What draws writers and readers to the heart of Newfoundland year after year? Join celebrated Newfoundland writers Michael Crummey and Des Walsh as they recount their time at the cherished event that has brought together storytellers and their communities for two decades - Writers at Woody Point. 

We explore how this festival has become a cornerstone of the region's cultural heritage, and Michael Crummey shares his personal journey through the vibrant communities of Newfoundland, emphasizing the enduring impact the festival has had on his work. Reflecting on past visits and significant personal milestones, we recount Michael’s moments of reunion and the joy of meeting long-time readers. 

Then, we welcome legendary writer and musician Des Walsh who reminisces on how the unique energy of public readings at Woody Point contrasts with the solitary act of writing, serving as a powerful reminder of the positive impact a writer's work can have on their audience. Des also performs a powerful reading of his poem "March 3, 1999 - Notes on an upcoming anniversary". Don’t miss these intimate conversations, as we celebrate the stories and storytellers that continue to shape and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Highlights:

Chapter 1: Celebrating the Writers of Woody Point (00:00 )

Celebrated Newfoundland writer Michael Crummey shares his experiences and discusses the importance of preserving oral storytelling traditions, emphasizing how the festival has been a cornerstone for both writers and audiences over two decades. The chapter spotlights Writer at Woody Point’s unique bond with the Newfoundland community.

Chapter 2: Finding Community at Woody Point (10:01 )

Michael Crummey explores the deep sense of belonging fostered at the Writers at Woody Point Festival. Reflecting on personal milestones and cherished reunions, Michael delves into the magical energy of public readings that create a reciprocal bond between writers and their audience, highlighting the festival's role in reinforcing community ties.

Chapter 3: Nurturing Newfoundland's Literary Culture (21:01 )

The chapter focuses on the festival's significant role in promoting Newfoundland's literary culture. Michael talks about how the event has transformed many writers’ literary dreams into realities, making Newfoundland literature accessible to a global audience and nurturing a vibrant artistic community.

Chapter 4: The Joys of Writers at Woody Point (28:01 )

We delve into the festival's lively atmosphere, featuring reflections from writer/musician Des Walsh on the event's inception and its celebratory spirit. Des discusses the collaborative essence of the festival. He also performs a reading of his poem "March 3, 1999 - Notes on an upcoming anniversary," capturing the themes of loss and joy in Newfoundland's heritage.

Resources:

• Read more about Michael Crummey
• See a list of books written by Michael Crummey, or find his books for purchase from our independent bookseller*
• Michael mentions his wife Holly Hogan reading for the first time at Writers at Woody Point - find a copy of her book “Message in a Bottle: Ocean Dispatches from a Seabird Biologist” from our independent bookseller*
• Read more about Des Walsh
• Buy a book by Des Walsh from our independent bookseller*
• Buy a copy of Alistair MacLeod’s “No Great Mischief”, which Host Joel Burton mentions inspired the name of the podcast, from our independent bookseller*

*Writers at Woody Point does not profit from the purchase of books sold through these hyperlinks - we are simply supporting the Canadian-owned, independent bookseller Blue Heron Books, who partners with our Festival. 

Visit the Writers at Woody Point website

Learn more about Friends of Writers at Woody Point

Follow Writers at Woody Point on Instagram

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Meet the Team:

Joel Burton, Host/Executive Producer

Avery Moore Kloss, Senior Producer

Olivia Ball, Associate Producer

Kyleigh Brisson, Music Supervisor

Music from:

kyleigh hyacinth (Kyleigh Brisson)

Duane Andrews

Funding from Creative Gros Morne, Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Canadian Heritage.