Philip Lanthier honoured by QWF with Judy Mappin Award

It was announced last week in Montreal at the 19th annual Quebec Writer’s Federation (QWF) annual awards that TBL resident Philip Lanthier received the Judy Mappin Award for the significant contribution to building and supporting the anglophone writing community of Quebec.

Carrying a PHD in English Language and Literature with a reputation of being a teacher with above average ranking by his students, the former professor of Champlain College and Bishop’s University is currently president of the Knowlton Literary Association, which hosts the Knowlton Literary Festival.

Lanthier has made a lifetime career to champion English literature and is revered as an above average teacher especially for his helpfulness and clarity in subject matter according to “Rate My Teacher.” According to the QWF he has been honoured for his tireless efforts to “make space for literature in the Eastern Township through the Knowlton Literary Association’s activities.” He is currently involved in promoting and

supporting pre-school literacy through newly established “Tales for Tots,” an organization that represents a number of organizations in the area that are dedicated to the promotion of literacy.

Originally branded as “Letters from Knowlton,” a counterpart of “Les correspondences d’eastman,” the original event was the brainchild of sculptor Nicole Taillon and co-founded by Lanthier and former journalist Joe Singerman. By 2010 it became its own entity under the name of “Knowlton Literary Festival.” The original program included not only literary panels, but a strong letter-writing component with letter-writing taking place in a number of different locations around Knowlton. Since the early years it has morphed into a high-calibre weekend conference for hundreds of avid readers and wannabe writers who flock to Knowlton to learn from some of the most successful authors and publishers from across Canada and beyond. Lanthier says that the 2017 event was the eighth and to date has been the most successful with over 600 people in attendance at the main conference based at the TBL Community Centre as well as writing workshops on the Knowlton Bishop’s campus, and free workshops for most students of Knowlton Academy.

As revered mystery author Louise Penny says of the Knowlton Literary Festival, “It is going from strength to strength, drawing literary luminaries from Quebec, from Canada, and from around the world to this beautiful village.” It is the mission of the Knowlton Literary Association to provide the municipality and neighbouring communities with the opportunity to have first-hand contact with myriad writers as well as to create an inclusive interactive forum allowing the opportunity to develop writing skills.

Rob Paterson is a new member of the board of directors of the Knowlton Literary Association. He feels that this recent accolade by the QWF is a wonderful credit to Lanthier, who he characterizes as being naturally shy and a whole lot humble. Paterson thinks that this award should also be good for the festival.

“It is a great honour for me and for the Knowlton Literary Festival to be recognized for our work in promoting English language literature in our community,” said Lanthier. “Judy Mappin was a tireless supporter of Canadian writing. Her bookshop, the Double Hook in Montreal, only sold Canadian books. The QWF is a critical support for English writers in the Province.”