
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S Eliot
THURSDAY

Part writing-contest, part irreverent variety show, Comedy Quickies features bite-sized sketch, stand-up, songs and monologues in a competition to see who can make us laugh the most. Cash and prizes are awarded for Best Comedy Writing, and the People’s Choice award for Best Act—chosen by you!
Accomplished writers are increasingly turning to independent publishing as a financially and creatively satisfying alternative to the traditional model. Meet some of the best independent authors in the country as finalists for the Whistler Independent Book Awards, and hear them read from books nominated in fiction and non-fiction categories. Winners will be announced at Friday night’s Literary Cabaret.
FRIDAY

Publishers Roundtable Discussion
October 13, 2017| 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | $22
We invite seven Canadian publishers Lynn Henry (Penguin Random House), Karen Haughian (Signature Editions), Taryn Boyd (Touchwood), Vici Johnstone (Caitlin Press), Don Gorman (Rocky Mountain Books), Suzanne Sutherland (Harper Collins) and Anita Chong (McClelland & Stewart) to review the state of the industry, and give sage advice on how to get your book published.
Literary Cabaret
October 13, 2017 | 8p.m. | Maury Young Arts Centre | $22
Local musicians provide a vibrant and improvisational accompaniment to guest authors as they read and perform from their masterworks. Featuring authors David Chariandy, Leanne Dunic, Terry Fallis, Steven Heighton, Helen Humphreys, Grant Lawrence, Mark Leiren-Young, Suzette Mayr, Sandra Ridley, and Terry Watada. The winners of the Fiction and Non-Fiction categories of the Whistler Independent Book Awards will also be announced.
This year’s Literary Cabaret features four talented musicians from Vancouver, Whistler, and the Sea-to-Sky. Vancouver’s Geeta Das takes on the role of musical director along with trumpet, saxophone, and percussion. Pemberton’s Rosalind Steel on grand piano and electric keys. And from Whistler, Rajan Das on upright bass, and Dean Feser on percussion.
SATURDAY
Crime Writer’s Lunch
October 14, 2017| 1 – 2:15 p.m.| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | $32 includes lunch
When Reality Looks Like Fiction, How do you Write Your Way to the Truth?
October 14, 2017| 8 p.m.| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | $22 includes a glass of wine.
The festival’s gala reading event sees Grant Lawrence lead a conversation about why authors choose fiction or non-fiction to tell a particular story. And, in the case of our guest authors, a particular kind of story, for example: existential threats to humanity, the threat to global order, or the future of the health of our planet? In times of suppression and avoidance, how do fiction and non-fiction authors find creative ways to keep facts and truth on the front burner—and is there a difference in their ability to do so?
SUNDAY
Doug Saunders in Conversation
October 15, 2017 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | $40 includes brunch
Join us for a delicious brunch and indulge your literary cravings during a conversation between moderator Doug Saunders (Maximum Canada: Why 35 Million Canadians Aren’t Enough), and Barbara Gowdy (Little Sister), Monia Mazigh (Hope Has Two Daughters), Frances Itani (That’s My Baby), Michael Harris (Solitude) and Lee Maracle (My Conversations with Canadians).