40th Anniversary
Supporting writers in Ottawa since 1986
2026 Anthology
Submissions are open!
This year’s theme "Still Here" reflects OIW’s 40th anniversary and celebrates the many ways we continue to grow, create, and persevere.
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For more details and to submit, click here.
january
Special OIW Presentation - via ZOOM
In association with
Writer Beware®,
OIW presents:
Staying Safe in Today’s Publishing World
Wednesday, January 14
7 pm
Join us for an essential session with Writer Beware®, the long-standing watchdog group that helps writers stay safe in a changing publishing landscape. Michael Capobianco and Richard C. White will cover: 1. The rise of AI-driven scams—and how to avoid them 2. How to spot a reputable vs. predatory small press or contract 3. How self-publishers can find trustworthy editors, designers, and service providers (no AI-generated art) About Writer Beware® Founded in 1998 and sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA®), Writer Beware® tracks and exposes publishing scams, questionable practices, and emerging threats. Their mission: empower writers—of any genre, country, or career stage—to protect themselves. Writer Beware® does not use generative AI to create or edit content.
Details of all our events and presentations will be emailed to members.
About the Speakers
• Michael Capobianco — Award-winning SF author; former SFWA President; Chair of SFWA’s Contracts Committee; member of Writer Beware.
• Richard C. White — Novelist and media tie-in writer (Star Trek, Doctor Who, Battletech); member of SFWA and Writer Beware.
Guest Speaker- via ZOOM
Howard Shrier
The Hero's Journey
Tuesday, January 20
7 pm
A two-time winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for excellence in crime fiction, Montreal native Howard Shrier is the author of seven historical crime novels. Now based in Toronto, he is working on a new novel, teaches creative writing and mentors aspiring authors.
Details of all our events and presentations will be emailed to members.
In-Person workshop
Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) presents:
Art Inspiring Art: Ekphrastic Writing
Saturday January 31,
1 - 4pm
Ekphrastic writing is the use of art in non-written mediums as a launchpad for written pieces. Join WCC and learn how ekphrastic writing can help you write spontaneously, listen deeply, and respond to others. The workshop will help to generate new ideas and to advance existing stories and characters. It is suitable for both poetry and prose. No experience is required and everyone is welcome!
Details of all our events and presentations will be emailed to members.
february
OIW Member exclusive- via ZOOM
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, February 24
7 pm
OIW’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the opportunity for OIW members to listen to the Board share updates on the organization's activities over the past year. Current President Su Mardelli, Treasurer Kelley Raab, and Vice President Lena Samson will present key aspects of 2025’s initiatives.
Details of all our events and presentations will be emailed to members.
Not a member yet?
Visit our Membership Page to learn all about the benefits of being an OIW member, including the opportunity to get published!
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 8:30 pm. The meetings currently take place on the Zoom virtual platform.
Visit our membership page to sign-up now!
OUR BOARD
Meet some of the OIW Board Directors!
Bob Barclay
Member-at-Large
During my professional career I published a great many technical works, but on my retirement some 15 years ago I decided to turn my hand to fiction. With a nascent novel in hand, a quick search of resources led me to Ottawa Independent Writers, which proved to be a turning point. With the wide expertise available among the OIW membership, I was able to complete my novel, see to the formatting and cover design, and get it into print all in good order. I soon became a board member of the organization, and it is from that vantage point I can now help others who were in my situation 15 years ago. Board membership allows me to give back to the community, and I feel that many OIW members who have followed my path would find great satisfaction in membership on the board, sharing their expertise, and watching all aspects of the creative writing process from the first words on the screen to the completed published work.
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Lena Samson
Vice President
As an OIW board member, I engage with prolific writers and literary professionals whom I would never meet otherwise. My writing and editing have benefited greatly from their experience and expertise. The Board is a friendly, sage and collaborative group from which I've learned enormously and to to which I'm grateful to contribute. Every volunteer on the Board brings a new perspective, unique background and helps OIW continue to thrive.
Interested in joining the Board and giving your writing career a boost? Let us know!
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Email us at: members@ottawaindependentwriters.com