Cape Breton Island has a long standing tradition in the arts. Music is in the forefront with artisans quickly moving forward. Quietly following behind are the writers. Be it due to lack of platform or guidance I am not sure but it is important to state that Cape Breton has a ton of history in the writing field; Hugh MacLennan, Alistair MacLeod, Farley Mowat, the comedic writings of the Rise and Follies, and playwrights too numerous to mention. With a little digging, any new or experienced Cape Breton writer can find inspiration, opportunity, and praise close to home. 

Why make you dig though? I know I hate having to hunt for what should be shouted from the rooftops. So show me my rooftop, I want to shout... 5 CAPE BRETON ADVENTURES TO INSPIRE THE LITERARY MIND!  

Russell Wangersky writing workshop at the Cabot Trail Writers Festival. (photo by Lisa Finney taken from http://www.quillandquire.com)

Cabot Trail Writers Festival
The Cabot Trail Writers Festival takes place every year on the Cabot Trail, the weekend before Canada’s Thanksgiving weekend.

This small writers festival introduces writers to the island's fall colours while giving them a chance to hear world class authors read their works, share their experiences, and lead workshops. Being a small festival also gives participants a chance to interact with the invited guests. You may find yourself sitting next to David Adams Richards (Crimes Against my Brother) during dinner or standing behind poet Anne Simpson (Loop) while getting an autographed copy of Jane Urquhart's latest publication.

Writers, both experienced and new, can enjoy true learning and inspiration in Cape Breton's most picturesque season. 
www.cabottrailwritersfestival.com

Writers enjoy a relaxing day on Ingonish Island during the Castaway Writing Workshop Adventure (photo by Steven Rolls)

Moosebait Writing Workshop Adventures
In 2012, moosebait hosted its first Writing Workshop Adventure. Their full day writing workshops focus on overcoming the two main obstacles a writer faces, distraction and inspiration. They do this while offering a day of exploration and adventure.

Their first workshop, going by the name “Cabin Fever Writing Workshop Adventure”, was hosted atop Coxheath Hills, just moments away from Sydney. Since then, they have hosted “Castaway” on Ingonish Island, “Join the Ranks” at historic Fort Petrie, and “Encampment”. Breaking new ground, this overnight writing workshop dropped participants inside the walls of the Fortress Louisbourg for a night of writing, a ghost tour, and fire-side readings. 

This September, they will be hosting yet another Writing Workshop Adventure, this time in the quaint fishing village of Gabarus, Cape Breton.
www.moosebait.com/saltswept

Jenn Tubrett and Rory Andrews read from an upcoming production at Governor's Book Pub (photo courtesy of Governors Book Pub)

Governors Book Pub
For half the year (October-April), on the third Tuesday of the month, Governors Pub & Eatery (Sydney) turns itself over to local writers. 

The night is modelled after familiar song writer circles. Established authors take the stage to read from their publications, talk about their inspirations, and maybe even share something they are working on. In the second half of the evening, the public has a chance to get up and read their labours of love. Fantasy, horror, drama, or mystery, from poetry to prose, you never know what the next reading will bring.

Months often change from year to year so keep your eyes peeled to their Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/governorsbookpub2014

The cast of characters from the 2015 Living Mannequins (photo by John Smith)

Baddeck Library's Living Mannequins 
Each year, characters from the shelves of the Baddeck Library come to life for a magical night. During this event, library patrons volunteer their time to dress in costume while visitors journey from scene to scene listening to the short readings from the mouths of some of literature's most famous characters.

This evening is the library's major fundraiser for the year and is enhanced by the amazing hors d'oeuvre samplings of chefs George Smith (Telegraph House) and Bryan Picard (Bite House).

Cora-Lee  sits upon a perch and reads as Tinkerbell during the "Peter Pan" feast (photo by Barb Bates, courtesy of Dancing River Sprite)

Dancing River Sprite Literary Dinner
Definitely the most unique of the five adventures presented. If you stumbled upon the evening while looking for help to change a flat tire, you may be more than reluctant to approach. As a guest who sought out the evening, I can truly say it is a treat. Happening two days a month, this night of literature inspired dining will leave you with a full mind, body, and soul.

Located on a country pig farm in Middle River, Dancing River Sprite host Cora-Lee Eisses-Smith assumes the identity of a character from the month's chosen piece of literature and welcomes her guests into a rustic, barn-board clad, dining room set for twenty. Here she reads, performs, and serves a 6-7 course meal prepared by her husband (George Smith) and inspired by the chosen literary piece. The night is relaxed, jovial, and believe it or not, "pay-what-you-want".

You will be hard pressed to find this dining experience on any tourist map or guide to Cape Breton's most amazing experiences but Cora-Lee welcomes all who contact her.

To receive Dancing River Sprite's monthly dates and theme, contact Cora-Lee and ask to be put on the mailing list - [email protected].