Crafting Romantic Stories with Holly Cassidy

Date: December 14, 2024

Join us for “Crafting Romantic Stories with Holly Cassidy,” where the author of festive rom-coms like The Christmas Wager will guide you through the delicate art of writing love stories.

Whether you’re crafting historical fiction or mysteries, romance often finds its way into the narrative. In this session, Holly Cassidy will share her tips on how to seamlessly weave romance into your plots. Perfect for writers of all genres looking to infuse a touch of love into their storytelling.

Holly Cassidy, the pseudonym of internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon, writes heartwarming romantic comedies infused with festive charm, including The Christmas Wager and The Christmas Countdown. Under the Holly Cassidy name, her stories focus on love, self-discovery, and holiday cheer, guaranteeing readers a happy ending.

Born in the UK, raised in Switzerland, and now residing in Canada, McKinnon enjoys a diverse career, blending light and dark storytelling to reach audiences of all kinds

Learn more about Holly Cassidy: https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/bio-holly-cassidy/

Book Marketing in the Digital Age

Join us on January 11 for an enriching session with Cali Platek from Simon & Schuster Canada as she explores the evolving landscape of Book Marketing in the Digital Age. Leverage the power of social media, learn where to apply your efforts to get noticed online, and master strategies to reach new audiences.

Cali Platek is an experienced publishing professional, currently serving as Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Simon & Schuster Canada. Cali works on marketing campaigns for top authors like Stephen King, Jeannette Walls, Megan Miranda, Jeanne Beker, and more, while overseeing Simon & Schuster’s digital strategy, including website updates, social media, email marketing, and influencer marketing. Previous roles include Marketing & Communications Manager at TCAF: Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Digital Marketing Manager at Scholastic Canada, and editorial roles at Robert Kennedy Publishing, Maple Tree Press, and Firefly Books. Cali has a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Book and Magazine Publishing from Centennial College, and has trained at Brainstation. Cali lives in Toronto with her two daughters.

Meet a Literary Agent – Rachel Letofsky.

Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 9:30am-11:30am

Joining us live from Portland Oregon via Zoom, Rachel will dive into the qualities agents are looking for, discuss the author/agent relationship, and share tips on how to approach and secure the right agent. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the journey of finding representation.

About Rachel Letofsky- https://cookemcdermid.com/about-rachel-1

Rachel Letofsky has dedicated her career to helping authors find their voice and reach their audience. With expertise in a variety of genres and a keen eye for compelling stories, she has successfully represented a diverse range of authors. Rachel’s passion for literature and dedication to her clients make her an invaluable resource for both new and experienced writers looking to navigate the publishing world