Poetry – and doughnuts – on the menu at this weekend’s feminist literary festival in Vancouver
This weekend, more than 40 local writers and artists will share their words and work during Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival.
Presented by the Vancouver-based magazine Room, the two-day event (March 11-12) features both established writers as well as up-and-coming authors taking part in panels, readings, workshops, special events and unapologetic doughnut consumption. See below for some highlights.
The Here and Now (panel) – Carleigh Baker, Aislinn Hunter, June Hutton, and Christine Lowther discuss capturing the character of a particular time and place in both fiction and memoir. (Moderator: Tanis MacDonald, March 12, 3:30 p.m.–5: p.m., free, The Rooftop @ 24 West 4th Avenue)
Funny Feminists (reading) – Elizabeth Bachinsky, Lorna Crozier, Dina Del Bucchia, Doretta Lau, Beni Xiao “take to the stage and show us how feminist comedy is done,” according to the festival website. “By the end of this event, you’ll have a new appreciation for the power of comedic writing to surprise and delight—not to mention, convey powerful messages about injustice.” (March 11, 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m., free, Multipurpose Room #4 @ Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way)
[Insert Innuendo Here] (reading) – Writing about sex can be tricky, as the annual Bad Sex in Fiction award makes clear. Five writers (Amber Dawn, Dina Del Bucchia, Jane Eaton Hamilton, Kellee Ngan, and Jen Sookfong Lee) find new words for old acts in readings from their steamiest scenes. (March 12, 1 –2:30 p.m., free, The Rooftop @ 24 West 4th Ave.)
Creative Non-Fiction with Marianne Apostolides (workshop) – Author Apostolides (Voluptuous Pleasure: The Truth About the Writing Life) explores the ins and outs of creative nonfiction, including techniques, narrative, and practical strategies. Open to writers of all levels. (March 12, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $30 per person (includes a copy of The Voluptuous Pleasure), The Boardroom @ 24 West 4th Ave.)
Vancouver poet Elizabeth Bachinsky takes part in this year’s Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival.
Perfect Pairings: Food and Wine, Prose and Poetry (special event) – Readings from local contributors, beer, wine, ice cream, and DOUGHNUTS! (March 11, 7 – 9:30 p.m., by donation, Cartems Donuterie @ 2190 Main Street)
Register at eventbrite.ca. For the full lineup visit roommagazine.com.