Bryan Mortensen, Executive Director of The Federation of BC Writers to find out what is new, what is old and what to look forward to. How can the Fed help you in your writing career?

Location: Room C440, UBC Robson Square

Type: In Conversation

Sponsored by: Word Vancouver · Federation of BC Writers

Moderator: Tara Avery

Reader: Bryan Mortensen

About The Moderator

Tara Avery

Tara Avery has worked as a writer, editor, and writing coach for over twenty years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Tara is the Branch Chair of Editors BC (after previously serving as BC’s Treasurer and Co-Chair of Social Media, Communications, and Events, as well as the National Treasurer of Editors Canada), and a Professional Member of the CIEP. She is the President of the Federation of BC Writers Board of Directors. In 2025, she was a finalist for the prestigious Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence. Tara believes words have the power to unite, entertain, and teach us. Mostly, she’s just thrilled she’s achieved her childhood dream of working with them for a living.www.taraavery.com

About The Reader

Bryan Mortensen

Bryan Mortensen is a writer, travel enthusiast, and arts administrator. He is the Executive Director of the Federation of BC Writers and holds a degree in English from the University of Alberta with a minor in Philosophy. His novella, ‘Ambition’, was long-listed in the 2023 International Three-Day Novel Writing contest. Bryan has held numerous leadership roles in non-profits and post secondary institutions and is a passionate advocate for the arts, arts funding, and equity-seeking communities. When not working, Bryan enjoys tending to his rose garden with his husband Drew. Surveys indicate that nine out of ten of Bryan’s friends describe him as fun and/or exhausting.