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Local writers Claire Lawrence, Kathy Wagner, and Sherry McMillan will share their unique journeys to publication, their past influences, and how these experiences inform their current projects.
How do you transform the initial spark of a story into a published manuscript? With so many options available for writers today, it can be confusing to navigate the path to publication and connect with readers.
This panel is brought to you by Tri-City Wordsmiths and will be moderated by the Organization's President, Erik D'Souza.
Registration recommended, drop-ins welcome.
For more information about this Tri-Cities Writers Festival event, email ask@coqlibrary.ca.
KATHY WAGNER is a writer and the mother of three grown children, including her son Tristan who died from fentanyl poisoning in August 2017. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, and The Sun Magazine. Her book, Here With You: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Addiction was published by Douglas & McIntyre in 2023. Kathy funds her writing habit by working as a content strategist, helping large organizations improve their customer experience by improving their words.
CLAIRE LAWRENCE is a multi-genre storyteller and visual artist based in British Columbia. Claire’s stories have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, and on BBC radio. You can find her work in publications like Geist, Pulp Literature, Litro, and Brilliant Flash Fiction. Claire has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize for her poetry and short stories. She has won many contests for flash, fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and a finalist for the Jesmyn Ward Fiction Prize, Michigan Quarterly Review. Her artwork has appeared many magazines. In 2023, her artwork was nominated for Best on the Net. Claire’s goal is to publish in all genres, and not inhale too many fumes.
SHERRY MCMILLAN: Known for her captivating children's literature, Sherry McMillan’s work is celebrated for its lyrical storytelling, deep connection to nature, and a genuine respect for children's perspectives. Sherry has been recognized by MSN as one of the 15 Emerging Authors to Watch in 2025. Her inclusion in this prestigious list highlights her growing influence as a leading voice in children's books and beyond. Her bestselling title, What the Seal Saw, is a Heather's Pick and a standout in the series. Another one of Sherry’s notable works, My S’s Are Messes, draws from her personal experiences with speech sound disorders. This heartfelt story encourages patience and understanding, offering readers a message of hope and resilience. The book was included in the Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens, Spring 2024, where it was recognized as a title of exceptional calibre. The book is also a finalist in the Canadian Book Club Awards - the largest national reader’s choice book award. Sherry's ability to craft meaningful stories that connect with children on an emotional level has solidified her reputation as a powerful storyteller.
ERIK D’SOUZA is an author and publisher based in Port Moody, BC. Among his works, “Death in Halfmoon Bay” stands out as the first book in the Suzanne Rickson Mystery Series. He is The Marketing and Communicattions Manager for Crime Writers of Canada. He is the president of the Tri-City Wordsmiths and hosts the popular reading series, Writers in our Midst, at the Port Moody Public Library.
Learn more at www.erikdsouza.com
The City Centre branch offers:
Poirier Branch
575 Poirier Street
Coquitlam, BC
V3J 6A9
604-554-READ (7323)
City Centre Branch
1169 Pinetree Way
Coquitlam, BC
V3B 0Y1
604-554-READ (7323)
