Whistler Writers Fest Celebrates Literary Arts in Fall Colors — Stir

Much like a book club, the festival launch events are sure to spark conversation and camaraderie. Highlights of October 13 include the opening night at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center featuring Canada’s top independent writers. A brand new event follows; Sharing Traditions: An Evening of Oral Storytelling features Tsawaysia Spukwus (Squamish Nation), Tanina Williams (Lil’wat Nation) and eight local storytellers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and experience the beautiful tradition of oral storytelling, historically practiced in winter when people had more time to relax and share stories.

The beloved Book Lover’s Literary Fair on October 14 brings that same community feeling to the mountainside festival. Journalist and author Marsha Lederman will provide a thoughtful conversation about her recently published memoir, Embrace the Red Stairs: The Holocaust, Once Suppressedwith festival founder Stella Harvey.

On October 14, it’s time to raise a glass at the Cabaret Littéraire: We’re Back, Live Baby!. Hosted this year by local scribe and musician Stephen Vogler, this favorite festival features readings from some of Canada’s most beloved and emerging authors, including Amber Cowie, Joseph Dandurand, Norma Dunning, Gary Geddes, Tamar Glouberman, Hasan Namir, Mari -Lou Rowley, and Shyam Selvadurai, all accompanied by live music from the West Coast Front Band. Winners of the Whistler Independent Book Awards will also be announced just before the literary cabaret begins.

Sharing Stories Together: A festival celebration and fundraiser come together over light bites, wine and live music on October 15. That same day, the festival’s flagship gala, on Saturday evening, offers an unmissable conversation between the authors Méira Cook (The complete disaster) and Iain Reid (we spread). These brilliant minds will talk about everything from community and relationships to identity and art, giving attendees something to sleep over.

For a relaxing start to the day, there’s The Sunday Book Talk: Coffee and Conversation on October 16. With fresh breakfast pastries, coffee or tea, and fascinating insight into what makes great authors tick, it’s a leisurely way for guests to reawaken their bodies and minds. Moderated by Wayne Grady, the all-new session features Cody Caetano (Half-Bads in White Regalia), Lisa Moore (That’s how we love), Heather O’Neill (When we lost our minds), and Jamal Said (My way to Damascus).