WordLabs Guidelines + FAQs
How to Register
You can find all of our upcoming courses by visiting the Workshop Page. Click on the register link and you will be redirected to the WordLabs CanadaHelps event page to complete your purchase. After your payment has been received, you will receive a welcome email. All detailed workshop information—including handouts, room location, and materials required — will be emailed to you prior to the start of your class. If a class is listed as sold out, you can join the waitlist. Please ensure you read our refund policy [link] before registering.
How many students are in a class?
Our 2.5 hour writing workshops and multi-week writing series are capped at 20 writers. The Free Flow Peer Writing Group is capped at 10 writers per room. Our one-hour seminars on writing practice or business of writing may have more students. We keep our classes intentionally small to ensure each writer receives the attention they deserve.
I've never taken a writing class. Can I attend Wordlabs?
Yes! You don’t need to have any prior workshop experience to take one of our classes! We offer courses designed for everyone, from those who are just starting their writing journey to those who have been writing for years. The class's course description will share what experience level the class is appropriate for, but if you have additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Do you have classes for youth?
Yes! Check out our dedicated Youth Workshop and Writing Series Events on our Workshop Page for more details. Most adult classes are also open to all ages – check the event description or reach out to us to ensure it’s a good fit.
what supplies should I bring?
Ensure you bring whatever you feel most comfortable writing with – for some people that is a pen and a pad of paper, for others it could be a tablet or laptop. If your workshop requires any additional materials – such as markers, scissors, tape – it will be provided in class. If you forget your pen and paper, please ask the facilitator and we will try to accommodate your request.
Where are classes held?
Currently, all classes are in person. Classes are held at Kingston Literacy & Skills, 16 Bath Road, Unit #104. A facilitator will be there to meet you at the front door and help direct you to your classroom. All classrooms are designed to be accessible, with accessible washrooms onsite. If you have accommodation needs that can help us improve your experience, please do not hesitate to let us know.
What Should I Expect:
writing worshop
Our writing workshops are 2.5 hours in length (or 1 hour for youth workshops) and are intended to either give you an introduction to a new genre/medium, or focus on a specific point of craft. The focus is on the art of writing, experimenting, and improving your skill set. See the individual workshop descriptions for more information. These classes include a combination of instruction by a professional writer or other artist, writing time, and the potential to share your work and get some feedback. Your class may include handouts that you will refer to in the class, or to take home as a resource.
writing series
Our writing series offers you a chance to dive deeper into a specific topic, genre, or point of craft. These classes run from 4 – 8 weeks for 1-1.5 hours per week, allowing you more time to learn, practice, and get feedback from your instructor. If you’ve taken a workshop and want to learn more on that topic, a series is a great place to go next.
Can I bring food and drink?
Yes. Please be mindful of the fact that these are shared desks – clean up any messes and be respectful of the space by disposing of any garbage after class. For most workshops, coffee, tea, and baked goods are available for purchase on site.
seminar
Writing seminars are usually 1 hour long, and the format is usually more presentation-based, with time for questions at the end. Seminars offer insight and advice on writing as a practice. Topics can include the business of writing: finding an editor, pitching to magazines, getting published etc, or incorporating writing into your life – structuring your writing practice, overcoming creative blocks, or challenging negative thoughts that might be holding you back.
peer writing
For in-depth information on our peer writing groups, visit our Workshop Page and look for the Free Flow Peer Writing Group. Unlike classes that are run by an instructor, our peer groups are self-guided, with peer support. You’ll want to have at least a rough idea of what you want to work on during the session, although your peers can be a helpful source of ideas and inspiration if you’re feeling stuck – free writing is also a-ok!
is there a chance to get critiques?
All possibilities for feedback and opportunities for workshop will be explicitly stated in the class's course description. If you are interested in peer feedback and support, consider joining our regular Free Flow Peer Writing Group.
How can I make the most of my class?
Read the workshop description to ensure you’ll get the most out of your class Arrive on time. Let the WordLabs facilitator know if you are going to be late or absent for any of your sessions in order to avoid disrupting a class in progress. Bring supplies! Remember your pencil/pen and paper or a notebook/laptop computer. Handouts supplied by the instructor will be emailed in advance and/or printed out for class participants Let Others Speak! Some people are very excited to share, others are introverted and might need time. We want to ensure that all voices are heard and avoid things like talking over other people, speaking for prolonged periods of time, answering every question first, or asking off-topic or several questions at once. If you’re feeling like you’re not getting a fair chance to participate, please don’t hesitate to bring it up with the workshop leader or reach out to us directly. Give WordLabs feedback! We want these workshops to group to meet your needs, and we need to hear from you in order to make that happen. Please fill out the feedback forms after classes. Survey responses are anonymous.
how often are new classes added?
We update our workshop, seminar, and series offerings on a rolling basis. To know about new classes as soon as they’re announced, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media!
intellectual property
What participants write and share in class is and remains their intellectual property. It must not be shared, copied, or used in any way without their express written permission. Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated. Names, titles and ideas cannot be copyrighted. For more information, see Canadian Copyright Law.
refunds + cancellations
what If I have to miss a class?
If you have to miss a class, please let the WordLabs facilitator and your instructor know as soon as possible. Please read our refund policy before registering.
what If a class gets cancelled?
If your workshop doesn’t reach minimum enrollment, participants will be notified immediately and registration fees will be reimbursed in full. We feel peer engagement is a vital part of the classroom experience and want our students to feel their investment—of time, energy, and money—is worth it. If we cancel, we will always give students the opportunity for a full refund, or we can help you transfer to a new class. In the event that a workshop is postponed, participants will be notified immediately. Arrangements will be made to find a suitable time to fit most, if not all, current participants, and those who cannot or choose not to participate will be offered a full refund. What’s your refund policy?
what is your refund policy?
Workshops, Series and Seminars Full refunds are available if you cancel up to one week (7 days) prior to the start of class. If you cancel less than 1 week but at least 1 business day before the start date of class, we can offer a 50% refund. We cannot refund day-of cancellations or refund or partially refund the fee once the class has begun, but registration can be transferred to another person. Please contact a WordLabs facilitator with the new person’s name and email address. Free Flow Peer Writing Groups If you notify a WordLabs facilitator by noon on the day of your group, you’re welcome to a full credit good for one year toward another writing group class. No refunds are available, but registration can be transferred to another person. Please contact a WordLabs facilitator with the new person’s name and email address. If you don’t show up and don’t notify us in advance, you forfeit your money. Some exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis for medical emergencies with a doctor's note. Important Notes Students who register for a multi-week series and miss the first class are allowed to join a class in the second week. Auditing and the recording of classes are not allowed. Maintaining a safe and respectful environment is essential to us, and our classes are intentionally small and intimate. If a participant's behavior raises serious concerns or is found to be disruptive to the group's sense of safety, our facilitators have the right to ask the individual to leave.
general guidelines
receiving feedback
Feedback is a double-edged sword. Chances are, if you’re attending a group workshop, its at least partly because you want to hear what other’s have to say. Still, writing can feel very personal, and it is understandable that certain comments might sting or disappoint. "If you give a critique that results in the writer feeling like they never wanna write again, it is you who has failed as the critic, because you've extinguished someone else's desire to create. As a critic, your job is not to 'make this piece of writing better. But to understand what the writer wants to achieve and help them achieve it." - some really wise guy •Don’t get defensive. Try to step back and listen to the comments you receive. They won’t all be gems, but they can help you see your work from your reader’s perspective. If you disagree, that’s ok, but take notes regardless – you can keep your work as-is, but might find yourself more open to the suggestions upon review. •Listen to everything the person has to say before you respond. Instead of trying to argue against their points, ask questions – especially about anything they found confusing/boring/vague/off-topic to help you understand. •Pay attention to repeated feedback. If several people are saying the same thing about something you wrote, it deserves attention. New to giving/receiving feedback? Feedback is more than editing for grammar. Writers who ask meaningful questions to their peers often receive better feedback, which improves the quality of their writing. Consider having 2–3 specific questions in mind before engaging in the peer editing sessions. Avoid “yes” or “no” questions.
giving feedback
Be respectful. Be honest. Be sensitive. This is a safe space for writers to experiment, explore, and develop – no one is getting marked on their writing. Keep comments focussed on the writing – don’t make things personal. Here are some suggestions to offer feedback that is helpful and palatable! Remember that each writer has their own voice. You are not trying to make it sound like you – it is to help the writer develop their style. •Offer feedback that is both useful and encouraging – point out the piece’s strengthens and weaknesses? Consider the ‘sandwich’ approach: say something positive, give your constructive criticism, then finish with another positive. •Give specific examples for your comments – is there a line or word that feels vague, a sentence that feels redundant? •We all have different tastes. If you don’t like a piece because it’s not something you like to read, that’s ok, but acknowledge that. Whether giving or receiving feedback, remember to be respectful.
controversial material
There is a difference between controversial material and offensive material. We encourage creative exploration and welcome the inclusion of challenging or controversial subject matter. However, this is a safe and respectful space, and we do not accept material that promotes harmful or offensive stereotypes, hate speech, or discriminatory content. Writers are invited to engage with complex themes, but sensitivity and thoughtfulness are essential. If your work contains particularly sensitive or distressing material, consider informing listeners and readers beforehand so they are prepared to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback. Participants may respond strongly to work they find offensive, but feedback should focus on specific concerns rather than personal critiques, to keep dialogue respectful and productive. Writers should be open to questions about their intent and willing to engage in thoughtful discussion. If you encounter content that you believe crosses the line into genuinely offensive or harmful territory, or if you address your concerns with the writer directly and they are unwilling to listen or respond constructively, please do not feel obligated to continue the conversation. Please bring your concerns directly to the facilitator. Your comfort and safety, along with open and respectful communication, are priorities in this space.
About Us
WordLabs is a not-for-profit writing workshop program operating under the aegis of Kingston Literacy & Skills. This exciting initiative offers classes by writers in our community, for writers in our community, aiming to foster a lifelong love of literacy. Writing is more than a basic skill — it’s a powerful form of expression. From songs to stories, personal reflections to professional communication, writing helps us articulate ideas, connect with others, and build confidence.
Literary Programming Coordinator Aara Macauley (she/her)
Aara is an avid supporter of arts and culture in our community, with over a dozen years of professional experience in arts administration in operational, curation, and programming roles, with a focus on literature and writing. In addition to spearheading WordLabs under the aegis of Kingston Literacy & Skills, she works as a project advisor with CFRC Radio to enhance cultural programming on their station, and recently provided logistics support to Skeleton Park Arts Festival and KCFF. Through her involvement with Kingston WritersFest, she navigated both administrative and creative roles as Operations Manager and four years as Artistic Director. She has been involved in the fundraising, event planning, and promotion committees for various local cabaret, film, and arts festivals. A proud member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, she served as Chairperson on the Reelout Arts Project Board of Directors for 8 years. Currently, Aara sits on the City of Kingston Arts, Culture, and Heritage Advisory Committee. Previous roles include a three-year term on the the Art in Public Places Working Group, co-chair of the 2023 Mayor's Arts Award committee, chair of the 2023 Poet Laureate Working Group, and founding member of the steering committee for the Canadian Association of Literary Festivals and later a board member.
volunteer production assistant
wilding (they/them)
Wilding is an Improviser, Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer, Writer, Host and Improv Coach. Wilding has been performing and teaching Improv for over 25 years. Their high energy, quick wit and rolodex of zany characters can be found on many stages from Vancouver, BC to Kingston, ON. Wilding is an Alumni Performer, past Artistic Director, and Improv Workshop Instructor with QueerProv – Western Canada’s premier Queer Improv Troupe and an Alumni Performer, Sound and Lighting Improviser with the Improv Centre – the organization formerly known as Vancouver TheatreSports. Turn your TV on at just the right time and you might catch Wilding’s Season One, First Dates Canada episode! They are one half of Improv Comedy Duo & Education Company, ‘All-Inclusive Comedy’, who you can find on many stages across Kingston and beyond – including the last Sunday of each month in their hilarious Improv & Sketch variety style show ‘Sunday Night Live – the Improv Show!’ at The Spire! Wilding loves connecting with people and making them laugh. They enjoy sharing the gift of Improv with as many people as they possibly can!
