16 Years of Literary Bliss: Why First-Time Attendees Will Love Kingston WritersFest
By Sierra Saikaley
For five wonderful days Downtown Kingston will be filled with celebrations of the written word at the 16th annual Kingston WritersFest! Kingston's bevy of book lovers will join some of Canada's best writers to converse, connect and create at exciting events throughout downtown like literary trivia night, author talks, open mics, writing workshops and much more!
As a life-long bookworm and writer myself, I can hardly stand the wait, but I know attending any festival for the first time can be daunting. That's why I reached out to Kingston WritersFest Operations Manager, Jennifer Stefanopoulos for some advice for first time attendees looking to join the conversation.
Tell me about your relationship with the festival. How long have you been with them?
I've been with KWF as the Operations Manager since 2021, this year will be my 4th festival!
What can first-time attendees expect at Kingston WritersFest? Any advice for making the most of their first time?
Insightful, passionate conversations about topics ranging from identity and love to health and loss, workshops to help you work on your skills as a writer, and fun evening events to connect you with the book community in Kingston.
As for any advice? Try a little bit of everything, from our regular events, food events to evening trivia nights or open mics, you'll find something you will love.
What was your first Kingston WritersFest like? Care to share any fun memories?
My first Festival was fully virtual and I got to attend every single event, I got to meet every author to do tech checks and I was fully immersed in what the Festival is about. Other than panic zoom shenanigans, my fondest memory is getting to see the author I advocated for to the programming committee at their event.
The festival will be taking place at more locations downtown this year like The Screening Room and Something in the Water. How do you think this will affect the festival experience?
I think it will make it feel more like a part of Kingston; we'll have attendees and authors walking around with passes and volunteers out on the streets, and I hope it'll feel like a celebration of the written word.
Can you share your perspective on the importance of festivals like the Kingston WritersFest that provide readers and writers the opportunity to meet and come together?
Reading is such a private pastime, it can be hard to find others to speak about your most loved and/or hated books unless you're online. Festivals like KWF bring those conversations to you in person and give you the opportunity to connect with likeminded people and be inspired to create your own pieces.
What events this year are you most looking forward to? Any books or authors at the festival this year you think people will really want to see?
I'm looking forward to our opening event called Homecoming with Danny Ramadan and Jermaine Marshall, #11 The Ancientness of Being Queer with Joelle Barron, Anthony Oliveira and Trevor Campbell and #14 The Morning After with Jowita Bydlowska, Russell Smith and more.
Our regular attendees are excited to see Carol Off with "At a Loss for Words", and Tanya Talaga with "The Knowing". Along with books "Dear Da-Lê" by Anh N. Duong and Ashley Da-Lê Duong, and "Our Green Heart" by Diana Beresford-Kroeger.
Events you'd recommend for first-time attendees?
1. Homecoming with Danny Ramadan
September 25, 7:00pm at The Screening Room - Immerse yourself in the beautifully complicated story of Danny Ramadan, a man who has fled civil war and persecution for his sexual identity, lost one home, and found another, written 7 books, raised over $300,000 for fellow LGBTQ+ identifying refugees, and has been sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Join us for a conversation around his challenging and engaging memoir, Crooked Teeth.
2. The Ancientness of Being Queer with Joelle Barron
September 27, 3:45pm at The Screening Room - Join Joelle Barron and Anthony Oliveira in a discussion on reimagining and revealing stories of queerness through their enthralling verse and prose, featuring Joelle’s book of poetry Excerpts from a Burned Letter and Anthony’s vivid and unexpected retelling of Christ’s beloved disciple, Dayspring.
3. Care for Creatives with Farzana Doctor
September 28, 3:30pm at the Delta Hotel - Award-winning writer, activist, and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor will present ideas on how to address burnout and creative block and find easy ways to bring more self and community care into our lives. Following Farzana’s talk, there will be time for audience questions.
Ok a fun one! Hardcover or paperback?
Paperback, I love how wrinkled and bruised they get with love.
Sierra Saikaley
Marketing Producer for Downtown Kingston
