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Literary voices kick off Write on Bowen this Friday

Giller, Commonwealth, Rogers Writers Trust, Ethel Wilson, Libris, Journey, Impac Dublin, Canada Reads and half a dozen more: the two Canadian literary luminaries kicking off Write on Bowen have amassed a legion of honours for their writing.

Giller, Commonwealth, Rogers Writers Trust, Ethel Wilson, Libris, Journey, Impac Dublin, Canada Reads and half a dozen more: the two Canadian literary luminaries kicking off Write on Bowen have amassed a legion of honours for their writing.

That's no surprise. Work by Annabel Lyon (Oxygen, Best Thing for You) and Timothy Taylor (Stanley Park, Story House) has garnered both critical praise and what a writer appreciates most loyal fan followings and great sales.

They'll each be reading from their most recent novels, from the past and from the future. For Lyon, that's The Golden Mean, a brilliant historical re-imagination of the teacher/student relationship between philosopher Aristotle and the boy who would grow up to be Alexander the Great. For Taylor, that's The Blue Light Project, a gripping literary thriller set in a near future where a reality show featuring children becomes the site of a tense hostage situation. Lyon will also read from her new children's book, Encore Edie.

The novels couldn't be more different in terms of subject matter. What they share is a compelling literary voice. The joint appearance by Lyon and Taylor is sure to be a highlight of Write on Bowen and of Bowen's literary year.

Headliners Lyon and Taylor read from their work at the Gallery @ Artisan Square at 7:30 p.m.

Taylor shifts from reading his writing on Friday night to teaching about writing on Saturday morning, when he facilitates the workshop "Beginnings." Just a few spaces are available in Taylor's workshop but festival-goers have lots more options to choose from. With sixteen workshops, two panel sessions, a walk in the Lieben Lands, and a special dinner and writing event - the festivalhas something for every writer.

To register online go to www.writeonbowen.com. Tickets for opening night are also available at Phoenix.

RICHARD LABONTE

Write on Bowen