My first official literary festival appearance and all the other goodies.
Day 1 – November 1, 2024
Poetry Primer – The Bistro 5:30 to 6:30 pm
I showed up a bit early and was seen to the hospitality suite and given my lanyard and swag bag. I got to meet Kelsey Borgford and Alex Tétreault in advance and settle in. We’d exchanged a few emails leading up to the session to let us know how the event would proceed.
It was absolutely lovely. Kelsey wore her beautiful ribbon dress, and we had a smooth and interactive session. People asked questions. We even answered them!
And afterward, Kelsey and I signed several books each.
It was awesome.
Festival Opening and Youthwords Announcement – The Bistro 7 to 7:30 pm
Heather Campbell welcomed everyone formally. MP Viviane Lapointe, MPP Jamie West, and the deputy mayor all commented on the importance of Sudbury’s arts community and Wordstock as a part of it. The Youthwords contest winners were announced and were invited to read their pieces.
And Then She Fell: Alicia Elliot in conversation with Shana Calixte Pitawanakwat – Studio Desjardins 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Alicia Elliot was funny and irreverent in her discussion of her latest novel, the writing life, and motherhood.
Amazing.
Day 2 – November 2, 2024
Masterclass – Immersive Writing Foray – out and about – 9 to 10:30 am
Ariel Gordon and Yvonne Blomer, after a gathering and brief reading in the Bistro, took us for an urban walk with several stops to pause and write.
I wrote three short pieces and explored a part of the downtown greenspace I hadn’t visited in years. No pictures, because too busy walking or writing.
Writing and Publishing Today – Studio Desjardins – 11 am to 12 pm
Alicia Elliot, John Degen, and Hollay Ghadery discussed writing and publishing in Canada today. A lot of insights from both sides of the industry. Moderated by Randall Perry.
The Inner World of Women – Studio Desjardins – 1:45 to 2:45 pm
Kim Fahner, Heidi Reimer, and Louise Ells discussed their novels and how their characters explore their inner worlds. Moderated by Liisa Kovala.
Queer Reflections – Studio Desjardins – 3 to 4 pm
Emily Austin and Kate Cayley discussed their respective bodies of work and how they reflect gender and identity.
Echoes of the Earth – Studio Desjardins – 4:15 to 5:15 pm
Ariel Gordon, Yvonne Blomer, and Sophie Anne Edwards discussed their recent publications and how they explore the environment and climate change from different perspectives.
Day 3 – November 3, 2024
Ode to Brunch – The Bistro – 11:30 am to 1 pm
Hollay Ghadery, Fereh Malik, and Emily Austin provided a poetic accompaniment to Brunch, reading from their new and published work and discussing the role of poetry in Canadian publishing today. Moderated by Kim Fahner.
Big and Important Feelings – Studio Desjardins – 1:15 to 2:15 pm
Danielle Daniel, Kern Carter, and Emily De Angelis discuss their middle grade and young adult novels and the emotional journeys their characters travel. Moderated by Jonathan Pinto.
It was an amazing weekend. I learned a lot, met many authors I’d only interacted with online, and, of course, bought a lot of books.
This was the festival’s 11th edition. I’ve been to every one so far, and I’ll be returning next year.