It’s Sunday evening and I’ve just finished putting things away after a great day at the annual Word on the Street Fair. It’s a day-long celebration of reading and writing hosted by several cities across Canada simultaneously. I love going to this event because everyone is upbeat and friendly, except perhaps for the guy who was busted by the Vancouver police and hauled off in a paddy wagon this afternoon, although I have no idea what triggered this outcome.
I’ve been attending Word on the Street since I first published Taxed to Death in the late nineties. Over recent years, I’ve volunteered at the Crime Writers of Canada table (thank you to CWC for sponsoring the west coast contingent) and help hand out brochures about our organization. It’s always a treat to talk to people who love reading mysteries but had no idea we existed, or that many more Canadians are writing mysteries than they thought. This is also a chance to let aspiring writers know that help and support is out there.
This year, there were many tables and tents featuring book publishers, large and small, magazines, writing-related organizations and, of course, book sellers. Today’s musical entertainment ranged from opera to bongo drumming. There was an area for kids’ books and entertainment, tents for readings, plus more panel discussions inside the main library. And all of it was free. For those of you who missed out this year, you’ll have another chance next year. It’s always the last Sunday of September, and even though rain was forecasted for today, none came. What can I say? It was a wonderful day.
My amateur sleuth, Vancouver-based, Alex Bellamy mysteries can be purchased at
FATAL ENCRYPTION, http://tinyurl.com/ddzsxl
TAXED TO DEATH, http://tinyurl.com/czsy5n
2 comments:
I went to the Word on the Street in Kitchener for the first time this year and loved it. I plan to go next year as well.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jessica! WOTS is a terrific event for book lovers.
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