5 Must-See Events at Ottawa International Writers Festival 2017

The fall edition of the Ottawa International Writers Festival is in full swing and there are so many diverse and interesting talks scheduled by some of Canada’s, and the world’s, greatest authors, musicians and intellectuals. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the bi-annual festival, which also runs in the spring, promises to be bigger than ever this year, with over 25 events taking place at various venues across the city. Here are five stand out events you don’t want to miss!

Something Is Always On Fire with Measha Brueggergosman (October 6th, Southminister United Church)

Juno-winning opera singer Measha Brueggergorsman has charmed audiences with her voice for years, and now she is sharing another part of herself with the world. The talk, hosted by CBC’s Alan Neal, will feature Brueggergorsman discussing her first book Something is Always on Fire, an autobiography chronicling the high and lows of both her career and life, including the loss of her twins and undergoing heart surgery. If you are a fan of Brueggergorsman’s music or need some life inspiration, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Scene of the Crime with Barbara Fradkin and Ann Cleeves (October 10th, Southminister United Church)

To all you crime fiction lovers out there, this talk is going to be a treat! Not one, but two popular crime authors will be talking about their latest books and crime fiction as a whole. Ottawa’s very own Barbara Fradkin will be discussing her novel The Trickster's Lullaby, the latest instalment in her Amanda Doucette series, and award-winning English novelist Ann Cleeves will be discussing The Seagull, the eight book in her popular Vera Stanhope crime series.

à la carte: Indigenous Fusion with Chef David Wolfman (October 13th, Wabano Centre)

This event is part of the “à la carte” series of events, a collection of free talks focusing on food presented in partnership with the Ottawa Public Library and the Government of Ontario. Chef David Wolfman, star of the hit APTN show “Cooking with the Wolfman” will be discussing his latest book Indigenous Fusion with Chef David Wolfman, covering his unique, fusion cooking style rooted in First Nations tradition, but with a modern twist inspired by the urban, multinational culture. No matter your age or cooking level, you’ll surely learn a thing or two from this world renown chef.

Deer Life with Ron Sexsmith (November 10th, Centretown United Church)

Juno Award-winning music icon Ron Sexsmith makes his debut as an author and illustrator as he presents his newly-released whimsical novel Deer Life, a both mysterious and humorous story about a boy who’s involved in an unfortunate hunting incident which turns his life upside down. If you want to hear about Sexsmith’s journey creating this story, the inspiration behind it and more, you will not want to miss this!

Book Launch: Game Change with Ken Dryden (November 28th, Library and Archives Canada)

NHL legend, politician and Order of Canada member Ken Dryden will be holding the launch for his latest book Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador, and the Future of Hockey next month, wrapping up the Writers Festival’s fall season. In his third non-fiction book, Dryden discusses the life and untimely death of hockey player Steve Montador, who passed away suddenly at the age of 35 in 2015 and who was later found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disorder caused by repeated concussions. Dryden explores the impact Montador’s death and diagnosis has had on hockey and the future of the sport. This is surely to be a powerful and insightful event you will not want to miss.