In contrast to previous years, the next Whistler Writers Festival (WWF) will take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 under the theme of "Joyful Resistance." A total of 14 reading events and nine workshops are on the docket, many intended to double down on themes of mythology, legends and horror/thriller fare as temperatures get colder.
Some folks might still be getting used to the schedule change, but festival artistic director Rebecca Wood Barrett looks forward to what lies ahead.
"With new dates this year, we really wanted to embrace Halloween and make it fun and thrilling for book lovers," she says in a release. "We’ve been able to design some truly special events that feature authors who are so talented at mystery and supernatural elements, like Silvia Moreno-Garcia ... whose new book is The Bewitching. It’s perfect for the time of year we’re having the festival."
The festival kicks off on Oct. 30 with "Connecting Cultures: Legends, Language and the Land" with Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee and P̓áq̓emúl Shelby Dan. Expect these Indigenous guest storytellers to present myths in the oral tradition from Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, respectively, and to discuss their communities’ vital connections to the land at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).
On Halloween itself, get ready for "All Hallows Eve: Murder and Mayhem" with Laugh Out LIVE! as well as authors Susan Juby and Liann Zhang, with both acts happening at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Juby’s latest book, Contemplation of a Crime, features a Buddhist butler sleuth while Zhang’s debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead explores the darker aspects of social media. This panel is moderated by thriller writer Amber Cowie, who was short-listed for the 2017 Whistler Book Award. A seasonal cocktail labelled Spirit’s Kiss and an All Hallows Eve-themed photo booth round out the night.
'Something for everyone'
Crime author Juby returns on Nov. 1, helming the "Create Your (Crime) Fighter" seminar at the Fairmont. She will help participants learn the key elements of writing crime fiction: like a compelling investigative protagonist, a villain of worthy skill and smarts, an interesting offence and a plot that keeps readers hooked.
Those in need of an adventurous offering may want to check out "Spilling the Tea: Dragons, Thieves and Romantasy" with New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle on the same day as Juby's workshop. From hard-hitting gothic horror to spicy romantic comedy, she is well-versed in giving her audiences what they want. In Halle's newest book, Realm of Thieves, two crooks with a stake in the illegal dragon egg trade put both their livelihoods and hearts at risk in a daring venture.
Last but definitely not least, enter "The Bewitching, A Night of Spellcraft and Suspense." Moreno-Garcia, whose previous book Mexican Gothic made tremendous waves on social media and the New York Times bestseller list, will be on hand to talk about The Bewitching: a multi-generational gothic horror saga depicting three women in three different eras. With fans in attendance, moderator Jeanette Bruce and Moreno-Garcia are set to navigate a conversation about fantasy, horror, noir, historical fiction and more.
The Mexican-Canadian novelist had this to say about the idea of joyful resistance in an interview with WWF: "Simple existence can be resistance. For example, there are many LGBTQ books that are being challenged and banned, and the simple act of these writers creating something is a struggle in itself."
The WWF also returns some beloved events, including an outdoor activity on Nov. 2 called "Finding Our Way: Salish Stroll Forest Walk." The popular Sunday BookTalk and Breakfast with Antonio Michael Downing, Sarah Leavitt and Evelyn Lau is back as well.
“We had such a wonderful opportunity to bring in some new genres and explore some new events this year, and it’s going to be a very entertaining festival,” Wood Barrett said. “I can’t wait for audiences to experience everything from poetry to romantasy, to thought-provoking non-fiction, to contemplative fiction. We’ve got something for everyone, even children and their families.”
Grab WWF tickets beginning Sept. 10 on Eventbrite. More details, including exact timing for all events, can be found at whistlerwritersfest.com.
