In this book, 19 of Canada's most acclaimed storytellers contribute the narrative pieces that together compose a humorously accurate national reflection. Each author was commissioned by the Ottawa International Writers Festival to write a chapter, set in their local community, in a serial story moving across the country from East to West. Started by Michael Winter in St. John's, Newfoundland, the narrative--revolving around the ever-transforming everyday Canadians Bruce and Olivia--is developed, embellished, deconstructed and completely manipulated by the likes of Mark Anthony Jarman (Fredericton, NB), Alan Cumyn (Ottawa, ON), Helen Humphreys (Kingston, ON), Sheila Heti (Toronto, ON), Uma Parameswaran (Winnipeg, MB), Thomas Wharton (Edmonton, AB), Arthur Slade (Saskatoon, SK), Richard Van Camp (Fort Smith, NWT), Ivan E. Coyote (Whitehorse, YK), Steven Galloway (Vancouver, BC), Bill Gaston (Victoria, BC), Donna Morrissey (Halifax, NS), Lesley-Anne Bourne (Charlottetown, PEI), Hermenegilde Chiasson (Moncton, NB), Nalini Warriar (Quebec City, PQ), Tess Fragoulis (Montreal, PQ), Dianne Warren (Regina, SK) and paulo da costa (Calgary, AB). Together, the authors represent the astounding regional and cultural diversity of contemporary Canadian literature. Write Across Canada is designed to celebrate our country, our communities, our regional identities and our distinct voices through a literary project that is truly national in scope. The result is a constantly surprising and uproarious cross-country adventure that showcases an amazing diversity of voices and cultures.

The Ottawa International Writers Festival, founded in 1997, has played host to more than 500 writers from all corners of the globe. Featuring the best in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, films and plays, the Festival reaches more than 10,000 people a year. In addition to the annual main event held each October at the Library and Archives of Canada, the Festival programs readings, lectures and workshops throughout the calendar year. As the largest literary presence in the Ottawa region, it has become a focal point for issues directly related to writing, literacy and human rights.

The Ottawa International Writers Festival's profile page

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"A smart and rather humorous read... focused on good old Canadian humour, satire, and good-natured digs at crazy kids and crazy times... Provides an ultra realistic depiction of Canadian diversity, reads like a hot spot list from city to city, and most importantly showcases a slew of well and lesser known Canadian writers... One hell of a ride."
-Rebecca Lazeranko, Grey Borders

Grey Borders

"...for devoted fans of contemporary Canadian literature and for creative-writing students, [Write Across Canada] is an absolute must-read."
-Naomi Brun, Canadian Book Review

Canadian Book Review