Reflections from the CANSCAIP PYI Conference

In October, I had the privilege of attending the CANSCAIP Packaging Your Imagination (PYI) writers’ conference in Toronto—a space where curiosity and craft meet in inspiring ways.

Setting the Tone: Curiosity as Creative Compass

Jean Pendziwol opened the conference with a keynote that felt like a deep breath.

Her reflections on curiosity—how it fuels creativity, how it guides us through both the light and the dark—were a powerful reminder of why many of us write in the first place.

She spoke to creativity not only as a tool but as a companion, something that stays with us even when the path feels uncertain.

It was the perfect way to begin a day devoted to imagination.

“No Risk, No Story”

From there, Heather Smith challenged us in all the best ways.

Her session, No Risk, No Story, was an invitation to lean into discomfort, to write toward the places that feel both risky and necessary.

She reminded us that the heart of storytelling often lives in the spaces we hesitate to enter—and that returning to our “why” is what keeps the work honest and alive.

It was motivating, grounding.

Writing from the Shadows

We closed the day with Marsha Skrypuch’s emotional keynote, Writing from the Shadows.

I had the pleasure of meeting her the night before, which made her talk even more meaningful.

Listening to her speak about writing war for young readers—approaching truth with care and courage—was a profound way to end the conference.

Her dedication to telling difficult stories reminded me of the responsibility writers carry, especially for younger audiences.

The Power of Community

Between sessions, I caught up with fellow writers—some familiar faces, some new.

These conversations were a reminder of how much community matters in this work.

Writing can be solitary, but it’s strengthened in moments of shared experience and mutual encouragement.

Being surrounded by people who understand the joys and challenges of the creative process was energizing.

Carrying It Forward

I’m grateful for such a meaningful, generative space for creators—and for the inspiration that continues to spark long after the conference ended.

Here’s to continuing to learn, to connect, and to keep telling the stories that need to be told.