Fernie Writers Conference

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How accomplished a writer do I need to be?

Workshops of this sort adapt to any level of writing. The support of peer group critique gives positive feedback that allows you to develop and tune your writing skills no matter what your level.

2. What do I need to bring?

You need the materials suggested for the individual workshop session you are attending and your writing tools. The workshops are “work� shops. You will write, revise, edit and present again to the group. This will be a time to get your hands dirty and dive up to your elbows into your work.

3. Do we spend all day in the workshops?

No. The workshops run from 9 am to 1 pm everyday. The balance of the day is open for working on your writing, enjoying the Elk River Valley and the surrounding mountains. The golf folks will likely golf. The fishing folks will hit the river slashing the water for the not-so-elusive trout. The poets will wander around waxing poetically. Or whatever poets do when they wander the mountains.

4.  Can I split my time between two sessions?  Perhaps spend part in the poetry and part in fishing?

No. The workshops are designed to develop a close critique group among the individual session participants. Switching from one to the other does not work.

5. Will there be readings? Do I have to read in public?

There will be readings by both workshop leaders and an open reading for all involved in the Conference at the Sunday evening reception. You may read if you wish or simply sit back and enjoy.

6. Are there meetings outside the workshops?

The Conference will host readings in Fernie and several panel discussions at the Griz Inn. A panel on Literary Publishing is scheduled for Friday afternoon and another on mainstream publishing (for the golf/travel and fishing writers) is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. In addition, you may set up appointments with the Conference Guests—editors, publishers and other writers—in your spare time outside the workshops. Please check the schedule section on the web site for the latest addition to the program.

7. Are meals included?

Conference tuition includes breakfast each morning with conference participants, the Friday welcoming reception, the Saturday dinner and the Sunday closing reception/reading. Lunch and dinner the other nights are your responsibility. There are a couple of restaurants at the ski hill and a wide variety of restaurants in the city of Fernie—from world-class sushi to burgers.

8. Is lodging included?

No. Lodging is not included. The Conference is headquartered at the Griz Inn at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort. There arespecial Conference rates at both the Griz Inn and the Cornerstone Inn that run as low as $45 a night per person in condos with cooking facilities. We understand that everyone’s comfort level is different. Some people may stay with friends in town, some may camp, and many will stay at the Griz Inn and the Cornerstone Inn.

9. How far is the city of Fernie from the Griz Inn and Fernie Alpine Resort?

The town of Fernie is about 5 km from the ski hill–a comfortable walk or a short drive.

10. Can I bring a guest?

Of course. We offer special guest tickets so your guest may attend the receptions and the dinner on Saturday night with you. Please inquire when you register.

11.  How do I register?

Call our 24-hour registration line, 1-888-423-6855, and ask to register for the Fernie Writers Conference. We can take credit cards or other payment arrangements

12. How do I arrange for Lodging?

You can arrange your lodging at the same time you register.

13. What if I have to cancel?

If you cancel before the June 25 increase in registration fees, you receive your tuition back less a $40 handling fee. If you cancel after June 25, we will refund your tuition only if we fill your position in the Conference again subject to the $40 handing fee.