Special spring event offers a night of creativity and community, and an opportunity for readers to get their hands on some books while supporting the Whistler Writers Festival. Experience Take the Plunge, a free event, in April.

MARCH 26, 2024: Whistler, BC — The Whistler Writers Festival is celebrating spring with a brand new event that brings creativity and community together for one night only.

Take the Plunge features poet Leanne Dunic, author of One and a Half of You, To Love the Coming End, and The Gift. Dunic will read from her most recent work, Wet, a lyric novel with photos. This event is also an open mic night and a chance for local writers to share what they’re working on with an appreciative audience.

In Wet, a transient Chinese American model working in Singapore thirsts for the unattainable: fair labour rights, the extinguishing of nearby forest fires, breathable air, healthy habitats for animals, human connection. She navigates place and placelessness while observing other migrant workers toiling outdoors despite the hazardous conditions. In photographs and language shot through with empathy and desire, Wet unravels complexities of social stratification, sexual privation, and environmental catastrophe.

“Dunic’s work touches on themes that are important to all of us and gets into what it means to be human,” said Rebecca Wood Barrett. “Her poems and writing always touches a nerve because it’s so in tune with specific moments, and having her share it with us is going to be a memorable experience.”

The festival is making this evening event a community affair by inviting local writers to read their own work, whether it’s published already, or a work in progress. 

“It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a storytelling experience,” Wood Barrett said. “We want to hear what the local creative community is working on, because there are so many wonderful storytellers and imaginations beavering away in the Sea to Sky corridor. I can’t wait to hear what people are writing and sharing.” 

Those who want to participate and can email writers@whistlerwritersfest.com before Friday, April 12.

This event is also an opportunity to pick up some of the hottest books from the festival’s own library. There will be a book sale with titles from past festivals available for affordable prices, as part of the Whistler Writing Society Book Sale. 

Take the Plunge is Saturday, April 20 at the Whistler Public Library. This is a free event. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event runs from 7:15-9 p.m. Please RSVP online.