Teen lit comes to Big Smoke
September 09th, 2015
With a background in creative writing and publishing at Vancouver Island University, Lori Shwydky is the founder and managing editor of Rebel Mountain Press in Nanoose Bay, on Vancouver Island. In an effort to promote and celebrate youth literacy, Rebel Mountain Press has sponsored writing contests for Vancouver Island teens, grades 8-12.
This year the winners and selected runner-ups have been published in a book, In Our Own Voice-2015: an anthology of creative fiction by Vancouver Island young writers (Rebel Mountain $10) launched by group readings at two Vancouver Island libraries in early September.
Now five of the book’s contributors will appear at Word Vancouver on Sunday September 27, 11:00-11:30 a.m. at the Authors Words tent (see page 28 Word Vancouver guide). The teenage performers will be Morgan Cross, Lucy Dabbs, Andrew Jutte, Holly Moonen, and Ashianna Ralynn. 9780994730206
WORD VANCOUVER
Word Vancouver happens from September 23 to 27 but the major gathering is on Sunday, September 27 at the Main Branch of the Vancouver Public Library with ten venues. Organizers boast 100 readings, 150 authors, and 20 workshops.
The Vancouver Book and Magazine Fair Society produced the former The Word On The Street Vancouver festival between 1995 and 2012, which was rebranded as Word Vancouver in 2013. Held during the last week of September at various venues throughout the city, the festival now promotes books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests.
From Wednesday to Friday, author readings will occur at these venues: SFU Harbour Centre, The Cottage Bistro, Christianne’s Lyceum, Banyen Books & Sound, Historic Joy Kogawa House, and CBC Studio 700. On Saturday, free professional development workshops will be held at Vancouver Public Library Central Branch. On Sunday, many activities will occur in and around the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library (350 W Georgia St, between Robson and Georgia and Hamilton and Homer).
Participating authors include John Vaillant, Aislinn Hunter, Arthur Black, Charles Demers, Emily Urquhart, Amber Dawn, Rachel Hartman, Ian Weir, Andrea Warner, William Deverell, Evelyn Lau, George Bowering, Grant Lawrence, Stan Persky, Heather Haley, Robert Wiersema, Carellin Brooks, Ashley Little, Alix Hawley, and more; for children: Julie Flett, Robin Stevenson, Deborah Hodge, Robert Heidbreder, Robert “Lucky” Budd, Kallie George, and more; comic creators: David Lasky, David Boswell, Julian Lawrence, Michael Kluckner, and more.
Weekend Events:
Sunday, in and around Library Square:
Canada Writes – Canadian writers of varying genres share passages from their works. Catherine Owen, Stan Persky, Bonnie Reilly Schmidt, William Deverell, Emily Urquhart, Charles Demers, Michael V. Smith, and more.
Authors’ Words – More readings and presentations from various genres. Check out Darren Groth and Rachel Hartman (YA), Kristi Charish, Aislinn Hunter, Stella Harvey, Theresa Kishkan, and more.
Mike McCardell
Family Stage – Family-friendly entertainment all day long. Dixie Star Storytelling, readings for children by Mike McCardell and Grant Lawrence, Spanish music, Fiddlin’ Frenzy, and more!
Around the Site – Dragon dance with Gung HAGGIS Fat Choy dragon boat team, Mascall Dance, poetry vending machines, typewriter stations, and more!
Kids Lit, Kids Words – Fun, interactive family activities all day long. Young children are invited to partake in hands-on activities, such as bookmark making and an Alphabet Tree. All day, children will be delighted by readings from over a dozen esteemed authors; to name a few: Daniel Anctil (French and English presentation), Sara Gillingham, Brandee Bublé, Tiffany Stone, and more.
Poetry On The Bus – Poets include Kim Trainor, Sandy Shreve, Daphne Marlatt, Dina Del Bucchia, Daniel Zomparelli, Amber Dawn, Chelene Knight, John Pass, and more. Special features: The World Poetry Reading Series, Poetry in Transit, Dead Poets Reading Series, and poets from The Revolving City: 51 Poems and the Stories Behind Them (SFU Public Square and Anvil Press).
Magazine Words – Delve into the world of magazines with presentations by Canadian literary magazines and panel discussions.
Underground Words + Art – Comics and chapbooks exhibits, workshops, etc. Includes chapbook readings; comics and chapbooks panels; and, workshops by David Lasky, Ken and Joan Steacy, and Kevin Spenst.
Writing Talks – Have your writing and publishing questions answered during professional development workshops. And, authors and comics programming: John Vaillant, Caroline Woodward, David E. Boswell, Julian Lawrence, and Michael Kluckner.
Word Talks – Enjoy an afternoon of writing workshops, and panel discussions.
In the Promenade – Upstairs in the promenade, find inspiration by watching demonstrations: Book-Making Demos, and Lettering and Bookmarks. While you’re there, come bid on fabulous items in our Silent Auction in support of this very festival.
Saturday, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch:
Alma VanDusen Room and Peter Kaye Room – Free professional development sessions on a variety of literary topics, e.g. “What Are the Outside Influences on Your Characters” with Bennett R. Coles and “Crossing Boundaries: Writing in Different Genres” with Ian Weir.
Word Vancouver, A free festival of reading and writing
September 23-27, 2015, Various locations
Venue Breakdown:
Wednesday Sept. 23, 5:45 pm: SFU Harbour Centre (515 W Hastings St.)
Launch of The Revolving City: 51 Poems and the Stories Behind Them (SFU Public Square and Anvil Press)
Thursday Sept. 24, 7:00 pm: The Cottage Bistro (4468 Main St.)
Pandora’s Collective Presents Twisted Poets Literary Salon – Kate Braid & Elizabeth Bachinsky
Friday Sept. 25, 6:00 pm: Christianne’s Lyceum (3696 W 8th Ave.)
Adventure Awaits! – readings by Tiffany Stone, Elisa Gutierrez, Kathy Beliveau, and Lee Edward Födi
Friday Sept. 25, 6:30 pm: Banyen Books & Sound (3608 W 4th Ave.)
Kemila Zsange, Past Life Regression: A Manual for Hypnotherapists to Conduct Effective Past Life Regression Sessions (Journey Beyond Production)
Friday Sept. 25, 7:30 pm: Historic Joy Kogawa House (1450 West 64th Ave.)
Adventures in Song and Story with Grant Lawrence
Friday Sept. 25, 7:30 pm: Studio 700, CBC (at 700 Hamilton St.)
Pandora’s Collective Literary Awards Gala
Saturday Sept. 26, 11-5 pm: Central Branch, VPL (350 W Georgia St.)
A day of professional development workshops for writers and publishers
Sunday Sept. 27, 11-5 pm: Library Square (in and around VPL Central Branch, 350 W Georgia St.)
Festival day! Readings, panel discussions, workshops, entertainment, a marketplace, and more!
Info: www.wordvancouver.ca, info@rebuscreative.com, 604-684-8266, full program: http://issuu.com/wordvancouver/docs/word_vancouver_program_guide_2015/
Admission: Free
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