Along with a host of new events for this literary season, the Whistler Readers and Writers Festival is also offering two new “Book and Bed” packages in partnership with The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The full “Book and Bed” package starts at $658 and includes two full event passes for the festival plus accommodation for two nights, based on two sharing. That’s entry to 14 events over the festival weekend, teamed with outstanding Fairmont service and location. The other option is the half “Book and Bed” package, which includes the same accommodation option above but with access to the Friday night Welcome Reception and Wine, Books and Jazz event on the Saturday, this package starts at $358.

The Whistler Readers and Writers Festival incorporates panel discussions, workshops, and speaking events all under one festive umbrella. These events have an intimate feel, with literary fans able to really interact and connect with top authors from all over North America. Running from October 12-14 the Whistler Readers and Writers Festival celebrates the art of storytelling with an all-star lineup of guest authors and top tier events.

Headlining is Alistair MacLeod, one of Canada’s most distinguished writers, best known for his critically acclaimed collection of short-stories Island as well as his multiple award-winning novel No Great Mischief, which took home the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

Other guest authors include Lawrence Hill of the international best-seller and prize winning The Book of Negroes (published as Someone Knows My Name in the USA); short-story author and journalist Zsuzsi Gartner (Better Living Through Plastic Explosives); humourist young adult writer Susan Juby (Alice, I Think, The Woefield Poultry Collective); non-fiction and fiction writer Margaret Macpherson (Nellie McClung: Voice for the Voiceless, Body Trade); historical fiction novelist Jack Whyte (A Dream of Eagles, The Templar Trilogy); fiction and poetry writer Miranda Hill (Sleeping Funny) and celebrated poet John Burnside (Black Cat Bone).

Local author and festival director Stella Harvey will also be debuting her new book Nicolai’s Daughters. “I’m truly honoured and humbled by the list of names we have been able to secure for this year’s festival,” said Harvey. “Each year we strive to bring the very best in literary talent to Whistler, and this year we have definitely raised the bar in terms of the type and range of expertise in the written craft.”

Opening Night Gala – SLCC, Friday, October 12

The Opening Night Gala will be held at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre on Friday, October 12, from 8 – 10pm. Authors Zsuzsi Gartner, Susan Juby, Miranda Hill, Stella Leventoyannis Harvey, John Burnside, Margaret Macpherson, Alistair and Jack Whyte will be hosted by comedian and humourist Charles Demers.

Wine, Books and Jazz – Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Saturday, October 13

Enjoy some fine BC and international wines as authors Lawrence Hill, Miranda Hill, John Burnside, Jack Whyte, Susan Juby, Zsuzsi Gartner, Alistair Macleod and Margaret Macpherson discuss their favourite recent and long-cherished reads. Do reds go best with lengthy Russian novels? Is rosé strictly for summer reading? Does the brevity of poetry lend itself to the drinking of distilled spirits? The deep connection between wine and books may well be revealed by the end of this flowing discussion. Imbibers of fine beer and spirits will be welcomed into the fold. As the conversation spills throughout the room, Vancouver’s award-winning traditional jazz band the New Orleans Ale Stars will take the stage to heat up the dance floor with some swing-era jazz. This event will be held at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler on Saturday, October 13, from 7:30pm onwards.

Learn more about the festival lineup and secure tickets by visiting theviciouscircle.ca