Read Local Okanagan has come up with a way to support the literary community, and keep everyone quarantine at home a source of entertainment.
Readers across the valley and beyond have the chance to experience an interactive virtual reading series featuring nearly a dozen Okanagan writers.
“Readings, and art in general, can be such a balm during tough times, so we thought hosting a literary reading series online would be a way we could help uplift and connect our community in the only way we can right now,” says Natalie Appleton, a writer and the founder of Read Local Okanagan, a pop-up book stall featuring 52 titles by 24 writers from across the region.
“We’re so excited about the lineup of writers and the chance to support arts organizations that support us as writers.”
A portion of the proceeds from the virtual reading series will benefit a handful of arts nonprofits across the region, including Kelowna Friends of Library and the Caetani Cultural Centre.
The webinar-style series allows attendees to interact with writers via chat questions, polling, and a live Q&A session at the end of each reading. Closed captioning will also be available.
It costs $10 to sign up for all four of the readings.
The series lineup is as follows:
March 31, 2020:
Writers: Alix Hawley (All True, Not a Lie in It, My Name is a Knife) Shelley Wood (The Quintland Sisters), and Francie Greenslade (Shelter).
Theme: Survival
Non-profit to benefit: Kelowna Friends of the Library
April 2, 2020:
Writers: Renowned poets John Lent “A Matins Flywheel”, and Sharon Thesen “The Receiver.”
Theme: TBA
Non-profit: TBA
April 7, 2020:
Writers: Patti Shales Lefkos “Nepal One Day at a Time”, Natalie Appleton “I Have Something to Tell You” and Michelle Doege “Wherever I Find Myself.”
Theme: Travel
Non-profit: Caetani Cultural Centre
April 9, 2020:
Writers: Adam Lewis Schroeder “All Day Breakfast”, Corrina Chong “Belinda’s Rings”, and Sean Johnston “Listen all You Bullets.”
Theme: Deception
Non-profit: Penticton & Area Access Centre
Those interested in the series can register online here.
