We're back, with new purpose

Writer residencies, reading retreats, and a membership program in the works

If you've been following along here for a while, you'll know that Paper Covers Rock has been in transition. I posted recently about putting the festival on hiatus, and since then I’ve been thinking about what Paper Covers Rock is actually for and how it might continue. What does this community need? And can I build the right thing to meet it?

I went back to the attendee survey responses we received after the 2025 festival, and immediately saw the light. The things our audience wants are directly in line with ideas I've been turning over for years: writing residencies, a membership program, community gatherings, peer support, mentorship.

During five years of the festival, we brought 30+ authors into workshop spaces that felt electric. Around the writing table we laughed, shared, cried, made connections, and helped one another. And I think we all wanted that momentum to keep going, which was impossible with an annual format.

You told us you wanted more workshops, more intimate gatherings, more reasons to show up for each other around books and writing throughout the year. It’s community. So here’s a peek at what’s coming.

Starting in October, Paper Covers Rock is launching a Writer-in-Residence program. Canadian writers — at any career stage, in any genre — can apply to come to Salt Spring for six nights, with free accommodation, time to write, and space to think. During their stay, each resident hosts a public community event, such as a workshop, or a reading with a Q&A.

And for the avid readers among us, we're launching Reading Retreats. Small groups will gather to read a new Canadian novel out loud, together, with breaks for movement and sustenance. After one or two afternoons, we'll have finished a complete book together. I have an advance reading copy of the novel I think I want to select for our inaugural retreat, and I'm looking at September dates for our first reading meet-up. (Is that a read-up?! I'm still workshopping the name.)

A few other things worth knowing:

Over the years, many of you have suggested a membership model to build more financial stability into how we operate. With an annual festival, it never quite made sense to me. But these new program formats mean we can offer more frequent, tangible benefits — and now the membership framework feels right. If you have thoughts on what membership perks would matter most to you, reply or leave a comment. We're building this for you.

And finally: if you are — or have the power to volun-tell — a local business owner who might want to get involved, now is a perfect time. Email info@papercoversrock.ca to receive our partnership guide.

Thanks for reading,

Terri Potratz, Founder & Director
Paper Covers Rock — Salt Spring Island Society for Readers & Writers