Today, the Vancouver Writers Fest revealed a roster of more than 65 authors, poets, and spoken-word artists slated to appear at this year’s COVID-modified edition of the city’s biggest annual literary event.

Like so many cultural mainstays coping with new health protocols, the October-focused festival is going digital this time round, taking an online format based on live-streaming and podcasts as an opportunity to invite luminaries who may not have been available otherwise to join the West Coast happening.

Among the international headliners this year will be such acclaimed talents as Ayad Akhtar, Yaa Gyasi, David Mitchell, Megha Majumdar, and Marilynne Robinson. Alongside will be renowned names from across the country, like Thomas King, Margaret MacMillan, and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, as well as a sparkling contingent from B.C.’s scene, including Ivan Coyote, Jillian Christmas, Sheena Kamal, Wade Davis, and Nancy Lee, to name only a few.

Top it off with an event featuring indie-rock icons Tegan and Sara Quin, and you’ve got a literary gathering with enough of VWF’s trademark range and flair to tide you over to the day down the road when the festival can return to its traditional Granville Island venues.

Tickets go on sale in September. See the fest’s website for details and a reading list.