It’s official! Starting on October 22nd 2026, we’ll be gathering weekly at Vancouver Island University’s tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus, this time to participate in a Genre Blending workshop. Introducing “The Living Form Collective: Where Genres Meet.” To learn more, read on below, or visit VIU’s Community Education & Training page to register!
The Living Form Collective: Where Genres Meet
In this eight-week prose and poetry workshop, participants will explore the craft of various genres – and the art of blending them. As a group, we will workshop one another’s writing in a supportive, craft-focused environment while exploring contemporary examples of published works that blur genre boundaries. Through guided discussion and peer feedback, writers will deepen their practice, refine their voice, and experiment with hybrid forms if desired. This course is best suited for intermediate to advanced writers who are comfortable and committed to sharing work and engaging critically. By the end of the course, each participant may end up with a draft, a deeper understanding of what makes their writing more powerful, or simply, a memorable experience.
In our 8-week term together, students will:
-Develop and refine a sustained writing project within a supportive workshop setting
-Strengthen skills in giving and receiving thoughtful, constructive feedback
-Deepen understanding of craft across genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc)
-Explore hybrid and cross-genre approaches through contemporary examples
-Experiment with form, voice, and structure to expand creative possibilities
-Build confidence in revision, risk-taking, and articulating creative intent
