We’re bringing back our subscription service for the second year of this pilot project. Starting today, you can become a subscriber to the 2025 Festival of the Written Arts for $30.00 CAD! To make sure we can keep value in this program for everyone who subscribes, we are selling a maximum of 200 subscriptions, and … Continue reading “Subscribe to the 2025 Festival of the Written Arts”
Festival News
Remembering Len Pakulak (1936-2024)
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our dear friends and supporters, Len Pakulak. Len was a dedicated festival volunteer for more than 30 years. He did it all—from swinging hammers while building the Festival Pavilion to slinging drinks at the Festival bar to working the barbecue in the days … Continue reading “Remembering Len Pakulak (1936-2024)”
2024 Festival Survey
We want to hear from you! If you attended the Festival of the Written Arts this August but didn’t have the opportunity to fill out an audience survey in person, please consider filling out the online version. Festival attendees who fill out the survey by November 1st, 2024 can choose to be entered into a … Continue reading “2024 Festival Survey”
Podcast: Festival 2024 Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who came to the 42nd annual Festival of the Written Arts! It was a wonderful event and we were thrilled to welcome attendees from as near as Sechelt and as far away as Manchester, England! Even the thunder and lightning storm held off until the very end, and the rain barely … Continue reading “Podcast: Festival 2024 Wrap-Up”
BC Arts Council Front Porch Grant Conversations
The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts and the BC Arts Council present Front Porch Grant Conversations for writers and other artists and cultural workers interested in knowing more about funding opportunities at the BC Arts Council. During the Festival, Program Advisor Michelle Benjamin will be available for 15-minute sessions on Friday, August 16 … Continue reading “BC Arts Council Front Porch Grant Conversations”
Podcast: 2024 Festival Preview
With the Festival just around the corner, Artistic and Executive Director Marisa Alps and Festival Vice President Sean Eckford sit down to talk about some of the authors who will be presenting at the 42nd annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, running August 15-18, 2024.
Programming change
The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts regrets to announce that due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, Kyo Maclear (Event #6) has had to withdraw from the Festival, and Naomi Klein will no longer be in conversation with the featured author. Instead, bestselling novelist Iona Whishaw will be featured in a solo event on … Continue reading “Programming change”
Event A: Blue Pencil Breakfast Sessions
Meet with Anna Comfort O’Keeffe—Publisher, Douglas & McIntyre and SCFWA board member—for 20 minutes to discuss your manuscript or book idea, one-on-one. Feedback from a publishing professional, plus muffins, tea, and coffee provided!
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.