Alexandra Writers' Centre Society

The Alexandra Writers Centre Society became a registered charity under the Societies Act of Alberta on September 22, 1981. 

The organization was started by a small group of writers, led by J. Michael Fay, who had been running creative writing classes out of the basement of the Alexandra Centre in Inglewood for  several years. 

The AWCS has always been a place for writers to gather and support one another on the creative writing journey. That original foundation is what keeps us going strong today.Come to learn about writing, stay for the community. 

It doesn't matter if you're writing for something to do, overcoming trauma, creating a legacy project or want to become a published poet, novelist, short story writer.

AWCS has something for everyone. We welcome brand new writers, and the more experienced - all ages. 

The Free Fall Method of Writing

The Alexandra Writers Centre uses the free fall method of writing that was initially created by WO Mitchell as a way to free your inner editor and get words on the page, believing that real creativity comes when you’re not overthinking.

Having worked with Mitchell, founding member, Michael Fay, further refined the Free Fall Method as a tool for generative writing using prompts, thereby creating a way to unlock the creativity when it feels like the well has dried up.

At AWCS you can participate in various groups and drop ins that use this method as a means of overcoming writers block, working through a story idea or better understanding your characters, creating imagery, evoking emotion.

We play with forms and various prompts while also sharing and encouraging one another in a safe, creative space. 

We are always adapting and changing. Today we offer a variety of opportunities to share your voice, explore your creativity in whatever form, no matter where you come from or where you want to go. 

Our History

In September 2010 Kim Firmston and Emily Firmston (then nine-years-old) started a unique youth writing club, under the umbrella of the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (AWCS), with the purpose to provide a space to grow Calgary’s under-served youth literary arts community.

Growing quickly in youth, programs, and project partnerships with community groups, we set our aim for the AWCS to become the premier place in Calgary for youth writing programming as well as a hub in the youth writing community. 
 

The AWCS Youth Programs promote writing, literacy, communication, creativity, teamwork, and leadership, demonstrating how these skills can be applied to many other aspects of life.

We coax many youth away from isolation and anxiety and assist them in developing the skills to be confident writers, strong presenters, great team members, fearless leaders, amazing self-advocates, and compassionate members of the greater creative community.

These skills translate back into school, work, and home settings in the form of self-confidence and advocacy.
Upon moving to cSpace we have been able to expand our services and partnerships and continue a careful well throughout growth to support our youth and the various communities we belong to.

Today our membership has grown exponentially, and many young creators take advantage of our large variety of programming.

We look forward to a bright future supporting our youth in becoming the adult leaders, creative problem solvers, and communicators the world needs.