Eden Mills Writers' Festival

I'm excited (and slightly terrified) to share some great news! I've been invited to speak at the Eden Mills Writers' Festival on September 16th, 2012. The festival runs from noon until 6:00 p.m. If you live in southwestern Ontario, you might want to add this date to your calendar. Treat yourself to a relaxing and inspiring day in a bucolic village.

It is a huge honour to be asked to present at this festival. I'll be presenting Backyard Circus, which means the clown garb, circus accoutrements, and a mega-dose of FUN. Other children's authors will include Helaine Becker, Ben Caesar, Lizann Flatt, Susan Glickman, Susan Hughes, Monica Kulling, and Ted Staunton. Young adult authors include Karen Bass, Pat Bourke, Evan Munday, Allan Stratton, Mariko Tamaki, Teresa Toten, Janet Wilson, and Julie Wilson. I'm super excited about finally meeting some children's book authors with whom I've corresponded but not met: Monica Kulling, Susan Hughes, Helaine Becker, and Lizann Flatt. And I'm excited about meeting many others, too.

Of course, there are awe-inspiring adult writers who will be there as well. Alistair MacLeod, Ami McKay, Donna Morrissey, and Michael Ondaatje are some of my faves. Festival founder, "unruly storyteller," and author Leon Rooke will be there.

When I think of the cumulative stack of awards represented by this year's festival participants, I feel dizzy! There are GG winners, Booker prize winners, a Charles Taylor Prize recipient, Top 100 National Post books, a Norma Fleck Award winner, and more. Are you feeling dizzy now, too?

I used to live in this village, so it holds MANY memories for me.

Click here to find the festival website. Click here to read biographies of the children's authors. For young adult authors click here. And, OK, OK: for adult authors click right here!

If you're like me, after perusing the website, you'll want to rush out to your nearest bookstore and library to stock up and GET READING!!!