Eden Mills Writers’ Festival has become one of my favourite lit festivals! It’s outdoors, and although the weather forecast predicted rain and even thunderstorms on the main event day, Sept 8, 2024, we had sunshine!

Spotlighting the authors & their books

The first event I moderated was called “It’s A Little Complicated: When life serves lemons, it’s a recipe for humour, whimsy, and delight!”

The panel included: Emily Austin (Interesting Facts About Space), Leanne Toshiko Simpson (Never Been Better), Natalie Sue (I Hope This Finds You Well).

What I really appreciated about this panel was their brilliant use of humour to address serious and sensitive topics that include domestic violence, mental health, family expectations, identity, and complicated friendships and relationships with co-workers.

The second event I moderated was called “The Way Forward”. The three historical novels featured young protagonists struggling against extraordinary challenges in Canada during the first half of the 1900s.

The panel included: Edward Y.C. Lee (The Laundryman’s Boy), Barbara Joan Scott (The Taste of Hunger), Leslie Shimotakahara (Sisters of the Spruce).

I’ve always thought historical fiction was a wonderful way to learn about history. Unlike textbooks, the compelling narratives, plotlines, and engaging characters make historical fiction a pleasurable reading experience, and offer a deeper understanding of important events and periods in time. I highly recommend these novels.

Author signings

This was Natalie Sue’s first literary festival! She’s signing my copy of I Hope This Finds You Well above. The official bookseller for the festival was The Bookshelf.

Image source: x.com/emwf. Learn more about the 2024 featured authors.

Catching up with other authors

One of the things I love most about this festival is its commitment to spotlighting debut novels! This includes four novels featured in the panels I moderated: Edward Y.C Lee’s The Laundryman’s Boy, Barbara Joan Scott’s The Taste of Hunger, Leanne Toshiko Simpson’s Never Been Better, and Natalie Sue’s I Hope This Finds You Well. I also had the immense pleasure of moderating Natalie’s first literary festival event this year.

It was also wonderful to spend time in the author green room and catch up or meet with other authors. With Vincent Anioke and Thomas King.

For the kids

Author Sahar Golshan reading from her book, So Loud! in the Children’s Nook.

Publishers’ Way

A dedicated part of the festival called Publishers’ Way featured publishers and other vendors.

Some Tips!

If you’re planning to attend next year’s festival, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Dress in layers. The festival runs rain or shine. The winds can also get strong! Bring a jacket and sunglasses or an umbrella. There’s a small food court. See the list of options.

Wear comfortable shoes. From the parking lots a few blocks away to the five event locations spread throughout, you’ll be walking on gravel, dirt, grass, and paved roads, with some inclines in places. Accessible parking is available, as are accessible portable toilets. Volunteers in golf carts assist with travelling around the grounds for guests requiring accessibility accommodations.

If the grounds are dry, a blanket is the easiest way to enjoy the events. Otherwise, a folding chair will add to your viewing pleasure. Water stations allow water bottles to be refilled easily.

Many of us could not get cell service! Bring cash if possible.

Say hello to authors and get your books signed. Many authors shared that they would love to visit your book clubs in-person or virtually. Get in touch with them by visiting their websites.

Visit Eden Mills! Founded in 1842, the village is by the beautiful Eramosa River. Eden Mills is located 12 km east of Guelph and 90 km west of Toronto. For the festival, parking is available at 136 Barden Street and 19 Memorial Street.

Finally, a huge thanks to the staff and volunteers who make this festival possible! Eden Mills also has year-round online events. Check out their website to learn more.

Thank you and see you next year!