Write Like 2026 Festival

Afro-Fiction

Hamilton Verse presents…WRITE LIKE: CAMP FOLKLORE

Welcome to Write Like: Camp Folklore, a literary festival where participants explore fables of old and stories passed down, and transform them into something different and unexpected. Workshops will introduce participants to tools of storytelling and writer’s craft, led by artists also known as Camp Counsellors whose work in popular genres draw on folklore, mythology, and fantasy. Halfway between theatre camp and literary convention, Write Like: Camp Folklore is a two-day festival of writing workshops, performances, and panels.

Entry is free. Register Here

Write Like Camp Folklore – February 13th 2026 9:30am – 3:00pm

Strange Encounters: A Writing Workshop with Amal El-Mohtar February 13th 2026 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Book Launch The Shards Of The Mirror – February 14th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Download Program Here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  “LUCRATIVE OPPORTUNITY: DRAGONSLAYER Inquire about volunteer hours – 200+ hours.” SHARE YOUR VERSE challenges Hamilton to a writing contest. 

Share Your Verse is an interactive community storytelling project that invites all of Hamilton to write our city in magic, fantasy, science fiction, and more. Young Hamiltonian writers, Lennex Maley, Nora McIntyre, Alaa Ezzidani, Settia Cavan, and Tasneem Jahan, through their short stories transform the streets, the parks, the ponds, the shops, the factories, and their homes through speculative fiction and challenge you to do the same. You can share your original short story by scanning the QR code on any of the five banners around Hamilton International Village and Downtown Hamilton.

Get ready for a summer of creativity and learning.

Over the summer, high school students will work with a published author to turn their original novel idea into a manuscript. Writing happens in a group, and the novel concept and chapters are developed collectively.

By the end of this session, you will be a published author.

Our weekly online sessions will keep you engaged and committed to your writing. And the best part? You get paid for it, and your manuscripts will be published and shared with your friends and family!

This workshop is offered to young people of African Descent and encourages them to explore the wonders of their culture through writing.

Writer’s Room 2025

The 2025 Writer’s Room is calling on talented and passionate writers to contribute to an exciting new Romantasy-themed short story anthology! This anthology is  an opportunity to expand Black artistry and creativity through the literary medium. No experience required!

The anthology will explore the intersection of romance and fantasy, where captivating relationships unfold against the backdrop of extraordinary worlds, creatures, and emotions. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a vibrant group of writers, explore deep emotional themes, and contribute a 5,000-word (approx. 5 chapters) story to this highly anticipated collection.

This is a paid 3 month writing opportunity for POC Writers (open to ages 18 – 25)

Spots are limited, apply here

Write Like 2025

Write Like is a literary event that combines fan culture with literary arts.
It uses popular literary arts to introduce students to tools of the writer’s craft. The event aims to introduce students to elements of writing and storytelling through popular story formats.

Write Like is not just a fan event, it’s a hands-on storytelling masterclass. Artists will dissect their process, introduce students to their storytelling techniques, deconstruct in detail how our beloved stories were born, and equip students with the tools to breathe life into their own stories.

This is a free event for youth of all writing levels. Learn new techniques, get feedback and find your community of writers. Write Like is presented by Hamilton Verse.

Write Like Conference – February 20th, 9:30am-3:00pm

Dungeons and Dragons Masterclass with Aabria Iyengar – February 20th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Anthology Launch – February 21st, 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Download Program Here

•  Location: Hamilton Public Library
•  Admission: Free!