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AFTERWORDS
LITERARY FESTIVAL
October 29 to November 5, 2023
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FESTIVAL PASSES
FESTIVAL ACCESS PASS $95
GAINS YOU ENTRANCE TO MOST FESTIVAL EVENTS, INCLUDING THE BOOK APPETIT BRUNCH, BUT NOT INCLUDING WORKSHOPS
$95
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FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL PASS $125
GAINS YOU ENTRANCE TO MOST FESTIVAL EVENTS, INCLUDING THE BOOK APPETIT BRUNCH, BUT NOT INCLUDING WORKSHOPS. INCLUDES AN AFTERWORDS BOOK BAG FILLED WITH GOODIES.
$125
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FULL SCHEDULE
CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
THE LOST SUPPER
TARAS GRESCOE IN CONVERSATION WITH SIMON THIBAULT WITH SMALL BITES BY CHEF MOLOTOV
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
7:00 PM — 9PM | DOORS AT 6:30 PM
CAFE LARA, AGRICOLA STREET
Taras Grescoe, author of The Lost Supper: Searching for the Future of Food in the Flavours of the Past, in conversation with food writer Simon Thibault. Presented by the University of King's College. Your ticket includes gourmet gluten-free small bites by Chef Molotov.
$20
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FILM SCREENING
THE GEOGRAPHIES OF DAR
A DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING FOLLOWED BY A Q&A SESSION WITH DAVID ADAMS RICHARDS AND FILMMAKER MONIQUE LEBLANC
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30
7:30 PM — 9:30PM | DOORS AT 7 PM
CARBON ARC CINEMA, MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
A new documentary explores the life and literary works of renowned Canadian author David Adams Richards. Through stunning visuals, insightful interviews and poignant excerpts from his writings voiced by fellow authors, the film explores the profound connection between Richards’ personal geography and his literary landscapes, revealing how the intertwining of his own experiences and eastern Canada’s Miramichi shaped his storytelling. Screening followed by Q&A with David Adams Richards and director Monique LeBlanc
$5
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READINGS
KICK-OFF PARTY
WITH AMY JONES, STEPHENS GERARD MALONE, CAMILLE FOUILLARD, LISA FISHMAN, AMANDA PETERS, NICHOLAS HERRING & SARAH MIAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM DOORS AT 6:30PM
CAFE LARA, AGRICOLA STREET
Help us celebrate the fifth annual AfterWords Festival! Featuring readings from Amy Jones, Nicholas Herring. Stephens Gerard Malone, Lisa Fishman, Amanda Peters, and Camille Fouillard, and hosted by Sarah Mian. This licensed event at Cafe Lara will fill up fast, so snag your ticket now!
$8
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
POETRY AND PROSE
READINGS BY POETS SYLVIA D. HAMILTON AND NANCI LEE, NICHOLAS HERRING AND WILLIAM PING IN CONVERSATION WITH BART VAUTOUR.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM DOORS AT 6:30
THE BUS STOP THEATRE, GOTTINGEN STREET
Hear acclaimed Nova Scotian poets Sylvia D. Hamilton and Nanci Lee read from their latest works. Sylvia D. Hamilton's Tender was shortlisted for the Pat Lowther Award, and won this year's Maxine Tynes Nova Scotia Poetry Award. Nanci Lee's Hsin won the J.M. Abraham Atlantic Poetry Award.
Then, debut novelists Nicholas Herring and William Ping join poet, editor, and professor Bart Vautour in conversation. Herring's Some Hellish and Ping's Hollow Bamboo both feature eponymous protagonists, and each takes Atlantic Canadian literature in an exciting new direction.
$8
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
DARTMOUTH READINGS
AT MORLEY'S
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
1:00 PM — 2:00 PM, DOORS AT 12:30
MORLEY'S COFFEE/TAZ RECORDS/FRICTION BOOKS
For the first time, AfterWords is proudly crossing the harbour to offer readings in Dartmouth, by poet and speculative fiction writer Tiffany Morris, Young Adult writer Nicola Davison, and debut novelist William Ping. This unlicensed venue offers beverages and snacks for sale.
$5
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES
ALICIA ELLIOTT IN CONVERSATION WITH MERCEDES PETERS, AMY JONES AND SEAN MICHAELS IN CONVERSATION WITH LAURIE BROWN.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM, DOORS AT 6:30
THE BUS STOP THEATRE, GOTTINGEN STREET
Alicia Elliott's much anticipated debut horror novel is called And Then She Fell—see Alicia in conversation with professor and horror fan Mercedes Peters. Then, Amy Jones (Pebble & Dove) and Sean Michaels (Do You Remember Being Born?) join Laurie Brown in conversation. ASL.
$10
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KIDS AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING
KIDS' DAY/JOURNEE JEUNESSE
WITH SYDNEY SMITH, SAL SAWLER, LAUREN SOLOY, BRIANA CORR SCOTT, JACK WONG, WANDA TAYLOR, SUSAN VANDE GRIEK, NICO, DENIS M. BOUCHER, THERESA MEUSE, EMMA FITZGERALD, DANIELLE METCALFE-CHENAIL, AND FABIEN MELANSON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
12:45PM-4PM, DOORS AT 12:30, READINGS START AT 12:45PM
HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY, PAUL O'REGAN HALL
Drop by our first ever AfterWords Kids' Day/Journée jeunesse! Kids can get their Kids' Day passport stamped or signed by authors Sydney Smith, Lauren Soloy, Theresa Meuse, Briana Corr Scott, Wanda Taylor, Sal Sawler, Emma FitzGerald, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, Denis M. Boucher, Nico, and Susan Vande Griek. Plus enjoy activities, crafts, author readings in our Cozy Corner and free popcorn from the library's old-fashioned popcorn machine! There's programming for kids from infant to 12 years old, in English and French. ASL interpretation will be provided for the Cozy Corner readings. A low-sensory room is available. Come for ten minutes, or stay for the whole afternoon.
FREE
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Kids' Day/Journée jeunesse
CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
HALIFAX READINGS
AT THE CARLETON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
1:00 PM — 2:00 PM
THE CARLETON, ARGYLE STREET
Join us for an afternoon of readings at The Carleton featuring novelists Sean Michaels, Leo McKay Jr, and Sharon English. This licensed venue offers beverages and snacks for sale.
$5
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALL RIGHT FOR READING
POETRY BY RAYMOND SEWELL, MONA AWAD IN CONVERSATION WITH MERCEDES PETERS, ZOE WHITTALL IN CONVERSATION WITH FRANCESCA EKWUYASI
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM, DOORS AT 6:30
ST. MATTHEW'S UNITED CHURCH, BARRINGTON STREET
A night of story and song, beginning with poet and songwriter Raymond Sewell. Then two of our favourite novelists on one bill: Mona Awad brings her latest novel, Rouge, to AfterWords, and joins horror enthusiast and professor Mercedes Peters in conversation. Then, Zoe Whittall talks about her latest, The Fake, with francesca ekwuyasi. ASL
$15
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
BOOK APPETIT BRUNCH
WITH EMMA DONOGHUE AND CHARLENE CARR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
11:00 AM — 1:00 PM, DOORS 10:30
THE CARLETON, ARGYLE STREET
Hands up if you agree that books and brunch go together like eggs and toast! We're pairing readings from novelists Charlene Carr and Emma Donoghue with a delicious brunch at The Carleton. Your ticket includes admission and one brunch dish from The Carleton's excellent menu. Coffee or tea is included, other beverages and extra brunch menu items are available for purchase. Doors at 10:30, readings begin around 11:30, brunch service throughout.
$30 includes brunch
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT MILLBROOK
WITH AMANDA PETERS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
1:00 PM — 1:45 PM, DOORS 12:45
MILLBROOK CULTURAL CENTRE, 65 TREATY TRAIL, MILLBROOK
Amanda Peters reads from her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Berry Pickers. Books will be available for sale, and Amanda will be on hand to chat and sign books after the reading.
FREE
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
A DEEP DIVE
EXPLORING THE STATE OF OUR OCEANS, SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS: KAREN PINCHIN AND LAURA TRETHEWEY IN CONVERSATION WITH JEFF DOUGLAS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
3:00 PM — 4:30 PM, DOORS AT 2:30
THE CARLETON, ARGYLE STREET
PRESENTED BY OCEANS NORTH
Two new books explore issues related to our oceans. Karen Pinchin's Kings of Their Own Ocean looks at the future of our seas through the story of one of its most remarkable species: the bluefin tuna. Laura Trethewey's The Deepest Map chronicles the race to map the ocean floor. Both books reveal our intrinsic reliance on our oceans—and their current delicate state. Join us for this free panel discussion about the state of our oceans, sustainability, and the climate crisis moderated by CBC Mainstreet host Jeff Douglas.
FREE
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CONVERSATIONS & READINGS
A NOVEL APPROACH
MICHELLE PORTER AND AMANDA PETERS IN CONVERSATION, EMMA DONOGHUE IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH HAMPSON
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM, DOORS AT 6:30
ST. MATTHEW'S UNITED CHURCH, BARRINGTON STREET
Debut novelists Amanda Peters (The Berry Pickers) and Michelle Porter (A Grandmother Begins the Story) explore the family ties that bind us for better and for worse, the mysteries and secrets that haunt us, and the path toward healing in their extraordinary debut novels. Then, Emma Donoghue joins veteran journalist Sarah Hampson for a conversation about Learned by Heart, inspired by the adolescence of Anne Lister, subject of the HBO series "Gentleman Jack." ASL
$10
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WORKSHOPS
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
THE ART OF MEMOIR: MAKING THE MEANINGLESS MEAN SOMETHING
WITH EDEN BOUDREAU
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
NOON — 2:00 PM
VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM
“Writing is Easy, You Just Open a Wound and Bleed.” Hemingway said that. Or Thomas Wolfe. Or maybe Friedrich Nietzsche. Either way, someone once summarized the intimate brutality of writing and this workshop will dig even deeper, specifically into the Art of Memoir and how we can use this genre to make the meaningless, mean something. Author Eden Boudreau will use her own memoir, Crying Wolf, for examples of how we can weave together some of our darkest times with the light to create powerful, personal stories.
$20
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VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
PLOTTING FOR PANTSERS, INTUITS, AND THE TOTALLY LOST
WITH ALI BRYAN
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
2:30 PM — 4:30 PM
VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM
Whether outlining makes you panic, you’re stuck in a fiction manuscript or have a complete first draft of a novel, this virtual workshop led by Ali Bryan is for you. Using neuroscience principles as they apply to story, the w-structure, and the theory “character as plot,” we’ll uncover tangible ways to bring cohesion and clarity to a work-in-progress. Learn to write, rewrite and revise with intention even if you wrote an entire manuscript without an outline.
$20
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WORKSHOP
RAISING THE STAKES
WITH ALICIA ELLIOTT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
9:30 AM — 11:30 AM
WRITERS' FEDERATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
For readers to keep reading, writers need to give them a reason to. That reason comes in the form of stakes: essentially, the answer to the question, "Okay, you've set up and explained the situation to me. But so what?" Alicia Elliot leads an exploration of stakes with examples that illuminate their importance, and gives participants something concrete to think about when approaching their own work.
$20
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WORKSHOP
THE POETIC LINE
WITH SYLVIA D. HAMILTON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
NOON — 2:00 PM
THE WRITERS' FEDERATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
Why does a particular line, phrase, or entire poem stay with us long after we've encountered them? Precise language and its embodiment in the poetic line is part of the answer. Since all poems begin with a line or lines, in this seminar led by Sylvia D. Hamilton participants will spend time experimenting with drafting lines that may become poems, or that if kept and nurtured, may after a while, eventually become poems. Writers are also invited to bring a favourite short poem to read and share. They should be prepared to say why it endures and what lines are important to them.
$20
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WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG WRITERS
THE MAKING OF A MISFIT: BUILDING CHARACTERS
WITH NICOLA DAVISON (FOR YOUNG WRITERS, AGES 12 TO 17)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
3:30 PM — 5:30 PM
HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY, BMO ROOM
This free workshop for young writers between the ages of 12 and 17 years old explores one of the most fun bits of writing fiction: building characters, and creating people/creatures riddled with flaws, problems, and unexpected talents. Of course, they’ll need to be relatable too. So where do you start? Nicola Davison shares what has worked for her. "We’ll pull from our inner lives, the world around us, and, possibly, some real estate websites." Please note registration is required and seats in this workshop are limited.
FREE
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WORKSHOP
MAKING MAPS: NAVIGATING THE CHILDREN'S WRITING AND PUBLISHING LANDSCAPE
WITH SHAUNTAY GRANT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
1:00 PM — 3:00 PM
HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY, BMO ROOM
In this hands-on workshop for emerging and established writers of children’s literature, author Shauntay Grant shares strategies for craft development and publishing success, and leads participants in a mapping exercise to help guide their writing and publishing journey. How do I find a publisher? Do I need an agent? Where do I start? Come to learn about writing and publishing for children, to reflect on your own journey as a writer, and to create a visual roadmap to help you achieve your goals.
FREE
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WORKSHOP
TO LOOK CLOSELY AND FIND THE WHOLE WORLD: DETAIL IN CREATIVE NONFICTION
WITH KAREN PINCHIN
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4
2:30 PM — 4:30 PM
WRITERS' FEDERATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
From historical reconstruction to vivid character construction, the creation of detail-forward prose is a fundamental skill in both fiction and nonfiction. Karen PInchin leads a workshop in which participants will experiment with perspective, prose, and the sensory world. Please bring a meaningful photograph, object, line of writing or memory to this session.
$20
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