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Tofino and Ucluelet’s Local Writing Talent
Tofino and Ucluelet have a surprising amount of talent per capita—especially on the literary front.
With a combined population of little over 3000, the two communities are home to many published writers— many of whom are, or at one time were, members of the Clayoquot Writers Group.
Several successful writers who once lived here, or who have spent significant time here, have produced wonderful books about the area.
I am thinking of people like David Pitt-Brooke (Chasing Clayoquot), Margaret Horsfield (Cougar Annie’s Garden, Voices From the Sound) and Eric Enno Tamm (Beyond the Outer Shores).
But for this short article, I will focus on some of the writers who still live here today: One of our most prolific writers is Adrienne Mason. Adrienne studied biology, but she quickly realized that she likes talking about science more than actually doing science, so she turned to writing.
She has published 21 children’s books and six books for adults, one of them co-authored with David Suzuki. Last year, along with a Tofino graphic designer, she founded Postelsia Press, a publishing company dedicated to producing local works.
One of Postelsia’s first publications was Crowlogue, an anthology written by members of the Clayoquot Writers Group that celebrates our feathered friends. Adrienne is currently working on a new book about Long Beach.
Joanna Streetly is successful local author and artist. Joanna splits her time between Tofino and a floathouse anchored in Tofino Harbour. She has written or edited three books so far, the most recent of which is Silent Inlet, a novel which takes place in the waters off a small west coast town, which bears a striking resemblance to Tofino. Joanna is currently working on her fourth book, also a locally set novel.
Caroline Woodward is another of our productive authors. Caroline lives on Lennard Island (visible from the beaches off of Tofino) where she works as a lighthouse keeper. She is author of four books: two novels, a collection of short stories, and a new children’s book called Singing Away the Dark.
Christine Lowther is a poet and non-fiction writer who splits her time between Tofino and a floathouse. She is the author of two non-fiction books and a poetry collection, My Nature. She also edited, along with Anita Sinner, an anthology called Writing the West Coast: In Love With Place, which features works by many former and present Tofino and Ucluelet residents. The pair are working on a new anthology which will be titled Living Artfully: Reflections from the Far West Coast.
Besides their fiercely independent writers, Tofino and Ucluelet boast some fiercely independent bookstores. You will find the books mentioned above, and many others, at:
Wildside Booksellers, Tofino
Mermaid Tales Bookshop, Tofino
Wild Heather Books, Ucluelet
Also, keep an eye out for community literary events (usually listed in TofinoTime).
The Clayoquot Writers Group organize many public readings. The next one is a poetry reading and open mic on the theme of “Climate Changes,” to take place downstairs at the Tofino Legion, 3pm, on Saturday April 9.
* Jacqueline Windh is author of four books. Visit her website at jacquelinewindh.com/books/ for more information.
- Photo credit: Adrienne Mason, http://www.theheartoftofino.com/. Text by Jacqueline Windh©
