– by Gillian Crowley –
Book lovers and budding writers will enjoy ‘the full meal deal’ at the 2015 Sidney and Peninsula Literary Festival to be held October 2 – 4. Mysteries, memoirs, thrillers, poetry, novels, short stories – a side plate of humour too – will be served at this year’s event. Attendees can whet their appetite with just a reading or two, or enjoy the whole feast with a Weekend Pass.
The Literary Festival, first held in 2013, has extended invitations this year to both local and regional authors. Edmonton-based Fred Stenson, author of historical novels such as The Trade and The Great Karoo, will journey the farthest while well-known Native author and journalist, Richard Wagamese, (Indian Horse, Medicine Walk) will travel from Kamloops. Taking a ferry to this event are such authors as William Deverell, Steven Galloway, Janie Chang, Zsuszi Gartner, Patrick Taylor, Des Kennedy and Charlotte Gill. Greater Victoria writers are well represented by poets Lorna Crozier and Arleen Paré, children’s literature authors Tara Saracuse, Nikki Tate and Terry Ann Carter, as well as memoir writer Anny Scoones and mystery co-authors, Kay Stewart and Chris Bullock. Rounding out the slate are Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, Naomi Beth Wakan, who will conduct a memoir writing workshop, and spoken word poet (aka Victoria councillor), Jeremy Loveday.
To boost children’s and youth’s interest in writing and reading, the Festival organizers are holding writing contests and workshops. A collaboration with School District 63 and the Saanich Peninsula Community Literacy Society has made it possible to offer workshops led by three local authors at nearby schools. On Saturday, children’s author Nikki Tate will hold a creative writing workshop for ages 9 – 12 at the Vancouver Island Regional Library in Sidney (register at the library).
Sidney’s town crier, Kenny Podmore, will open the Festival Friday evening at North Saanich Middle School. Six award-winning authors will be on hand to conduct readings and discuss their work. During this family friendly evening, awards will be presented to the winners of the youth writing contests.
On Saturday at the Sidney Pier Hotel, Festival goers can drop by the Sallas Room to hear authors read from their works, answer questions and sign their books (Tanner’s Books will handle book sales onsite). The day ends with a Gala event at the Mary Winspear Centre emceed by CBC Radio host Gregor Craigie. Six more authors (Chang, Deverell, Kennedy, Gill, Paré, Stenson and Wagamese) will be on hand to read and discuss their work and answer audience questions. The ticket price includes light food and beverages and a cash bar.
The Festival concludes on Sunday with the popular “Breakfast with the Authors” where each author is seated with 6 – 7 ticket holders at Haro’s Restaurant.
Volunteers have taken on everything from choosing authors and coordinating logistics to delivering posters. “In fact, enthusiastic volunteers are one of the most essential aspects of festival planning,” says Sharon Hope, president of the Sidney and Peninsula Literary Society. “We are looking forward to growing this festival for years to come.”
Don’t miss this delectable ‘word feast.’ More at sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
