top of page
0912-15 (1920 x 1080 px).png

celebrating words

Elephant Mountain Lit Fest is celebrating our 13th anniversary with a weekend packed with workshops, readings, discussions, mentorship sessions, and a book fair! Through a wide spectrum of literary experiences, join us in exploring the work of talented writers who push boundaries, bend genres, and write from their hearts. This year’s festival line-up promises to inspire, challenge, and uplift. 

*Please note that the 2024 Gold Pass only includes the two evening events. This pass does not include any workshops or mentorship sessions. Gold Passes must be purchased by phone, email, or in person at The Capitol Theatre Box Office. 250.352.6363 or boxoffice@capitoltheatre.ca

Main EVENTS

Friday, September 13th
7:00PM

13th Anniversary on the 13th: Into the Unknown

Join us on the auspicious evening of Friday the 13th for a dialogue with writers whose work delves into themes of the unknown and uncertainty. This event will thrill lovers of poetry, fiction, film, and music through a showcase of the writer’s work and short discussion of writing the unknown. Rather than shy away from an event on this often-avoided date, Elephant Mountain Lit Fest embraces the occasion as a chance to celebrate our 13th festival with an event that explores an antidote to uncertainty; creation. Featuring Roz Nay, Smokii Sumac, Jayli Wolf, and Jayme Moye. Tickets are available through the Capitol Theatre. 

*This event is included in the Gold Pass

Saturday, September 14th
1:30-4:30PM

local writers book fair

Join us in the lobby and house of the Capitol Theatre for a book fair exclusively featuring local writers. Meet writers, shop for books, get signed copies and learn more about the rich writing culture of the Columbia Basin region! 

Saturday, September 14th
7:00PM

strength in storytelling: a reading and conversation

On the heels of Friday evening’s discussion of the unknown/uncertainty, on Saturday evening the festival turns to themes of belonging, knowing, and connection. Through readings and a panel discussion, this event will explore how storytelling links us across time and space, offering solace in the face of both personal and universal turbulence. Participants will share readings from their works, followed by a discussion of storytelling’s role in facing the world’s complexities. Featuring Shashi Bhat, Zaynab Mohammed, Emma Noyes and more writers TBA. The Richard Carver Award will also be announced at this event. Tickets are available through the Capitol Theatre. 

*This event is included in the Gold Pass 

Workshops

  • Non-fiction Adventure Writing with Jayme Moye
    Non-fiction Adventure Writing with Jayme Moye
    Sun, Sep 15
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
    Sep 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St Second Floor, Nelson, BC V1L 4H1, Canada
    Sep 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St Second Floor, Nelson, BC V1L 4H1, Canada
    Award-winning mountain sports and culture writer Jayme Moye teaches how to turn any experience in the outdoors into a captivating narrative using the basic elements of story, whether you’re writing personally or professionally.
  • Exploring Your Creepy Side
    Exploring Your Creepy Side
    Sun, Sep 15
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
    Sep 15, 2024, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St Second Floor, Nelson, BC V1L 4H1, Canada
    Sep 15, 2024, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St Second Floor, Nelson, BC V1L 4H1, Canada
    In this workshop, bestselling thriller author Roz Nay will focus on all the techniques and tricks to hook a reader and keep them invested.
  • Creative Journal Workshop
    Creative Journal Workshop
    Sun, Sep 15
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
    Sep 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St Second Floor, Nelson, BC V1L 4H1, Canada
    Sep 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St Second Floor, Nelson, BC V1L 4H1, Canada
    In this workshop you will peek into Emma’s journals, hear her tips for journal keeping success, and try writing exercises centered on creative reflection and incorporating more hand-drawn elements into your writing.
  • Writing Our Grief: Workshop and Short Film Screening
    Writing Our Grief: Workshop and Short Film Screening
    Sat, Sep 14
    Capitol Theatre Nelson
    Sep 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Capitol Theatre Nelson, 421 Victoria St, Nelson, BC V1L 4K6, Canada
    Sep 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Capitol Theatre Nelson, 421 Victoria St, Nelson, BC V1L 4K6, Canada
    This workshop will create a shared space to honour our grief through writing.
  • Make Your Mark! Book Marketing for New Authors
    Make Your Mark! Book Marketing for New Authors
    Thu, Sep 12
    Webinar (Zoom)
    Sep 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    Webinar (Zoom)
    Sep 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    Webinar (Zoom)
    Marketing is one of the most important elements of a self publishing authors journey. Whether you are planning to make this a career or fulfilling a passion project, you will want to ensure you establish the right marketing strategy for your book.
  • Creativity as a Catalyst for Change
    Creativity as a Catalyst for Change
    Sat, Sep 16
    Nelson
    Sep 16, 2023, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Nelson, 402 Victoria St, Nelson, BC V1L 4K5, Canada
    Sep 16, 2023, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Nelson, 402 Victoria St, Nelson, BC V1L 4K5, Canada
    How can creative voices and storytelling change the world? Join Ivan Coyote, John Vaillant, and James Pakootas in a conversation moderated by Leesa Dean. *Included in the Gold Pass
  • Workshop: Active Voice w/ Ivan Coyote
    Workshop: Active Voice w/ Ivan Coyote
    Sat, Sep 16
    Nelson
    Sep 16, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Nelson, 719 Vernon St Suite 103, Nelson, BC V1L 4G3, Canada
    Sep 16, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Nelson, 719 Vernon St Suite 103, Nelson, BC V1L 4G3, Canada
    Join the author of 13 books and well-seasoned storyteller Ivan Coyote for this workshop crafted to help you bring your written work to life on stage.
  • Nature Speaks
    Nature Speaks
    Thu, Sep 14
    Nelson
    Sep 14, 2023, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
    Nelson, 602 Silica St, Nelson, BC V1L 4N1, Canada
    Sep 14, 2023, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
    Nelson, 602 Silica St, Nelson, BC V1L 4N1, Canada
    Imagine creating art from conversation. This 3-hour poetry experience will explore our relationships to each other and our connection to Mother Earth.
  • The Modern Publishing Landscape
    The Modern Publishing Landscape
    Tue, Sep 12
    Zoom
    Sep 12, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PDT
    Zoom
    Sep 12, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PDT
    Zoom
    This webinar with Friesen Press provides an overview of the modern book publishing landscape and gives advice to authors on how to successfully navigate it. We’ll discuss the general publishing options of Traditional Publishing, DIY, and Assisted Self-Publishing.
  • Elephant Mountain Lit Fest Gold Pass
    Elephant Mountain Lit Fest Gold Pass
    Mon, Sep 11
    Location is TBD
    Sep 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – Sep 17, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
    Location is TBD
    Sep 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – Sep 17, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
    Location is TBD
    The gold pass provides access to all festival panels and readings.

Blue Pencil Mentors

Elephant Mountain Lit Fest's 40-minute Blue Pencil Mentorship sessions are designed to elevate your writing. You'll receive personalized feedback from an experienced mentor, who will help you refine your work, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable insights to enhance your storytelling. Perfect for writers at any stage, this session offers the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and actionable advice to take your writing to the next level. Our 2024 Blue Pencil Mentors were Shashi Bhat and Roz Nay. 

bottom of page