Whistler Writers Festival
Celebrate the written word from October 12 to 15, when renowned Canadian authors’ voices will echo among Whistler’s peaks and valleys at the sixteenth annual Whistler Writers Festival. From politics to poetry, history to mystery, the Whistler Writers Festival offers something for everyone at this annual fall arts event. “Whether you are an avid reader, aspiring writer or an established author, you’ll find something special,” explains festival director Stella Harvey. “It’s an intimate event where you can listen to renowned authors read and then have conversations afterwards.” The festival kicks off Thursday night with the popular Comedy Quickies, where the audience chooses the best act and authors are awarded prizes. “This event sells out every year,” explains Harvey. Unique festival highlights include The Speed Dating Publishing Session, where writers have fifteen minutes to pitch their books to publishers. In keeping with the festival’s theme of risk, writers and musicians meet only hours before playing and reading aloud together in The Literary Cabaret. Canadian authors such as David Chariandy, Terry Fallis, Helen Humphreys and Mark Leiren-Young are featured among others at this year’s cabaret. Sample appetizers and craft beer at the Chefs’ Reception or take in the Saturday Night main stage event featuring CBC’s Grant Lawrence in conversation with fiction and non-fiction writers. This year, Harvey added an event for book club participants who will hear authors talk about their work. “It really helps to bring the books to life,” says Harvey, adding the event she is especially proud of is the Authors in the Schools Program. Award-winning local, First Nations and Canadian writers will visit neighbouring schools to help inspire more than eight hundred kindergarten to grade 12 students to write and tell their stories. Harvey founded the first festival in 2002 in her living room with twenty aspiring writers and one guest author. With outstanding support from the Whistler community, the festival has grown to include more than sixty writers and 1,800 participants. “It’s a labour of love and all volunteer,” explains Harvey. “The entire community has helped Whistler grow into a hub of artistic excellence.” For more information and tickets visit whistler. com/events.