays on Aging and the Writing Life. The reading is followed by a conversation with host Alice Major.
This episode of the WGA Online Reading Series is sponsored by Read Alberta.
*Original recording date: September 1, 2021*
Onyinye Odih: A Mother's Love
Onyinye Odih reads from her book, A Mother's Love, followed by a conversation with host Sue Farrell Holler.
*Originally recorded on August 30, 2021*
Neil Surkan: Unbecoming
Neil Surkan reads from his new book, Unbecoming, followed by a Q&A with host Berend McKenzie.
*Originally recorded on August 18, 2021*
Karen Spafford-Fitz: Pickpocket
Karen Spafford-Fitz reads from her new book, Pickpocket, followed by a conversation with host Charlotte Cameron.
*Original recording date: Aug 11, 2021*
Charlotte Cameron: Love and Courage in Troubled Times
Charlotte Cameron reads from her book, Love and Courage in Troubled Times, and talks to host Nancy Bell.
*Original recording date: Aug 4, 2021*
Sophie Stocking: Walking Leonard
Sophie reads from her new book, Walking Leonard, followed by questions and a conversation with host Lori Hahnel.
N.L. Blandford: The Perilous Road to Her
N.L. Blandford reads from her book, followed by questions and a conversation with host Susan Calder.
Leif Gregersen: Alert and Oriented x3
Leif reads from his book, followed by questions and a conversation with host Alexis Kienlen.
*Original air date: July 7, 2021*
Adriana Davies: From Sojourners to Citizens. Alberta's Italian History
Adriana reads from her book, followed by a conversation with host Marco Melfi.
Joanne Morcom: Big Blue Sky
Joanne Morcom presenting her new book of haikus, with host Josephine LoRe.
Glenn Dixon: Bootleg Stardust
Glenn Dixon talks about his novel Bootleg Stardust with fellow author Greg Rhyno. Glenn also plays music written and recorded for the book.
Jael Richardson And Tea Mutonji - CLC Brown Bag Lunch - Episode 8
Catch Jael Richardson and Téa Mutonji in conversation on Episode 8 of the CLC Brown Bag Lunch Podcast!
Jael Richardson is the author of The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lesson, a Father’s Life, a memoir based on her relationship with her father, CFL quarterback Chuck Ealey. The Stone Thrower was adapted into a children’s book in 2016 and was shortlisted for a Canadian picture book award. Richardso
Listen 2 Me Podcast - AC Clarke
Author Alison Clarke (she/her) has been creating magical worlds as soon as she could put pen (or brush) to paper. She was awarded 2016 Writer of the Year by Diversity Magazine for The Sisterhood, Book One of her middle grade fantasy trilogy; has been featured in the Edmonton Journal; her latest book, Phillis, was featured on a CBC Book List; and she is the 2021 Writer in Residence for the Alexandr
Listen 2 Me Podcast - FK Aldon
F.K. Aldon : Question the Status Quo
Author and YouTuber F.K. Aldon is a Jill of All Trades: she writes ✍🏾, she reads tarot 🔮, she podcasts 🎙️, she paints nails 💅🏾. Gio and Renée speak with Fadima about her motivation and process for writing her debut, nonfiction book The Single Friend; the ethics of starting her YouTube tarot channel Scorpio Stiletto Tarot; the social commentary that informs her
Listen 2 Me Podcast E42 Emily Campbell
Episode Title: Emily Campbell : Write For Writing's Sake 🖋️
Emily Campbell (she/her) is a writer, a poet, the founder of The New Cambrians book club/writing group, and has published with The Bolo Tie Collective, The Anti-Languorous Project and the inaugural issue of Lida Literary Mag. Joining Gio and Renée, Emily talks about the evolution of her writing; decoupling her writing career from "making
Listen 2 Me Podcast - Liselle Sambury: YA Author Magic
Writers assemble! Liselle Sambury (she/her) is a young adult author writing stories about "messy Black girls in fantasy situations" and is dropping her debut book, Blood Like Magic, in June 2021. She joins Renée and Gio to talk about how she got started in writing, how she established herself on AuthorTube, and how she got her very first book deal. This episode also includes Liselle's tips on writ
Listen 2 Me Podcast - Davis G. See
Get ready to level up! Have you ever wondered what it takes to write your own video game? Let Davis G. See (he/him) tell you, as he walks Gio and Renée through the path that led him to freelance writing, creating interactive fiction, and becoming one of Edmonton Public Library's featured writers. Topics include how to build your client base as a freelancer, gay poetry binders, why queer representa
Listen 2 Me Podcast - Jessica Renwick
How magical! This week Renée and Gio sit down with the kind and talented Jessica Renwick (she/her), award-winning author of the fantasy middle-grade Starfell series. The first two books, The Book of Chaos and The Guitar of Mayhem, are out now. Her short story “The Witch’s Staff” will appear in the forthcoming anthology book Magical Girls from Celticpress Publishing. We talk writing characters we c
Listen 2 Me Podcast - E14 - Kelly Small
The WGA is proud to partner with the Listen 2 Me podcast. Listen 2 Me is a podcast for creatives, by creatives. Your hosts, Gio and Renée, two lifelong friends and queer creatives, talk about the very real highs and lows of making art while staying grounded.
Episode 14 - Kelly Small:Have you ever wondered how to keep your sanity as a career creative in today’s cutthroat capitalist economy? This e
Reading With The Awards Finalists (Part 2)
This is audio recorded from the live reading with finalists for the Alberta Literary Awards. Readers, in order of appearance:
Omar Mouallem
Natalie Meisner
Bertrand Bickersteth
Gabe Calderon
Kat Cameron
Ellen Chorley
Jannie Edwards
Will Ferguson
Alexandra Latos
Amy Leblanc
Harnarayan Singh
Kim Smith
Stephanie Tamagi
1:49:53 - Debby Waldman
Reading with Alberta Literary Awards Finalists (Part 1)
This is audio recorded during the live reading with finalists from the Alberta Literary Awards. Readers, in order of appearance:
Katie Bickell
Timothy Caulfield
Tyler Enfield
Lee Kvern
Annette Lapointe
Clem Martini
Peter Midgley
Beth Sanders
Barbara Scott
Gina Starblanket & Dallas Hunt
Joan Marie Galat - WGA Online Reading Series
Joan Marie Galat shares three of her books for children, followed by a conversation with Onyinye Odih, and audience Q&A via YouTube chat.
*Original air date, Oct. 29, 2020*
Lori Hahnel - WGA Online Reading Series
Lori Hahnel reads from her new book of stories, Vermin, followed by a conversation with fellow short story writer Lee Kvern, and audience Q&A via YouTube chat.
*Original air date Oct. 27, 2020*
Alison Clarke - WGA Online Reading Series
Alison Clarke will read from her new poetry book, Phillis, followed by a conversation with Brandon Wint, and an audience Q&A via YouTube chat.
*NOTE* There is a brief technical interruption at the 5:56 minute mark. Our apologies for the disruption.
**Original air date: Oct. 15**
Katrina Rosen - WGA Online Reading Series
Katrina Rosen reads from her memoir, With You by Bike, followed by a conversation with Helen Rolfe, and audience Q&A via YouTube chat.
*Original air date: Sept 28*
Carleen Marie - WGA Online Reading Series
Carleen Marie reads from her new memoir, Orchid of Fate.
Nancy Bell - WGA Online Reading Series
Author reading and Q&A with Nancy Bell. Author of Dead Dogs Talk.
Dianne Palovcik - WGA Online Reading Series
Dianne Palovcik reads from her new novel, In Trouble, and speaks with Joan Marie Galat about the book and her writing life. This is a pre-recorded interview and no Q&A is included.
Alexis Kienlen - WGA Online Reading Series
Alexis Kienlen talks to Anne Logan about her new novel, Mad Cow.
*Original air date September 10, 2020*
Dolly Dennis - WGA Online Reading Series
Dolly Dennis reads from her new novel, The Complex Arms, and chats with author Jennifer Quist about her publishing journey, with an audience Q&A afterwards.
*Original air date September 3, 2020*
Annette Lapointe - WGA Online Reading Series
Author Annette Lapointe reads from her latest book, And This is The Cure, followed by a Q&A led by Sue Farrell Holler.
Annette Lapointe has lived in rural Saskatchewan, Quebec City, St John’s, Saskatoon, Winnipeg (where she earned her PhD), and South Korea. She now lives in Treaty 8 territory, on the traditional lands of the Beaver people, and teaches at Grande Prairie Regional College. In her c
Cathie Bartlett - WGA Online Reading Series
Cathie Bartlett reads from her new novel, Destination Prairie, and chats with her friend and fellow writer Jane Ross.
Virginia Pesemapeo Bordeleau - CLC Brown Bag Lunch Podcast Episode 7
Le 17 mars 2021, écoutez un nouvel épisode des midis littéraires du CLC avec l'écrivaine renommée, Virginia Pésémapéo Bordeleau !
Née en Jamésie, au nord-ouest du Québec, Bordeleau est une artiste multidisciplinaire eeyou qui œuvre depuis 40 ans. En 2006, elle obtient le prix d’excellence en région remis par le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec en plus de la mention de Télé-Québec du prix
Kat Cameron - WGA Online Reading Series
Edmonton poet Kat Cameron will read from her latest collection, Ghosts Still Linger, followed by a Q&A led by fellow Edmonton poet Paul Pearson.
Kat Cameron lives in Edmonton on Treaty 6 territory. Her poetry collections include Ghosts Still Linger, published by the University of Alberta Press in 2020, and Strange Labyrinth. Her short story collection The Eater of Dreams was shortlisted for the D
Katherine Koller - WGA Online Reading Series
Edmonton playwright, novelist, and screenwriter Katherine Koller will read from her collection of short stories, Winning Chance, followed by a Q&A led by Fort McMurray author Dorothy Bentley.
Katherine Koller writes for stage, screen and page. Her first plays, Cowboy Boots and a Corsage and Magpie, were for CBC radio. Her full-length stage plays include her Alberta LandWorks Trilogy: Coal Valley
Paul Pearson - WGA Online Reading Series
Edmonton poet Paul Pearson reads from his debut poetry book Lunatic Engine, followed by a Q&A led by Edmonton playwright and novelist Katherine Koller.
Pre-order Lunatic Engine here: https://www.turnstonepress.com/books/poetry/lunatic-engine.html
Paul Pearson is the co-founding editor and chapbook designer for the Olive Reading Series. His poems have appeared in Descant and Event, and the antho
Bob Stallworthy - WGA Online Reading Series
Calgary poet and longtime active WGA member Bob Stallworthy will read from his poetry book Impact Statement, followed by a Q&A led by Edmonton poet, fiction writer, and journalist Alexis Kienlen.
Bob Stallworthy has been active in the Alberta writing community since he began writing full-time and professionally in 1985. He is a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada and the Writers’ Guild of Alb
Dorothy Bentley - WGA Online Reading Series
Fort McMurray author Dorothy Bentley introduces her children’s poetry picture book Summer North Coming, followed by a Q&A led by Calgary writer Barbori Garnet.
Dorothy Bentley has been writing poetry sporadically since elementary school, but only recently began submitting it to contests, literary magazines. and publishers. Summer North Coming, published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside in September 2019,
D.A. VandenBrink - WGA Online Reading Series
St. Albert author D.A. VandenBrink reads from his supernatural thriller The Crimson Dimension, followed by a Q&A led by WGA Summer Programs Assistant and WordsWorth Creative Team member Sadie MacGillivray.
Buy The Crimson Dimension here: https://www.davandenbrink.com/books
D.A. (Doug) VandenBrink is a local author living in St. Albert. He’s a husband, father, and grandfather who works for an Edm
Lynn Gale - WGA Online Reading Series
Spruce Grove poet Lynn Gale reads from her new poetry collection l’opacité, followed by a Q&A led by WGA Board Vice President and Write Well Press founder Leanne Myggland-Carter.
Lynn Gale lives in Spruce Grove, Alberta with her husband of 30+ years and spends her days working as the payroll supervisor for the City of Spruce Grove. In July 2017 she started her own business, Windsong Writing and
Judith Clark - WGA Online Reading Series
Calgary author Judith Clark reads from her YA novel Under the Radar, followed by a Q&A led by fellow Calgary YA author Janet Gurtler. This is a prerecorded event that premiered on Wednesday, July 15.
Judith Clark is a playwright, novelist, and indexer. After receiving a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS), she worked as a children’s and young adult services librarian, before taking o
Karen Pheasant Neganigwane - WGA Online Reading Series
Anishinaabe author Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane will read from her children’s nonfiction book Powwow: A Celebration through Song and Dance, followed by a Q&A led by fellow children’s nonfiction author Joan Marie Galat. Viewers will have the chance to send questions during the event.
Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane is an Anishinaabe dancer, educator, writer, artist and orator from Wiikwemkoong on Manitou
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