Kingston Writersfest 2016 - theHumm July 2016

By — John Pigeau

Every year since its inception in 2009, the Kingston WritersFest has brought a wealth of top-notch literary talent to Canada’s first capital. This year, they may have outdone themselves.

To say that Artistic Director Barbara Bell is excited about this year’s roster of visiting authors may be a slight understatement.

“Are you kidding? I am over the moon!” she said via email. “We have invited Emma [Donoghue] numerous times, and this is the first time it’s worked out, schedule-wise, for her to accept. She is so gracious and lovely, and her new book is wonderful, if you’ll pardon the pun!”

Donoghue, the bestselling Irish-Canadian author of eight previous novels including Frog Music and the phenomenally successful Room, has just released her latest novel: The Wonder. She will be sharing the stage with Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx at the Festival’s International Marquee at the Grand Theatre’s Regina Rosen Auditorium on September 29 at 8pm. The night’s discussion is meant to be “a relaxed, living-room style conversation.” Master interviewer Eric Friesen will host.

“And we hardly dreamed Annie Proulx would say yes to our invitation, and were just thrilled when she accepted,” said Bell. “Her new novel Barkskins is a tour-de force. They are eager to share the stage with one another, and I know the conversation is going to be once-in-a-lifetime!”

The International Marquee is always a Festival highlight, but Bell says there are many events to be enthusiastic about.

“Our last event of the Festival, the Robertson Davies Lecture, will be delivered by the wonderful David Mitchell,” she said, “and I’m really looking forward to that, too.”

“The (Re)visions Indigenous fiction event with Tracey Lindberg, Gail Anderson-Dargatz and Cherie Dimaline is going to provide a literary context for the indigenous issues that are in the forefront of the media right now,” she added. “Jane and Anna McGarrigle sharing the stage with Sarah Harmer on Friday night will be a big treat, and the Big Idea ‘A Good Death’ on Saturday evening, featuring a panel of experts on the legalities and ethics of end-of-life issues and moderated by Carol Off, will be a hard-hitter.”

Bell is particular pleased to welcome a long list of authors, most of whom will be appearing at the Kingston WritersFest for the first time. “Gosh, so many!” she said. “I’m thrilled to welcome Madeleine Thien, Gail Bowen, Robert Bateman, Lisa Moore, Sandra Martin, Ross King, Ian Brown, Peter Behrens, Eleanor Wachtel, the list goes on. These writers are all ‘best in class.’”

Part of the Festival’s popularity with readers and visiting authors is its intimate, interactive, and inclusive atmosphere, something Bell says Festival organizers “absolutely” strive for.

“We are aware that part of the charm of the Festival is the intimate location, as well as the relaxed atmosphere,” Bell said. “Visiting authors feel relaxed here, and can give their best to an audience that is warm and appreciative. We do strive to keep that whole dynamic central to what is happening at the Festival. It is what I consider our gift to the community, this positive, communal literary experience. It makes for some very memorable moments for everyone.”

The Saturday Night SpeakEasy is often a Festival highlight for many; a night of celebration when lots of memorable moments are made.

“The SpeakEasy is super fun,” Bell said. “A cabaret-style event, with low lighting, cash bar, and the improvisational jazz soundscape of our own band, Trio Without Words, who punctuate and support readings by eight Festival authors, with an emotional, dramatic, or humourous live soundtrack. With Bill Richardson hosting, you never quite know what to expect, except lots of laughs, and a great time!”

Another important aspect of the Festival is the many workshops it offers. “Our Writers Studio master classes this year are being taught by some of the very best writers and teachers of creative writing working in Canada today, and a writer at any stage of development is sure to benefit enormously from the small-class atmosphere and the access to the instructor,” Bell said.

“Story is the only real magic left in the world,” is the online tagline to this year’s Kingston WritersFest, a quote from author Cherie Dimaline. The Festival, which aims to capture that magic, runs from September 28 to October 2, with the great majority of events held at the Holiday Inn on Kingston’s beautiful waterfront.

For full details and to purchase tickets, please visit their comprehensive website at kingstonwritersfest.ca . If you would prefer to contact a friendly staff member, call 767–0513.

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Kingston Writersfest 2016 - theHumm July 2016