The city’s in the middle of a deep freeze. For many of us northerners, merely getting out of a warm bed on a chilly Sunday can be rather aggravating. But for those who are willing to brave the cold, a new month means plenty of new and fun events to look forward to. Here are a few of them.

Feb. 6: 7-8 pm, Audreys, 10702 Jasper

Book Launch: Retirement Social Network, Dorian Joyal

Retirement means lots of free time to fill, a prospect that can be overwhelming. Besides looking after one’s finances, it’s also vital to plan for the social aspect of retirement. This book aims to guide people who are transitioning into retirement ensure that they remain socially connected throughout their later years.

Feb. 6: 5-7 pm, MacEwan University, Room 6-242

Creative Writing Workshop

Come on out to our bi-weekly writing workshop for writing prompts and a short story discussion. As always, indicate your interest on the Facebook event page to receive the story we’ll be workshopping. Another workshop is tentatively scheduled for the 20th.

Feb. 13: 3:30-5 pm, MacEwan University, Room 7-172

Writing Intimacy Workshop, with Deborah Willis

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a workshop on writing love, intimacy, and sex, led by MacEwan’s writer-in-res, Debbie Willis. Looking at work by Lucia Berlin, Jamaica Kincaid, and Cary Fagan, the workshop will explore various aspects of sexuality and intimacy in writing.

Feb. 16: 7-9 pm, Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper

Book Launch: Song of Batoche, Maia Caron

Author Maia Caron, in conversation with Diana Davidson (Pilgrimage), discusses her new historical novel about Louis Riel’s arrival in the Métis community of Batoche and the outbreak of the North-West Rebellion in 1885.

Feb. 19: 7-9 pm, Mile Zero Dance, 10816 95 Street

Poetry workshop, with Brandon Wint (scroll down the page to find the post)

Word on the Street

Word on the Street is a community-based art/poetry installation for anyone living in or connected to the McCauley neighbourhood. The installation is looking for submissions of poetry and short text, from which a community jury will select entries that will be sandblasted into McCauley sidewalks (fun!). Participants of this poetry workshop, led by Brandon Witt, are welcome to submit their work. If successful, they will receive an honorarium of $100. Attendance confirmation, and poetry submissions, can be sent to wordonthestreet150@gmail.com.

Feb. 27: MacEwan University

Bolo Tie Collective Event

We will wrap up the month with an event featuring a special and well-known guest from the YEG writing community. More specific details (and a link) will follow soon!