Readers and Writers Unite Online
Like many of this season’s literary events, the Denman Island Readers’ and Writers’ Festival (DIRWF) has gone virtual. I’m excited for this opportunity for readers and writers to unite online. The authors who would have attended the 2020 festival (see lineup below) have instead made videos. If you’ve ever been curious about literary festivals, these videos will give you a taste of what you might expect when we can again attend live events.
Pros and Cons
The downside to going virtual is that you won’t be able to see the authors in person or enjoy the lively atmosphere of a big event. But there are many upsides. DIRWF is offering the event free of charge; you can attend in your PJs; there’s no limit to how many times you can watch the videos; and you can watch anywhere, anytime. All you need is an internet connection. (Another festival that has gone online this year, and is also being offered at no charge, is When Words Collide.)
My First Video Experience
I’ve presented my work at the DIRWF many times, but this is my first experience filming it. It proved more difficult than I imagined to look relaxed or to speak from bullet points (I’m hopeless at memorizing). I’ve gained a new respect for news anchors who do this live every day. You’d think I could get a short piece like this down pat, but each time I read it, I flubbed a different line. In the end, I went with the version with the best(?) flubs because none of the takes were perfect. And I couldn’t have done it without the help of Graham Hayman (Thanks Graham!) We used a camera on a tripod, a body mic, free teleprompter software, stage lighting, and then Graham did some post-production magic to produce the final results.
In the video, I talk about techniques fantasy authors use to get readers to suspend their disbelief. Click on the image below to view the video on Vimeo. I hope you enjoy it, and if you do, please tap the heart icon to show the video some love. Thanks!
Denman Island 2020 Readers’ and Writers’ Festival Lineup:
- Caroline Adderson, A Russian Sister
- Mark Jaccard, A Citizen’s Guide to Climate
- Libby Davies, Outside In
- Peggy Herring, Anna, Like Thunder
- Kate Harris, Lands of Lost Borders
- Anosh Irani, Translated from the Gibberish
- Jónína Kirton, An Honest Woman
- Michael Christie, If I Fall, If I Die
- Tetsuro Shigematsu, One Hour Photo
- Brian Goldman, The Power of Kindness: Why Empathy is Essential in Everyday Life
- JP McLean, The Gift Legacy Series
- Bill Engleson, Like a Child to Home
- Howard Stewart, Views of the Salish Sea: One Hundred and Fifty Years of Change around the Strait of Georgia
- Lucy Dabbs
- Stewart Goodings
- Graham Hayman
- Lorraine Martinuik
- Carolyne Montgomery
And if you tire of watching videos, switch it up: Secret Sky is a click away. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).
Write on. 🙂 Great job Jo-Anne!
Really well done, JP. Congratulations! This is a great example of how to do an online presentation. I’ve not tried video process, but I can .certainly see the benefits
Thanks, Debra. I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers!
I agree with JK. You have a lovely voice. As to having a number of takes, let me assure you that even professionals flub their lines numerous times and have to do take after take. Remember watching dvds of movies and they have those take-out reels that show actors flubbing their lines.
And yes, news announcers do it in one take but they’ve had years of practice. Before they even get the job, they’ve been honing their skills on community TV or elsewhere.
In other words, you did great! Nicely done! Yay!!! 🙂
Thanks! It’s good to hear even professionals flub their lines – I feel much better now.
Your video was entertaining, informative and you seemed at ease in front of the camera. Well done JP!!
Thanks, Sally. It was an eye-opening experience, for sure.
I LOVED your video! You know, you are an exceptional person with exceptional imagination and writing talent! If I wouldn’t be so busy to get my memoir ‘trilogy’ finished, I would read all your books again. I remember how they took me “off” into fantasy land.”
Thank you, Giselle. It’s lovely to hear from you. Glad you’re continuing with your memoir – such an interesting life you’ve had. Cheers!
Your organizational work on the Vimeo project was much appreciated by this most unworthy participant, Jo-Anne.
My pleasure, Bill. And you’re hardly unworthy – you’re way ahead of the pack on Vimeo. Good job!
You have such a nice voice! Well done!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t leave a comment on vimeo since I’m not a member, so I’m posting it here: “The Gift Legacy books are smart, beautifully written page turners, and they’re among my favourite urban fantasy novels.”
Thank you, JK. The video process was a little intimidating, but a terrific learning experience.