THE INTELLIGENCER, Tuesday, May 17,1994-3 QUINTE QPEOPLE Authors speak from the past Re-creations help publicize reading; essay winners named By Jack Evans The Intelligencer "How come no one knows anything about my novel?" asked a reincarnated Susanna Moodie, at the Have Dinner With An Author May festival event recently. The convivial gathering was held in the Rumrunner with close to 70 people attending, including about 10 Quinte area authors. Moodie, as portrayed by local actress Moira Forrester, argued that her novel, "Mark Huddlestone/ was actually the focal point of her writings, and she is disappointed it is not in the library "nor anywhere." She also appealed for a revival of poetry, noting she started every chapter in her novel with a poem. "You are not doing that in novels today," she said. "You are missing a lot." Also making reincarnated appearances were historian-doctorteacher William Canniff, played by James Alexander, who served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and Sir Gilbert Parker, author-playwright, played by Steve Forrester, who actually happens to be a great nephew of the distinguished former Bellevillian. "It would give me great pleasure if you knew who I was," said "Parker," noting that he was knighted for serving as propaganda minister to the British Government during the First World War. (A plaque in his James memory is in Alexander the Corby Lias William brary.) Canniff. Weeks in May Festival, urged people to visit the committee's display of local books in Century Place during the rest of this week. She also formally announced winners of the committee's essay and poetry competitions. For poetry, the student winner was Jeanie Keogh of Carrying Place, and the adult winner was Beverly Dixon of Trenton. Honorable mentions went to Terry Groves of Trenton and Brendan Power, Tweed. Therese McMahon of Belleville won the student age essay contest, with honorable mention to Kaitlin McCallum of Belleville. In the adult category, the winner was Terry Groves, Trenton, with honorable mention to Gordon Leggatt, Belleville and Marlese Novalinga, Marmora. For commercially published Also making brief presentations, mostly based on their writer, Wilma Alexander of Trenworks, were writers John Melady, ton was the winner. Gerry Boyce, Wilma Alexander and Roy Bonisteel -- "How sad I All entries in both contests also feel for those who aren't in love form part of the literary arts diswith books." play in Century Place. Sponsor for the dinner and conLeona Hendry, chief librarian and chairperson of the literary tests was Brad Aulthouse of Midarts subcommittee of the Two land, Walwyn and Mackenzie.