An all-star lineup of local poets and authors are taking their talents online as the Federation of British Columbia Writers’ online, Zoom-based, Quite Determined series is coming to the West Coast.
The Quite Determined series was launched to showcase creative minds whose book launches and speaking events have been cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a media release from the FBCW.
The West Coast’s event is scheduled for June 1 at 7 p.m. and will feature Tofino’s new and former poet laureates Christine Lowther and Joanna Streetly as well as writers from the Clayoquot Writers Group, including Shirley Martin, David Floody and Helen Mavoa.
Monday’s event is being organized by the FBCW Islands representative, and former editor of the Westerly News, Jacqueline Carmichael.
“Writers and readers around B.C., as everywhere else in the world, have had their voices muffled by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Carmichael said through the release. “In different times, there would be small readings and book launches and writer gatherings and book clubs, in person, over coffee. Writing is often a solitary endeavour as it is, and with health concerns prompting social distancing and quarantine measures, we are reaching out to connect the virtual dots between writers and readers. More events are in the wings.”
Carmichael hopes the event will connect West Coast writers with readers around the province and said she is excited to see Tofino’s new poet laureate Christine Lowther in action.
“It’s wonderful to feature Christine Lowther. As Tofino’s poet laureate, she brings her gifts for writing and long-time commitment to the environment and to supporting fellow writers,” Carmichael said through the release. “She’s an amazing writer, and I hope we’ll hear from her piece for the recently published Sweet Water anthology (2020, Caitlin Press) pulled together by Yvonne Blomer.”
Anyone interested in attending the event via Zoom is encouraged to register via email at fbcw.islands@gmail.com.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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