One of the most interesting events I’m involved with over here on Galiano Island is our upcoming Galiano Island Literary Festival. Last year I attended all the sessions and made photos of the author’s and guests and shared them online on behalf of the Galiano Island Books. We’re gearing up for this years festival and excited to play host to friends from across North America for the 2016 Galiano Island Literary Festival Event taking place at the Galiano Island Spa Resort this February 19th-21st.
Here’s some thoughts on the festival from one of the authors I met there last year prolific Canadian novelist, poet, historian, and biographer George Bowering… “More literary festivals ought to be like the one on Galiano. The setting is unequalled. The organizers have everything covered beautifully. I have never seen such a good opportunity for writers and others to schmooze in such a beautiful building. I told Jean that I would give up pie for a year if I get to go there again.”
Here’s this year’s author lineup (including links to Twitter for those who have accounts) for the 2016 Galiano Island Literary Festival:
George Bowering, David Boyd, Michael Christie, Michael Crummey, Maggie de Vries, Charles Demers, William Deverell, Terry Fallis, Margaret Horsfield, Aislinn Hunter, Ian Kennedy, Theresa Kishkan, Irina Kovalyova, Sonja Larsen, Paul LaBlond, Billie Livingston, Christine Lowther, Stacey Matson, Linda M. Morra, John Pass, Bill Richardson, George Stanley, Charles Tidler, Audrey Thomas, Kim Trainor, Robert Wiersema
The festival is hosted at the gorgeous Galiano Island Inn & Spa Resort near the ferry & right down on the waterfront. It’s warm and beautiful and full of art. You’ll love the venue.
February counts as ‘springtime’ here in the Southern Gulf Islands. Last week the New York Times listed our tiny island as one of the Top 50 best places in the WORLD to visit in 2016 alongside Cuba and Bordeaux.
Anyone who can read or write (or even if you can’t) will enjoy the stories and people who converge for the festival. Book lovers, aspiring writers, established authors, publishing peeps & their friends and family are all welcome!
The festival covers a wide variety of contemporary literature including poetry, fiction, biography & the business of the publishing.
Come spend time with Canada’s best and brightest. Practice your craft. Get feedback. Be inspired. Connect with others who share your interests!
Due to our small size you’ll get a chance to get up close and personal with the authors, ask them questions, share your thoughts & get them to sign your books.
Lee Trentadue has long supported the book community, although it was her daughter Mary who inspired her to open Galiano Island Books – the first & only bookstore on the island.
Ian Campbell, First Nations chief of the Squamish people of BC’s west coast sings a song of welcome to kick off last year’s festival before participating in a panel about this regions indigenous history.
You never know who you might bump into at the Galiano Island Literary Festival. Last year I got to spend time with personal hero Elizabeth May, leader of The Green Party of Canada & activist author Andrew Nikifourk.
The weekend reading & writing focused festival involves collaborative workshops, readings, discussions, debates, feedback, camaraderie as well as great food, wine and wild beauty.
This years authors include: George Bowering, David Boyd, Michael Christie, Michael Crummy, Maggie de Vries, Charles Demers, William Deverell, Terry Fallis, Margaret Horsfield, Aislinn Hunter, Ian Kennedy, Theresa Kistkan, Irina Kovalyova, Sonja Larsen, Paul LaBlond, Billie Livingston, Christine Lowther, Stacey Matson, Linda M. Morra, John Pass, Bill Richardson, George Stanley, Charles Tidler, Audrey Thomas, Kim Trainor, Robert Wiersema
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