Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The 2012 Northwords Writers Festival will see some top authors come North and they include Giller Prize winner and journalist Linden MacIntyre.

MacIntyre won the Giller Prize for his novel 'The Bishop's Man' which deals with the aftermath of abuse in the church in Nova Scotia.

The festival's executive director, Annelies Pool, said other visiting authors include Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Margaret Macpherson and James Bartleman, the author of 'As Long as the Rivers Flow', which discusses the intergenerational impact of residential schools.

“I think that will strike a chord with a lot of people here because that’s had so much influence here in the NWT,” she said.

The festival will also feature readings, workshops, and panel discussions.

Pool says that one of the highlights from her point of view are the open mic nights where budding local writers can read their work.

“That’s always a very important part of the development of a writer,” she said. “To be able to present their work to an audience is always a great opportunity.”

This year the festival runs from May 31 to June 3.

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