Calendar

October 1
Crime Writers of Canada announced its annual Call for Entries.
Offering awards for 10 categories within the genre, the 2027 contest offers nearly $5,000 in prizes. Crime, mystery, and suspense writing in ten categories. Criteria, and submission forms are available on the Crime Writers of Canada website. Crime Writers of Canada Website. https://crimewriterscanada.com/index.php/en/page/updates/permalink/call-for-entries-2027-crime-writers-of-canada-awards-of-excellence
Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents for works published in 2026.
Novella Exception: The Best Crime Novella category accepts novellas published in both 2025 and 2026.The final deadline for unpublished work submissions is October 31, 2026. The final deadline for published work submissions is December 15, 2026.

October 4
Lighthouse to Lighthouse Half Marathon starts at 8:30 am
Runners travel along the Huron-Kinloss lakeshore from Point Clark lighthouse to Kincardine lighthouse at the harbour. Best if vehicles use alternate routes, and allow extra travel time. Anyone can sponsor runners with the funds supporting health care facilities in Kincardine. For more info  and map of the Lighthouse-to-lighthouse route visit https://www.huronkinloss.com/news/posts/road-closures-for-lighthouse-to-lighthouse-half-marathon-october-4-2026/

And if you are intrigued by the nearby coastal lighthouses, we have the books for you! Keep the Light Burning by Cori Mordaunt is set at Point Clark. John G MacKay’s Restless on Huron includes boat tours to Chantry Island, and Barbara Aggerholm’s The Phantom Piper takes place at the Kincardine harbour lighthouse.

Monday, Oct 12 Thanksgiving Day
So much to appreciate! Thanks to all the writers, writing group contacts, creators of writing courses and contests.

Friday, October 16 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
Author and geologist Beth Gilhespy for an engaging presentation exploring some of Grey and Bruce Counties’ most remarkable geological landscapes. Drawing from her acclaimed Walking Through Time book series, Beth will guide audiences through dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, ancient coral reefs, waterfalls, fossils, karst formations, and breathtaking Georgian Bay vistas, revealing the stories millions of years in the making beneath our feet.Through stunning photographs, maps, and personal trail experiences, Beth brings local geology to life while highlighting the natural forces that shaped the Niagara Escarpment and surrounding region.
$10 Members | $15 Non-members
Registration is required. Light refreshments provided.
https://www.brucemuseum.ca/thisevent/muse-talks-rock-water-and-time-favourite-geology-hikes-of-grey-bruce-with-beth-gilhespy/

Saturday, October 17
Word Squirrel, Market Square North Kincardine
Book Launch and Reading Katie Crumble and the case of The Terrible Naughty
Author Oksanna Crawley Reading from and signing her newest book.

Tuesday October 20
Deadline for submissions to the Fall 2026 issue # 59 of The LEAF. The theme for this issue is WEATHER We are looking for short fiction, poetry, memoirs, nonfiction, maybe a quiz or puzzle. General guidelines at https://www.brucedalepress.ca/the-leaf/
Send your writing along with a very short bio by Canada Post to The Leaf, Box 2259 Port Elgin, Ontario N0H 2C0

Thursday October 22 Informal writing group sharing works in progress. 2-4 pm
Treasure Chest Museum, Paisley Cost: $5- donation to the museum
It is possible that plans to swap out the floors in the venue might impact this session.
Writers who are interested but not on Cindy’s list could call the Museum to confirm.

Tuesday October 27
Writers’ BLOC
Monthly informal gathering of writers in many genres, sharing responses to a theme and commenting [helpfully] on one another’s offerings in any genre. Theme for October is ADVENUTURE
Some of the group gather for supper at Allan’s Fireside Grill in downtown Port Elgin, then all head to Elgin Lodge on Mary Street, where each person can share their response to the theme. No fee to participate, just sign in at the Lodge reception desk on arrival.