Walking the grounds of the Filberg Festival in Comox, BC, I am struck by the sea of white-shrouded tents that surround me. It’s early morning and the park is quiet.

Basking in the glow of a fresh sunrise I stroll down to the Garden Stage where in a few hours, an exciting selection of musical artists will entertain the crowd.

Yesterday, guitarist Adam Obres mesmerized us all with his amazing instrumentals, a respite for me as super-seller Jan covered off my booth, talking up Dyed In The Green and my latest book, The Rhino’s Horn.

We haven’t been back since our first visit in 2019 so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I lost momentum after the pandemic so 2026 is a rebound year of sorts.

The first day was slow as people hedged their bets on the weather but Saturday was next level and didn’t disappoint.

Writing is a labour of love and selling books can be seen by some as just labour, but for me it’s incredibly rewarding speaking with readers, talking up my series, its origins and where its gone.

Book people are great people and I love that most still want the tactile feel of a printed book in their hands.

And I love hearing their stories.

They all have some.

We all have some.

And the contacts we make come full circle.

When the volunteer who helped me park first spoke I knew right away he was from Newfoundland.

Where? I asked him. Gander. No way? So am I.

A teacher himself, Greg was intrigued by my YA novel Harking and the fact that the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education recently selected it for its Grade 10 student assessments. He came by on the last day to pick it up, along with Dyed In The Green.

Another volunteer grabbed the first two books in the series and came by the following morning to say he was getting into the title book. Stationed in Comox with the military he’d seen a lot of the world and had some great stories.

Most importantly we shared a basic truth … most people just want the same things we all want … peace and security, a roof over their heads and to be able to raise and provide for their kids. Heavy stuff maybe for an early morning discussion but his perspective was reassuring and straight-forward.

And provided perspective, as Filberg did.

We are so lucky.

To live in Canada.

To have festivals such as Filberg, to showcase, among other things, the talent we sometimes take for granted.

I am amazed by it all and when the white shrouds of tarped tents are opened up to display the creativity in our midst, I’m blown away (again) by the colours and the creations on display (and for sale!)

Slowly I pick my way back to our booth, the green tent blending in with the park’s cover of majestic mature trees, our display of books with Dan Stiles’ superb cover art equally impressive (Yes, I’m biased).

One last adjustment to my display and I’m ready to welcome the first customer of the day.

Come on in.

Have you heard about the series?

No? Well it’s time you did.