Kingston WritersFest - Short Story Showcase: Jess Gibson, Wayne Grady, Chanel Su...

Event Description

Three masterful storytellers take the festival stage to show exactly how much narrative power, depth, and precision can be packed into the short story form. This marquee event brings together distinct literary voices to explore the sharp edges of human relationships, hidden histories, and the art of the literary remix. Jess Gibson introduces The Good Eye, a mesmerizing debut collection where everyday moments subtly tilt into uncanny mystery and quiet subversion—praised by novelist André Alexis as “the best first collection of stories I’ve read in years.” Montreal’s Chanel Sutherland shares Layaway Child, offering a lyrical, deeply moving look at girlhood, displacement, and the complexities of the Caribbean immigrant experience. Rounding out the trio, long-time friend of the festival Wayne Grady presents The Cartel and Other Cover Stories, an ingenious collection that treats classic literary masterpieces like musical cover songs, remixed with sharp, modern twists.

Thanks to Jan Allen, Author Patron of Jess Gibson, Bob Montgomerie, Author Patron of Wayne Grady and Henry and Loretta Lee Memorial Legacy Fund (Joan Lee, Betty Lee-Daigle, Tom Less & Sally Lo), Author Patrons of Sarah Tsiang

Event sponsor: Chris James