Big-name writers and other creatives are coming to the territory for the BVI Literary Arts Festival this week — including Trinidadian novelist Celeste Mohammed, American publisher Chris Jackson, Jamaican author Diana McCaulay, American producer Zola Mashariki, and many more.
“There’s something in Lit Fest for everyone,” said Lit Fest Committee Co-chair Rochelle Smith, adding, “We have the ticketed events — Sunset Stories, a welcome reception, the book brunch — but the meat, I would say, of Lit Fest would be the panels, and they’re open to the public.”
Most of the events — which this year are themed “Long Story Short” — will be held at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay. Except for a handful of workshops, the sessions at the college will be free to attend.
Before the main festival schedule, two events will be held next Wednesday: At noon, there will be a poetry slam at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at HLSCC; and at 6 p.m. Beverly Vanterpool, joining Patlian Johnson, will speak during her book launch at The Green Room.
On Nov. 6, Lit Fest officially kicks off with free panel events at HLSCC covering topics across media formats, from a short film showcase to a session on storytelling in the digital age.
High school students from across the territory will attend that day, according to Ms. Smith. In the evening, the Writers’ Welcome at Rhythm and Sands in Cane Garden Bay will be the first ticketed event.
Book fair and more
The next day will begin with a book fair in the library at HLSCC.
Local writers, including those who have published books, are invited to participate, said Traci O’Dea, who is a Lit Fest committee member.
“We want everyone to feel like they’re a part of this, and we want to encourage them to interact with other authors and our international guests,” Ms. O’Dea said.
Free sessions will also continue at the college, including one that celebrates the legacy of Robert Mathavious, the late former Financial Services Commission managing director who recently died at age 73.
“This year, we’ve decided to honour him as part of Lit Fest and talk about the legacy that he has left,” Ms. Smith said.
Other sessions include an author’s forum, a panel on women writers in the islands, and a panel on poetry.
The evening of Nov. 7, attendees are invited to Sunset Stories — a ticketed event at Brandywine Estate Restaurant, where writers will share excerpts of their works and host a conversation.
Workshops
Younger children will get their chance to explore the world of literature on Nov. 8 with the “Literary Wonderland” event at HLSCC.
The same day, there will also be workshops covering poetry, filmmaking and creative writing at the college, which will cost $25 each.
“If you are really serious about getting your craft out there and have questions, want to know what the process is like, we have people in different areas of publishing that can provide some great feedback,” Ms. Smith said.
In the evening, Botella in the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park will host another ticketed event featuring readings by more than 10 poets.
The final day of Lit Fest will close off with a “book brunch” at Long Bay Beach Resort.
“The book brunch this year is taking a slightly different format in that you’re sitting at the table with an author,” Ms. Smith said, adding, “We don’t necessarily have a keynote speech or anything, but we’re encouraging and looking forward to the conversations that are going to be happening at the tables.”
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