Vancouver Writers Fest goes virtual for 30th year

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The 30th annual Vancouver Writers Fest kicked off Monday, albeit in virtual form because of COVID-19.

“We are offering events through the entire fall, including our festival week, Oct. 19 to 25. We have 40 different events and we’ve been able to bring in authors from all around the world,” said Leslie Hurtig, artistic director of what is billed as the largest annual literary event in the city.

This year’s festival has 65 authors, poets, and spoken-word artists, including acclaimed historian Margaret MacMillan to indie-rock musicians Tegan and Sara.

“We have Tegan and Sara joining us with their new memoir, now out in paperback, called High School,” Hurtig said, as well as Kevin Kwan, the author of Crazy Rich Asians.

Hurtig admits organizers might keep some online elements even after the pandemic has passed.

“One of the things we’ve noticed is that we’re able to produce virtual book clubs with authors who might not otherwise have been able to visit Vancouver with their busy schedules,” she added.

“I think this is something we’ll definitely want to keep going.”

For more information, visit the Vancouver Writers Festival website.

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