Who: Authors, publishers, booksellers, storytellers, performers and thousands of book lovers
Where: Six Canadian cities, coast to coast--including Vancouver, British Columbia; Lethbridge, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Kitchener and Toronto, Ontario; and Halifax, Nova Scotia
When: Sunday, September, 25th
(Note: This year Vancouver's event was expanded to three-days--Friday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 25th)
(Information collected from The Word on the Street pamphlet)
My personal experience...
My involvement with the festival began with an email from Debra Purdy Kong (Crime Writers of Canada British Columbia/Yukon regional vice-president). She wrote to solicit volunteers to represent CWC. Even though I'd never attended The Word on the Street, I seized this opportunity. In further correspondence, Deborah asked me to help work the booth from one to three o'clock.
Travelling from my quiet rural island to a city alive with words was a culture shock. I arrived at the event at 11 AM. Arriving early provided me with an opportunity to explore. The Mainstage already pulsed with music. Smaller tents housed authors reading to attentive audiences.
From these venues, I moved from booth to booth, networking with authors, editors, publishers and other professionals--many of whom I've invited to visit this blog. Watch for these interviews and guest posts to be featured in the coming months.
The Word on the Street is a dynamic, activity-packed event that I'm glad I attended. Next year I plan to listen to some panel discussions as well.
