Peter L.S. Trevor

We are stories made manifest

post-SIWC

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So, this year’s Surrey International Writers’ Conference has come and gone.

I learned something about romances, mystery stories, and got to interact with a bunch of really interesting people.  After the last few years, it felt a bit like coming home.

The annual Surrey International Writers’ Conference is the premier event for writers in North America, featuring publishers, agents, and published authors.  The conference itself is a 2½ day event … preceded by 2 days of master classes.

And as before, the MC for the announcements and keynote speeches was the magnificent Carrol Monaghan (a sort of Canadian “Betty White”).  It was so gratifying to see she is still with us.

After all the lockdowns, this year was a return to in-person events… well, in this case, it was a mix of “in-person only” and “in-person/virtual”.  This was great because, in the past, you often had to choose between different workshops in the same slot, whereas now you could go to the “in-person only” workshop and watch the “in-person/virtual” workshops later.

As always, the cost was a big issue.  While the conference price and basic room rates were known of, and budgeted for, in advance, the hotel food is always a bit of a shock.  For example, C$45 (plus tax) per day for a self-serve breakfast buffet.  Next time I might bring a box of cornflakes and some milk with me at the very least.  Maybe I can cater my entire stay.  Though it has to be said, the hotel meals were fine quality.

(Side note, there was no late-night room service this time.  Because of ferry delays, I missed having an evening meal upon my arrival.)

Last note:  In previous years, there was an on-site merchant (called “Betty’s Buttons”) that did buttons and fridge magnets.  Including bespoke.  Well, Betty has shut up shop, but she was still there … helping out at the registration desk.

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Peter L.S. Trevor