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 A: Blue Pencil Breakfast Sessions

Anna Comfort O'Keeffe
Posted

Thank you to everyone who registered for the draw to Event A. Registration is now closed and all spots have been filled.

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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!

Location: Rockwood Lodge, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt

This event is free, but space is limited. Registrants will be selected by lottery and notified on July 15. Sponsored by Douglas & McIntyre

Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event A.

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

Howard White
Posted

This event is SOLD OUT. Please call 604-885-9631 or 1-800-565-9631 (toll-free) or email su**********@wr*************.ca to be added to a waitlist.

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.

Location: Rockwood Lodge Artspace, Sechelt

This event is by donation to the Festival of the Written Arts. Space is limited. Sponsored by Harbour Publishing

Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event B. To reserve tickets for this special event, order here or call 604-885-9631.

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

Bev Shaw, illustration by Ata Ojani
Posted

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.

Location: Festival Pavilion, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt

This event is free, but a ticket is required.

Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event C. To reserve tickets for this special event, order here or call 604-885-9631.

Event D: Harbour Publishing’s Birthday Party

Posted

Harbour Publishing is turning 50, and what better way to celebrate than with birthday cake! Tea, coffee, and cake will be served by the book tent directly after Event #17. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with the event participants and get your books signed.

Location: Festival book tent, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt

This event is free, but a ticket is required. Sponsored by Harbour Publishing

Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event D. To reserve tickets for this special event, order here or call 604-885-9631.