Alberta Culture Days
Celebrate arts, culture, heritage, diversity & community spirit!
Contents
We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for providing Red Deer Public Library with an Alberta Culture Days Pop Up Celebration Site grant, which made our featured event possible!
We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for providing Red Deer Public Library with an Alberta Culture Days Pop Up Celebration Site grant, which made our featured event possible!
Deer Writers & Readers Fest
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Red Deer Public Library - Downtown Branch
Deer Writers & Readers Fest celebrates Alberta's vibrant literary culture by bringing together readers, writers, and other creative professionals. The event highlights Alberta authors and literary voices, with a particular focus on writers from Central Alberta, while offering accessible opportunities for community members to explore storytelling, publishing, and creative expression.
There’s something for everyone at this featured event! Writers and aspiring writers can learn from an amazing lineup of writing, publishing, and marketing experts, while readers can meet talented Alberta authors, discover new books, and chat with authors at their Author Tables.
At-a-Glance Schedule
For the Writers & Maybe-Someday Writers: Featured Presenters
Interested in writing, publishing, or the world of books? Whether you’re a published author, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the writing and publishing process, join us at Deer Writers & Readers Fest to hear from experienced authors, editors, and publishing professionals as they share their knowledge, insights, and expertise. With a variety of sessions throughout the day, there’s something for everyone, and every attendee will leave with something new to inspire their writing or reading journey. Each time slot will have two options to choose from, as outlined below.
Session A: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.:
- A1: Demystifying the Big Publishing Deal, opens a new window with Melissa Poett
- A2: From Idea to Bookshelf: Bringing a Children’s Story to Life, opens a new window with Maureen Juma
Session B: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.:
- B1: Submit, Submit, Submit!, opens a new window with Alexina Dalgetty
- B2: Short Story 101, opens a new window with Jessica Renwick
Session C: 1:15 p.m. - *2:15 p.m.:
- C1: Marketing without the Ick, opens a new window with Rosey Kaur Hwang (*this session will run until 2:30 p.m.)
- C2: Poetry Open Studio, opens a new window with Louise Goodfield
See below for the presenter and presentation details, and register to save your seat!
For the Readers: Author Tables
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover local authors, browse their books, and chat with them about their work! Throughout the event, authors will be set up at tables where attendees can learn more about their books and purchase copies directly from the authors.
Click here for a list of authors who will be joining us at the event.
Session A1: Melissa Poett
Presentation: Demystifying the Big Publishing Deal
If your dream is to land a book deal with a Big Five publisher, come learn how internationally bestselling author Melissa Poett made it happen. She’ll share her journey from querying literary agents to selling her YA Romantasy, The Enemy’s Daughter, to HarperCollins in a six-figure deal.
Get your questions answered about the publishing process, including going on submission, editing, and having your book published around the world.
Biography
Melissa Poett majored in music composition, first telling stories with instruments before switching her medium to words. She is now an international bestselling author who writes young adult novels in a variety of genres, ranging from contemporary to romantasy. She lives with her family in Alberta, Canada, and is the author of The Enemy’s Daughter and A Thief to Die For.
Website: melissapoett.com, opens a new window | Instagram: instagram.com/melissawritesya, opens a new window
Register Here!
Session A2: Maureen Juma
Presentation: From Idea to Bookshelf: Bringing a Children’s Story to Life
As an award-winning children's author, Maureen will share her journey of turning ideas, family experience, culture, and imagination into published children's books. A self-published author and recipient of the Best Self-Published Author Award at the Sankofa's Pen Peer Choice Awards for Adventures of Mama: Gardening in the City, Maureen will walk participants through developing a story, working with illustrators, publishing, marketing, and connecting with readers, plus an interactive story-building activity to help attendees discover their own stories.
Biography
Maureen Juma is an award-winning children's author and recipient of the Best Self-Published Author Award at the Sankofa's Pen Peer Choice Awards, with nominations for Favourite Picture Book and Favourite Self-Published Book. She is the author of the Adventures of Mama series, including Gardening in the City, Cooking with Friends, and Christmas in Kenya, celebrating culture, family, diversity, nature, and learning through everyday moments.
As a self-published author, Maureen brings hands-on experience in writing, publishing, marketing, and promoting her books through bookstores, libraries, and community events across Alberta, connecting with children, families, and educators through the joy of storytelling together.
Website: junninemedia.ca, opens a new window | Instagram: instagram.com/junninemedia, opens a new window | Facebook: facebook.com/junninemedia, opens a new window
Register Here!
Session B1: Alexina Dalgetty
Presentation: Submit, Submit, Submit!
For anyone uncertain how to submit and terrified of rejection. I believe submitting our work makes us better writers. It forces us to structure, resolve, edit and meet deadlines. But where and how to submit? A quick introduction to submitting in today’s fast changing publishing ecology along with a couple of strategies for blunting the pain of rejection.
Biography
Alexina Dalgetty has written plays and, more recently, prose. Her debut novel, The Cleaning Woman's Daughter (2023), was published by Liquorice Fish Books. Her hybrid novel, A Crack in The Map, won the 2024 Cinnamon Literature Prize and published this year (2026). Her short fiction publications include Agnes and True, Breakwater Review, Stand Magazine, Prairie Journal and Queen’s Quarterly (forthcoming).
Register Here!
Session B2: Jessica Renwick
Presentation: Short Story 101
Everyone wants to write a novel, but what about short fiction? In addition to being a blast to write, it’s often a great way to break into publishing. You’ll leave this workshop with a foundation of how to create a full story arc in a short format and how to engage readers quickly. Plus, I’ll share some tips on submission and how to find magazines and anthologies to submit to.
Biography
Jessica Renwick dove into the world of writing fiction as a preteen and never looked back. Naturally, this led to a career as a library assistant, and her first middle-grade book, The Book of Chaos, was published in 2018. Her most recent title, Ghosts of Gastown was nominated for a 2025 Snow Willow Award and a 2026 Silver Birch Award with the Forest of Reading.
She lives with her husband, two dogs, and a flock of backyard chickens in Red Deer, Alberta.
Website: jessicarenwickauthor.com, opens a new window | Instagram: instagram.com/jessicarenwickauthor | Facebook: facebook.com/JessicaRenwickAuthor, opens a new window
Register Here!
Session C1: Rosey Kaur Hwang
Presentation: Marketing Without the Ick
Marketing that's fun, doable, and feels like YOU instead of marketing that's performative and exhausting!
Rosey draws on over a decade of professional marketing experience to demystify marketing and make it less daunting. Writers and creatives will learn how to market themselves with confidence, consistency, and integrity, without copying trends or burning out. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how marketing works, and ideas we'll generate in real time that you can apply immediately.
This workshop is ideal for writers and creatives who want to show up powerfully online and stop feeling resistance to marketing altogether.
Biography
Rosey Kaur Hwang writes binge-worthy contemporary romance novels that are all heart yet unconventional, taking women deeper into the places within themselves that prevent them from living their own fairy tale. Off the page, she guides writers to bring their stories to life and into the world through her Acceleration Coaching and intentional digital marketing. Her debut novel, Everything She Wanted, will be available in bookstores everywhere this fall.
Fun Fact! Rosey's book Everything She Wanted made CBC's list of "55 Canadian fiction books we're excited about this fall!, opens a new window"
Website: roseyhwang.com, opens a new window | Instagram: instagram.com/xoroseyhwang, opens a new window
Register Here!
Session C2: Louise Goodfield
Presentation: Poetry Open Studio
For poets who are curious, developing, or ready to take their next step. This is an open-format workshop, meaning you are invited to bring any questions you have around writing, editing, or submitting poetry. Whether you're wondering how to refine your voice, prepare your work for submission, or navigate the poetry landscape, this session will meet you where you are, offering practical guidance for those interested in sharing their work more widely.
Alongside this, there will be an opportunity to explore pathways into self-publishing, including both independent routes and more supported, collaborative approaches. If you’re considering creating a pamphlet or full collection, or simply want to understand what’s possible, this session will offer clarity, encouragement, and direction. Come with questions, leave with inspiration and next steps.
If you would like to submit your questions beforehand, please email a_poetontheroad@outlook.com by Friday, September 18.
Biography
Louise is a bestselling author, award-winning performer, and poet. Books include Plant Your Poetry: 365 Poems and Prompts to Grow Your Writing Habit (one of Canada’s most gifted poetry writing guide), and Plant Your Grief: 100 Poems and Prompts on Loss and Impermanence. Her work has been accepted in numerous publications internationally.
Louise has been facilitating workshops for over 10 years for major organisations and non-profits, as well as independently. She supports writers to get their books out into the world through Your Book Doula and offers daily writing prompts on the Plant Your Poetry Substack, opens a new window.
Substack: apoetontheroad.substack.com, opens a new window | Instagram: instagram.com/a_poetontheroad, opens a new window | Facebook: facebook.com/poetontheroad, opens a new window
Register Here!
Author Tables
Support (and celebrate!) local authors! Writing a book is no small feat, and every author at these tables has done it! Discover local authors, browse their books, and chat with them about their work. Authors will be set up at tables so you can learn more about their books and purchase copies directly from the authors.
Jessica Renwick
Jessica Renwick dove into the world of writing fiction as a preteen and never looked back. Naturally, this led to a career as a library assistant, and her first middle-grade book, The Book of Chaos, was published in 2018. Her most recent title, Ghosts of Gastown, was nominated for a 2025 Snow Willow Award and a 2026 Silver Birch Award.
She lives with her husband, two dogs, and a flock of backyard chickens in Red Deer, Alberta.
Louise Goodfield
Louise is a bestselling author, award-winning performer, and poet. Books include Plant Your Poetry: 365 Poems and Prompts to Grow Your Writing Habit (one of Canada’s most gifted poetry writing guide), and Plant Your Grief: 100 Poems and Prompts on Loss and Impermanence. Her work has been accepted in numerous publications internationally.
Louise has been facilitating workshops for over 10 years for major organizations and non-profits, as well as independently. She supports writers to get their books out into the world through 'Your Book Doula' and offers daily writing prompts on the Plant Your Poetry Substack.
Tammy Cunnington
Tammy Cunnington is a 2x Paralympian, motivational speaker, and advocate for resilience.
A survivor of a life-altering plane crash at the age of six, Tammy’s journey to Paralympic success has been marked by grit, perseverance, and a relentless spirit. After the accident, she turned her focus to wheelchair basketball, winning a gold medal at the Gold Cup Championships, and later transitioned to para-swimming. Tammy represented Canada at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, achieving remarkable results, including multiple medals at the Para Pan American Games, the Pan Pacific Championships, and Canadian Nationals. Now retired from elite competition, Tammy is dedicated to inspiring others through her speaking engagements and coaching. You can learn more about her story of resilience in her recently published book, Still Fighting: a Story of Grit, Grace and Growth.
Rosey Kaur Hwang
Rosey Kaur Hwang writes binge-worthy contemporary romance novels that are all heart yet unconventional, taking women deeper into the places within themselves that prevent them from living their own fairy tale. Off the page, she guides writers to bring their stories to life and into the world through her Acceleration Coaching and intentional digital marketing. Her debut novel, Everything She Wanted, will be available in bookstores everywhere this fall.
Lacombe Performing Arts Centre
Writing classes. Author talks. Readings. Workshops. Retreats. Community. The Lacombe Performing Arts Centre celebrates writers and readers with a vibrant lineup of literary events and opportunities throughout the year.
Love to write? Love to read? We’ve got you covered. Visit the LPAC table and meet Fran Kimmel – novelist, playwright, and facilitator of LPAC’s literary programming – to learn how you can be involved.
Lorraine Pattison
Lorraine is an avid researcher and non-fiction writer, as well as former co-founding member of Penticton Writers and Publishers. Since moving to Sylvan Lake, Lorraine was inspired to research and write a nature-inspired book of fiction, "Charlie And The Wolf Pup." Her hope is to encourage young readers to learn more about wolf culture and their preservation. Having been trained in screenwriting, she is currently working on the screenplay for her book.
Kathy M. Kelley
For most of her life, Kathy Kelley buried her anger and sadness, until young motherhood and the loss of her own mom brought everything to the surface. She didn't like who she'd become. So she stopped waiting for happiness to show up, and started making her own through mindfulness practices. Today she helps little beings make sense of BIG feelings, in a way that feels like play, not a lesson.
Megan Melland
Megan Melland has been enchanted by powerful women, magic, mythical creatures, and adventure since childhood. Inspired by Star Wars and The Little Mermaid, she writes fantastical stories filled with wonder. When she’s not writing, she’s playing Pokémon or beating her partner at Mario Party. Drowned Gods and Bloody Skies is her debut novel.
Melody Walper
Melody is a wife and mother. She runs her own in-home daycare and has guided many children through this same caterpillar experiment described in her story, Henry’s Butterfly Surprise.
Ehi Okoedion
Ehi Okoedion is a leadership and resilience keynote and TEDx speaker, author, and lawyer who helps people who have always been known as strong to stop self abandoning and live with intention. He helps people question their borrowed and inherited beliefs to find their own.
Jean Oram
Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in an Alberta town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of over 40 small-town, heartwarming romances where the characters feel like old friends.
Alexina Dalgetty
Alexina Dalgetty has written plays and, more recently, prose. Her debut novel, The Cleaning Woman's Daughter (2023), was published by Liquorice Fish Books. Her hybrid novel, A Crack in The Map, won the 2024 Cinnamon Literature Prize and published this year (2026). Her short fiction publications include Agnes and True, Breakwater Review, Stand Magazine, Prairie Journal and Queen’s Quarterly (forthcoming).
Gillian A. Corsiatto
Gillian A. Corsiatto is a Red Deer based author. She has two published books, several produced plays, and a memoir that she is currently seeking literary representation for. She has been writing since the age of seven and is always working on something, so stop by and ask her about her current project!
Writers' Ink Anthology
The Red Deer and Area Writing Group, known as “Writers’ Ink”, is a group of adults who meet weekly to share their writing. Our members write in various genres. We provide a warm and welcoming space for all writers and give gentle and useable feedback if asked.
Celebrating Alberta Culture Days in Red Deer
Kiwanis Gallery
Read Alberta Collection
Alberta Culture Days: Get Artsy!
Spotlight on Alberta Authors & Musicians
Read Alberta Collection
Alberta Culture Days: Get Artsy!
Spotlight on Alberta Authors & Musicians
