Meg Tilly, born Margaret Chan, is best known as an actress. Her career started on television with Hill Street Blues, followed by roles in such films as The Big Chill, Leaving Normal, and an Oscar-nominated performance in Agnes of God. Now an established author for adults, Tilly brings her first foray into young-adult fiction, Porcupine, to WordFest. The novel follows the journey of a young woman, Jack, and her siblings after the death of their father. With their mother lost in sorrow, they end up across the country on a run-down prairie farm. Jack learns that families come in many different forms and that love, trust and faith can build a home anywhere.

Photo: Laurie Campbell