Wordstock Sudbury Literary Festival has released the lineup for its 10th-anniversary celebration, taking place Nov. 2-4 at the Holiday Inn Sudbury.
This milestone event promises to be a literary extravaganza featuring a remarkable lineup of authors, poets, playwrights, masterclasses, panel discussions and more, said a press release.
Over the past decade, Wordstock Sudbury has emerged as a cultural cornerstone in Sudbury, celebrating the written word and fostering a love for literature within the community. This year's festival promises to be a true testament to the festival's growth and dedication to literary excellence.
The 10th-anniversary edition of Wordstock Sudbury boasts an impressive lineup of authors, poets and playwrights from across Canada and here in Northern Ontario, including
Catherine Banks and Hiro Kanagawa, who are coming from both sides of the country with insights into playwriting and screenwriting.
Deborah Dundas, the Toronto Star's Books Editor, is a respected figure in the Canadian literary scene, known for her literary expertise and now with her own book, On Class, will share the stage with Haroon Siddiqui, editorial page editor emeritus of the Toronto Star and a senior fellow at Massey College, who has released his memoir My Name is Not Harry.
Britta Badour, Kirby, Therese Estacion, Stuart Ross, Tyler Pennock, and Jordan Abel - these talented poets and writers offer a diverse range of perspectives, enriching the festival with their unique voices.
Jamaluddin Aram, filmmaker and emerging writer, who has immigrated from Afghanistan, will be joined by Dave Hurlow, former member of the Juno nominated band The Darcy’s to talk about their debut novels and the convergence of creative outlets through film, music and literature. Hana Shafi will be there to talk about her new poetry and illustrations book, People You Know, Places You’ve Been and the creative process with writing and visual arts.
In partnership with Salon du livre du grand Sudbury, Wordstock brings award-winning author Blaise Ndala with his new book In The Belly of the Congo.
The festival said it is delighted to showcase many Northern Ontario authors. including Kim Fahner, Roger Nash, Marion Agnew, Vera Constantineau and Matthew Del Papa.
Terry Fallis, renowned for his humorous and insightful novels, including his recent best selling novel, A New Season, is a two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and Rod Carley, longlisted for the 2021 and 2022 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, will offer a humour writing masterclass.Terry Fallis and Rod Carley, alumni of the festival, are returning to Sudbury to help us celebrate along with Ali Bryan, award winning author of Coq and The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships who brings her extra-special fun to the festival in our gala celebration.
The festival will feature readings, book signings, panel discussions, and masterclasses, providing a rare opportunity for literary enthusiasts to engage with their favorite authors and discover new voices.
Wordstock will again award prizes to the Youthwords Writing Contest winners. “Thanks to the Sudbury Credit Union for helping us out this year by sponsoring the contest,” said the press release.
Tickets for Wordstock Sudbury's 10th-anniversary festival go on sale Monday, Oct. 2. Purchase tickets through the festival’s website, www.wordstocksudbury.ca, or on Eventbrite.