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- IN PERSON Lit Lunch - From Idea to Indigo: The (Accidentally) Epic Journey of Publishing a Book
IN PERSON Lit Lunch - From Idea to Indigo: The (Accidentally) Epic Journey of Publishing a Book
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 11am-12:30pm
with Michael Dargie
MEMBERS: FREE
NON-MEMBERS: $7
please bring a bag lunch
Michael Dargie always thought his first book would be a Great Canadian Novel—something with treasure hunts, a few octopuses, and maybe a secret map. Instead, life threw him a curveball: his debut turned out to be a business book about branding—how to help artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses find, shape, and share their stories. And you know what? He’s not mad about it.
In this AMA (ask me anything) with the Alexandra Writers Centre Society, Michael will share the surprising twists and turns of his publishing journey—from discovering the book’s purpose, to landing a publisher, stumbling into a great literary agent, leveling up his book deal, and navigating the editing trenches (yes, there were many edits). Come April 29, 2025 his book will sit proudly on the shelves of Indigo, Chapters, Coles, Barnes & Noble, and other fine litstablishments.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from idea to publication—or just want to hear a wild behind-the-scenes story—this talk is for you. Bring your questions and buckle up!
This program takes place in person at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre (AWCS), on the 4th floor of cSpace Marda Loop (map).
Michael Dargie has spent tens of thousands of hours on various stages, passionately sharing what he knows about creativity, branding, and telling compelling stories. He’s a mentor and partner with Calgary Economic Development and Canada’s Trade Accelerator Program, as well as a regular speaker and mentor at various incubators, colleges, and universities. He also produces and hosts a multi-nominated podcast for creative rebels and entrepreneurs called, The RebelRebel.
His motto is “to do cool and weird shit with cool and weird people.” Speaking of which, he’s the proud dad of two incredible young men, Keegan and Kierin. For the longest time, Michael suspected his Apple watch was trying to kill him, but then the impossible happened, and the watch couldn’t keep up with him. He has run the Canadian Death Race as a relay with his family twice, on purpose.
In his spare time, he directs and performs in plays and short films with the Loose Moose Theatre Company and with Jennifer MacLean as Dropbear and Panda. When not doing battle against various creative deadlines, he can be found in the saddle of his motorcycle headed for the West Coast, where he enjoys spending time with his family, writing, drawing, jumping into potholes, rinsing sand from various body parts, scuba diving, and meeting as many octopuses as possible. One of his tattoos says, “Keep It Simple.”