Welcome to Litsy!

Am I the only one who thinks it's disrespectful when an audience member files her nails during an author reading? (She was right behind us. Zzzzzt, zzzzt, zzzzzt in my ear.) #VWF16 #petpeeves

Every event at the Vancouver Writers Fest began with the acknowledgment that it was taking place on unceeded Coast Salish territory. I'm grateful to have been a guest on their land for the past week. #VWF16

Moderator Angie Abdou asked Marni Jackson why now, at age 70, she switched from journalism and nonfiction to writing fiction. Jackson: "I spent five years writing about pain. I was ready for some fun." #VWF16

I'm really looking forward to reading this!

Zoe Whittall spoke about her struggle to find the right voice for this book. Two years ago, she came close to throwing away the entire manuscript. Then she settled on close third-person and now the book is shortlisted for the Giller prize. (When asked what she will wear to the award ceremony, she said she plans to consult a friend who is more skilled in that subject than she is.) #VWF16

At #VWF16, Alexis said this was a retelling of Treasure Island. It reminded me of The Da Vinci Code, except with more elegant writing, and the clues started with a Japanese screen instead of the Mona Lisa, and Toronto instead of Paris. Okay, so not that similar... What I know for sure: it was great!

"I'm comfortable with simile, but I'm not a metaphor writer because I was so scared by the idea that the communion host was the flesh of Jesus."
-Sharon Olds, speaking at #VWF16

"Self-love is so good. There was a pagan in me from the start. The flowers in the garden would tell me, 'You are not going to hell.'"
-Sharon Olds, my new hero, speaking at the Vancouver Writers Fest. #VWF16

"One is not a monster for wanting to sing the truth."
- Sharon Olds at #VWF16 , asked about fallout that happens when writing about her dysfunctional family.

Up next: 2 events & 8 authors at #VWF16

Garnette Cadogan
Alexander Chee
John Freeman
Sharon Olds
Marni Jackson
Owen Laukkanen
Jennifer Manuel
Zoe Whittall

Yay!

One of the little ferries that crosses the water between my hotel and Granville Island, where the Vancouver Writers Fest takes place. #VWF16