Writers at Woody Point, Newfoundland

Writing Life: 16

The Audition

It all started in a lovely independent bookstore in Hamilton on the evening of Monday, November 6, 2017. I was giving a talk in this beautiful bookstore in Westdale, just a few doors down from the house I shared with a dozen other students nearly 40 years earlier while earning my Engineering degree from McMaster. The talk was quite well attended for a small venue so I was able to engage with everyone in the room. A man seated at the back caught my attention. I recognized him. It was none other than Stephen Brunt, the sports writer and broadcaster.

Sportswriter Stephen Brunt.

Now why would Stephen Brunt come to see my reading on a chilly November evening? Then, in a flash, I remembered. Stephen was not only an award-winning sportswriter, he was also a co-founder and the Artistic Director for the famed Writers at Woody Point festival in Newfoundland. I realized in an instant, while standing at the front of this bookstore beginning my talk that I might just be auditioning for the 2018 Writers at Woody Point festival. No pressure. Fortunately, the talk seemed to go well. People laughed, asked questions, and were very nice. As a bonus, not once did trip and fall down.

After my talk, Stephen approached me. I must have somehow passed the test or caught him at a weak moment, because Stephen Brunt promptly invited me to appear at Woody Point the following summer. I kept my cool and limited my reaction to three cartwheels and a restrained “YES!!! I’m going to the Show!”

I was booked for Woody Point.

This may not seem like a big deal, but Woody Point is a legendary festival. Only the CanLit crème de la crème are invited—Oh, and somehow I got to go, too!

“Go East Young Man”

In August, my wife, Nancy, and I flew to Deer Lake, Newfoundland, rented a car and drove northwest to Woody Point on Bonne Bay.

We landed in Deer Lake and drove a rental car to Woody Point, nestled on the shores of Bonne Bay on the west coast of Newfoundland.

The scenery—the natural beauty—was spectacular.

Looking out on Bonne Bay from a restaurant in Woody Point.

We were starving when we arrived and promptly sat down at a restaurant right on the water. The great writer, David Chariandy joined us for lunch.

Without a doubt, the worst photo ever taken of me. Were it not for standing next to the lovely David Chariandy, this shot would never have seen the light of day.

Over the next few days, I did three events and took several tours including the geological wonder of the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park.

A few shots of our visit to nearby Table Mountain (also known as the Tablelands) and its unique geological formation.

My major event was an evening talk alongside friend and award-winning writer, Elizabeth Hay in St. Patrick’s church in Bonne Bay. We had a great evening.

My Friday evening event alongside the wonderful Elizabeth Hay at St. Patrick’s church in Bonne Bay.

(L) With Elizabeth Hay as we arrived for our evening event. (R) Looking ghostly during my talk.

We also attended most of the other author events and hung out with other amazing writers and cultural players including Lawrence Hill, Tom Wilson, Alan Doyle, Shelagh Rogers, Tom Power and of course, the aforementioned Elizabeth Hay and David Chariandy.

My final event was helping to lead a nature walk in pristine wilderness. We’d stop along with way and listen to musical performances and take in our stunning surroundings. Then at one point, I read from my then not yet published novel, Albatross.

A couple of shots from the nature walk.

There I am, wireless mic and all, amidst the umbrellas reading from my, then, not yet released seventh novel, Albatross.

Of course, the music is a very important part of the festival… every night.

A larger than usual “kitchen party” at the festival. Just a typical night at Woody Point.

---

On our last morning, we drove CBC-Radio’s host of Q, Tom Power, back to Deer Lake as we were booked on the same homeward bound flight. I knew him from appearing on his show a few times, but it was fun to spend an hour with him on the drive. Great host, great guy.

With Tom Power before driving him back to Deer Lake with us.

As expected, we had such a great time at Woody Point, The people, the writers, the musicians, the community, the landscape… all breathtaking.

If you ever have the chance to attend the Writers at Woody Point festival, you’ll be part of an extraordinary and memorable annual event that will stay with you always.

Thanks for stopping by. I publish a new post every Sunday. Why not subscribe if you haven’t already. It’s free. And it always helps if you can use the “Share” button to spread the good word. See you next week.