You don’t have to be a writer to attend Campbell River’s Words on the Water Writers’ Festival.
“I think people just like to read. The people that come to the festival are pleased when they see what we have to offer, knowing that it’s a festival for people who like to read, not necessarily for people who want to be writers,” says Paul Murphy, festival organizer and Timberline Secondary English teacher.
Well-known authors will be making their way to town to present at the festival, now in its 19th year.
Among the eight invitees are Giller Prize winners and Governor General Award finalists, along with an officer of the Order of Canada.
It’s happening Mar. 27th and 28th at the Maritime Heritage Centre.
It all kicks off on Friday evening that weekend when the authors are paired into groups and interview each other about their works and processes.
The following day, each author will have a 45-minute time slot to do readings, presentations and audience Q&As.
Later on that evening, a “Literary Cabaret” will give authors 15-minutes to read something that has inspired them or share a sample of some new material.
“Then, the festival wraps up,” Murphy says.
The guest list this year will see Patrick Friesen, John MacLachlan Gray, Brian Harvey, Naomi K. Lewis, Lenore Newman, Eden Robinson, Joan Thomas and Ian Weir in attendance.
People flock from all over western Canada to grab a seat in the audience.
“We have people who return, people who bring friends and people who come from all over Alberta, British Columbia and Vancouver Island that show up in Campbell River to come to this festival.”
All weekend books by the featured writers will be on display and available for purchase.
With a seating capacity of 150 at the Heritage Centre, it is always a full house.
“We sell out every year, which is where we want to be. It’s a festival for people who like to read and like variety. We’ll have non-fiction, poetry, fiction and memoir. We try to mix it up in terms of the content,” Murphy adds.
Weekend passes are nearly sold-out.
They can be purchased through this website or from Campbell River’s CoHo Books on Shoppers Row.
