Writing People: How to Make Characters Come Alive on the Page

Part of People, Place and Voice! Join Wayne Grady for a hands-on workshop exploring how to create compelling, believable characters.

Join Yukon Words on Saturday, November 21, for a full day of literary events at the Kwänlin Dün Cultural Centre! Featuring Canadian authors Wayne Grady, Kate Harris, and Yvette Nolan, the day includes three writing workshops followed by an evening of readings, conversation, and celebration.

Writing People: How to Make Characters Come Alive on the Page with Wayne Grady

Characters are the soul of creative writing, but how do we make people come alive on the page?

Join award-winning Canadian author Wayne Grady for a hands-on writing workshop exploring how to create compelling, believable characters in fiction and nonfiction.

Through techniques and exercises, participants will explore how to develop authentic personalities, clarify character motivations, and bring characters to life through description and point of view. The workshop will also explore the importance of showing rather than telling when building memorable characters.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Location: Kwänlin Dün Cultural Centre, Multipurpose Room, Whitehorse
• Tickets: $15

About Wayne Grady

Wayne Grady is the author of 14 nonfiction books and several works of fiction, including Emancipation Day, which was longlisted for the Giller Prize and won the Amazon.ca First Novel Award. An award-winning translator and experienced creative writing instructor, Wayne has taught at the University of British Columbia, Sage Hill, and the Kingston School of Writing.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Yukon Words gratefully acknowledges our generous sponsors, Air North and Northern Vision Development, and funding support from the Government of Yukon's Yukon Arts Fund.

Special thanks to Mac's Fireweed and Ramshackle Theatre for supporting this special day of literary programming.