I love events focused on writing and reading and anything books. Author talks. Book signings. Literary festivals. Writing workshops. You name it. Being inspired is…inspiring.

Yesterday I discovered the existence of the Kamloops Writers Festival. Since then, I’ve been mulling over whether or not I should go.

I’ve attended some great literary events in the past. When I lived in Calgary, I strolled around, and even volunteered at, The Word on the Street (unfortunately no longer offered in Calgary). I took an extra-long lunch break from my corporate communications job downtown and indulged in a young adult author reading at Wordfest (one of the few adults in a theatre of teens).

More recently and closer to home, I revelled in Diana Gabaldon’s enthusiasm at Word on the Lake (Salmon Arm, BC), and enjoyed the Elephant Mountain Literary Festival (Nelson, BC).

The problem, though, is that I live a long-distance drive from all these events. Which means, although the events themselves may be reasonably priced, the hotel stays are not.

Is the investment worth it? Or is it an unnecessary indulgence?

Other events I’d love to attend:

• Kootenay Storytelling Festival (Nelson, BC)
• Kootenay Book Weekend (Nelson, BC)
• Word Vancouver (Vancouver, BC)
• Vancouver Writers Fest (Vancouver, BC)
• Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair (Toronto, ON)