Knowlton Literary Fest slated to be a carnival of writers
In its eighth edition, the Knowlton Literary Festival, to be held between October 12 and 15, is guaranteed to draw interest to all ages. Co-chair of the Knowlton Literary Association, Philip Lanthier, touts this year’s event, with its change in opening format, a veritable carnival of writers. The lineup for this year’s program is extensive, comprehensive and palpable. And it allows for readers and writers to get up close and personal with those who have reached great success in the industry.
Honorary patron of the festival, Louise Penny, marvels at how each year the event gains momentum. “The Knowlton Literary Festival is going from strength to strength, drawing literary luminaries from Quebec, from Canada, from around the world to this beautiful village. It’s absolutely thrilling to be a part of this extraordinary festival, whether it’s as a volunteer, a participant, or eager member of the audience.”
With a pre-festival event that is free to all, the audience will have the opportunity to hear from 12 of the 20 authors slated to participate during the four-day event. And they will be treated by the presence of author and veteran editor and publisher of Mclellan-stewart, Douglas Gibson. Traditionally the pre-fest event that launches the festival has always been held at Brome Lake Books, but this year the new format requires a much bigger space. That is why it has been moved to the TBL Community Center.
Lanthier and Co-chair Judith Duncanson say that they have tried to fill the gap this year by presenting an author that is sure to captivate young adults. “We have made a lot of effort to bring authors that would appeal to every age, Lanthier said. Sharon Mckay, author of “Teens in a World of Conflict” is a war artist whose novels are set in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Israel, and Uganda. Lanthier feels that just the graphics in her book are certain to grab the interest of that tough age group between 18 and 25.
Since 2010 the Knowlton Literary Association has focused on introducing and celebrating writers of distinction. “We want to bring out the knowledge to people living in TBL and the surrounding area,” Lanthier said. “We hope to help aspiring writers by offering writing workshops. We want to support new writers as well as to bring them together in opening night for what one could call a carnival of writers with those who have had great success in the business. It’s a free event and there will be wine and cheese too. The event allows firsthand contact between readers and authors. Readers can get to know them and learn about what is fresh on the market and what’s out there that will appeal to lots of readers with different tastes.” Lanthier says that the KLA likes the idea of giving writers who have recently been published a chance to promote their books to the general population and to give them the opportunity to learn from others who have been successful in the business.
This year’s event will highlight 11 local authors, including investigative
journalist Alex Roslin; food writer Julian Armstrong; Amy Royea, author of the best-selling cookbooks called “Stone Mountain Series”; Munira Judith Avinger; David Edmond; film director Patricia Lavoie; David Marler with his recounts of the three-year journey he and his wife spent in the bush; William Prouty; Kate Armour Reed; Julian Rohan; and Michel Lavoie.
Presenting his new show, “150 Years of Great Canadian Storytellers, 18672017,” publishing icon Douglas Gibson will set the tone on Friday night and has agreed to stay for the entire weekend event while the big event on Saturday will feature Terry (Aislin) Mosher, who is celebrating 50 years as Canada’s leading editorial cartoonist. He will share his insights into his craft, people, and politics. Rana Bose will be presenting his “Mysteries in a Deadman’s Paintings,” while Newfoundland’s Donna Morrisey will be speaking about her most recent book, “Crime in a Close-knit Community.” Lanthier explained that Morrisey is known for her six novels set in coastal Newfoundland communities and regales her ability to catch the lingo of the local pubtalk. ‘Tales for Tots’ While returning author Anne Fortier will be on hand to conduct two writing workshops at the Bishop’s University Knowlton campus on Knowlton Road, Kathy Stinson will speak about the value of reading to children. In this vein, Duncanson wants everyone to know that a new program in TBL is being launched. According to Duncanson and the Yamaska Literacy Association, in an attempt to reduce the high percentage of functional illiteracy in the region, the best possible way is to introduce children to books before the age of three. “Tales for Tots” will undertake on an ongoing basis collection of children’s books for redistribution to local day cares and schools. Already, Knowlton Academy, Pettes Library, CPE la Passerelle des mouse, and Mother Goose are collaborating in an effort to supply books for parents to read with their newborns and tots. “Tales for Tots” is calling upon parents and grandparents who are ready to pass on their children’s books to drop them off in the red wagon that will be on location of each of the festival venues.
The program for this year’s Literary Festival is robust with events happening in a number of locations across Knowlton at all times of the day. Refer to the website for more information: http://knowltonliteraryfestival.ca/index. php. Tickets can be purchased at Brome Lake Books, 450-242-2242 every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.bromelakebooks.ca