July 16 - 18, 2010
Past Authors, Presenters and Hosts
Now you can easily browse alphabetically through all of the current and past authors that have been part of the Festival.
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Gil Adamson
Gil Adamson is the highly acclaimed author of two books of poetry and a short story collection. Gil joined us at the festival in 2009 to read from her first novel, The Outlander, which has received numerous awards including the Dashiell Hammett Award and the Amazon Best in Canada First Book Award. The Outlander was nominated for CBC’s Canada Reads 2009.
Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm
Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm is an Anishnaabe writer from the Chippewa's of Nawash First Nation. In 2003, she read from her chapbook collection My Heart is a Stray Bullet.
Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm
Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm is an Anishnaabe writer from the Chippewa's of Nawash First Nation. In 2003, she read from her chapbook collection My Heart is a Stray Bullet.
Ken Alexander
Ken Alexander is the editor of The Walrus magazine. In 2007 he hosted “Here We Are: Who Are We?” a discussion of ways in which stories define place.
Tom Allen
Tom Allen is a passionate music lover, storyteller, accomplished trombonist, writer and broadcaster. any of us know him from CBC Radio. In 2000, Tom acted as host for our afternoon and evening sessions as well as reading from his comic work Toe Rubber Blues.
Ed Arnold
Ed Arnold Managing Editor of The Peterborough Examiner and author of Whose Puck Is It, Anyway? joined our summer Hotstove League in 2003 to discuss Canada’s obsession – Hockey.
Linwood Barclay
Linwood Barclay is a humorist, columnist and author who began his career in journalist at The Peterborough Examiner. In 2002, he read from Last Resort, A Memoir, his bittersweet account of growing up in a cottage and trailer resort in the Kawartha Lakes.
Joan Barfoot
Joan Barfoot is a former newspaper editor and reporter and the author of many novels. Winner of the Marian Engel Award and the W.H. Smith Books in Canada First Novel Award, she was nominated for the Man Booker Prize for Critical Injuries. In 2006, Joan joined the festival reading from her latest novel, Luck.
Andy Barrie
Andy Barrie is the host of Metro Morning on CBC Radio One in Toronto. When he goes off the air at 8:30 am, his day has just begun. Andy sits on boards, moderates panels, attends opening night galas and never misses a movie. In 2003, Andy hosted the presentation of The Young Writers at the Lakefield Literary Festival Awards and conducted an onstage interview with Charlotte Gray to explore the importance of letters in historical research and the challenges inherent in their use.
James Bartleman
James Bartleman is a Canadian diplomat and author who was the 27th Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario from 2002 to 2007. A tireless advocate for literacy, in 2004 he founded the Lieutenant-Governor’s Book Program which has seen more than one million used books distributed to school libraries particularly in first Nations communities in Northern Ontario. In 2008, Mr. Bartleman hosted our Saturday evening readings.
Bob Barton
Bob Barton is known internationally as a storyteller and educator. An original founder of the Storytelling School of Toronto, Bob is particularly interested in the relationship between storytelling and literacy development. He is the author of many books for children such as, The Bear Says North and The Small Miracle and helpful texts for teachers and parents such as Poetry Goes To School. His awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Conservatory of Music and the National Symposium on Arts Education Award. In 2008, Bob presented at our children’s tent.
Jack Batten
Jack Batten lawyer turned author has written 30 books including four crime novels about a lawyer turned detective. In 2004, Jack hosted an afternoon exploring mystery writing in its various forms.
Andrea Beck
Andrea Beck wrote her first Elliot Moose story after her own children started school. Many books and a television series later, Andrea and Elliot Moose shared some delightful stories at the Festival’s Children’s Tent in 2006.
Nancy Belgue
Nancy Belgue is the author of books for young readers including Casey Little: Yo-Yo Queen, nominated for a 2007 Silver Birch Award. In 2007, she joined Bill Richardson and Anne Laurel Carter at the Children’s Tent
Holly Bennett
Holly Bennett is a graduate of Trent University and has been editor of Today’s Parent for over twenty years. Her numerous awards for young adult fiction include: The New York Public Library Book and the International Reading Association Children’s book Award Notable for her Bonemender Trilogy. In 2008, Holly read from her novel, The Warrior’s Daughter at the Children’s Tent.
Christie Bentham & Katharine Hooke
Christie Bentham and fellow cottager Katharine Hooke became the writers/editors of the Association of Stoney Lake Cottagers (the oldest cottagers’ association in Canada) millennium book project. The presented the result, From Burleigh to Boschink: a Community Called Stony Lake at the Festival in 2002.
Tony Bigg
Tony Bigg is a Lakefield resident and lifelong birder. Tony was co-organizer of a Peterborough County bird survey which contributed to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. In 2006, he hosted the Festival’s Sunday afternoon reading devoted to man's passion for birds.
Jo Ellen Bogart
Jo Ellen Bogart is a transplanted Texan enjoying life in Canada. Jo Ellen’s picture books have been included in a variety of “best choice” lists. In 2004, she shared stories from her picture books which include: Gifts, Daniels Dog, The Night the Stars Flew, and the award-winning Jeremiah Learns to Read.
Bill Boyd
Bill Boyd learned to love the game of hockey while attending Lakefield College School. As a journalist, he covered hockey at the Olympics and World Championships. He traces hockey at its roots in his book, Hockey Towns: Stories of Small Town Hockey in Canada. In 2003, Bill joined our Summer Hotstove League, to discuss hockey and books about hockey.
Hugh Brewster
Hugh Brewster is the celebrated author of numerous children's books based on historical subjects. Anastasia's Album won the 1996 Red Cedar and Silver Birch Awards. On Juno Beach received the Children's' Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award in 2006. In 2008, Hugh read from his latest book, Governor General's Award nominee, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose.
Neil Broadfoot
Neil Broadfoot is an illustrator who appeared with Professor Richard Pope in 1999 to read from their book Superior Illusions.
Dr. Giles Bryant
Dr. Giles Bryant is the Director of Music at All Saints Anglican Church in Peterborough as well as the Artistic Director of the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto. In 2001, he read from the Papers of Samuel Marchbanks, resurrecting Robertson Davies fictional columnist of the Peterborough Examiner.
June Callwood
June Callwood received the order of Canada for her distinguished career as a journalist, broadcaster and social activist. Her career was marked by compassion and a strong sense of social justice. In addition to a busy writing career, June founded or co-founded over fifty social action organizations. The Festival was privileged to welcome June as a speaker and host in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, The Festival launched with a tribute to June.
Stevie Cameron
Stevie Cameron is an acclaimed journalist and former English teacher at Trent University. She founded the award-winning national magazine, Elm Street. In 2008, Stevie read from her latest book, The Pickton File, which traces the investigation into the now infamous missing women/Picton murders.
Pat Capponi
Pat Capponi is one of Canada’s leading mental health care advocates, a role which grew from her own struggles with mental illness. She is the author of several bestselling non-fiction titles, including Upstairs in the Crazy House and Dispatches from the Poverty Line. Capponi made her acclaimed debut as a mystery writer with Last Stop Sunnyside followed by the equally successful The Corpse Will Keep. Pat joined our afternoon exploring crime fiction in 2009.
Anne Laurel Carter
Anne Laurel Carter is the author of fourteen books. Her book Last Chance Bay won the CLA Best Book of the Year Award while Under a Prairie Sky won the Mr. Christie Award for Best Picture Book. In 2007, she joined co-editor Susan Whelehan to present their book My Wedding Dress: True-Life Tales of Lace, Laughter, Tears and Tulle. She also read from her works at the Children’s Tent.
Gillian Chan
Gillian Chan had careers as a teacher and librarian before becoming a full-time author. In 2003, Gillian read from her book The Carved Box a story of 18th century Upper Canada told from the perspective of Callum, a young immigrant come across the Atlantic to live with an uncle..
Gail Chislett
Gail Chislett’s books for children include Melinda's No's Cold, Whump and The Rude Visitors. Gail appeared at the Festival in 1997
Keith Clarkson
Keith Clarkson joined the Festival in 1997 for a screening and discussion of the film he produced, The Enduring Enigma of Susanna Moodie.
Jean Murray Cole
Jean Murray Cole is a Peterborough resident and author of numerous books, monographs and articles on the history of Ontario, the fur trade and the Pacific Northwest. A former journalist, Jean was co-editor of the Illustrated Atlas of Peterborough County and Kawartha Heritage. In 1999, Jean spoke about historical sources in Margaret Laurence’s novel The Diviners. In 2006, she introduced author Troon Harrison
Karen Connelly
Karen Connelly has authored works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. At twenty-four, she became the youngest winner of the Governor General’s Award for her memoir of Thailand, Touch the Dragon. In 2007, Karen read from her first fiction novel, The Lizard Cage.
Gail Corbett
Gail Corbett teaches creative writing at Sir Sanford Fleming College and is founding president of the Peterborough area Canadian Authors Association. Her books include Katherine Wallis, and Literary Sketches. She edited Portraits and Famous Canadian Artists. In 2001, she read from her work, The Barnardo Children in Canada.
Susan Coyne
Susan Coyne, a celebrated actor, has played leading roles at theatres across Canada and overseas. She is a founding member of Toronto’s acclaimed Soulpepper Theatre. In 2003, Susan, also an author, shared her childhood memories of one enchanted cottage summer from her novel, Kingfisher Days.
Connie Brummell Crook
Connie Brummel Crook is the author of a number of award-winning books of historical fiction for young readers. She was inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame in 2000 for her literary achievements. In 2002, Connie read from her intermediate novel The Hungry Years, set in 1787.
Patrick Crowe
Patrick Crowe joined the Festival in 1997 for a screening and discussion of the film he both wrote and directed, The Enduring Enigma of Susanna Moodie.
Michael Crummey
Michael Crummey is a poet, short-story writer and author fiction and non-fiction. His debut novel River Thieves was nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. In 2007, Michael read from his latest novel The Wreckage.
Erika de Vasconcelos
Erika de Vasconcelos has published both short and long works of fiction and teaches creative writing at Humber College. In 1998, she read from her novel My Darling Dead Ones.
James B. Douglas
James B. Douglas is one of Canada’s veteran leading players in television, film and on stage. He joined the Festival in 2007, in the guise of humorist Stephen Leacock, reading from some of Leacock’s much-loved works.
Deborah Ellis
Deborah Ellis is a long-term feminist and anti-war activist as well as an award-winning author. In 2000, she won the Governor General’s Award for Looking for X and was nominated again in 2002 for The Breadwinner. In 2006, Deborah shared stories from her most recent book Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak.
Michael Enright
Michael Enright has been the host of CBC Radio One’s The Sunday Edition since 2000. He has written for Time magazine, was the editor of Quest and assistant managing editor of Macleans. In 2004, Michael hosted our Saturday evening readings.
Eugenie and Kim Fernandes
Eugenie and Kim Fernandes award-winning author/illustrators shared techniques and tales from their book Sleepy Little Mouse at the 2000 Festival. Eugenie read from her book, Ordinary Amos and the Amazing Fish and Kim from hers, One Gray Mouse.
Joanne Findon
Joanne Findon was a fan of novel based on Celtic mythology as a child and later became a Celtic scholar. Her first novel for Young Adults, When Night Eats the Moon, drew on her Celtic scholarship with time travel to prehistoric Stonehenge and ancient Celtic society. Joanne was a guest of the Festival in 2003.
Joe Fiorito
Joe Fiorito, winner of the 1995 National Newspaper Award for his columns in The Montreal Gazette, is the author of the national best-selling family memoir The Closer We Are To Dying and the award-winning novel The Song Beneath the Ice. In the 1980s Joe lived in Iqaluit on Baffin Island where he worked for CBC Radio. His novel, Union Station won the 2003 Toronto Book Award. Joe writes a weekly column for The Toronto Star. In 2008, Joe appeared on a discussion panel with other Canadian journalists to discuss the craft of journalism.
Sheree Fitch
Sheree Fitch is a multi-award-winning writer, speaker and educator. Author of twenty-three books in a variety of genres, she was honoured with the Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. Sheree’s first adult novel Kiss The Joy As It Flies was nominated for the 2009 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Sheree read from this novel at the 2009 Festival.
Judy Fong Bates
Judy Fong Bates is a writer, teacher and storyteller. In 2006, Judy read from Midnight at the Dragon Café, her first novel, which was awarded both the American Library Association Notable Book Award and the Alex Award.
Charles Foran
Charles Foran is a gifted travel writer. Author of fiction, non-fiction, articles, essays and documentaries, his settings are as varied as Montreal, Beijing, Saigon and rural Ireland. In 2000, Charles recollected his Toronto childhood with an extract from The Story of My Life. In 2000, he joined Carol Martin, Lesley Krueger and Alison Wearing in a session focusing on travel writing.
4th Line Theatre
4th Line Theatre is a Canadian theatre group specializing in outdoor productions of original plays with historic and cultural significance. In 1998, presented a scene from the play The Stone Angel. In 1999, 4th Line actors Caron Garside and Laurel Paluck presented a re-enactment of the lives of Susanna Moodie and Catherine Parr Trail in the 1830s.
Elizabeth Galvin
Elizabeth Galvin is a local historian. In 1998, she joined us to explore the writings of Isabella Valancy Crawford.
Mary Louise Gay
Marie Louise Gay is an award-winning writer and illustrator of children’s books. She has illustrated books of well-known authors including Dennis Lee, Tim Wynne-Jones and Don Gillmor. She also writes and illustrates her own books. In 2001, she joined Don Gillmor to present their book Yuck, a Love Story.
Gary Geddes
Gary Geddes joined the first edition of the Lakefield Literary Festival in 1995 to share his personal reminiscences of Margaret Laurence.
Camilla Gibb
Camilla Gibb has been Vice-President of PEN Canada and was the 2006 Writer-in-Residence at the University of Toronto. In 2007, Camilla read from her novel Sweetness in the Belly which was nominated for a Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2005.
Graeme Gibson
Graeme Gibson is a member of the Order of Canada and long-time cultural and environmental activist. In 2006, Graeme entertained our Sunday afternoon audience with a reading from his book, The Bedside Book of Birds: An Avian Miscellany. This remarkable collection is the result of twenty years of birdwatching and research.
Don Gillmor
Don Gillmor is a journalist, critic and children’s author. In 2001, he appeared at the Children’s Tent with illustrator Marie Louise Gay to read from their book Yuck, a Love Story. He also read from his award-winning adult book The Desire of Every Living Thing: A Search for Home about a family’s emigration from Scotland to Winnipeg.
Katherine Govier
Katherine Govier is the author of novels and short stories. She is a Past President of PEN Canada and Past Chair of the Writers’ Development Rust. Her novel Creation was named a Notable Book of the Year by The New York Times. In 1997, Katherine read from her novel Angel Walk. In 2006 she presented her most recent work Three view of Crystal Water and also read from Creation.
Judith Skelton Grant
Judith Skelton Grant is a literary scholar of the Victorian period who taught at Victoria College, University of Toronto. She has written a number of books about Robertson Davies. In 2001, she discussed her book Robertson Davies: Man of Myth.
Charlotte Gray
Charlotte Gray, eminent author and historian, is a longtime supporter of the Lakefield Literary Festival. Charlotte joined the Festival in 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2007 reading from her biographies such as Sisters in the Wilderness: The Lives of Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill and Flint & Feather: the Life and Times of E. Pauline Johnson, Tekahionwake.
John Gray
John Gray is a well-known Canadian journalist whose work for the Globe and Mail includes political reporting from Ottawa and foreign reporting from London, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In 2003, John hosted three other journalists in an old-fashioned "around the stove" discussion of Canada's obsession: Hockey.
Peter Gzowski
Peter Gzowski a popular Canadian broadcaster, writer and reporter, most famous for his work on the CBC radio show Morningside. In 1998, we were privileged to have Peter join us to for some literary entertainment.
Rawi Hage
Rawi Hage is a writer and visual artist whose work has appeared in magazine and been shown in galleries and museums worldwide. In 2007, Rawi read from his debut novel De Niro’s Game which was shortlisted for both the Governor General’s Award and the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Marjorie Harris
Marjorie Harris is the author of a wealth of books on gardening and is the former Editor-in-Chief of Gardening Life magazine. In 2004, she entertained Festival audiences with slides and anecdotes from her fourteenth book, Botanica North America: The Illustrated Guide To Our Native Plants, Their Botany, History and the Way They Have Shaped Our World.
Robert Harris
Robert Harris is a long-time CBC Radio producer, executive and host. Robert has an encyclopedic knowledge of all musical genres which he has shared with audiences over the years. In 2006, Robert hosted readings at the Festival’s Friday evening event.
Troon Harrison
Troon Harrison is a resident of Lakefield and the internationally published author of many books for children and teens. Here books have been honoured with nominations and awards in the U.S.A. and Canada. Troon joined us at the Festival in 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2006 reading from works such as Wonderful Junk, The Dream Collector, and A Bushel of Light and also guiding discussions with other authors.
Elizabeth Hay
Elizabeth Hay is the award-winning author of short-stories and novel. In 2007, her novel Late Nights on Air won the Scotiabank Giller Prize. In 2004, Elizabeth read from the novel Garbo Laughs which tells the tale of a woman whose obsession with movies has blurred the line between film and real love.
Bruce & Carol Hodgins
Bruce & Carol Hodgins live in Peterborough where Bruce was professor of History and Canadian Studies at Trent University until retirement. He is author or co-author of books on canoeing and Canadian history. Carol, a former physiotherapist, is author of two books on nutritious wilderness cooking. For five decades they have travelled by canoe or kayak in the U.S. and Mexico and on the great rivers and seacoasts of Canada. In 2008, they presented from their book Paddling Partners: Fifty Years of Northern Canoe Travel.
Katharine Hooke
Katharine Hooke is a fourth generation cottager on Stoney Lake and has had a lifelong interest in local history. She is a past president of the Peterborough Historical Society and a trustee of the Canadian Canoe Museum. In 1998, she spoke at the Festival about Lakefield legend George Douglas; early author, explorer and photographers of Canada’s far north. In 2002, she presented with co-author Christie Bentham their book From Burleigh to Boschink: a community called Stony Lake.
Elizabeth Hopkins
Elizabeth Hopkins is a teacher, director and playwright. She teaches Canadian literature at York University and is one of the foremost experts on Susanna Moodie. In 1998, she spoke to festival-goers on the subject "Catherine Parr Traill and Landscape". In 2002, she read from the one-woman play she co-authored, Daughter by Adoption, based on the writings of Susanna Moodie.
Helen Humphries
Helen Humphries is an acclaimed poet and author. Her first novel, Leaving Earth won the City of Toronto Book Award and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. Her second novel, Afterimage, won the Roger's Trust Fiction Prize. In 2008, Helen read from her latest book, The Frozen Thames, that gives readers glimpses of life in London during the forty historic winters between 1142 and 1895 when the Thames River froze solid.
Frances Itani
Frances Itani is a poet, essayist and novelist. In 2004, she read from her novel Deafening. Deafening explores the silent world of the deaf in, the First World War story of a young deaf woman and her hearing husband, a stretcher-bearer at the Western Front.
Maureen Jennings
Maureen Jennings is a psychotherapist, writer and former teacher. She is the author of a series of historical mysteries set in Victorian Toronto, featuring police detective William Murdoch. In 2004, Maureen read from the fourth novel in the William Murdoch detective series, Loose the Dogs.
C. David Johnson
C. David Johnson began his acting career with Theatre New Brunswick. He has many film, television and theatre credits which include performances with the Soulpepper Theatre, the Stratford Festival and the National Arts Centre. In 2004 he hosted a discussion on fly fishing, literature and life.
Julie Johnson
Julie Johnson has won many awards including two Governor General’s Literary Awards for Hero of Lesser Causes and Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me. In 1999, Julie read from her book, The Only Outcast. In 2005, she read from her book Susanna’s Quill and joined a round table discussion on works of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie.
Joan Johnston
Joan Johnston joined the first edition of the Lakefield Literary Festival in 1995 to share his personal reminiscences of Margaret Laurence.
Sheila Johnston
Sheila Johnston grew up in Stratford, where she developed an interest in theatre while working as a student at the Stratford Festival. Buckskin and Broadcloth: A Celebration of E. Pauline Johnson Tekahionwake 1861-1913 is Sheila’s illustrated biography of the legendary poet and stage performer from the Six Nations Reserve. She discussed this work at the 2001 Festival.
Wayne Johnston
Wayne Johnston is a distinguished author who has won numberious awrds for fiction and non-fiction. Wayne has appeared at the Festival three times in 2000, 2003 and 2007 reading from his works, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, Baltimore's Mansion, The Navigator of New York and The Custodian of Paradise.
Sean Kane
Sean Kane is a faculty member of Trent University. In 1999, he read from Virtual Freedom, his comic novel about a fictional university called Avalon.
Dr. James King
Dr. James King is the author of the novel Faking, and of several highly acclaimed literary biographies. In 1997, Dr. King read from his biography of Margaret Laurence, The Life of Margaret Laurence.
Mark Kingwell
Mark Kingwell is a professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto and the author of several books. In 2004, he read from his book Catch & Release: Trout Fishing and The Meaning of Life - a personal look at a family tradition, the annual fishing weekend, a trip filled with touching and amusing anecdotes.
Dr. Kim Krenz
Dr. Kim Krenz has joined the Festival twice. In 1998, he spoke about the history of Christ Church and in 1999 he gave a talk on the Strickland family.
Lesley Krueger
Lesley Krueger lived in the U.S.A., England, Mexico and Brazil before settling in Toronto. Working as a journalist and teacher, Lesley have visited more than thirty countries and published books, short stories and articles. In 2005, she read from Foreign Correspondences, A Traveller’s Tales and from her novel The Corner Garden.
Janice Kulyk Keefer
Janice Kulyk Keefer, one of Canada’s most prolific and diverse writers has produced novels, short stories, poetry, literary criticism and children’s fiction. In 2003, Janice entertained at the Children’s Tent with readings from Anna's Goat and Honey and Ashes, A Story of Family.
Dennis Lee
Dennis Lee is a Governor General’s Award-winning poet. His poetry for children enthrals readers both young and old. In 2002, Dennis entertained with poetry from his books including Alligator Pie, the Ice Cream Store, and his most recent at the time, The Cat and the Wizard.
John Lennox
John Lennox is a professor of English in the Faculties of Arts and Graduate Studies at York University. He is the co-editor with Ruth Panofsky of Selected Letters of Margaret Laurence and Adele Wiseman. John and Ruth joined the Festival in 1998 to read from and discuss their book.
Karen Levine
Karen Levine is an award winning documentary producer with CBC Radio. Her book Hana's Suitcase has captured hearts around the world. This remarkable true story follows a mysterious suitcase back 70 years to a young Hana and her family, whose lives were turned upside-down by the invasion of the Nazis. Karen joined us at the festival in 2004.
Jean Little
Jean Little, one of Canada’s best known children’s authors, has won many prestigious awards including the CLA Book of the Year Award, the Canada Council Children’s Literarture Prize, and the Vicky Metcalfe Award. In 2005, Jean presented her book Orphan at My Door: the Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope.
Celia Barker Lottridge
Celia Barker Lottridge has a rich background as a librarian, teacher, bookstore buyer, freelance storyteller and writer. She is a founding member of the Storytellers School of Toronto and director the Parent-Child Mother Good Program. In 2006, she entertained at the Children’s Tent with stories from her books including Ten Small Tales and Music for the Tsar of the Sea.
Janet Lunn
Janet Lunn writes books for children and young teenagers, many of which have historical settings. In 1998, Janet presented her book The Umbrella Party along with author/illustration Kady MacDonald Denton she also presented the first Young Writers at the Lakefield Literary Festival Awards in 1998.
Kady MacDonald Denton
Kady MacDonald Denton is an author and illustrator of books for children. In 1998, she joined author Janet Lunn to read from their book The Umbrella Party.
Ann-Marie MacDonald
Ann-Marie MacDonald is an award-winning actress, playwright, author and television presenter. Her play Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) won the Governor General’s Award for Drama. Her first novel, Fall On Your Knees was a selection for Oprah’s Book Club. In 2005, Ann Marie read from her latest work, The Way the Crow Flies.
David Macfarlane
David Macfarlane is an author and art columnist for The Globe and Mail. In 2002, David read from his elegant debut novel, Summer Gone which was shortlisted for the prestigious Giller Prize and won the Chapters’ Books in Canada First Novel Award.
Enid Mallory
Enid Mallory is a storyteller and historian. The author of Kawartha Countryside appeared at the Festival in 1999.
Edna Manitowabi
Edna Manitowabi is a traditional signer, storyteller and performer originally from Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island. She is a Professor Emeritus in the Indigenous Studies Faculty at Trent University. In 2003, Edna hosted an afternoon entitled, First Nations Writers: Then and Now.
Becky Mason
Becky Mason is happiest with either a paintbrush or a canoe paddle in her hand. Throughout the winter she paints, gathering inspiration from the canoeing expeditions she undertakes with her artist husband, Reid McLachlan. She laid the foundation for teaching canoeing skills by guiding on Canadian rivers and now teaches canoeing from April to October in Canada and the U. S. In 2008, Becky joined the Festival to celebrate canoe-themed books.
Diane Baker Mason
Diane Baker Mason is a Toronto writer who has published fiction, opinion and poetry and whose work has won awards in Canada, Australia and the United States. In 2003, Diane read from her debut novel, Last summer at Bare Bones, a Globe & Mail notable Book of 2000.
Roy MacGregor
Roy MacGregor has been a journalist since 1972 writing for the Ottawa Citizen, Macleans, the National Post and the Globe and Mail. In 2000, Roy read from his books The Ghost of the Stanley Cup and from his family memoir A Life in the Bush. In 2003, he joined our Summer Hot Stove League for some hockey talk and read from his book Escape: In Search of the Natural Soul of Canada during a literary boat tour of Stoney Lake.
Rohinton Mistry
Rohinton Mistry has amongst accomplishments bestselling author, Governor General’s Award winner and Booker Prize nominee. In 1996, Rohinton read from his novel A Fine Balance, winner of the 1995 Giller Prize
Barbara & Orm Mitchell
Barbara & Orm Mitchell are the son and daughter-in-law of beloved Canadian author W.O. Mitchell. In 2000, they shared memories through their biography W.O.: The Life of W.O. Mitchell, Beginnings to Who has Seen the Wind. In 2006, they presented their new biography, Mitchell: The Years of Fame 1948-1998; which continues on from their first book.
Drew Monkman
Drew Monkman developed an interest in the natural world as a child. In 2003 he presented his new book, Nature's Year in the Kawarthas which was the result of twenty years of careful observation of natural phenomena in the Peterborough area.
Kim Moritsugu
Kim Moritsugu has written for CBC Radio, The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail and is the author of four novels. In 2004, Kim read from her latest work, The Glenwood Treasure, a classic mystery set in the affluent fictional Toronto Neighbourhood of Rose Park, to which a shy school teacher named Blithe Morrison returns.
John Muir
John Muir is one of the founders of Trent Radio and great supported of community groups including the Kawartha Jazz Society and Folk Under the Clock. In 2005, John read English Bloods (1930), a recently rediscovered memoir of pioneering life in Muskoka by Frederick de la Fosse.
Robin Muller
Robin Muller is an acclaimed artist and storyteller. He draws inspiration from world folklore and myth. Robin has received many honours including the Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration. In 2005, Robin entertained Festival-goers with stories from his picture books such as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, The Magic Paintbrush and Badger’s New House.
Michael Ondaatje
Michael Ondaatje is an internationally celebrated author. His third novel, The English Patient won the prestigious Man Booker Prize and inspired a successful firm. In 2001, Michael read from his lastest work, Anil's Ghost.
Kenneth Oppel
Kenneth Oppel is known by young readers worldwide for his Silverwing trilogy of books. In 2007, Kenneth read from newest work Skybreaker, a sequel to Airborn, winner of the 2004 Governor General’s Aware for children’s literature.
Charles Pachter
Charles Pachter is one of Canada’s leading contemporary artists. His images of the Queen and moose and the maple leaf flag have become icons of Canadian contemporary art. His unique illustrations of argaret Atwood’s The Journals of Susanna Moodie, were the subject of an interview at the Festival in 2001.
Ruth Panofsky
Ruth Panofsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Ryerson University. She is the co-editor with John Lennox of Selected Letters of Margaret Laurence and Adele Wiseman. Ruth and John joined the Festival in 1998 to read from and discuss their book.
Nelofer Pazira
Nelofer Pazira grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan during the Russian occupation. Since her arrival in Canada she has become a respected journalist, novelist and documentary filmmaker. In 2006, Nelofer read from her book A Bed of Red Flowers: In Search of My Afghanistan; her own story of growing up in Soviet occupied Afghanistan.
Shane Peacock
Shane Peacock is an acclaimed playwright, novelist, documentary screenwriter ad journalist. Winner of a Silver Medal and nominated for four National Magazine awards, Shane has written plays for the Fourth Line Theatre in Millbrook and material for comedian, Jim Carrey. Shane is currently writing a series of books based on detective Sherlock Holmes as a young boy. Shane joined us at the Festival in 2008.
Kit Pearson
Kit Pearson is a former librarian and writer of fiction for young adults. She has won numerous awards including a Governor General’s Award. In 2004, she read from her book Whisper of War: The War of 1812 from the Dear Canada series.
Michael Peterman
Michael Peterman was a Professor English and Canadian Studies at Trent University when he spoke at the Festival in 1997 and 2007. His research interests include local literary lights Susanna Moodie, Catharine Parr Traill, Robertson Davies and Isabella Valency Crawford. In 2002, Professor Peterman explored early Canadian history with local dramatists.
Richard Pope
Professor Richard Pope appeared at the Festival in 1999 with illustrator Neil Broadfoot to read from their book Superior Illusions.
Helen Porter
Helen Porter has been a frequent presenter at the Lakefield Literary Festival. She began her storytelling career in 1980 and has developed an extensive repertoire including traditional, Biblical, medieval, Shakespearian and Greek tales. During her many appearances at the Festival, Helen has made dramatic presentations of the stories of Margaret Laurence and Susanna Moodie and hosted a literary tour of Stoney Lake on board the steamboat, the Chippewa II.
Michael Posner
Michael Posner is an arts reporter and feature writer from the Globe & Mail. Previously the managing editor of the Financial Times of Canada and the associate managing editor of Macleans, he is the author of several works of non-fiction. In 2006, Michael read from his book The Last Honest Man: Mordecai Richler, An Oral Biography his revealing portrait of the irascible Richler.
Andrew Pyper
Andrew Pyper is the author of four acclaimed novels. In 2004, he read from his first novel Lost Girls, which won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel. The Globe and Mail described this book as "Northern Gothic".
Paul Quarrington
Paul Quarrington is an acclaimed non-fiction writer, playwright, award-winning screenwriter and musician. He won the Governor General’s Award for Fiction for Whale Music and the Stephen Leacock Meal for King Leary. In 2004, Paul read from his novel Fishing With My Old Guy that takes the reader on a fishing trip with champion caster, Gordon Deval, an outing you won't soon forget.
James Raffan
James Raffan is one of Canada's foremost authorities on canoeing and wilderness experience. He is a Fellow and former Governor of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Past Chair of the Arctic Institute of North America. He is the first Curator of the Peterborough Canoe Museum. In 2008, James read from his latest book, Emperor of the North: Sir George Simpson and the Remarkable Story of the Hudson Bay's Company.
Barbara Reid
Barbara Reid discovered as a student at OCAD that she could combine the fun of working with plasticine and a career as a freelance picture book illustrator. More than twenty years later, her awards include: the Mr. Christie's Book Award, The Elizabeth Cleaver Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Amelia Francis Howard Gibbon Medal and the UNICEF Ezra Jack Keats Award. In 2008, Barbara entertained at the Children’s Tent.
Nino Ricci
Nino Ricci is an award winning Canadian novelist. Ricci's first novel Lives of the Saints was a great critical and commercial success. It won the Books in Canada First Novel Award, the 1990 Governor General's Award for Fiction and a Betty Trask Award. Ricci served as one of the directors of PEN Canada from 1990-96, and as president during 1995-96. In 1998, he ran from his latest novel Where She Has Gone. Nino returns to the Festival in 2009 to read from The Origin of Species, winner of the 2008 Governor General's Award for Fiction.
Bill Richardson
Bill Richardson is a well known radio host, humorist and author. His novel, Batchelor Brothers’ Bed and Breakfast won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Bill played a number of roles at the 2007 Festival – he hosted two readings, “Truth Amidst Tumult” and “Finding The Funny Bone” and read from his own work at the Children’s Tent.
Noah Richler
Noah Richler collaborated with many notable writers during his career as host and producer for BBC Radio in London, England. He has been a columnist for The National Post and The Toronto Star and a host of programs on CBC Radio. In 2005, Noah hosted a discussion with authors Anne-Marie MacDonald and Merilyn Simonds. In 2007, in presented his book, This is My Country, What’s Yours at the Festival.
Erika Ritter
Erika Ritter is a playwright, novelist, humorist, essayist, radio broadcaster, journalist, public speaker and stage performer, with plays and prose widely produced in Canada, the United States, Britain, Japan, Israel and elsewhere. In 2002, Erika hosted the Saturday evening readings at the Festival.
Carol Roberts
Carol Roberts is a librarian and teacher. Her 1990, Timothy Findley: An Annotated Bibliography is an invaluable guide to the work of the acclaimed author. In 2001, Carol read her biography Timothy Findley: Stories From a Life.
Lawrence Scanlan
Lawrence Scanlan is the author of eight books including, Wild About Horses and Grace Under Fire. In 2005, he read from his book Harvest of a Quiet Eye: the cabin as sanctuary which explores the contentment we associate with solitude. Lawrence’s own cabin was moved from the Rideau Lakes area and reconstructed in Prince Edward County.
Diane Schoemperlen
Diane Schoemperlen received the 2008 Marion Engle Award for her body of work. One of her six short story collections, Forms of Devotion won the Governor General's Award for Fiction. Her first novel, In the Language of Love was chosen as one of the Toronto Star's best novels and was subsequently performed as a stage play. In 2008, Diane presented from her latest novel, At a Loss for Words, which explores the perils of Internet romance.
Richard Scrimger
Richard Scrimger’s first novel Crosstown received critical acclaim and was short-listed for the 1997 City of Toronto Book Award. He is the author of children’s books and his stories about life with four young children have appeared in magazines and newspapers. In 2001, Richard read from his book, Mystical Rose, which explores the thoughts of an again woman as she revisits her life growing up in small town Ontario.
Merilyn Simonds
Merilyn Simonds lives and writes in the country near Kingston, Ontario. She has published books in several genres and has won awards such as the Arthur Ellis Award for Non-Fiction for The Convict Lover. In 2005, she read from The Holding, which moves between the past and present in its examination of the lives of two women who live a century apart. Merilyn also joined our round table discussion on works of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie.
Bill Slavin
Bill Slavin won his first prize as illustrator of an anti-smoking poster in grade three. Now a much-acclaimed illustrator of fiction and non-fiction books for children, his art has delighted young readers for three decades. Bill’s newest books include: Campfire Morgan, Stanley’s Beauty Contest and The Jumbo Book of Space. Bill first joined us at the Festival in 1997 and is returning again in 2009.
Joey Slinger
Joey Slinger is a Canadian journalist and author, particularly known as a long-standing humour columnist for the Toronto Star. He is a winner of the Stephen Leacock medal for humour. In 1999, Joey read from Down and Dirty Birding.
Paul Socken
Paul Socken is a long time faculty member at the University of Waterloo. He has published numerous articles and books on French-Canadian literature. In 2007, Paul gave Festival goers a glimpse into the lives Margaret Laurence and Gabrielle Roy through his book Intimate Strangers: The Letters of Margaret Laurence and Gabrielle Roy.
Ted Staunton
Ted Staunton has been entertaining readers of all ages with his funny and perceptive stories of childhood and family life for many years. In 2000, he entertained us at the Festival with music and a reading from Puddleman and Hope Springs a Leak.
Kathy Stinson
Kathy Stinson is the author of many books of fiction for young readers and yong adult readers as well as wonderful picture book for children. In 2002, the author of the Red is Best, Those Green Things and King of the Castle presented at the Children’s Tent and read from her novel Dark Spring at our session for young adults.
Nora Foster Stovel
Nora Foster Stovel is a Professor of English at the University of Alberta, where she teaches twentieth-century literature. She has published books and articles on Jane Austen, D.H. Lawrence, Margaret Drabble and Margaret Laurence. She is also the editor of four of Margaret Laurence's books. Nora’s book Margaret Laurence: A Study of her Writings was published in 2008, the same year that she joined us at the Festival.
Sylvia Sutherland
Sylvia Sutherland is the former Mayor of Peterborough and longtime friend of the Festival. Sylvia hosted readings and discussions in 1999, 2003, 2006.
Drew Hayden Taylor
Drew Hayden Taylor an Ojibway from Curve Lake First Nation, writes with equal facility for screen, stage and print. Drew has entertained us at the Festival several times over the years, including in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2007. He has read excerpts from his anthology Furious Observations of a Blue-Eyed Ojibway: Funny You Don't Look Like One III and Me Funny.
Molly Thom
Molly Thom has directed many works by women writers, including the Toronto premiere of Carol Shields’ Thirteen Hands. She is a playwright, director, actor, and theatre administrator. In 2002, she described the evolution of her play, The Bush-Ladies: In Their Own Words based on the works of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie.
Elizabeth Thompson
Elizabeth Thompson is the editor of a new editor of Catharine Parr Traill’s Pearls and Pebbles. Elizabeth joined the Festival in 2000 to discuss Catharine Parr Traill's writing.
Jan Thornhill
Jan Thornhill is the author and illustrator of many award-winning children’s books. Jan’s work usually has a nature or environmental theme. In 2002 the illustrator and author of The Wildlife ABC, The Wildlife 123 and Wild in the City presented her newest picture book Rumours.
Jane Urquhart
Jane Urquhart has published three books of poetry, five novels, and a collection of short as well as numerous articles and reviews. She has been Writer-in-Residence at the University of Ottawa and at Memorial University of Newfoundland. In 1999, Jane read from her novel The Underpainter.
Brian Vallée
Brian Vallée worked as a newspaper journalist in England, the U.S. and Canada before joining CBC’s award-winning documentary program the fifth estate. He is author of many books including Life and Death with Billy and The Torso Murder: The Untold Story of Evelyn Dick. In 2008, Brian read from his book The War on Women which exposed the prevalence of violence in Canadian homes.
Dr. Christl Verduyn
Dr. Christl Verduyn is currently a Professor of Canadian Studies and English at Mount Allison University. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and winner of the 2006 Governor General’s International Award for Canadian Studies. In 1996, Christl joined the Festival for a discussion of the feature film "The Diviners". In 2007, she hosted out Saturday afternoon readings.
Ian Wallace
Ian Wallace is an author, illustrator and gregarious performer. In 2004, he entertained at the Children’s Tent with stories from his picture books which include: Chin Chang and the Dragons Dance, The Name of the Tree, The True Story of Trapper Jack's Left Big Toe, and The Man Who Walked The Earth.
Allison Wearing
Alison Wearing is the recipient of a National Magazine Award Gold Medal and a Western Canada Magazine Award First Prize for travel writing. She has travelled extensively through Europe, the Middle East, China, the former Soviet Union and the Amazonian regions of Ecuador and Peru. In 2005, Alison joined our panel discussing travel in writing/writing in travel.
Karin Wells
Karin Wells is an internationally respected radio documentary maker. Her work on social justice issues has taken her around the world and involved her in some of the thorniest Canadian social dilemmas. The Canadian Association of Journalists awarded her its Investigative Journalism award for her documentary, Fixing Jeffrey Buffalo, about a little boy in Timmins, Ontario who was the victim of zero tolerance. The New York Festival has honoured pieces she has done on the amputees of Sierra Leone and life after the war for Bosnian rape victims. In 2008, Karin hosted a lively panel discussion with some well-known Canadian journalists.
Lynn Westerhout
Lynn Westerhout, a former elementary school teacher, writes poetry, short stories and books. In 2005, Lynn entertained young readers at the Children’s Tent and joined a round table discussion on works of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie.
Alice Williams
Alice Williams joined the first edition of the Lakefield Literary Festival in 1995 to share her personal reminiscences of Margaret Laurence.
Susan Whelehan
Susan Whelehan is a teacher and author of 16 picture books for young readers. In 2007, she presented along with co-editor Anne Laurel Carter from their book, My Wedding Dress: True-Life Tales of Lace, Laughter, Tears and Tulle.
Janet Wilson
Janet Wilson is an award winning illustrator of books such as In Flanders Field, No Two Snowflakes, Selina and the Bear Paw Quilt and Jasper's Day. In 2003, she presented her newest works ImagineThat! and Lighthouse: A story of Remembrance (written by Robert Munsch.)
Robert Winslow
Robert Winslow is the founder and artistic director of the 4th Line Theatre that specializes in outdoor productions of original plays with historic and cultural significance. Robert has performed in theatre across Canada, the U.S. and Britain. In 2002, the co-author of the play The Moodie Traill, explained how this piece of local history was brought to life and mounted in the very backwoods where the women struggled to survive.
Michael Winter
Michael Winter grew up in Newfoundland and divides his time between St. John’s and Toronto. His book this All Happened won the Rogers Writer’s Trust Fiction Prize. He is also the author of two collections of short stories. In 2005, Michael read from his book, The Big Why, where life in small town Newfoundland in the early 1900s is revealed through the compelling relationship of its two main characters.
Kirk Wipper
Kirk Wipper is a legend of Canadian canoe history. As a long-time collector of canoes from around the world, Kirk’s passion lead to the creation of the Canadian Canoe Museum. In 2001, Mr. Wipper, who contributed to the book The Canoe in Canadian Cultures, displayed examples of canoes and shared stories of his considerable adventures.
Richard B. Wright
Richard B. Wright is the winner of a Governor General’s Award and a Giller Prize. He has published many novels and has had a long career as a teacher of English at Ridley College in St. Catharines. In 2002, Richard read from his latest novel Clara Callan.
Donez Xiques
Donez Xiques is Professor of English Emeritus at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. She received a Canadian Embassy Faculty Enrichment Award and a Fulbright Fellowship for Research in Canada. In 2006, Donez presented her new biography, Margaret Laurence: The Making of a Writer where she traces the challenging years preceding publication of Laurence’s first major success.
Aileen Young
Aileen Young is a historian and author of Yesteryear at Young’s Point and I Hear a Boat a-Whistlin’. She joined us at the Festival in 2000 and described how her family history is intertwined with the history of Young's Point.
Werner Zimmermann
Werner Zimmermann decided to become an artist at an early age. In 1977, he would up as printmaking advisor to the Inuit artists of Povungnituk and remained there until 1981. A few years later, he found himself illustrating Farmer Joe’s Hot Day and starting a teaching career in the Animation Department of Sheridan College. In 2003, the energetic children's author and illustrator entertained us with stories from his books including The Farmer Joe Series, Snow Day, Whatever You Do Don't Go Near That Canoe and his new release Pippin, the Christmas Pig (written by Jean Little.)
© 2010 Lakefield Literary Festival