Past Events.

Chapter Three: Intrigue and Hidden History—Reimagining the Past

From September 25 to 26, four bestselling authors came to Bayfield to share secrets behind their craft and what went into creating their latest novels. Emma Donoghue, Heather Marshall, Genevieve Graham, and Molly Fader took the stage at the Bayfield Town Hall. They spoke about diverse characters, suspense, and masterfully researched stories as we gathered for conversation, connection, and yes… signature cocktails. We delved into hidden pasts, got lost in page-turning mysteries, and celebrated their resilient female protagonists.

Then on Sunday, September 27th, we hosted a special writers workshop titled "10 Tips for Adding Tighter Tension" with Molly Fader. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just getting into the craft, attendees found out from a published author what turns a "No, thank you" from an editor into "Can I please see more?"

All writers, at any stage in their process, were welcome. Maybe you're working on historical fiction, a memoir, brainstorming a book, or in the final editorial pass; it's never too late, or too early, to play with tension.

Event poster for a journalism discussion titled "Journalism in an Age of Rage" presented by the Bayfield Writers Series, scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, 2025, in Bayfield, Ontario. The poster features two chairs, studio lighting, an image of a book cover titled "At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage" by Carol Off, sponsored by The Village Bookshop.

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, we hosted two of Canada’s most respected voices in journalism:

Carol Off - Broadcast journalist, award-winning author, and former host of As It Happens (CBC). In her latest book, At a Loss for Words: Conversations in an Age of Rage, a national bestseller, Carol digs deep into six words whose meanings have been distorted and weaponized in recent years — including democracy, freedom, and truth — and asks whether we can reclaim their value.

Lisa LaFlamme - Former CTV National News chief anchor and current host of Carry the Fire podcast. Lisa was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019, an honour that recognized her contributions to journalism and news broadcasting, and her support for and promotion of human rights. Lisa will lead a compelling conversation with Carol, diving into the complex landscape of modern media and public trust.

This dynamic duo will help us rethink how we consume news, challenge assumptions, and spark meaningful dialogue about the role of journalism today.

A promotional poster for a literary event featuring book covers and event details. The background shows a vintage typewriter, and the text reads: "The Art of Historical Fiction: When Fact Meets Fiction. Friday, May 2 & Saturday, May 3, The Little Inn, Bayfield, ON." Several book covers are displayed, including "Coronation Year" by Jennifer Robson, "Berlin Apartment" by Bryn Turnbull, "The Booklovers' Library," "Looking for Jane" by Heather Marshall, and others.

For its inaugural year in 2025, the series featured the beloved genre of historical fiction.

On Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2025 the Bayfield Writers Series held an intimate gathering with international and New York Times bestselling authors Madeline Martin, Jennifer Robson, Bryn Turnbull, and Heather Marshall, at The Little Inn in Bayfield. Readers and writers connected over cocktails and conversations on the first night, and the following day, they engaged in the world of historical fiction through interactive panel discussions and interviews when these four masters of the Art of Historical Fiction shared a few of their secrets for writing, researching, and publishing, and spoke about what they are working on next. 

What better place to gather than The Little Inn, a historic hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1847, when it first served as a stagecoach stop for weary travellers and their horses.

“Had a beyond fabulous weekend in Bayfield, reconnecting with authors, readers, and everything I love about being part of the unbelievable literary community.”

— Bryn Turnbull

Four women sitting at a table in a room with natural light, smiling and engaging in conversation. The table has glasses, a portable speaker, a notebook, pens, and a small vase with yellow flowers.
A woman with glasses and wavy hair sitting at a table, signing a book, with three people standing around her inside a room with a large window showing a street outside.
A woman speaking into a microphone at a table during a panel discussion or event, with audience members sitting at the table, some taking notes, in a room with framed artwork on the walls and large windows.
A meeting or book signing setup in a cozy room with three books displayed on the table, a glass vase with yellow flowers, and chairs around a large wooden table. The room has windows, picture frames on the wall, and exhibits a warm, inviting atmosphe
Two women sitting at a table, each holding a microphone, engaged in a conversation or interview. The woman on the right has long, wavy red hair, glasses, and a green blazer. The woman on the left has long, purple-tinted hair. There are various cups a
Group of seven women standing indoors against a brick wall and a window, smiling for the camera, dressed in colorful and patterned clothing.
Table with brochures, small bottles, and informational paper, possibly at an event or exhibit.
A group of people seated at long tables in a room, attending a panel discussion or presentation. There is a woman speaking into a microphone at the front, with banners and decorations hanging from the ceiling. The setting appears to be a community or
A woman with white hair smiling sits behind a book table with multiple stacks of books in front of her. The background has a brick wall and decorative white metal paneling.
People gathering at a registration or check-in table inside a bright room with large windows, some women wearing masks, engaging in conversation and filling out forms.

More events to come.