My time out west for the Vancouver Writers Fest was an absolute triumph. I felt blessed to be included, to be surrounded by brilliant writers with brilliant minds, from whom I learned so much, attending their events and listening to their discussions on craft, empathy and creativity. Kudos to Leslie Hurtig and her team of staff and volunteers! Having a beautiful location like Granville Island as the venue is an added bonus.
My personal highlights included:
- The opportunity to read passages from HFA to Vancouver audiences and hearing their responses to my description of the South and North Shores. I have always loved reading in front of appreciative audiences and thrive on the energy and connection made with them.
- Being interviewed on Channel Punjabi and knowing that HFA is getting some attention in Canada’s Punjabi population. One attendee Good Reads had driven in from Seattle especially for the event.
- Having the support of family and dear old friends in attendance.
- Being told by Roddy Doyle that my spoken word piece for Lyrics Night was “Brilliant!” – I will carry that compliment for the rest of my career.
- Being called out, in good jest, by Carol Off as “one of those ****ing poets” from the stage at Lyrics Night. Trust me, it was hilarious! I will carry that for the rest of my career.
Now my attention is clearly on preparing for the Calgary launch of However Far Away next week. An interview with Grant Stovel at CKUA Radio regarding the event will air on Friday morning.
If you have not yet bought tickets but plan to attend please let me know so we can make sure we arrange the hall appropriately for the audience.