Word Northumberland, 2013

Word Northumberland 2013 has come and gone. This was the first year for the event that celebrated writers and readers. It was a good start, in spite of a few glitches. Now that it's behind us we can look at what worked, and what didn't, and move forward with plans for next year.

At last, a book sale and a signing!

Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not kind to us — nor to any of the other outdoor festivals in this part of the province on September 7th. In Cobourg, as well as Word Northumberland, the rain affected the turnout for the Coal Train Music & Blues Festival and for all the food vendors along King Street, which had been turned into a pedestrian mall.

Come on in, out of the rain!

Author Linda Hutsell-Manning finds a nook for her books inside the front entrance.

We, at least, were able to squeeze into the Firehall Theatre, although the weather prevented us from setting up tables out on the sidewalk as we'd hoped. Writers, librarians, book sellers, and publishers set up cheek-by-jowl inside, further restrained within the walls of a set for an upcoming theatrical production.

Display by Port Hope Public Library

But the public came out, some of them anyway, and the smiles on the faces of the participants in some of these photos show we're an adaptable group. Books were sold and the audience for the readings grew throughout the day. One reader, Brad Smith, Simon & Schuster author, was the special guest of The Avid Reader Bookstore.

Author Eric E. Wright and I share a table. The Avid Reader Book Store was close by, on my left.

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Coach House Books, one of four small publishers participating, sets up.

Many people who came by to check us out told us the event was a terrific idea. We hope they will watch for us next year when we'll be back, bigger and even better. Now that the word is out, we're sure to attract more individuals and groups from the literary community.

My thanks to James Manning for the use of his photographs here.