In August 2004, the first Writers at Woody Point festival was held at the Woody Point Heritage Theatre, showcasing writers and musicians from Newfoundland and mainland Canada. Our goal, then and now, was to celebrate our province’s rich literary culture, to encourage local readers, to introduce new writers to the audience, to develop cultural activities at the theatre and in the community and to serve as a catalyst for local economic development.

We began with no government support and just a single private donation of $1000. Members of the community volunteered their time as part of our organization, Friends of Writers at Woody Point. National radio personality Shelagh Rogers signed on as our host and has been with us ever since (joined in later years by Tom Power, host of CBC Radio’s Q, Newfoundland artist and broadcaster Angela Antle and the celebrated novelist Lawrence Hill.) Writers and musicians – including Michael Crummey, Gordon Pinsent, Pamela Morgan and Des Walsh – agreed to appear, even though there was no certainty they’d be paid.

The seats at the Heritage Theatre filled up that first night and they have been full ever since, through twenty successful seasons. We have expanded from four evening readings with music during that first season into what is now a six-day festival encompassing as many as twenty events including concerts, theatrical presentations, film screenings, guided literary walks and an art exhibit. Along the way, Writers at Woody Point has earned a national reputation as one of the best – if not the best – literary festivals in Canada.

The list of authors who have read over the years represents the finest of Newfoundland and Canadian literature, including winners of Canada’s top literary awards, the Giller Prize, the Writers’ Trust Award and the Governor General’s Award. Among those who have appeared on the Heritage Theatre stage are Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Wayson Choy, Richard Wagamese, Jesse Thistle, Elizabeth Hay, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Sarah Polley, Omar El Akkad, David Chariandy, Suzette Mayr, Rollie Pemberton, Madeleine Thien and Anthony De Sa.

We have showcased readings by authors from Newfoundland who are renowned throughout Canada, including Michael Crummey, Kathleen Winter, Michael Winter, Wayne Johnston, Lisa Moore, Megan Cail Coles, Ed Riche, Rick Mercer, Donna Morrissey, and Gordon Pinsent.