For the love of words: Wordstock returns in June

Readers and writers alike are in for a treat at the second edition of the Wordstock Sudbury Literary Festival, set to take place June 19-20.

“We have so many talented writers in the city ... all contributing not only to the literary landscape of the city, but across the region and the country,” said festival chair Heather Campbell, a local freelance writer.

“We love words, and we love getting together with other writers and other readers. That is what Wordstock Sudbury is all about — to celebrate and savour the words around us that shape and define us, and that inspire us.”

Wordstock began in 2013 as a special project by the Sudbury Arts Council. It's held every two years so it doesn't interfere with the city's Francophone literary festival, Le Salon du livre.

This year's festival begins at 5:30 p.m. June 19 with an event at Sudbury Secondary School's Sheridan Auditorium, featuring author Terry Fallis and actor and playwright Sandra Shamas.

Fallis is the 2008 winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour for his debut novel, “The Best Laid Plans,” which was transformed into a CBC miniseries that aired this past January.

His fourth novel, “No Relation,” is a finalist for the 2015 Stephen Leacock Medal. Sudbury-born Shamas was nominated for a Governor General's Award for Humour, and has won a Gemini for best performance in comedy and best theatre award from the U.S Comedy Arts Festival.

In 1989, she performed her first one-woman show, "My Boyfriend's Back and There's Gonna Be Laundry" at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. She's also known for her follow-up shows, "My Boyfriend's Back II," "Wedding Bell Hell" and "Wit's End."

The festival continues at 9 a.m. on June 20 with a full day of workshops for writers at Sudbury Secondary School. Among the topics are the business side of writing and writing for young adults.

Then, starting at 6 p.m. on June 20, spoken word artist and musician Corin Raymond brings his “Bookworm” show to the Motley Kitchen in downtown Sudbury.

Also as part of Wordstock, writers under the age of 18 are invited to enter the Youth Writing Contest With Creepy Possibilities.

Sponsored by Northern Life, the contest invites youth to pen a creepy tale featuring Capreol, with a chance to win a prize of money and publication in local author Mat Del Papa's new book, “Creepy Capreol Jr.”

“It gives young kids a chance to show what they can do,” said Greater Sudbury poet laureate Tom Leduc, who's heading up the contest. “They're so imaginative, so creative, and it's great to hear their stories.”

Matt Heiti, Sudbury Theatre Centre's playwright-in-residence, said Wordstock offers local writers a chance to upgrade their craft.

“It offers opportunities with professional authors from outside the community to come in and help our writers get better at what they do,” he said.

Tickets to Wordstock's various events, which cost between $20 and $25, are available May 13 through eventbrite.ca.

Those interested in entering the youth writing contest are asked to email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.wordstocksudbury.ca.