by Jo Barnes | photo by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
Book lovers! What’s better than holding a new book in your hands? How about a handshake from the person who wrote it?
Since 2013, the Sidney Literary Festival Society has been celebrating writers, readers and the written word and, from April 20 to 22, will once again bring the literary festival to the Peninsula with an impressive lineup of writers including Canadian science journalist and CBC host of Quirks and Quarks, Bob McDonald (above right with writer Jo Barnes).
Bob shares: “When you go to a festival like this, you can see different perspectives. Some of them are funny; some of them are dramatic or sad; some are innovative and some are true. It’s a way of looking at ourselves. I think that’s what these festivals are all about.”
Bob McDonald is Thursday’s opening keynote speaker and will discuss his new book, The Future is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today’s Technologies. His presentation is followed up with a question and answer session, a situation he always enjoys. “It’s a great opportunity to meet your audience, to get some feedback or to shake the hand of someone who liked your book,” remarks Bob.
With the arrival of Covid, the biennial literary festival had to be cancelled in 2021, so this year’s event is that much more exciting. The schedule offers everything from inspiring readings to practical information sessions.
The diverse lineup includes highly-acclaimed authors from all over our province and from as far away as Nova Scotia. There is a wide spectrum of themes represented by many genres including poetry, non-fiction, short story, novel and memoir. Attendees can hear authors read from their books and also attend panel discussions about various themes. Panel moderators include Times Colonist columnist, Jack Knox; the host of CBC’s On the Island, Gregor Craigie; and poet Barbara Pelman. Also offered are writing workshops on techniques and approaches like “Writing Narrative Scenes,” a session led by Caroline Adderson; and “Exploring the Poem as Memoir,” led by Yvonne Blomer.
It is a festival all about connections: writers meeting other writers, readers meeting the authors of the books they have read, and everyone celebrating the literary arts.
“Writing is a very solitary activity,” notes Janet Daines, Society President (at left with Jo Barnes). “Authors get to interact with readers, and readers understand the writing more deeply.”
Society board member Joan Saunders adds: “I don’t think you can overstate the value of events like this in the community, especially as we come out of Covid. People want to come together and celebrate the arts; they want to share their love of the written word.”
Liaising with authors, planning events, coordinating volunteers and promotion; putting together a festival of this kind involves endless details and effort.
“We are a working board,” says Janet. “The festival is a group effort. The combined skills and ideas from everyone make it all happen.”
Since its humble beginnings in 2013, the festival has grown in popularity. The enthusiasm and drive of founders Sharon Hope and Wendy Picken resulted in a successful initial event hosted at various locations. Soon, the word spread, and over the years attendance numbers steadily increased.
To keep momentum going through Covid, the society hosted many author readings which allowed local talented writers to share their creative works with the community.
“We did not hold the literary festival due to Covid and looked for safe events to do outside,” remarks Janet. “We hosted Authors in the Park in the summers of 2020 to 2022 and two Reading Series in the spring and fall of 2022.”
Whether it was relaxing on a lawn chair in the park on a summer evening or inside during the fall, book enthusiasts regularly gathered to listen to authors reading their works.
Janet notes: “There is always an interest in those creating beautiful writing and good books.”
The Sidney Literary Festival continues to respond to that interest and celebrates community and human expression. “There are a variety of writers this year,” says Janet. “They have a diversity of backgrounds and address different issues.”
The festival offers the opportunity to hear a writer’s words on the page while in the company of other listeners. Often what is expressed can take on new meaning and depth. “A book starts with the writer,” says Janet. “It takes on meaning when it’s enjoyed and loved by someone else and then is passed on to another person.”
Words on a page and personal views and experiences shared become invaluable for all of us. “Often authors make comments on society. They give you a perspective that maybe you don’t have,” shares Bob. “We need that. The arts have always been a huge part of culture.”
The Sidney Literary Festival is not only a treat for avid readers, but it’s rewarding for authors too.
From the author’s perspective, Bob notes: “It’s a great opportunity to meet people, both readers and other writers. It’s wonderful!”
For more information, visit www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
