In this exploratory writing session, Mari Mendoza and Britt Smith from Firefly Creative Writing will help you kick off your festival by tapping into your own creative voice.  

They’ll lead the group through 2–3 reflective writing prompts (with some optional sharing — no pressure) to gather inspiration and connect to the joy of writing, leaving you primed and ready for a week full of the magic of words.

Everyone is welcome, whether you identify as a “writer” or not — no experience necessary!

This is an online event | $5 | Included in Weekend Pass

gritLIT has helped nurture many exciting new Canadian authors through our annual Short Story Contest. This year’s contest broke all previous records with nearly 125 entries! Join Contest Manager Paige Maylott and the 2025 Short Story Contest winners as they discuss their winning entries and share tips for other aspiring — and potentially award-winning — Canadian writers. 

This is an online event | Free | Included in Weekend Pass

Read the winning stories ahead of the event!