Writers’ Federation presents WordsSpring in Kennebecasis Valley

WFNBlogo Lovers of all things literary are sure to love WordsSpring, a three-day event featuring book launches, a writing workshop, panel discussion and open mic brunch. Presented by the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB), this semi-annual gathering will be held in the Kennebecasis Valley May 10-12.

WordsSpring leads off with book launches at the Shadow Lawn in Rothesay, Friday, May 10, at 7 pm. Jerrod Edson, Carmel Vivier, Andrew McAllister, Lisa Dalrymple, Marilyn Lerch, Kathy Mac, Donna Allard, Diane Reid, Joanie Duguay, Chuck Bowie, Susan White and Warren Redman will read from their new works of poetry and prose.

WordsSpring continues with a full day of activities on Saturday May 11 at the QPlex in Quispamsis. A fiction workshop on story arc and plotting by Jennifer McGrath Kent will get the day under way at 9 am. Her presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on the writing life led by Robert Rayner, Lisa Dalrymple and Susan White at 10:30 am.

McGrath Kent will join Rayner and Dalrymple to give readings at 1 pm, preceding a talk by Sheree Fitch, titled “No More Kitty Litter: Kid Lit Coming of Age in NB.”The event moves to the Kennebecasis Valley Library at 3:30 pm for a storytime, featuring WordsSpring’s children’s authors including Sheree Fitch.

Sheree Fitch
Sheree Fitch

WordsSpring returns to the Shadow Lawn that evening for the WFNB Literary Awards Soiree, during which prizes are presented to winners of WFNB’s 2013 Literary Competition. This year’s contest drew 189 entries, the highest number in WFNB’s recent history. Readings will be given by the first place finishers, as well as Sheree Fitch and Riel Nason. The soiree starts at 7 pm.

The next morning, participants will take a ferry ride to the Kingston Peninsula, where they will enjoy a meal and readings at an open microphone brunch. The event will be held at the Kingston Market, starting at 10 am.

All events are open to the public and are free of charge, except for events being held at the Qplex. Those require registration and payment of $60 for WFNB members and $70 for non-members, Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch included.

For more information on the event and to register, visit the federation’s website at www.wfnb.ca.

Now in its 28th year, with more than 300 members, WFNB is the only organization in the province that represents and promotes writers in all disciplines, at all stages of development.