2026 WORKSHOPS ARE LIVE!
A Very UniqueWriting Group
Gertrude’s Writing Room in partnership with Balanced Life Wellness Centre is proud to present a unique writing group that brings together our favourite things about writing: learning, sharing and writing! This monthly writing opportunity offers writers a safe, comfortable, accessible and inspiring space in which to flex their creative writing souls. We will gather one Sunday each month for themed writing workshops, as well as full-day themed writing retreats, author panels, and more!
2026 WRITERS’ ASSEMBLY JUNE WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT!
THE FINAL WORKSHOP OF OUR WINTER/SPRING SEASON IS SOLD OUT! Thank you to teacher Olga Kassimova and The Rose City Writers for partnering with us!
OUR FALL 2026 WORKSHOP LINE-UP IS HERE!
Registration is open! Email Vanessa: shieldsvanessa@gmail.com to confirm your spot! Payments via etransfer appreciated!
SEPTEMBER – *Special Mini-panel on Self-Publishing! *
Local authors Vanessa Shields and Kelly MacLellan will have an intimate conversation about the creative endeavour that is self-publication. From writing to layout and design to cover design, printing and social media to book launch and distribution, join in the conversation with a q & a. Vanessa and Kelly will be selling and signing their books as well! Payments in cash or via etransfer.
OCTOBER – FALL COLLAGE WORKSHOP
We’re offering a collage workshop – all collage, all the time! We’ll supply all the tools, you bring your creative energy and playfulness!
NOVEMBER – How to Create & Develop Dynamic Characters Workshop
Using examples and writing prompts, Vanessa Shields will lead a writing workshop on how to create and develop dynamic characters. Discover the power of character-driven storytelling, dialogue tips, and structure and plot musts for writing characters that leap off the page.
DECEMBER – Holiday Collage Workshop
A great workshop for hand-made gift-making – create a collage for a loved one! Or yourself! Another full workshop dedicated to the art of collage!
NEW PAYMENT POLICY BEGINNING JANUARY 2026
Starting in January, payments for each workshop will be due the week before the workshop. This is to support the prep work/supplies costs for our workshop teachers. Payments will be made to Vanessa Shields via etransfer no later than one week before the workshop. We will included the ‘pay-by’ date on all marketing materials for reminders. VANESSA’S EMAIL: shieldsvanessa@gmail.com
NEW WORKSHOP LENGTHS & COSTS BEGINNING JANUARY 2026
To better accommodate the different styles of teaching and in-workshop participation (some workshops are very hands-on and/or prompt oriented!), please note that there may be changes to both the length of the workshop and the cost. Cost may increase when the length/participation of the workshops shifts. It is important that we remunerate our amazing workshop teachers for their prep-time and supply costs. Please let us know if cost is challenge, we will do our best to accommodate. NEW COSTS AND LENGTHS ARE ON THE POSTERS/MARKETING MATERIALS! PLEASE SEE BELOW! Payment will be made by etransfer to Vanessa Shields. VANESSA’S EMAIL: shieldsvanessa@gmail.com.
THE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT EMAIL IS THE SAME! shieldsvanessa@gmail.com.
LOCATION
BALANCED LIFE WELLNESS CENTRE is located at 114 Talbot Street South, Essex
*PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY! Due to a consistent increase in writers gathering, we are including a registration process for the workshops. Twelve writers maximum for the workshops to ensure continued safe, intimate gatherings.
*PLEASE NOTE: IF THE WEATHER IS TERRIBLE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, WE CAN SHIFT TO A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP.*
WANNA TEACH A WORKSHOP?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TEACHING A WORKSHOP IN THE NEW YEAR: JAN – JUNE 2026, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO MICHELLE. Pitch your idea in your email! Include the topic/theme and a short description.
PLEASE email Michelle: michelleweglarz@hotmail.com.
PAYMENT
We are asking for $25.00-$40.00 per visit or a ‘love’ donation (pay-what-you-can). Monies collected will be used to cover food, beverages, space usage and workshop teachers. We will pay attention to the cost and listen to your feedback. We want to keep this writing opportunity accessible and on-going!
FOOD ALLERGIES
If you have food allergies/concerns, please let us know via email BEFORE you come so we can make necessary amendments to food/beverages. (email MICHELLE AT michelleweglarz@gmail.com )
ACCESSIBILITY
The Balanced Life Wellness Centre is fully accessible.
VANESSA SHIELDS 