On Money and Writing: An Intersectional Conversation About Creative Survival

The vast majority of writers don’t survive on creative work alone, yet conversations around money and the privilege that comes with it remain largely taboo. What happens when we bring these conversations out into the open? Writers from diverse backgrounds, Erika Thorkelson, Chelene Knight, Jackie Wong, and jaye simpson, will talk about how money, or more specifically the lack thereof, has affected their career choices and ability to create. They will move beyond old arguments around the tension between commerce and creation to explore lived experiences of being professional writers in the context of late-stage capitalism. Moderated by Andrea Warner.

Event Type: Panel
Event Code: BEA/THU-3
Venue: Beaumont Studios
Date: Thursday, March 12, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: Pay What You Can (recommended: $12.50)
ASL Interpretation Available by Request Before February 15, 2020

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Andrea Warner writes and talks. She’s the author of Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography and We Oughta Know: How Four Women Ruled the ’90s and Changed Canadian Music.

Chelene Knight is the author of two books and founder of LearnWritingEssentials and Breathing Space Creative. Find her at cheleneknight.com.

Erika Thorkelson writes fiction and creative non-fiction. Recently, her work has appeared in the Walrus, Room Magazine and Chatelaine. She teaches at Emily Carr University.

Jackie Wong is a facilitator, writer, and editor. She works as hua foundation’s Race & Equity Project Director while resetting her relationship with work.

jaye simpson is an Oji-Cree Saulteaux queer writer residing in what is colonially known as Vancouver. Their work has been featured across Turtle Island in print, performance and multimedia platforms.