Canada Fiction Fest celebrates Canadian storytelling

By: Kathleen Smith

Bringing together 121 authors from 11 provinces and territories, Canada Fiction Fest offered a two-week celebration of Canadian storytelling.

This free, national online book festival was created to showcase Canadian fiction writers and help readers discover new voices from across the country.

Featuring a virtual author showcase along with 36 live online events, including readings, panel discussions, author conversations and genre-focused sessions, the event provided a platform to give Canadian fiction writers more visibility.

Canada Fiction Fest is a platform to connect readers with Canadian authors.

While the publishing landscape continues to evolve, many authors – particularly debut, independent and mid-list writers – must find creative ways to build readership and reach new audiences.

Canada Fiction Fest highlights the depth and range of fiction being written in Canada, especially in a market often overshadowed by the larger American publishing industry.

As an author from Wellington County, Ivanka Fear was part of the group of 121 authors involved in this virtual festival that ran from June 21 until July 4.

Fear writes two series, with a third beginning this summer, all published by Level Best Books.

As a Canadian author it’s important to Fear to feature settings that inspire her and showcase the Canadian geography and identity.

“I think readers appreciate seeing places they are familiar with in books,” explained Fear.

“Using locales I know as a starting point to create my setting makes it more authentic, but because it is fictional, it allows me creative freedom.”

Fear is a Slovenian-born, Canadian author who has been writing novels ever since retiring from teaching.

With her latest mystery novel ‘How Deep is the Body’, Fear masterfully blends domestic drama with criminal intrigue.

Set against the stark, unforgiving Canadian winter, the landscape itself becomes a character – cold, isolating and filled with secrets.

“Having so many Canadian authors in one spot highlights the amazing talent we have right here in our own country,” said Fear.

“With so many books published each year, it’s difficult to stand out, and a venue like this joins together people who love reading and provides that personal touch of being able to get to know the author better.”

Although Fear changes the names of towns and fictionizes them, readers will recognise places such as Goderich in Cold Query, book three of Blue Water Mysteries.

Book four, Deep and Deadly Secrets, which is coming soon, takes place on Lake Huron as well, and book five, coming out next year, is also set on the lake and in a town much like Goderich.

“My books will appeal to those who enjoy a good mystery story, or a psychological thriller, or domestic suspense,” added Fear.

This event provided a chance for readers and authors to connect without leaving their home, making it accessible for everyone.

Many viewers tuned in to the author readings and panels during the event.

Well-known, best-selling, big-five published authors have advantages of having their books on all shelves and a large marketing team and budget to help promote them.

Majority of authors do not fall into this category.

Meeting other readers and authors is a big part of book promotion for Fear, who is doing an extensive book signing tour this summer and she hopes to attend the Goderich Sunday Market a few times.

“I’m grateful to the libraries and stores that carry my books and invite me in for an event,” added Fear.

“I also much appreciate the local media that is willing to promote Canadian authors and books.”

Fear recommends new authors to join in events such as Fiction Fest, as being part of a writing community or group is crucial in a profession where authors often work in isolation.

“This was my first author panel, and with it being virtual, some of the pressure of a live event was alleviated,” Fear added.

“It’s a perfect venue for debut authors as well as multi-times published writers.”

Fear’s newest releases include Deep and Deadly Secrets and book four of Blue Water Mysteries are scheduled to be available soon.