Category: Special Events

Throughout the year, the Festival hosts several special events. Subscribe to our email notification service, and we’ll let you know when updates are posted to this site.

Event B: Writing Memoir and Family History, with Howard White

As the publisher of Harbour Publishing, Howard White has had a hand in publishing more memoirs and family histories than probably anyone else in BC. He has also dedicated many hours to helping first-time authors craft their stories into unique books that successfully evoke a sense of time, place and character. This workshop will offer tips for writing memoirs, as well as inspiration for those just getting started.

Event C: Tribute to Bev Shaw (1959-2023)

Authors and book lovers across Canada lost a friend and literary ally when Bev Shaw, owner of Talewind Books, unexpectedly passed away in 2023. Bev was an integral part of the SCFWA, our treasured friend and festival bookseller for 35 years, and her presence will be forever missed. Please join Bev’s family, friends, and fellow festival attendees for a special event to remember and celebrate Bev—her dedication to books and authors, her intelligence, and her wry sense of humour.

Authors from across Canada speak to students on the Sunshine Coast

Family Literacy Week in British Columbia is January 21-28, 2024, and to celebrate, School District 46 and the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts have partnered together to bring ten virtual author presentations to students January 22-26. Featured authors include Kenneth Oppel, bestselling author of Silverwing; Karl Subban, whose book, The Hockey Skates, features … Continue reading “Authors from across Canada speak to students on the Sunshine Coast”

Personalizing the Impersonal — Nonfiction Writing Workshop with Mark L. Winston

Join the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts for a special event with Mark L. Winston, acclaimed writing instructor and award-winning author. Mark will share his insights and expertise in a day-long nonfiction writing workshop, “Personalizing the Impersonal.” About the workshop At its core, nonfiction writing is about telling a true story that entertains … Continue reading “Personalizing the Impersonal — Nonfiction Writing Workshop with Mark L. Winston”

Walking With: Honouring Indigenous Voices

July 1, 2021— the shíshálh Nation invited the greater Sechelt community to wear orange and to walk with them in solidarity to support “…all Residential School survivors and to honour the children whose unmarked graves were found at the former Kamloops Residential School and those at Cowessess.” At the beginning of the march, hiwus (Chief) Warren … Continue reading “Walking With: Honouring Indigenous Voices”

Carys Cragg – November 21, 2018 at 7 p.m.

The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts and the Sunshine Coast Restorative Justice Program are proud to present Carys Cragg on Wednesday, November 21 at 7 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre. Cragg’s participation at the 2018 Festival of the Written Arts was moving and memorable. As an adult, she began a correspondence … Continue reading “Carys Cragg – November 21, 2018 at 7 p.m.”

An evening with Monique Gray Smith

Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Chatelech Secondary School Admission is by donation. Monique Gray Smith is of Cree, Lakota and Scottish ancestry. She is an award-winning author, storyteller, and consultant who travels the world to speak about reconciliation and resilience. Monique’s first novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, won the 2014 … Continue reading “An evening with Monique Gray Smith”

#diversecanlit Book Club

#diversecanlit Book Club with Jael Richardson Tuesday, November 7 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Sunshine Coast Arts Centre Perhaps you’ve heard Jael Richardson’s book recommendations on CBC Radio’s Q. This event will offer an opportunity to both recommend and learn about books written by a diverse range of authors. Share what you’ve been reading … Continue reading “#diversecanlit Book Club”