Saturday 24 July 2010
Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Gardens, River John

Austin Clarke: Giller and Commonwealth Writers’ Prize winner presents an eloquent and poignant indictment of racial discrimination and the crime of poverty in his latest novel, More.

Helen Humphreys: Multiple award winning author whose latest # 1 best selling novel Coventry recreates the terror of the infamous World War II bombing raid.

Kenneth J. Harvey: Paints a brave and haunting picture of Newfoundland in his latest novel, Blackstrap Hawco, selected by Amazon.ca as one of the 50 Best Books of the Decade.

Catherine Banks: Winner of the Governor General’s Award for drama for Bone Cage, a poetic and darkly humorous portrayal of life in rural Nova Scotia.


The Day’s Events:

9:00-11:30 a.m.: Writing Workshop on Narrative with Helen Humphreys. River John Consolidated School $25  Maximum 12 participants.

9:30 a.m.: WordPlay Children’s readings at the River John Consolidated School, followed by kid-sized writing workshops.

11:30: Teen Writing Program and lunch with Kit Pearson at RJ Consolidated School.  $15 Maximum 10 participants. Register now on-line @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2:00 p.m.: Centre Stage Readings by the authors in the Legion Gardens. Bring a lawn chair and sunscreen! (Rain venue is River John School.)

5:30 p.m.: The Fest Feast   Smoked pork chop or veggie lasagna supper in the Legion Hall. $15.   Tickets available at River John Library, The Village Florist in Tatamagouche, The Chatterbox Cafe in Pugwash, The Water Street Studio in Pictou or on-line:

7:00 p.m.: Open Mike An opportunity to share a bit of your own writing following the Fest Fest.   Eight people maximum.  Five minutes apiece. Legion Hall.  Sign up now at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it