From first-time novelists to Giller Prize-nominated writers, the Whistler Writers Festival strives to bring the best local and Canadian authors to Whistler each fall to share their latest works. The Whistler Writers Festival is Oct. 17-20, 2024.
This year is no exception with the news that Caroline Adderson and Conor Kerr (both participating in two festival events) have been longlisted for the Giller Prize this year.
The festival also continues to bring back sell-out events like the Literary Cabaret and the Saturday night headline event, both of which draw crowds to experience live music and big ideas.
“We like to try something new each year, but there are some essential events audiences demand, like the Literary Cabaret, our Saturday evening feature event, and our thriller panel,” said Rebecca Wood Barrett, festival artistic director. “These are just a few events that we all love so much, and it wouldn’t be the festival without them. I’m also thrilled for the Giller nominated authors, and that they’ll be sharing their nominated work with us. Hearing Caroline read from A Way to be Happy and Conor share from Prairie Edge is going to be very special.”
Over the four day festival, there are 12 reading events, and eight workshops. Highlights include:
Literary Cabaret
Host band West Coast Front jams with guest authors Dallas Hunt (Teeth), Laura Sharp (Places You Catch Yourself), Bob McDonald (Just Say Yes), Michael V. Smith (Queers Like Me), Natalie Sue (I Hope This Finds You Well) and Alli Vail (Brooklyn Thomas Isn’t Here) as they read from their latest works. The winners of the Whistler Independent Book Awards will also be announced. It’s Friday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m., at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Compassion and Happiness: A Conversation with Writers of Fiction
How does the heart learn to find what it needs? Join for a dialogue with three masterful storytellers, including Giller nominee Caroline Adderson (A Way to Be Happy), Jowita Bydlowska (Monster), and the winner of the Whistler Independent Book Award for fiction, in an exploration of this question, and the interlacing themes of loneliness, connection, duty, and happiness. Catch it Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:15 p.m. at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Chilling Tales: Thrilling Fiction
Join moderator Tara Jean Stevens, Vancouver radio host and creator of the podcast, Heaven Bent in conversation with some of today’s most exciting writers of suspense. It’s a wild world of investigation, research, crime and thriller writing with guest authors, Amber Cowie (The Off Season), S.C. Lalli (The Plus One), and Hannah Mary McKinnon (Only One Survives). Reserve your spot soon — this session is killer. It’s Saturday, Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Beneath the Surface: A Conversation with Wade Davis
Join author and biologist Leslie Anthony in a captivating conversation with National Geographic Explorer and Canadian anthropology legend, Wade Davis. Wade’s latest book, Beneath the Surface of Things: New and Selected Essays brings his unique anthropological perspective on various topics. Overall, the collection encourages us to see, and to seek, the wisdom of the middle way — a perspective of promise and hope. Arrive early at 7:30 p.m. to hear themed classical music by the Sea to Sky String Orchestra and enjoy a glass of wine or beer from the bar. Saturday Oct. 19, 8 p.m. at the Fairmont.
Sunday BookTalk and Breakfast
Spend Sunday morning chatting with other booklovers over the delicious buffet breakfast before taking in this year’s BookTalk reading event with Giller longlist nominee Conor Kerr (Prairie Edge), Bob McDonald (Just Say Yes), and Leanne Toshiko Simpson (Never Been Better) — in conversation about their new releases. Each of these authors tackle pressing contemporary concerns: de-colonization, loss of culture, mental health, privacy and security, fake news and more. Have breakfast and book talk Sunday, Oct. 20. Breakfast starts at 10:45 a.m. at the Fairmont.
Tickets are still available for all of these popular events. Get 15 percent off tickets until Sept. 15, and 10 percent off tickets until Oct. 1.