Heritage backdrop for inspiring literary event
Mount Lavinia Hotel: Historic mansion by the sea
In February, Shevanthie Goonesekera stood in the Maitland Room at the Mount Lavinia Hotel and revealed the first outline for “Words on the Mount”, a literary event organised for the hotel’s 210th anniversary. In less than a week, the hotel by the sea will play host to a gathering of acclaimed local and foreign writers whose work is enmeshed with its history. Over two days, “Words on the Mount” hopes to enlighten and inspire up and coming writers, with eight writers and illustrators covering different genres over master classes and workshops, with activities for youngsters as well.
As Curator for the event, Shevanthie is very much at home seated on the terrace of the Hotel. The idea struck her years earlier when she was asked to compile a book on the hotel for its 200th anniversary. It took five years of research before ‘Mount Lavinia, the Governor’s Palace’ saw first print. For Shevanthie it was also a discovery of the Hotel’s rich literary heritage.
Shevanthie’s search for writers with a connection to Sri Lanka led her to Louis de Bernières. The author of the bestselling novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis who had previously worked with Shevanthie has a relationship with Sri Lanka that spans two generations. His eighth novel “The Dust That Falls from Dreams” is the first book of a trilogy which ends in colonial Sri Lanka. During his stay he will also launch a novella written by his late mother when she was stationed in Ceylon during World War II.
‘Words on the Mount’ will explore different genres of literature, the master classes will offer budding writers advice on how to take their writing careers forward and tackle topics such as blogging, humour and writing crime. Day one will include literary talks by the four featured writers along with their master classes while familiar names in the local literary scene will later take on a session on how to capture the Sri Lankan identity.
Screenwriter and novelist Peter Grimsdale, known for his crime fiction will be one of the authors featured. Peter’s first book “Perfect Night” was based on a diary written while in Sri Lanka. Joining him is fellow broadcaster and author, his wife, Stephanie Calman. “I wanted someone strong, comfortable, who could laugh at themselves,” explains Shevanthie. The author of six books including “Confessions of a Bad Mother” and “How (Not) to Murder Your Husband, the bubbly author was a spot on choice for Shevanthie, who wanted a female writer who could help others find their voice.
Shevanthie Goonesekera
Closing day 1 is Sri Lankan- Burmese writer Rohan Candappa. His humorous, off beat works as a second generation immigrant in the UK include bestsellers such as “Picklehead” and “The Little Book of Stress”. His session is set to have the room in an uproar, Shevanthie hints, but she doesn’t want to give too much away. All the sessions will be interactive and she hopes the audience will see it as both entertaining and enlightening.
Day 2 will include workshops for the youngest writers and scribblers from toddlers to 17 years. The children’s sessions will include a film and workshop by children’s author and illustrator Nicholas Allan. Allan will also conduct a workshop on illustrating picture books and cartoons for 13-17 year olds. A panel of well known local writers – Lal Medawatte-gedera, Shehan Karunatilaka and Ashok Ferrey with Rohan Candappa will tackle the subject of the Lankan voice from different perspectives.
For Shevanthie, a second generation immigrant herself, her memories of Sri Lanka include the beeline she used to make to the hotel as a youngster whenever there was a chance for a ‘special treat’. “I don’t know what it is,” she says, as to why the stately mansion holds such influence and inspiration for the curious writer. It could be the spell of enchantment that wraps itself around the traveller as the barrier goes up at the entrance to the historic white mansion, frozen in its former glory, which she confesses, leaves a lasting impression. Or it could be the legendary romance behind the name of the cove. Either way, Shevanthie feels the country’s influence and muse like quality: “especially when you’re abroad. You see it more clearly”. It’s why she hopes that the event will leave an equally lasting impression on many a young writer. “Sometimes you go for an event not knowing what to expect” she says, “but when you leave, it’s with no regrets.”
“Words on the Mount” will take place from July 9- 10 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. For registration details log on to http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com Entrance is free.