DEAR EDITOR:
Thank you to everyone who participated in Write On Bowen 2021, held this past weekend in the luscious gardens of David and Aubin van Berkel. Over the course of two days, more than 50 literary-minded people gathered for the sold-out event to write poetry, get inspired by story, explore memoir, discover their personal myth, and blast away writer’s block. Thank you to our workshop facilitators Deborah Blenkhorn, Susan Alexander, Jude Neale, and Tina Overbury, along with Write On Bowen co-directors Carol Cram and Jacqueline Massey who also led workshops.
Following the workshops on each day, participants gathered together to enjoy a full program of readings and presentations by Bowen authors. What a treat! On Saturday, the rain stopped just in time for us to enjoy spirited readings by Susan Alexander, Daniel Cowper, Kami Kanetsuka, Daniella Sorrentino, Edye Hanen, and Carol Cram. On Sunday, Bowen authors Diane Grieg, Michael Penny, Tina Overbury, Jude Neale, David Cameron and Kami Kanetsuka, (returning for an encore performance), shared their work. On both days, the ever-entertaining David Cameron kept the program bubbling along as our wonderful MC.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to David and Aubin van Berkel who so generously opened their garden to the Write On Bowen festival for what was a truly magical experience. Thank you also to our co-sponsors The Hearth and Bowen Island Library.
Following the overwhelming success of Write On Bowen 2021, discussions for Write On Bowen Festival 2022 will soon be under way. Our island is home to so many marvelous authors and so much literary talent waiting to be shared and celebrated that we just have to do it all again! We hope to see you next year!
Carol Cram & Jacqueline Massey,
Co-directors, Write On Bowen
