Past Festivals

The 10th Annual Mission Writers and Readers Festival celebrated a decade of bringing writers and readers together for a day of inspiration, creativity, and connection. This year’s theme, How Dreams Influence Writing, encouraged attendees to explore the ways imagination and subconscious thought shape storytelling. The festival took place at Heritage Park Centre and the UFV Mission campus, offering a welcoming space for discussion, learning, and shared passion for the written word. The festival featured Jordan Abel, a Nisga’a writer and UFV’s Writer-in-Residence, as the keynote speaker. His thought-provoking session, Is It Even Poetry?, challenged traditional ideas about form and meaning, introducing participants to found text, conceptual writing, and new ways of approaching their work. Alongside Abel, an exciting lineup of writers and educators led hands-on workshops designed to help participants refine their craft. Michelle Vandepol shared insider knowledge on getting published in magazines, while Daniela Elza explored the power of imagery in writing. Sylvia Taylor guided attendees through the process of transforming personal experiences into meaningful stories, and Robb Lucy encouraged reflection on storytelling as a way to build a lasting legacy. Rob Taylor introduced global poetic traditions, showing how structure can be a source of creative freedom. Beyond workshops, the festival offered opportunities for participants to share their voices during the open mic session and connect with fellow writers and book lovers. With the support of the Fraser Valley Regional Library and UFV, the event continued to foster a vibrant and supportive space where storytelling thrives. Whether seasoned authors or aspiring writers, everyone who attended left with fresh ideas, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for the many ways stories take shape.

The 2015 Mission Writers and Readers Festival brought together an exciting blend of celebrated authors, offering a day rich with imaginative discovery. Featuring keynote speaker Emily Pohl-Weary, an award-winning author known for her work in fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, the festival aimed to inspire writers and readers alike. Participants engaged in thought-provoking workshops, including Evelyn Lau’s Q&A session on the writing life and publishing world. Lois Peterson led a session on writing for children and young adults, providing valuable strategies for crafting stories that resonate with younger audiences. Poetry lovers explored the evolving literary landscape with Chris Gilpin’s multimedia session, “Rise of the Poetry Video,” which delved into the power of digital storytelling. Daniela Elza encouraged writers to confront and embrace rejection with a unique, interactive workshop designed to break down barriers and foster resilience in the creative journey. The festival was a celebration of storytelling and the written word, featuring poetry readings by Louden Singletree and John Carroll, as well as performances by Cathy AJ Hardy and Zaccheus Jackson. The event, hosted by Shelley Haggard, continued the tradition of fostering artistic exploration through a partnership between Lifetime Learning Centre Society, Fraser Valley Regional Library – Mission Branch, and the University of the Fraser Valley.

The fifth annual Mission Writers and Readers Festival brought together a fantastic mix of local writers, editors, and literary aficionados at Heritage Park Centre. With a focus on the journey to publication, this year’s event provided aspiring and established writers with valuable insights, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. Acclaimed novelist and playwright Anosh Irani, UFV’s Writer-in-Residence, delivered an inspiring keynote address, setting the stage for a day of creative exploration. Special guest Billeh Nickerson, a celebrated poet and editor, led a poetry workshop and treated attendees to a lively reading. The festival’s workshops covered essential aspects of writing and publishing, from crafting compelling narratives with Rajneesh Dhawan to navigating the publishing world with Marion Quednau. Steve Duncan shared expertise on chapbook design and marketing, while Billeh Nickerson guided participants through the art of poetry writing. The festival also introduced a dynamic speed networking session, allowing attendees to engage in one-on-one conversations with local industry professionals. Writers, publishers, and researchers—including John Herl, Rhett Nicholson, Sharon Syrette, Ken Herar, and Steve Duncan—offered valuable advice and connections to help participants take the next step in their creative journeys. Co-sponsored by the UFV English Department, Fraser Valley Regional Library, and the Mission Lifetime Learning Centre, the festival continued to foster a supportive and inspiring literary community in the Fraser Valley. Whether attendees came to learn, share, or simply celebrate the written word, the day was proof to the power of storytelling and the importance of building a network of passionate writers.