Afternoon Readings in Lundbreck

On Saturday afternoon, the Windsor Heritage Drop In Centre in Lundbreck hosted an ‘Author Afternoon’ event, which ran from 2 to 4 p.m. The event was organized by Lundbreck author Monica Zwikstra, who was also one of the featured readers. The intimate gathering of readers and book lovers celebrated local literary talent and featured readings from Zwikstra, John Vassar, Joni MacFarlane, and Erin Flegel.

Monica Zwikstra, the event’s organizer, kicked off the afternoon by introducing the authors, starting with John Vassar, a Western writer originally from Arizona. Vassar read from his first book Devil of Fury, offering the audience a glimpse into the atmospheric and action-packed world of 1877 Arizona. His opening chapter, set on a small chicken ranch, introduced the characters Owen and Tassey, with vivid descriptions of the desert landscape and hints of the mysticism that permeates the novel. The reading followed a tense storyline where Owen must confront his outlaw past.

Next, Joni Macfarlane took the stage. MacFarlane, who has been writing for much of her life, shared an excerpt from the conclusion of her novel My Beautiful Mistake, a psychological suspense story. Macfarlane’s work often explores complex human emotions and relationships, and her reading on Saturday was no exception. The scene she read depicted a car journey filled with tension, regret, and unresolved pain between the characters Charlie and Nora. The quiet, introspective tone of the story showcased Macfarlane’s talent for weaving emotional depth into her writing.

Erin Flegel followed, bringing a lighter, yet equally poignant, story to the gathering. Flegel, a nurse and mother of three from Sparwood, BC, read from her children’s book, The Tails of Mac and Motley. The book, written to help children understand grief and healing after the loss of a pet, is a rhyming story about a dog named Ringo who helps his new family grieve the loss of their previous pets, Mac and Motley. Flegel’s reading touched on themes of loss, love, and healing, bringing a heartfelt and emotional aspect to the event. Her work is inspired by her personal experiences with family pets, making it relatable and impactful for families dealing with similar experiences.

The afternoon concluded with a reading by Monica Zwikstra, who was introduced by MacFarlane. Zwikstra, an author of epic fantasy novels, read from her book Dragon Flight, the second book she has written. Set in a richly detailed world of dragons, kingdoms, and political intrigue, Zwikstra’s reading introduced the character as she prepared to meet a delegation of dragons arriving at her family’s keep. Her descriptions of the dragon landing captivated the audience, highlighting the vivid and imaginative world that Zwikstra has created. Her ability to transport listeners to a fantasy realm was a fitting way to close out the event. The authors also took the time to answer questions about their writing processes and the inspirations behind their works. 

The afternoon readings provided an opportunity for local readers to connect with authors and explore new genres. The afternoon was a celebration of storytelling and it left both authors and attendees looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and share in the joy of reading.