‘Malta: The Beautiful Hour’ – A library talk by author, editor and literary agent, Karen Elizabeth Steed.

Everyone knows Malta and Gozo for its sun and sea. Less well known is another scene on the Maltese Islands – the dynamic world of arts and culture. In what promises to be a fascinating, and highly personal talk, the author will look at what’s happening across the island’s rich cultural scene.

The author will share some of the special challenges involved in going behind the scenes to get beyond the usual, tourist-brochure presentation of Malta and Gozo. Yes, there are two opera houses in Victoria, but how does a city with only 7,000 people actually manage to stage such elaborate productions? Learn how the early success of the Valletta Baroque Festival, was due in large part to the efforts of a retired doctor, who taught himself to repair period instruments and find the right glue for a violin.

Her highly readable book ‘Malta: The Beautiful Hour: How a generation of movers and shakers has created a surprising new arts and cultural scene’ was printed by Sliema based Miranda Publishers in 2017 – on the eve of Valletta becoming the premier European Capital of Culture. It was perfect timing, as the author had spent the previous five years researching and writing about the creative and cultural life here on the Maltese Islands.

In an earlier career in Canada, Karen was a journalist, then editor and publisher at Macmillan Canada before becoming a literary agent. At the talk, she’ll be sharing insights into the process of publishing, and give aspiring writers some tips on ‘self-editing’ before taking their work public.

The author has lived on Malta for over 15 years and is also an active member of Book Club Gozo, which was set up by readers living on the island over six years ago.

The ancient concept of beauty, known as ‘The Beautiful Hour,’ is that moment in time when a person or a place can be no better – when a peak of achievement has been realised.

The talk will be given in English, and the event is free of charge. Everyone is welcome.

Book your place – seat reservations are encouraged by sending an email to eventsgozo.library@gov.mt

This event is presented by Malta Libraries in partnership with Book Club Gozo.