Whether you鈥檙e an accomplished writer, a beginner, or simply dreaming of writing one day, Word on the Lake Writers鈥� Festival is right for you.
This year鈥檚 festival kicks off with a Young Writers鈥� Workshop at noon on Friday, May 19 at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort.
Registration for the rest of the festival takes place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Friday in the hotel foyer.
The fun begins in the Balmoral Room at the 7 p.m. Caf茅 Lit, where an eclectic collection of writers will mingle and read from their published works.
This event is open to everyone 鈥� admission is by registrant name tag or a $20 ticket for members of the public.
Sessions that include both skill development workshops and open forums with authors based on questions and answers in an intimate setting begin Saturday morning at the Prestige.
Registration for festival workshops takes place from 7:30 to 8:45 in the hotel foyer.
The hilarious doctor and author Patrick Taylor opens the proceedings with a keynote address at 8:45, followed by workshops from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Presenters include Paul Aitken, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Lorelei Fiset, Jacqueline Guest, Blu and Kelly Hopkins, Theresa Kishkan, Myrna Kotash, Halli Lilburn, Anna Comfort O鈥橩eefe, George Opacic, Cea Sunrise Person, Patrick Taylor, John Vaillant, Jill Veitch, Joy Vowles and Sheri-D Wilson.
Participants are invited to register for a free Blue Pencil Caf茅 session on Saturday between 9:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Book early.
Author CD and book sales take place in the hotel lobby and members of the public may access the area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Authors will be available to sign their works from 5 to 6 p.m.
After a day of listening and learning, it鈥檚 time to relax and enjoy the camaraderie, entertainment, food and celebration of this year鈥檚 writing contest winners at the annual banquet, which begins at 7 p.m.
Canada鈥檚 150th birthday is the theme of the event and attendees are invited to wear red and white.
This gala event is open to the public, with tickets at $50 available at Hidden Gems Bookstore, 33 Alexander St. NE, or buy them online at wordonthelakewritersfestival.com.
All Sunday events take place at Okanagan College, beginning with a continental breakfast and social time from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m. in the student lounge.
A conversation with award-winning author John Valiant takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 in Room 130 and is followed by more workshops.
To find out more about the presenters, their work and their festival workshops, go to wordonthelakewritersfestival.com.
