Amid the rolling fields, red sands, and sea-kissed air of Cavendish, stories have always taken root. This is the very land that sparked the imagination of L.M. Montgomery—and now, it’s your turn to be inspired.
Readers, writers, and storytellers are invited to join us for the first-ever Cavendish Literary Festival.
The festival features three delightful days of intimate events, including workshops, author talks, and wellness retreats, all set within Cavendish’s charming countryside, with venues no more than ten minutes apart.
In this inaugural year, we are proud to celebrate local, regional, and national voices who shaped our cultural identity and inspire and support new writers just beginning their journey.
Come find kindred spirits, feed your creativity, and celebrate the transformative power of literature.
Voices of 2025
Donna Jones Alward
Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings since 2006. Her historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire. Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. Find her online at donnajonesalward.com.
Antonio Michael Downing
Antonio Michael Downing is the author of Saga Boy and Stars in My Crown, and host of CBC’s The Next Chapter, where he interviews authors and columnists. He spends his time writing, making music, and honouring his grandmother’s legacy. Black Cherokee is his powerful and highly anticipated debut novel.
Linden MacIntyre
Linden MacIntyre is a bestselling novelist and award-winning journalist. His novel The Bishop’s Man won the Giller Prize. A former fifth estate co-host, he has authored acclaimed fiction and nonfiction, including The Wake. He lives in Toronto and summers in Cape Breton with his wife, Carol Off.
Your Moderators
Laura Chapin
Laura Chapin is an award-winning journalist who spent 30 years with CBC before retiring. A published playwright with several projects underway, she’s excited to be part of the first Cavendish Literary Festival.
Jessica Doria-Brown
Jessica Doria-Brown is a multi-platform journalist with CBC PEI. Before moving to PEI in 2014, she worked with CBC in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Ontario. She lives in Charlottetown with her partner and four children.
Antonio Michael Downing
Antonio Michael Downing is the author of Saga Boy and Stars in My Crown, and host of CBC’s The Next Chapter, where he interviews authors and columnists. He spends his time writing, making music, and honouring his grandmother’s legacy. Black Cherokee is his powerful and highly anticipated debut novel.
George Matthews
For over 40 years, George Matthews’ voice has defined PEI hockey, including 13 NHL seasons and 1,040 NHL games. Best estimates place him near 3,000 total games. A homegrown icon, his PEI Sports Hall of Fame induction is well-deserved.
Vanessa Smith
Vanessa, founder of Refy Agency, draws on 14+ years in marketing to provide strategies, creative direction and training. She hosts a PEI entrepreneur podcast, enjoys her book club, and embraces life with her 8-month-old daughter.
Musicians
Olivia Blacquiere
Olivia Blacquiere, a Prince Edward Island musician, blends heritage and heart, inspired by generations of storytellers and musicians. Through piano, guitar, and soulful voice, she unites timeless tradition with a vibrant, distinctly personal sound.
Luka Hall & Sydney Thompson
Charlottetown’s Luka Hall & Sydney Thompson are a folk duo whose authentic musicianship and harmonies captivate audiences. Luka’s songwriting, guitar, and fiddle skills blend seamlessly with Sydney’s warm, soulful vocals, creating unforgettable musical moments.
Lawrence Maxwell
Lawrence Maxwell is a Prince Edward Island alt-country artist and 2024 Music PEI Entertainer of the Year. With international shows and acclaimed songs, his music blends raw storytelling with neo-traditional country roots.
Events
For authors, writers, and readers alike
Authors
Share your work, connect with fellow storytellers, and celebrate the power of words in a community that loves literature as much as you do.
Writers
Spark your creativity with seaside workshops, intimate panels, and inspiration around every corner.
Readers
Get lost in stories, meet your favourite authors, and discover new reads in the place that inspired Anne of Green Gables.
Cavendish Literary Festival: For the Dreamers of Dreams and the Tellers of Tales
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