Townships writers at Knowlton Literary Festival
Submited by Philip Lanthier Special to Brome County News
Two special events at this year's Knowlton Literary Festival will highlight local talent. On Thursday evening, October 17, four poets will help pay tribute to the late Susan Briscoe, who passed away last year. Ms. Briscoe earned a Master's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Concordia and a Certificate in Fine Arts from Bishop's University, and as her life drew to a close, wrote a blog about her experience which drew thousands of readers. Her poetry collection The Crow's Vow, a four part seasonal sequence, describes her journey towards renewal during an acutely difficult time in her life.
Four Townships poets—marjorie Bruhmuller (The Bell You Hardly Hear), Antony Dinardo (Skylight), Steve Luxton (The Dying Meteorologist) and Ann Scowcroft (The Truth of Houses) will read from their work. Wine, cheese and fresh fruit will be available while pianist John Barr will provide music. The evening is free of charge and will take place in the lobby of the Theatre Lac-brome starting at 7:30 p.m. It will be hosted by actor Mary Harvey.
A second event, Saturday morning, October 19, will take place at the Ville de Lac-brome Community Centre, 270 Victoria in Knowlton.four very different writers will share their thoughts on the writing life with host Roger Williams. Journalist, ghost writer and novelist Fred Langan, children's writer Heather Moreland, novelist Meghan Redmile, and humourist Ross Murray will engage in a round table discussion hosted by Roger Williams on the challenges and rewards of publishing their work. The event is free. Coffee and muffins available.
Also in attendance: Heather Darche of The Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network with the traveling exhibition Diversity and Achievement in Anglophone Quebec, Wendy Seys of The Yamaska Literacy Council on the efforts to improve reading and writing skills in the Brome Missisquoi area, and Melanie Cutting on the Write Here Write Now project which conducts writing workshops throughout the Townships.
“We're also bringing our little red wagon,” says Festival President Philip Lanthier, “where people can place any leftover books for kids they wish to donate to the Tales for Tots programme. We'll make sure the books get to children in the area.”