Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival
July 13 - 19, 2009
The 7th Annual Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival moves on from another extremely successful event in 2008 to an expanded event in 2009. Once again we will feature a line-up of wonderful writers with world-wide audiences and a weekend of non-stop literary delights. If you want to improve your own writing skills you’re in luck. Once again we will offer a wide variety of workshops by renowned teachers. Just interested in listening to some of the most insightful and interesting writers in Canada today? We’ve got solo sessions, themed readings and main stage events going Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Besides that, there will be opportunities to rub shoulders, share a drink, or eat lunch with authors you’ve wanted to meet for years. So include Denman Island in your plans for this summer from July 13th to the 19th. Watch this space for details about our expanded Writer-in-Residence Program.
Check this website frequently for updates.
Host
Visiting Writers
Events
Once again, we offer three main stage events: one each on Friday and Saturday evenings and one on Sunday. Each will be moderated by Mark Forsythe, host of ‘B.C. Almanac’ on CBC Radio. They will consist of short readings by the participants, a themed panel discussion, with time set aside for questions from the audience.
Three themed readings will be offered – one each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. In each case, this will involve two writers discussing a topic of mutual interest. They may also read a bit and may involve their audience in the exploration.
These are less formal sessions in which an individual writer spends an hour in a more intimate setting with a smaller audience. These offer the opportunity for free-wheeling discussion and interaction with an author.
One of the most popular innovations of our festival. Each day we give local writers an opportunity to read for an audience. Friday and Saturday morning we’ll hear from our adult population and on Sunday morning young writers will take the stage. (One of the great things here is that usually there are several of our visiting authors in the audience. Imagine getting to read your short story for Sharon Butala, or your poetry to bill bissett.)
Eight workshops in a variety of genres and covering a range of possibilities are offered. Learn how to ‘bring the past alive’ in your writing with Sarah Dunant, or how to ‘build character’ with Eden Robinson or how to ‘make art out of fact’ with Deborah Campbell.
Writer-In-Residence *Expanded* SOLD OUT
This program was inaugurated last year with a three-day, nine hour course on narrative writing with the remarkable Jack Hodgins. This year Jack will be back with an expanded version, and will offer a five-day, twenty hour course beginning July 13.
