Tag Archive | writing workshops

Book News Vol. 5 No. 10

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Vol. 5 No. 10

In other news

Join Us!

To kickstart our membership drive (our goal is to have 500 new members by May 31) we have invited 50 Vancouver area writers to join the VIWF. Here are the writers who have joined to date.

BC Bestsellers

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia is posting a weekly list of BC’s bestselling books.

Freedom To Read Week

An annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. February 21 to 27. Details here.


Join us!

Our membership campaign is now in its fourth week. Every two weeks we will draw the name of a new member for a great prize. Join by noon on February 19 (at noon) for a chance to win a pair of tickets to our April 15th event with Ian McEwan. For the next draw on March 5 we have two prizes: a pair of tickets to Vancouver Opera’s world premiere of Nixon in China and two tickets to Margaret McMillan and Alexandre Trudeau in conversation with Hal Wake.

Special Events

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Ian McEwan – April 15, 2010
The acclaimed author of Atonement and On Chesil Beach will make his eagerly anticipated Vancouver appearance to read from his latest book, Solar. Ian McEwan will be interviewed by Jerry Wasserman. For more details, visit our website. VIWF members: Receive a $2 member discount for Ian McEwan event tickets! Join us!
Peter Carey – May 7, 2010
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction winner and the author of Oscar and Lucinda and True History of the Kelly Gang in conversation with Hal Wake.
Read more Header

Awards & Lists

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Canada owns the podium for this year’s Commonwealth Writers Prize. All of the shortlisted authors for the Caribbean and Canada region are Canadian, led by Annabel Lyon. A complete list of nominees region by region is here.
The shortlists for the 2009 CBC Literary Awards have been announced. Full story
The Guardian lists literature’s top ten unreliable narrators. Full story

News & Features

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An interview with Shane Koyczan after his appearance in the opening ceremonies. Full story
And Vancouver’s Poet Laureate Brad Cran offers his thoughts on Koyczan’s performance after himself declining to take part in the Olympic celebrations. Full story
A conversation with Lauren Kirshner who, at 27, is fast emerging as one of Toronto’s most talented new authors. Full story
British publishing house Faber & Faber plans to open a creative writing school in Canada. The Faber Academy Toronto is set to open in October. Full story
A series of eight plaques will be installed across Ontario in the exact geographic location where Ontario-based literary scenes take place. Full story
Toronto author of surreal fiction, Helen Weinzweig, dies at 94. Full story
Thriller writer and jockey Dick Francis dies at 89. Full story

Books & Writers

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Helon Habila in the Guardian is moved by Chinua Achebe‘s collection of essays The Education of a British-Protected Child. Full story
According to the Toronto Star in a review of T.C. Boyle‘s new story collection: “the real competition for Boyle’s new stories are his own masterworks.” Full story
Suddenly in the Depths of the Forest, a new book by Israeli writer Amos Oz, is a fable based on fairytales told to him by his mother. Full story
The Globe & Mail calls Louise Erdrich‘s presentation of a crippled relationship in her new novel Shadow Tag “formidable.” Full story
Joshua Ferris has been receiving mixed reviews for his second novel The Unnamed. In this review, Candace Fertile writes that Ferris “tackles important issues imaginatively.” Review And here’s an interview with Ferris in New York Magazine.
In his recently released first novel Union Atlantic, Adam Haslett was writing about the economic disaster in the United States before it had happened. New York Magazine talks with the “accidental prophet.” Full story
The Globe & Mail on The Appointment by Herta Müller, who was last year awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Full story
Another great review of Amy Bloom‘s new collection of stories, Where the God of Love Hangs Out, this one in Slate. Full story
The NY Times recommends Elif Batuman‘s first book, The Possessed, a collection of essays about her favourite Russian authors… and a million other things. Full story

Community Events

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MICHAEL SLADE
Book signing with B.C. thriller author Michael Slade as he launches his latest book. Red Snow, a thriller set during the 2010 Winter Olympics Vancouver where the villain known as Mephisto is plotting his revenge. Saturday, February 20 at 2:00pm. Indigo Park Royal, 900 Park Royal S., West Vancouver. More information at 604.922.3222.
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Youth Slam featuring Fernando Raguero. Monday, February 22 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
MOHAMMED JAWARA
Hear the story of a young Liberian forced to flee the violence of his native country as he reads from his book He had to Flee to Safety. Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00pm, free. Tommy Douglas Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway. For information, call Tommy Douglas at 604-522-3971.
CANADA READS SPECIAL EVENT
Join the conversation with CBC Radio’s Sheryl MacKay and Jen Sookfong Lee, and Canada Reads panelist Simi Sara, as they discuss which Canadian books should non-Canadians read to get a better understanding of Canada. To know us, is to read us! Fiction, non-fiction, poetry books, children’s books, cookbooks, travel books, memoirs, and more. What book would you recommend to a visitor? Everyone in the studio audience will be entered into a draw for a trip for two to Toronto to meet this year’s Canada Reads winner and Jian Ghomeshi during a taping of Q! FREE, but you must RSVP, send an email with your name, email address and the number of tickets you’d like to: Ca********************@cb*.ca. Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00pm.
SINA QUEYRAS
The author of (Expressway) will join Lydia Kwa (The Walking Boy) and Emily Fedoruk (All Still) for readings and conversation moderated by Meredith Quartermain. Thursday, February 25 at 7:00pm. Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Broadway. More information at http://www.chbooks.com/events/sina-queyras-vancouver-2010-02-25.
COLD SLEEP PERMANENT AFTERNOON
Poet Ray Hsu reads from his upcoming second book and discusses and shares work from projects he’s done with prison inmates. Thursday, February 25 at 7:30pm, free. Pelican Rouge Coffee House (15142 North Bluff Rd., White Rock). More information at www.whiterockartscouncil.com.
Upcoming
The Vancouver Opera presents two events in conjunction with the Canadian premiere of Nixon in China. Presented in partnership with the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete information here.
A LITERARY LUNCH WITH MARGARET MacMILLAN and ALEXANDRE TRUDEAU
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
12:30-2:30pm
Seasons at Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia
Tickets: $50 available from the VO Ticket Centre, 604.683.0222
An intimate encounter with acclaimed Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan and journalist and filmmaker Alexandre Trudeau as they take us behind the headlines of history. Moderated by Hal Wake and co-hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST
KCTS 9 is sponsoring a competition encourages British Columbia and Washington children in kindergarten through third grades to create their own original picture books. Deadline is March 24, 2010. For complete details, email ki**@KC***.org, call 1.800.930.6060 or visit http://kcts9.org/kids/kids/young-writers-contest.

Produced by the Book News Collective.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival: 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca

BC Writers February 2010 E-Vox

The VOX
Fed. of BC Writers monthly E-newsletter
February 18, 2010

•       FED NEWS
•       WORK OPPORTUNITIES
•       CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS
•       CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
•       WORKSHOPS/COURSES/CONFERENCES
•       LAUNCHES
•       EVENTS

FED NEWS

Welcome New Members:
Amber Harvey

May 13, 2010
FED OF BC WRITERS AGM 2010
6:30pm to 10:00pm
Alliance for Arts & Culture boardroom
938 Howe Street, Vancouver
Speaker: Lorraine Murphy, Social Media Maven ~ “Social Media Marketing for Writing”
Board elections, new constitution, state of the union
Door prizes, refreshments, member book sales, connecting with the writing community

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

February 24
Saskatoon
SAGE HILL WRITING EXPERIENCE
The Sage Hill Writing Experience is a renowned summer residential writing program that draws students from across Canada, offering learning opportunities for writers at varying stages of development in a unique environment in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley. Spring and summer programs provide writers with outstanding professional development opportunities at several levels in fiction, poetry and other creative writing disciplines.
Term: One year, with the likelihood of renewal; 20 hours weekly in Saskatoon office plus flexible hours on-site during the programs. Salary negotiable; benefits included.
For details, see our website: www.sagehillwriting.ca

CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS

March 19
THE PROFESSIONAL WRITERS ASSOC. OF CANADA NEW WRITING AWARDS
Open to PWAC members and non-members.
Awards will be given for feature-length stories (over 1,200 words) and shorter pieces.
Entries must have been published in a paying Canadian print or web media outlet in 2009. The first prize in each category has a $500 value, including a free PWAC membership for a year (if eligible).
Entry requirements are available at www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards <http://www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards> .
April 15
EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS POETRY CONTEST
Open to Canadian poets who have never won first prize in a poetry contest
Poems may be on any theme in any style, maximum 36 lines (counting stanza spaces).  Poems may be previously published but may not have won any previous contest prizes.  Blind judging: no author id anywhere on same page of poem; include a cover page with name, address, phone number, and email, along with poem title(s).  Prizes: 1st – $25 and 1-year membership to Ontario Poetry Society; 2nd – 1 year membership; 3rd – $10; 12 honorable mentions.  All prize winners will also recieve a Fancy Certificate.  Cost: $5 for up to 3 poems, additional poems $2 each.  Mail entries and payment to: The Ontario Poetry Society, 31 Marisa Court, Thornhill ON, L4J 6H9.  Include SASE for winners list.
April 30
SHORT STORY CONTEST AND POETRY CONTEST
The contest is open to everyone, but eligible San Luis NightWriters will be entered in a drawing for a scholarship to the 2010 Central Coast Writers’ Conference.  Entries must be based on the theme: Trust/Betrayal.  Prizes: 1st – $75, 2nd – $50 (for both short story and poetry).  Entry fee: $10 for first story/poem, $5 for each additional entry.  Email SL*******************@ya***.com for more information.
May1
THE VICTORIA WRITERS SOCIETY 9TH ANNUAL WRITING COMPETITION
Submit your best poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction. The contest is open to all residents of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. entry fee is $15 per entry.
first prize of $100, second prize of $50 and two Honourable Mention prizes of a $30 Munro’s gift certificate in each category.
For more information go to victoriawriterssociety@gmailcom.
May 15
SUBTERRAIN LUSH TRIUMPHANT LITERARY AWARDS
Website:  http://www.subterrain.ca
Submit fiction of up to 3000 words, creative non-fiction of up to 4000 words, or suites of up to 5 poems.  Cost: $25 (includes subscription).  Prize: $750 in each category, plus paid publication.

May 31
THE BURNABY WRITERS’ SOCIETY
Open to all BC residents, explores the many meanings of “Water”.  Prizes of $200, $100 and $50, as well as honourable mentions, will be awarded for the best one-page submissions of either prose or poetry, interpreting the theme of water in any way you wish. Work can be in any form or genre, as long as it is complete on one page.  The entry fee is $5.00 per entry, or 3 entries for $10.00.  Winners will be invited to participate in a public reading, in fall 2010. For complete guidelines go to the website, www.bws.bc.ca  or e-mail in**@bw*.ca .

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

March 15
CARTE BLANCHE
looking for submissions for Spring 2010
The Montreal-based online literary magazine, www.carte-blanche.org is looking for fiction, non-fiction and graphic fiction writers, poets, translators, and photographers from across the country and around the world.We publish high-quality, cutting edge and good old fashioned great writing from both emerging and established writers. New for this year, carte blanche has been invited to participate in the 2010 Journey Prize.
Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Translations, Graphic Fiction, Photography
www.carte-blanche.org/submissions.html for complete submission guidelines

April 15
OTHER TONGUES: MIXED-RACE WOMEN SPEAK OUT
Co-editors Adebe D.A. and Andrea Thompson are seeking submissions for an anthology of writing by and about mixed-race women of Black/white heritage, publication in Fall 2010.
More info and Guidelines at:  www.adebe.wordpress.com    www.andreathompson.ca

WORKSHOPS/COURSES/CONFERENCES
 February 18 – April 8
THURSDAYS 6:30 – 9:30 pm
POETRY: WORKING IN A SERIES
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
For those who want to explore the long poem, poetic series, or sequence.  Whether achieved by digression, accretion, or constellation, the series is a way toward a book of poetry that is an organic whole.  Price: $240.  Location:  Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria St., Nelson.
February 26, 9 am – 4 pm
AN ALL-DAY WORKSHOP WITH PAUL NELSON
The process of training your ear to capture the chaotic energy of the moment is sometimes called Organic Poetry, where composition is an occasion of experience or experiment in consciousness.  Cost: $60.  Payment & Reservations:  Wordstorm Society of the Arts, 1560 Arbutus Drive, Nanoose Bay, V9P 9C8.  Location: TBA in Nanaimo or Parksville.
Vancouver – Langara College
March 2 (on campus) Remainder of course onlineWebsite
NOVEL OPENINGS: CRAFTING A BETTER BEGINNING
http://www.langara.bc.ca/continuing-studies/new-courses.html#CREA1006
This online mentorship course aims to provide emerging writers with the guidance they seek to get those all-important first chapters into shape for submission to agents and publishers. Over eight weeks students will work independently with instructor, author June Hutton (Underground), and with each other, providing valuable feedback on the key elements of their work. contact Kathryn Ellis 604-323-5979 or ke****@la*****.ca
March 6 – April 10
SATURDAYS 10 am – 1 pm
CRITIQUING YOUR WORK: FICTION AND CREATIVE NON-FICTION WITH RITA MOIR
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
Fed member Rita Moir will hold six consecutive critiquing sessions.  Writers will do assignments, as well as critiquing their creative non-fiction and fiction manuscripts in progress.  Scene setting, character, and dialogue.  Bring a lunch!  Price: $180.  Location: Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria Street, Nelson.
March/April
Fraser Valley
THE SURREY WRITERS SCHOOL
presents the following half-day spring workshops – $45 each.
Sat. Mar 27 – Guildford Library, 15105 – 105 Avenue
10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Writing a Memoir: How to Get Going
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. p.m. Blogging for Writers
Sat. May 15 – Semiahmoo  Library, 1815 – 152nd Street
10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.  Hero’s Journey
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Story: Art & Craft
Saturday, April 17 – Semiahmoo  Library, 1815 – 152nd Street
10:15 – 11:30 p.m. free presentation: Databases for Writers
For further information and registation details
check the website www.surreywritersschool.com or call 604.535-1601
May 28 & 29
WRITE ON, VANCOUVER
A mini-conference for fiction writers, sponsored by the Romance Writers of America, Greater Vancouver Chapter
Website:  http://www.rwagvc.com
Special guest keynote speaker: Laura Resnick.  Workshops, industry panel, editor appointments.  For registration information & bookings, contact Sally Collins, Sa**********@sh**.ca.
May 28 – June 1
SUMMER FICTION WRITING SEMINAR IN SOZOPOL (BULGARIA)
Website:  http://ekf.bg/sozopol/apply
Intensive daily workshops, roundtable discussions, readings, and lectures by faculty and fellows.  Fiction writers from English-speaking countries are invited to apply; ten applicants will be selected for participation and funding.

LAUNCHES

Surrey
April 10, 1 p.m.
THE BALLAD OF KNUCKLES McGRAW
Readings, entertainment, door prizes and refreshments – all with a cowboy theme –
mark the launch of Surrey author, storyteller and creative writing instructor
Lois Peterson’s second novel for children (Orca Book Publishers).
Newton Library, 13795-70 Avenue, Surrey.
The launch will be followed by a free writing/storytelling workshop for children ages 6-11
(2:30-4 p.m.). For more information check www.loispeterson.net.

EVENTS

Victoria
Sunday, February 21, 8 pm
THE BIG ROCK SHOWDOWN
Website:  http://www.davemorrisisa.com/showdown
Hosted and co-produced by storyteller and improviser Dave Morris, the Big Rock SHOWDOWN will feature performers from all artistic pursuits: stand-up comedians, musicians, actors, poets, storytellers, dancers, M.C.s, and improvisers, in a cabaret-style performer competition.  The audience decides the winner of the $100 cash prize.  Tickets: $10 ($7 for students).  Location: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street, Victoria.

From the desk of Sylvia Taylor, Executive Director, Federation of BC Writers
604-683-2057
fe**********@gm***.com
www.bcwriters.com

Book News Vol. 5 No. 8

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Vol. 5 No. 8

In other news

Join Us!

To kickstart our membership drive (our goal is to have 500 new members by May 31) we have invited 50 Vancouver area writers to join the VIWF. Here are the writers who have joined to date.

BC Bestsellers

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia is posting a weekly list of BC’s bestselling books.


Join us!

Our membership campaign is in its third week. In addition to supporting great literary events year round and Spreading the Word education programs for school, members get great benefits and now we’ve added yet another incentive—prizes! Every two weeks we will draw a name for a great prize. Everyone who has joined between January 1 and February 5, 2010 will be entered into a draw for a signed first edition copy of Michael Ondaatje‘s most recent novel Divisadero. The winner will be announced in next week’s Book News.

Special Events

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Ian McEwan – April 15, 2010
The acclaimed author of Atonement and On Chesil Beach will make his eagerly anticipated Vancouver appearance to read from his latest book, Solar. Ian McEwan will be interviewed by Jerry Wasserman.
Peter Carey – May 7, 2010
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction winner and the author of Oscar and Lucinda and True History of the Kelly Gang in conversation with Hal Wake.
Read more Header
Spoken World
There are 15 tickets available to Spoken World on February 18, at VancouverTix.com or by phone at 604 629 8849.

Awards & Lists

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For reasons you will understand if you read this article, the Booker Prize was not awarded in 1970. They are going to rectify that this year and Margaret Laurence is in contention. Full story
The nominees for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing have been announced. Full story

News & Features

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Todd Babiak lived through a horrible event involving his ill father. How do you use something like that in your novel, and then face your mother? Full story
A Guardian interview with the very fine British novelist Andrea Levy. Full story
Lynn Henry, who had a big hand in building House of Anansi’s fiction list is moving to Doubleday Canada. Full story

Books & Writers

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Here are two reviews of Peter Carey‘s new novel Parrot and Olivier in America. We are presenting Mr. Carey, a two-time Booker winner, in May. The Guardian and Times Online
An on-line review of Charles Demers Vancouver Special. Full story
Barbara Reid, whose illustrations made out of plasticine are magnificent, has a new book out. Full story
Poet Michael Kenyon explores the meaning of home in a new collection called The Last House. Full story
Jean Baird and George Bowering‘s anthology on grief and mourning continues to garner good reviews. Full story
Don DeLillo pushes the boundaries every book he writes and his new novel is not exception. Full story
Australian David Malouf is one of the world’s best writers and his new book is entitled Ransom. Full story
Reviews of novels for young adults in honour of Black History Month. Full story
Although there have been a gazillion books about depression, not much has been done on loneliness. Here is a review of a new book entitled Lonely: Learning to Live with Solitude. Full story

Community Events

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W2 REAL VANCOUVER WRITERS’ SERIES
Amid the Olympic buzz in the city of Vancouver, a grassroots literary celebration has taken root. Housed in the W2 Media Centre, near the Woodwards Building, the Real Vancouver Writers and Culture Series will happen every Wednesday during February. More information at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=319699435048&ref=mf.
ANNABEL LYON
Annabel Lyon will be speaking on the role of her Philosophy degree in her writing and reading from her work. Friday, February 5 at 4:00pm, free. Special Collections, Room 7100, WAC Bennett Library, SFU, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby. More information: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/node/10224.
EVERY GOODBYE AIN’T GONE
Author Evelyne White and photographer Joanne Bealy sign and discuss Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone: A Photo Narrative of Black Heritage on Salt Spring Island. Friday, February 5 at 7:00pm, free. Rhizome Cafe (317 East Broadway). More information at www.dancingcrowpress.com.
STORY TIME AND TOQUE CRAFTS WITH ROSS REBAGLIATI
Olympic gold medalist Ross Rebagliati reads from one of his favourite children’s books Snowy Sports. Saturday, February 6 at 11:00am, free. Chapters Robson (788 Robson).
AN EVENING WITH ANNABEL LYON
The Vancouver Institute presents a lecture by Annabel Lyon, author of The Golden Mean. Saturday, February 6 at 8:15pm, free. Lecture Hall 2, Woodward Instructional Resources Centre (2194 Health Sciences Mall, UBC). More information at www.vaninst.ca.
THE WHISTLER BOOK
Author and Georgia Straight columnist Jack Christie presents an updated new edition of his outdoor guidebook for the Whistler area. Sunday, February 7 at 2:00pm, free. Chapters Richmond (8171 Ackroyd Road).
LONGHOUSE COFFEE NIGHT
A pot luck event featuring an evening of poetry, song, reading and performance hosted by the UBC First Nations Student Association and Richard Van Camp’s Creative Writing with an Aboriginal Focus class. Monday, February 8 at 6:00pm, free. First Nations Longhouse, 1985 West Mall, UBC. For more information, go here.
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
The PanAfrican Slam featuring John Akpata and Adelene da Soul Poet. Monday, February 8 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
FUN AND GAMES
Memewar launches its eleventh issue with music by Stefana Fratila and World Club and readings by Tony Power, Shannon Rayne, Alan Girling, and MemePress authors. Tuesday, February 9 at 8:30pm. Tickets: $10. Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir). More information at www.memewaronline.com.
SCIENCE FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Group discussion of A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. Thursday, February 11 at 7:00pm. The Grind & Gallery (4124 Main). More information at da************@ya***.ca.
Upcoming
The Vancouver Opera presents two events in conjunction with the Canadian premiere of Nixon in China. Presented in partnership with the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete information here.
A LITERARY LUNCH WITH MARGARET MacMILLAN and ALEXANDRE TRUDEAU
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
12:30-2:30pm
Seasons at Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia
Tickets: $50 available from the VO Ticket Centre, 604.683.0222
An intimate encounter with acclaimed Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan and journalist and filmmaker Alexandre Trudeau as they take us behind the headlines of history. Moderated by Hal Wake and co-hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
MARGARET MacMILLAN IN CONVERSATION WITH ELEANOR WACHTEL
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
7:30-9:30pm
Granville Island Stage
Tickets: $18 available from VancouverTix, 604.629.8849 or www.vancouvertix.com
Margaret MacMillan talks with celebrated interviewer Eleanor Wachtel, host of CBC Radio’s Writers and Company about her most recent book The Uses and Abuses of History and her earlier chronicle Nixon in China: The Week that Changed the World.

Produced by the Book News Collective.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival: 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca

Book News Vol. 5 No. 7

Banner

Vol. 5 No. 7

In other news

Join Us!

Please join us! Become one of our 1000 friends. Our goal is to have 500 new members by May 31—for a total of 1000 VIWF members. Read more.

BC Bestsellers

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia is posting a weekly list of BC’s bestselling books.


Special Events

Header
Just announced!
Ian McEwan – April 15, 2010
The acclaimed author of Atonement and On Chesil Beach will make his eagerly anticipated Vancouver appearance to read from his latest book, Solar.
Peter Carey – May 7, 2010
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction winner and the author of Oscar and Lucinda and True History of the Kelly Gang in conversation with Hal Wake.
Read more Header

Awards & Lists

Header
The Book Critics Circle in the U.S. has announced its shortlist. Full story
Christopher Reid, whose book of poetry sold fewer than 1,000 copies has won the Costa book of the year prize. Full story and Full story

News & Features

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American author J.D. Salinger, long acclaimed for his 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, has died at 91 in New Hampshire. Full story
Q: What writer has sold more books than Stephen King, John Grisham and Dan Brown combined? A: James Patterson and this article explains why. Full story
The NY Times plans to charge for web content in a year and the editor of the Guardian says why that is a bad idea. Full story
After 90 years of providing library resources to the blind and visually impaired, the CNIB announced that it will no longer continue to pay $10 million annually to provide braille and accessible audio materials to libraries. Full story
The Ripple Effect Arts and Literature Society is among many BC social profit organizations that has been devastated by deep funding cuts and an uncertain economy. The organization, which promotes youth literacy, reading, creative writing and artwork has put its Youth Literacy in Arts Program and its annual Youth Writing and Design Contest on hold. Full story
You’ve already heard a lot about the iPad and you are going to hear a lot more. Full story

Books & Writers

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Jean Baird and George Bowering, asked a broad spectrum of Canadian writers to share their experiences of grief and mourning. And Quill and Quire says: ” Each essay is compelling; the writing throughout the collection is honest and highly skilled.” Full story
One of the most idiosyncratic and provocative voices in fiction belongs to Don DeLillo, Here is a review of his latest. Full story
Katherine Govier reviews Beth Powning‘s The Sea Captain’s Wife. Full story
According to the Vancouver Sun Ashok Mathur‘s “sweeping novel about India ranks with those of Mistry, Rushdie”. Full story
Rabindranath Maharaj has another winner in his fourth novel, in which comic book culture aids a Trinidadian boy’s first year in T.O. Full story
An interview and review with the legendary E.L. Doctorow. Full story and Full story
The NY Times says that Zachary Mason‘s first novel The Lost Books of the Odyssey is”…an ingeniously Borgesian novel that’s witty, playful, moving and tirelessly inventive”. Full story
Greg Mortenson of Three Cups of Tea fame has a new book, Stones into Schools. Full story
Jay McInerney reviews Joshua Ferris‘s new novel. Full story
Atwul Gawande is a doctor and a gifted writer for the New Yorker. His new book argues that the use of checklists in medicine can save lives. Full story

Community Events

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MEMOIRS FROM THE WRITING WORKSHOPS OF THE 2009 WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE
Join the participants of the Seniors’ Memoir Writing Workshop and Generate: Intergenerational Writing Workshop as they read from their memoir writing projects. Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level Central Library 350 West Georgia Street.
ON EDGE READING SERIES
Poet Fabiola Nabil Naguib reads from her work. Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. SB406 at Emily Carr University, Granville Island, Vancouver.
ROBSON READING SERIES
An evening of readings and discussion featuring poet Billeh Nickerson and short-story writer Craig Boyko. Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore Robson Square (Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street). More information at www.robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca.
BRIAN BRETT
White Rock resident and former city councillor Brian Brett reads from his book Trauma Farm, a memoir based on his experiences working at a small farm on Salt Spring Island. Thursday, January 28 at 7:30pm. Pelican Rouge Coffee House (15142 North Bluff Rd., White Rock). More information at www.whiterockartscouncil.com.
PRISM INTERNATIONAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY
PRISM International, Canada’s oldest literary magazine, celebrates its 50th birthday with toasts from past and present editors, a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, a launch of a special retrospective anniversary edition, and readings by Bill Gaston, Deborah Willis, George McWhirter, and Elizabeth Bachinsky. Thursday, January 28 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $15. Thea’s Lounge (Thea Koerner Building, 6371 Crescent Rd., UBC). More information at www.prismmagazine.ca.
MASHED POETICS
A night of music and spoken word featuring a performance by Rush tribute band YYZ, plus local poets writing and performing new work in response to the Moving Pictures album. Thursday, January 28 at 9:30pm. Sliding scale $5-10. Cottage Bistro (4470 Main).
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Van slam featuring Scruffmouth. Monday, February 1 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
GWYNNE DYER
Vancouver Community College presents an evening with Gwynne Dyer, acclaimed writer, broadcaster, historian, Georgia Straight columnist, and author of Climate Wars, a study of the geopolitical implications of large-scale climate change. Tuesday, February 2 at 7:30pm, free. Vancouver Community College Broadway (1155 E. Broadway).
ANNABEL LYON
Annabel Lyon will be speaking on the role of her Philosophy degree in her writing and reading from her work. Friday, February 5 at 4:00pm, free. Special Collections, Room 7100, WAC Bennett Library, SFU, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby. More information: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/node/10224.
EVERY GOODBYE AIN’T GONE
Author Evelyne White and photographer Joanne Bealy sign and discuss Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone: A Photo Narrative of Black Heritage on Salt Spring Island. Friday, February 5 at 7:00pm, free. Rhizome Cafe (317 East Broadway). More information at www.dancingcrowpress.com.
LONGHOUSE COFFEE NIGHT
A pot luck event featuring an evening of poetry, song, reading and performance hosted by the UBC First Nations Student Association and Richard Van Camp’s Creative Writing with an Aboriginal Focus class. Monday, February 8 at 6:00pm, free. First Nations Longhouse, 1985 West Mall, UBC. For more information, go here.
Upcoming
The Vancouver Opera presents two events in conjunction with the Canadian premiere of Nixon in China. Presented in partnership with the Vancouver International Writers Festival. Complete information here.
A LITERARY LUNCH WITH MARGARET MacMILLAN and ALEXANDRE TRUDEAU
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
12:30-2:30pm
Seasons at Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia
Tickets: $50 available from the VO Ticket Centre, 604.683.0222
An intimate encounter with acclaimed Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan and journalist and filmmaker Alexandre Trudeau as they take us behind the headlines of history. Moderated by Hal Wake and co-hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
MARGARET MacMILLAN IN CONVERSATION WITH ELEANOR WACHTEL
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
7:30-9:30pm
Granville Island Stage
Tickets: $18 available from VancouverTix, 604.629.8849 or www.vancouvertix.com
Margaret MacMillan talks with celebrated interviewer Eleanor Wachtel, host of CBC Radio’s Writers and Company about her most recent book The Uses and Abuses of History and her earlier chronicle Nixon in China: The Week that Changed the World.

Produced by the Book News Collective.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival: 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca

BC Writers January E-Vox

VOX
Fed. of BC Writers E-newsletter
January 22, 2010

FED NEWS

Welcome New Members:
Caitlin Johnston, Carollyne Haynes, Christine Sutherland, Julie Karey, Peggy Herring, Kahlee Keane, Erica Warren, Jane Munro, James McCann, Stephanie Innes, Alma Lightbody

WORK OPPORTUNTIES

Google Settlement Speaker
The Interior Authors Group of Kamloops BC www.interiorauthorsgroup.ca is seeking a speaker able to inform and lead a discussion on the Google Settlement at one of their monthly meetings at the Kamloops Art Gallery, 7:00pm second Thursday of the month.  Please advise availability and cost to President Ted Joslin te*******@te***.net

Writer’s Residency U of Calgary
The Markin-Flanagan Distinguished Writers Program is accepting submissions from emerging Canadian writers for a 10-month residency at the University of Calgary from August 15, 2011 to June 15, 2012.
Please send your submission by mail or courier to Daniel Maher, Interim Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Room SS 1352, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4 by Monday, February 15, 2010. Please reference ANN 2011 – 2012 in your application.
For information on the Markin-Flanagan program, visit www.markinflanagan.com, or contact Janice Lee at 403.220.8177 or le**@uc******.ca.

CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS

January 31
WILLIAM SAROYAN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR WRITING
Website:  http://library.stanford.edu/saroyan/
This award, given by Stanford University Libraries in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation, recognizes newly published works of fiction and non-fiction with a $5,000 award for the winner in each category.  The prize is designed to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan literary legacy of originality, vitality, and stylistic innovation.
January 31
WRITING CONTEST FOR STUDY ABROAD
Website:  http://lowres.uno.edu/contest.cfm
The University of New Orleans offers this contest for study abroad in the summer of 2010.  Full fee waivers, including housing allowances, will be granted to one writer each in the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.  Winners may attend any of UNO’s 2010 study-abroad writing programs: Writing Workshops in San Miguel de Allande, Mexico; Writing Workshops in Montpellier; The Ezra Pound Center for Literature, Dorf Tirol, Italy.  Open to anyone writing in English who has not yet published a book of 45 pages or more in the genre of application.  Prose submissions should not exceed 4,500 words (about 15 pages double spaced).  Poetry submissions should not exceed 5 pages and may include a maximum of 3 poems.  Submitted work must be unpublished at the time of submission.

Jan 31
OH CANADA POETRY CONTEST
Foundation for Public Poetry/Fondation Poésie Publique. Taken from the Canadian national antherm, rewrite only one line: ” True patriot love in all thy sons command.”
Winner will receive $20 and a copy of Leonard Cohen You’re Our Man. The winning line will be sent to the House of Commons requesting that the National Anthem be amended.
Entrants must submit their 1 line via email to: pu**********@gm***.com with the subject line “Oh Canada submission”. Entrants must live in Canada.
February 1
MALAHAT REVIEW – NOVELLA CONTEST
Website:  http://www.malahatreview.ca/novella_contest/info.html
Submit a single work of fiction, with a minimum length of 10,000 words, and a maximum length of 20,000 words.  No restrictions as to genre, subject matter, or aesthetic approach apply. Fees: $35 CAD for Canadians $40 USD for US entries $45 USD for entries from elsewhere. Enquiries: ma*****@uv**.ca. Check the website for full contest details.
February 1
ANNUAL OKANAGAN SHORT FICTION CONTEST
Website:  http://www.okstorycontest.org
This contest invites all southern interior writers east of Hope, west of the Alberta border, north of the US border, and south of William’s Lake to submit their original unpublished works of fiction.  Author Laisha Rosnau will select the best three stories to be awarded cash prizes.  Entry fee: $15.
February 1
CREATIVE NON-FICTION ON THE SUBJECT OF “MIGRATION”
Website:  http://www.lakejournal.ca
Accepted creative non-fiction forms include personal essay, lyric essay, narrative essay, and memoir.  The prize is $250 and publication in LAKE: A Journal of Arts and Environment.  Length: 2500 words maximum.  Entry fee: $20 (includes a one-year subscription to LAKE).  Submit entries to: LAKE: A Journal of Arts and Environment, Department of Creative Studies, UBC Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna BC, V1V 1V7.
February 14
POSTCARD STORY COMPETITION
The Writers’ Union of Canada is hosting its 11th annual competition. A Postcard Story is a short piece of 250 words or less. Grand prize is $500. Open to all writers of all genres.
February 28
ROSE & CROWN 2010 NEW NOVELS COMPETITION
Website:  http://www.roseandcrownbooks.com/comprules.html
Your book must never have been published in any form and you must own all rights to the work.  Open to anyone of any age, worldwide.  Manuscripts must be a minimum of 40,000 words and a maximum of 150,000, on any subject as long as they are in keeping with the described aims of the Rose & Crown imprint – Christian Inspirational Romance.  Cost:  £18.  First prize £200, second prize £100, plus guaranteed publishing contract offers for both.
March 20
FISH ONE-PAGE STORY PRIZE 2010
Website:  http://www.fishpublishing.com/annual-one-page-story-prize.php
Flash fiction is a wonderfully entertaining thing to read and a challenging thing to write, but the readers of the Fish Anthology love it; this is another chance to get a story, however small, into the anthology.  Maximum length 300 words.  Entry fee: €12 (online entry), €15 (postal entry).  First Prize:  €1000.

March 30
FISH POETRY PRIZE 2010
Website:  http://www.fishpublishing.com/annual-fish-international-poetry-prize.php
No restrictions on style or theme – but poems must be in English and less than 200 words.  Entry fee:  €12 (online entry), €15 (postal entry).  First prize:  €1000.
March 31
FREEFALL POETRY & PROSE CHAPBOOK CONTEST
Website:  http://www.freefallmagazine.ca/pdf/ChapbookContestRulesforWebsite.pdf
Winners will have their work published in a limited edition Chapbook and receive 25 copies.  Poets: submit up to 15 pages of poetry.  Prose: submit fiction or creative non-fiction up to 5000 words.  Complete a contest entry form and include the $10 reading fee.
April 30
Short Story Contest and Poetry Contest
San Luis Obispo NightWriters
Website: SL*******************@ya***.com
1st Place $75, 2nd Place $50—for both short story and poetry. Finalists receive certificates.
Contest is open to everyone, but eligible NightWriters will be entered into a drawing for a scholarship to the 2010 Central Coast Writers’ Conference
Entries must be based on the theme: TRUST/BETRAYAL.
Entry Fee: $10 for first story or poem, $5 for each additional story or poem

May 31
1ST BOOK COMPETITION
Website: www.thewritersstudio.ca/news/1st-book-competition/#entryform
Writer’s Studio at SFU’s 1st Book Competition is a national literary contest seeking original, book-length manuscripts in English by emerging Canadian writers who haven’t previously published a book. The winning manuscripts, in each of the three contest categories of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, will be published in 2011 by Anvil Press.

JACKPINE SONNET CONTEST
Website: http://www.geist.com/contest/jackpine
Arc and Geist magazine hope to reinvigorate a Canadian-made form. As always, there are cash prizes, but the poet will be published in Geist, Poetry Is Dead and the Tyee.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
February 10
WORDWORKS MAGAZINE – “LAUNCHED”
If you are a Fed member who has published a book since September 2009, take advantage of an opportunity to have your work showcased in the Fed’s Literary Magazine.  Just email your book information by attachment to the Fed office as “LAUNCHED Submission” – fe**********@gm***.com.  Include: Publicity bio, publisher’s copy, cover image in jpeg format, publisher name, year/month of publication, ISBN, and price.

February 15
ISLAND WRITER MAGAZINE
Website:  http://www.victoriawriters.ca
The Victoria Writers’ Society seeks submissions of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry, as well as articles & interviews on the craft of writing, for the summer issue of Island Writer Magazine.  Submissions are accepted from writers on Vancouver Island  & the Gulf Islands.

PAGE FORTY-SEVEN ANTHOLOGY
Website: http://www.be-a-better-writer.com/read-short-stories-online.html
Page Forty-Seven is an online anthology of literary short fiction. We invite original work from new and established writers and pay $25-$75 per story. Please visit our website for guidelines, submission form and sample stories.

WORKSHOPS/COURSES/CONFERENCES

Denman Island
February
WINTER WRITER’S RETREAT
Ivan Coyote. Memoir Writing, 4 days February 9 to 12;   $300.00
Matt Rader. Poetry Writing, weekend February 13 & 14; $150.00
Heidi Greco. Editing & Manuscript Preparation, 4 days February 17 to 20; $300.00
Salons with the writers will be held on Friday evening, Feb 12 and Saturday evening, Feb 20.
For more information and registration go to www.artsdenman.com , on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Denman-Island-Arts-Centre/195801237014, Twitter http://twitter.com/denmanisland , or leave a message at the Denman Island Arts Centre (250) 335-1224.

Vancouver
February 18 – April 8
THURSDAYS 6:30 – 9:30 PM
POETRY: WORKING IN A SERIES
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
For those who want to explore the long poem, poetic series, or sequence.  Whether achieved by digression, accretion, or constellation, the series is a way toward a book of poetry that is an organic whole.  Suitable for those with poems in progress or ideas for a series.  Price: $240.  Location: Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria St., Nelson, BC
February 18, 7:30 pm
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL PRESENTS SPOKEN WORLD: WORDS. MUSIC. ACTION!
Website:  http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/specialevents
When wordsmiths and musicians hit the stage for Spoken World, get ready for an evening of sensory overload.  Featuring Ivan E. Coyote, Shane Koyczan, Ariana Waynes, and Skeena Reece in an event that shifts beyond words and music into a new artistic realm.  Tickets: $20 ($18 for students & seniors), call 604-629-8849.  Location: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St., Granville Island.

Vancouver
March 5
SECURE FOOTING IN A CHANGING LITERARY LANDSCAPE
Website: http://www.writersunion.ca/ww_prodevelopment.asp
Authors Betsy Warland and Ross Laird will outline the current changes in the literary industry, explore the innovative digital opportunities, and discuss the creativity, economics, and community of a writer’s life.  This workshop costs just $45 and includes a lunch.  Location:  YWCA Vancouver, 535 Hornby St., 4th floor.
Nelson

March 6 – April 10
SATURDAYS 10 AM – 1 PM
CRITIQUING YOUR WORK: FICTION AND CREATIVE NON-FICTION WITH RITA MOIR
Website:  http://oxygenartcentre.org/writing.html
Fed member Rita Moir will hold six consecutive critiquing sessions.  Writers will do assignments, as well as critiquing their creative non-fiction and fiction manuscripts in progress.  Scene setting, character and dialogue.  Bring a lunch!  Price: $180.  Location: Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson Campus, 606 Victoria St., Nelson, BC

Program: April 19, 2010 – April 24, 2010
Application deadline: February 05, 2010
WRITING WITH STYLE (Spring)
A unique opportunity for writers to participate in a week-long workshop at The Banff Centre. Amidst a diverse community of writers, you will encounter new ideas and gain confidence in your own style and voice, while shaping and editing your work-in-progress under the guidance of an experienced writer and editor.
Self-directed Writing Residencies
Set amid the beauty of Canada’s oldest and most renowned national park, The Banff Centre offers an exceptional environment for creativity. Self-directed writing residencies provide time, space, and facilities for individual research, editing, and manuscript development. Writers structure their own time, and are free to maintain privacy or to engage with other artists and activities at The Banff Centre.
More information: 1-403-762-6100, ar*******@ba*********.ca, www.banffcentre.ca

Vancouver
May 28th – 29
Write On, Vancouver
A mini-conference for fiction writers presented by Romance Writers of America®
Greater Vancouver Chapter www.rwagvc.com
Special Guest Keynote Speaker: Laura Resnick. Workshops, industry panel, editor appointments. For all registration information and bookings please contact Sally Collins at Sa**********@sh**.ca

Victoria
June 24 – 27, 2010
CANWRITE! 2010 – THE CANADIAN AUTHORS’ ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Theme: “Applying Technology to Your Writing”
Website: http://www.canauthors.org/conference.html
Keynote speaker – Patrick Taylor, bestselling author of the Irish Country Doctor series.
John Chandler from Alandale Training Corporation will share computer tips and tricks to make your writing life easier;
Learn how to enhance presentations and book launches by creating Power Point presentations;
Find out how to increase sales through social networking (ie blogs, MySpace, Twitter);
Explore the world of EBooks;
Let Rodger Cove, Vancouver Film School show you how to structure stories for the screen;
Early registration bonus – Patrick Taylor will accept six 1500-word pieces of fiction – to be submitted no later than May 15, 2010 – and give one-hour, one-on-one evaluations with the authors on Thursday, June 24th, 2010 as part of CanWrite!  See the website for all details and registration information.  At the Harbour Towers Hotel, 345 Quebec Street, Victoria.  Info: Jean Kay, Conference Coordinator, jk**@ca********.org.

Bulgaria
May 28-June1
SUMMER FICTION-WRITING SEMINAR IN SOZOPOL
Intensive daily workshops, roundtable discussions, readings and lectures by faculty and fellows. Fiction writers from Bulgaria and fiction writers from English-speaking countries, including but not limited to the U.S. and the U.K., are invited to apply. Ten applicants will be selected for participation and funding. website at: http://ekf.bg/sozopol/apply
ONLINE
RYERSON UNIVERSITY WRITING CLASSES
Website: http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce_2009-2010/calendar/default.aspx?id=5&section=course&sub=subject&disc=%7b89831E51-A3AE-11D4-AE93-00E029501EB1%7d&mode=disc_list
Be the writer you’ve always dreamed of becoming.  Talented instructors help unlock and develop your talents in short fiction, novel, poetry, or dramatic writing.  Explore specialized genres.  Learn to tell your life story.  Enhance business writing skills.
SELKIRK COLLEGE: ECOPOETICS 210
Website:  http://selkirk.ca/programs/uas/uascourselist/humanities/writing/writing/
This brand-new course is offered online, making it accessible to everyone.  Though it’s named Ecopoetics, students won’t just be writing poetry, but also looking closely at non-fiction and fiction in the context of environmental writing.
PUBLIC READINGS
Parksville
January 23
WORDSTORM OCEANSIDE WORDWORX
Website:  http://www.ascentaspirations.ca/oceansidewordworx.htm
An Open Mic starts the evening off with writers bringing one piece to read/perform (maximum 3 minutes).  Sign up when you arrive!  Bring a friend!  Featured performers: Leslie McBain & Patricia Smekal.  Refreshments provided by the Oceanside Community Arts Council.  Admission: $3 (which goes to support the OCAC).  Location: The Oceanside Community Arts Council Gallery, 133 McMillan Street, Parksville BC.
Nanaimo
January 28, 6:30 pm
WORDSTORM
Website:  http://www.wordstorm.ca
Featuring Kim Goldberg with Rumblings from the RED ZONE – where poetry meets modern dance, with Holly Bright and Allannah Dow, and Doug Burnet Smith.  An Open Mic will start the evening off – sign up with the host for the evening.  Location: Nanaimo Centre Stage, 25 Victoria Road, Nanaimo BC.
ON THE EDGE READINGS SERIES
free public readings by a range of Canadian writers.
Jan 28 – Fabiola Nabil Naguib
Feb 25 – Sina Queyras
March 18 – Rachel Zolf and Richard Lemm
March 25 – Pam Mordecai and Salimah Valiani
All readings are at 7 pm on Thursday evenings in SB 406 at Emily Carr University, Granville Island, Vancouver (except for Sina Queyras who will be off campus). The On
Note: There is free parking in the parkade under the ECU South Building after 7 pm.

February 12
WORDS AT WORK
Nora Ryan will read from her novel Marie’s Story hosted by Victoria International Development Education Association. This first person narrative of a young Haitian girl struck by a mysterious illness puts a human face on AIDS. www.noraryanbooks.com

Feb 12
LOVE HURTS II POETRY SLAM
University of the Fraser Valley
poets register immediately before the performance and have three minutes to present an
original poem. Judges are randomly selected from the audience. In round
one, poets compete for applause. In round two, finalists present a
second poem and compete for cash and prizes. There are no props. Love or angst poetry is suggested but not mandatory. Doors open and poets register in the UFV Chilliwack theatre
lobby at 7 p.m. The slamming starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information
call 604- 792-0025, local 2471.
Saturday, March 13, 11 am
RWA MEETING
Website:  http://www.rwagvc.com/meetings.html
Presenter Russ Crossley will speak on “Cliff Hangers”.  Location:  Burnaby United, 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby.
1ST Thursday of every month
Pandora’s Collective Presents
TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON
In the spirit of Vancouver all poets are welcome. Come out and bring your best, favourite, newest, oldest poems, and share in an evening of literary surprises. Hosts: Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni
Time: 7-9pm
Feb 23rd: Jen Currin and Christine LeClerc
March 23rd: 4 Poets; Daniela Elza & guests
Location: Cambie Bakery and Cafe – a fantastic selection of fine vegetarian foods, teas, coffees and pastries!
312 Cambie Street (North of Hastings), Vancouver B.C.
Contact: bl*************@ya***.ca
www.pandorascollective.com

2nd Tuesday of every month
Pandora’s Collective Presents
WORD WHIPS – THE NORTH SHORE EDITION
Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. Ten – fifteen minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. Hosted by Fran Bourassa and Suzy Malcolm
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
(Sept – June. We are not meeting July and August)
Location: Starbucks in Indigo Books
1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Contact: Suzy (bt*****@te***.net) or Fran (fb*******@nv****.ca or 778-835-6775)

PUBLISHING

THE EDITOR’S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA/ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES REVISEURS
Professional Editorial Standards
the voice of Canadian editors, is pleased to announce the release of a new edition of its pivotal publication on editing in the English language, Professional Editorial Standards.
Last revised in 1999, the new Professional Editorial Standards has been updated thoroughly to reflect changes in technology and the skills and knowledge required by editors today.
Visit www.editors.ca to download a free copy of Professional Editorial Standards.

OOLICHAN BOOKS – NEW HOME
Oolichan Books is moving Fernie. Randal Macnair of Fernie has acquired a majority partnership in Oolichan Books from founder and long-time publisher Ron Smith.
For further information please contact Randal Macnair at 250-423-7461 or at ra****@oo******.com or visit www.oolichan.com.
_________________________

From the desk of Sylvia Taylor, Executive Director, Federation of BC Writers
604-683-2057
bc*******@sh**.ca
www.bcwriters.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday Morning Tidbits.

Pandora’s Events
Tuesday, Jan 26th
Pandora’s Collective Presents
WORD WHIPS WRITING SERIES

Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. Ten – fifteen minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. Hosted by Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm (4th Tuesday of each month – except December)
Location: Britannia Library, Gallery Room
1661 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC
Contact: bl*************@ya***.ca
or visit http://www.pandorascollective.com/openmics.html
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Pandora’s Collective Presents
WORD WHIPS – THE NORTH SHORE EDITION
Take the challenge. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. Ten – fifteen minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. Hosted by Fran Bourassa and Suzy Malcolm
2nd Tuesday of every month
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
(Sept – June. We are not meeting July and August)
Location: Starbucks in Indigo Books
1025 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
PRESS RELEASE
March 15th, 2010
Pandora’s Collective and the Vancouver Artist’s Collective will be putting on a fundraiser at the Cottage Bistro.
Mark your calendars!
For volunteer opportunities please contact bl*************@ya***.ca.
PRESS RELEASE
The South Delta Artists Guild’s
Poets & Painters Book
is now available!
This book was inspired by an art and poetry exhibition that was hosted by the South Delta Artists Guild and was a collaboration between the South Delta Artists Guild and two writers’ groups, Pandora’s Collective and World Poetry Café. Poets were invited to write a poem inspired by a work of art. Alternatively, poets could submit poems that artists interpreted in paintings. The result was a very successful exhibit that was well attended by the public, the artists and the poets. It was an inspiring show of 95 paintings and 95 poems. This book contains many of the images and poems from the show.
To order the book please go to www.SouthDeltaArtistsGuild.com and download the order form.
Other Events
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Afternoon with Dead Poets 2
The Café for Contemporary Art

140 East Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC
You’re invited to listen to five poets reading poems from one of their favourite dead poets.
Poems of Charles Bruce (1906-1968) read by Sandy Shreve
Poems of Edwin Muir (1887-1959) read by Chris topher Levenson
Poems of R. S. Thomas (1913-2000) read by Russell Thornton

—ten minute intermission—
Poems of Al Purdy (1918-2000) read by Rob Taylor
Poems of Nazim Hikmet (1902-1963) read by Kate Braid
Emcee: David Zieroth
In each presentation you will hear a brief introduction to the poet followed by a reading of selected poems, 15 minutes in total.
Cafca is one block up from Lonsdale Quay and the Seabus. Bring your friends and enjoy the coffee and art. Seating is limited.
For more info: Cafca at http://cafeforcontemporaryart.com/
or David at dz******@te***.net

Thursday, January 28th,
PRISM Turns 50!!!
8:00PM to 12:00AM
The a’s Lounge, The a Koerner Building , 6371 Crescent Road, UBC Campus, Vancouver , BC
http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?show=y,y,y,y,y,y&bldg2Search=n&locat1=408&locat2=#showMapCampus

$15 dollars (which includes a copy of the Winter 2010 Retrospective edition)
Hello PRISM lovers!!!
Can you believe that PRISM international is 50 years old? It’s not every day that a literary journal reaches the big 5-0, so we’re rolling out the red carpet and throwing a big bash to celebrate. It’s going to be a night of libations, music, amuse-bouches and literary shenanigans.
We’ll have readings from Bill Gaston, Deborah Willis, George McWhirter , Elizabeth Bachinsky, as well as toasts from past and present PRISM editors.
You’ll also go home with our extended 50th Anniversary Retrospective issue, which includes writing by Margaret Atwood, Seamus Heaney, Raymond Carver, Michael Ondaatje, Carol Shields, Italo Calvino, Irving Layton, and many more!
Feel free to bring your friends!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at pr***@in*********.ca
We’ll see you on the 28th!!
From PRISM 2009/2010 Editors: Rachel Knudsen, Elizabeth Ross, Nadia Pestrak and Dan Schwartz
 
Tuesday February 16th
Spoken INK
James Street Café
– 8:00 p.m.
February Guests: Bonnie Nish & Sita Carboni
Spoken INK is an open mic/reading series brought to you by the Burnaby Writers’ Society, and held every third Tuesday (September to June) at the James Street Café, just one short block east of Boundary Road on Canada Way at Smith (NE corner) in Burnaby.
Open mic sign-up time is 7:30 p.m., featured readings begin at 8:00 p.m.
PRESS RELEASE
Mary Duffy has let us know that her cousin, Mary Barry, will be performing during the Olympics. We hope that you can make it to one of her performances. She is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter, travelling all the way from Newfoundland.
Mary Barry – Upcoming Performances:
Feb. 20th on Granville Island on the Francophone stage, 30 minute set (6:00 – 6:30pm)
Feb. 21st at the Backstage Lounge on Granville Island, 10:30 pm for 90 minutes.
Feb. 22nd, also at the Backstage Lounge on Granville Island, 30 minute set (10:30pm)
Feb. 23rd at a French club called the Adrenaline, 9:30 – 11:00 pm, 2 sets.
“Mary Barry delivers a sweet sound like a consummate New York jazz performer … with an expressive voice that flows over you, so sultry and passionate, the music enfolding and gripping you with a velvet covered touch. Barry is that good of a writer, her music fits in wonderfully, carrying on the timeless quality of excellent jazz.” – Read more at http://www.marybarry.ca/
PRESS RELEASE
Have you spent too many hours hunched over the computer?
Yoga for the People is a newly opened 2000 sq ft yoga studio with the primary aim of stimulating social awareness and community development. All classes are drop in, pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $10/class. Please help to support this wonderful new studio. For information on teachers, yoga classes and schedules visit www.yogaforthepeople.ca
Radha Yoga has a long history of offering Hatha yoga community classes and Hidden Language Hatha Yoga (bring your journal). Classes are only $12-13/class or pay as you can. Visit http://www.radhavancouver.org/ for details.
Other Things
 PRESS RELEASE
The Malahat Review Novella Prize
Deadline: February 1, 2010
Submit a single work of fiction between 10,000 and 20,000 words. No restrictions as to genre, subject matter, or aesthetic approach. Fee: $35-$45 (includes subscription). Prize: $500 plus paid publication. Details: http://www.malahatreview.ca/novella_contest/info.html
PRESS RELEASE
Coffee Shop Author writing contest
Deadline: registration, March 15; completion, April 30, 2010

Writers must complete a book-length work, with the bulk of the writing happening on location at their chosen coffee shop. Registration is required. Fee: $30. Prize: Trip for two to Fernie, B.C., and tuition to the 2010 Fernie Writers Conference. Details: http://www.coffeeshopauthor.com/
PRESS RELEASE
The Ontario Poetry Society Presents:
Emerging From The Shadows Poetry Contest
Open to Canadian Poets who have never won First Prize in a Poetry Contest
First Prize – $25 and a One Year Free Membership ($25 value) & A Fancy Certificate
Second Prize – One Year Free Membership ($25 value) & A Fancy Certificate
Third Prize – $10 & A Fancy Certificate
Plus 12 Honourable Mention Awards of A Fancy Certificate Each
Plus All winning entries to be published in a chapbook and all poets whose work appears in the chapbook will get 1 free copy of the book per poem published inside.
Rules and Guidelines:
Poems may be on any theme and in any style.
Maximum length per poem is 36 lines and the stanza spaces count as lines.
Poems may be previously published, but not previously have won any contest prizes.
Blind judging: No author I.D. to be anywhere on the same page as the poem, back or front. Include a cover page with your name, address, phone number and e-mail along with your poem title(s).
Contest Deadline: April 15, 2010 postmark date
Entry fee: Up to 3 poems for $5 & additional poems $2 each.
There is no limit to the number of submissions per poet.Submit your entry in hard copy along with payment to
The Ontario Poetry Society, 31 Marisa Court , Thornhill , L4J 6H9
Enclose a #10 s.a.s.e. for Winners List
Contest Judge is Debbie Okun Hill
Additional chapbooks will be available for sale at $5 each.
PRESS RELEASE
subTerrain Lush Triumphant literary awards
Deadline: May 15, 2010
Submit fiction of up to 3,000 words, creative non-fiction of up to 4,000 words or suites of up to 5 poems. Fee: $25 (includes subscription). Prize: $750 in each category, plus paid publication. Details: http://www.subterrain.ca

Bonnie Nish
Executive Director
Pandora’s Collective
www.pandorascollective.com

Book News Vol. 5 No. 5

Banner

Vol. 5 No. 5

In other news

VPL Writer in Residence

The Vancouver Public Library is pleased to announce that they will be accepting applications for their sixth writer-in-residence in 2010. Deadline is January 15, 2010. Complete details can be found on their website.

New Westminster Poet Laureate Search

New Westminster is seeking its next Poet Laureate. Deadline to apply is January 29, 2010. For more information, click here.

BC Bestsellers

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia is posting a weekly list of BC’s bestselling books.


P.K. Page
The Festival and Canadian Literature lost a great friend and consummate artist with the passing of P.K. Page at her home in Victoria this morning. She was 93. And for all the years we knew her she was dedicated to exploring the world through art: painting, poetry, essays, fiction and children’s stories.
She had a fine mind and used it well. And a great heart, courageous and generous. At the last Festival, Joy Coghill and François Houle performed P.K.’s prescient and powerful poem Unless the Eye Catch Fire. The event was breathtaking in its vision and its brilliant execution. We were honoured to present P.K.’s work last year and over the many years were privileged to work with her. CBC, Globe and Mail
Announcing
The winners of the 11th Annual Vancouver International Writers Festival Poetry and Short Story Contest have been announced. To read the winning submissions, go here.

Special Event

Header
Spoken World
Get your tickets before they’re gone! Tickets for the Vancouver International Writers Festival’s spoken word extravaganza with Ivan E. Coyote, Shane Koyczan, Ariana Waynes and Skeena Reece and Sal Ferreras are going fast. View highlights from Spoken World 2009 on YouTube and Flickr.
Read more Header

Awards

Header
The shortlist for the Story Prize honouring short fiction in the U.S. has been announced. Full story
And also the short list for the Lionel Gelber Prize for books on international relations. Full story

News & Features

Header
This will be the year of electronic reading devices, so get ready for weekly updates. Full story
Is copyright protection for creative work feasible in a digital world? Full story
Margaret Atwood has penned a passionate piece on behalf of birds in the Guardian. Full story
Toronto publishers Cormorant Books announced today that it will begin publishing four poetry titles a year in the spring of 2011. Full story

Books & Writers

Header
Crime writer James Ellroy interviewed in the Guardian. Full story
All the fuss about Tolstoy is because 2010 is the centenary of his death and there is a new film to mark the occasion. Full story
Vancouver’s own June Hutton interviewed by blogger in Kuala Lumpur about her novel Underground. Full story
A review of Sadie Jones’ second novel Small Wars. Full story
Cordelia Strube‘s Lemon continues to catch the eye of reviewers. Full story
American politics seem to be filled with drama, conflict, sex: all the elements of a good soap opera and that leads to books like Game Change, reviewed here in the Times. Full story
Dalia Sofer, also in the Times, describes Kim Echlin‘s novel The Disappeared as “exquisite”. Full story
Antonia Fraser‘s memoir of her life with Harold Pinter may focus on their marriage, but paints a revealing portrait of the dramatist too. Full story
And finally a review of Douglas Coupland‘s Generation A. Full story

Community Events

Header
GREG MORTENSON
Due to overwhelming demand, all ticketed events are sold out! However the author of Three Cups of Tea will be signing copies of his books. Saturday, January 16 at 7:00pm. Kidsbooks Vancouver, 3083 West Broadway. For more information, visit www.kidsbooks.ca.
STORIES OF SLOTH AND REGRETS
Vancouver Storytellers presents storytelling by Erin Graham, Larry Matier, Tony Rainbow, Alvin Sanders, and Rita Taylor. Sunday, January 17 at 7:00pm. Tickets $7. St. Mark’s Anglican Church (1805 Larch). More information at www.vancouverstorytellers.vcn.bc.ca.
WORLD POETRY CELEBRATES TANGLEWOOD BOOKS
Multicultural, multilingual readings by Godwin Barton, James Mullen, Lucia Gorea, Roger Blenman, Farina Reinprecht, Ibrahim Honjo, and Warren Dean Fulton, hosted by Adriadne Sawyer and Alejandro Mujica-Olea. Monday, January 18 at 7:00pm. Tanglewood Books (1553 W. Broadway). More information at ar******@un******.com.
KC DYER
The North Shore Writers’ Association presents guest speaker and historical fiction author. Monday, January 18 at 7:00pm. Admission by donation, free for members. Capilano Branch Library (3045 Highland Blvd., North Vancouver).
ERIC JAMIESON
Author presents an illustrated lecture based on his book, Tragedy at Second Narrows: The Story of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. Monday, January 18 at 7:00pm, free. White Rock Library (15342 Buena Vista Avenue).
ESCAPE CLAUSE: A SPECULATIVE FICTION ANTHOLOGY
Hear selected readings from Escape Clause, stories of wonder and delight, from speculative fiction writers. Featuring Linda Demeulemeester, Eileen Kernaghan, Casey Wolf, Ari Goelman, Clelie Rich, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, and Maryke Hendrikse. Monday, January 18 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Nerd slam featuring Robbie Q. Monday, January 18 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
DIANE TUCKER
Author reads from her new novel, His Sweet Favour, with an open mic to follow. Tuesday, January 19 at 8:00pm. James Street Cafe, 3819 Canada Way, Burnaby. For more information, email bw*****@gm***.com.
MOST GOOD, LEAST HARM
Book signing and presentation by Zoe Weil, author of Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life. Wednesday, January 20 at 7:00pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). More information at www.vpl.ca.
ANN ERIKSSON
Join author in a discussion of her most recent book In the Hands of Anubis. January 21 at 7:00pm. Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art, 3696 W. 8th. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
WAYNE NORTON
Book launch: Women on Ice: The Early Years of Women’s Hockey in Western Canada. Reading, discussion and book signing with author Wayne Norton. Sunday, January 24th at 6:00pm, free. Rhizome Café, 317 E. Broadway, Vancouver.
DOUGLAS BURNET SMITH
Author reads selections from Sister Prometheus: Discovering Madame Curie and from his forthcoming collection, Surface to Air. Monday, January 25 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
Upcoming
EVERY GOODBYE AIN’T GONE
Author Evelyne White and photographer Joanne Bealy sign and discuss Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone: A Photo Narrative of Black Heritage on Salt Spring Island. Friday, February 5 at 7:00pm, free. Rhizome Cafe (317 East Broadway). More information at www.dancingcrowpress.com.
2010 HAIKU INVITATIONAL
While the cherry blossoms bloom from March through May, you are invited to write your haiku with fresh inspiration. The poems will be judged during the summer and winners announced in the fall 2010. Winning poems will then be featured during the 2011 festival. So start planning now to submit your cherry blossom haiku this coming spring. The deadline for the next round of haiku submissions will be May 31, 2010. More information at www.vcbf.ca.

Produced by the Book News Collective.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival: 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca
 

Denman Island Winter Writer’s Retreat February 2010


WINTER WRITER’S RETREAT ON DENMAN ISLAND, FEBRUARY 2010 
  • Ivan Coyote. Memoir Writing, 4 days February 9 to 12.  Cost:  $300.00.
  • Matt Rader. Poetry Writing, weekend February 13 & 14.  Cost: $150.00.
  • Heidi Greco. Editing & Manuscript Preparation, 4 days February 17 to 20.  Cost  $300.00 
Location: Denman Island Arts Centre
Mailing Address:  PO Box 78, Denman Island, BC V0R 1T0
Phone:   Local: (250) 335-1224  Toll Free: 1-888-335-1221
Building on the success of the summer Readers & Writers Festival, the Denman Island Arts Centre announces the first annual Winter Writer’s Retreat, when three established writers will offer workshops over a two-week period in February 2010.
Join Ivan Coyote, Matt Rader and Heidi Greco for hands-on writing workshops and intimate salon readings.
Ivan Coyote is an award-winning author whose workshop will focus on memoir writing. Spend four days dedicated to getting all those dreams of words and stories out of your head and onto the page.
Matt Rader is a poet and teacher who excels in finding universal truth in local experience. Join Matt in a collaborative, participant driven weekend writing workshop and discover for yourself how a poet can leverage the forms and traditions of poetic craft to access the trickster imagination at the heart of all art.
Heidi Greco has more than two decades’ experience working with manuscripts in many genres. This four-day workshop will provide writers with tools for making useful revisions. Starting with the page, discussion will move to the broader vision of formulating a structured manuscript.
Salons with the writers will be held on Friday evening, February 12 and Saturday evening, February 20.
For more information and registration go to www.artsdenman.com or leave a message at the Denman Island Arts Centre (250) 335-1224. The Denman Island Arts Centre is a short walk up the hill from the ferry. Classes are small so register early!

Excellent accommodation is available at Shanti House Bed and Breakfast, at The Blue Owl Bed and Breakfast, or see http://www.denmanisland.com/denman/accommodations .


Jean Cockburn

Co-ordinator Arts Denman Winter Writer’s Retreat
co*******@gm***.com

Book News Vol. 5 No. 3

Banner

Vol. 5 No. 3

In other news

VPL Writer in Residence

The Vancouver Public Library is pleased to announce that they will be accepting applications for their sixth writer-in-residence in 2010. Complete details can be found on their website.

Lucy Maud Montgomery

A rare first-edition, first-impression edition of Anne of Green GablesRead more. sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York for $30,000 US on Friday afternoon.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year!
From all of us to all of you, we wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday, and of course, we hope that you have plenty of time to read books that will inspire, enrich and entertain you.
This is the last Book News of 2009. We’d like to thank each of you for your support of the Festival. We have some exciting events shaping up for the spring which we will let you know about as soon as we are able. And stay tuned for an announcement about a membership drive that will be very important for the Festival in 2010.
The VIWF office will be closed between December 19 and January 4. We look forward to hearing from you in 2010.
Sincerely,
Hal Wake, Camilla Tibbs, Sandra Millard and Ann McDonell
P.S. We’re trying out a new format for Book News. Please let us know what you think.

Special Event

Header
Spoken World
Get your tickets before they’re gone! Tickets for the Vancouver International Writers Festival’s spoken word extravaganza with Ivan E. Coyote, Shane Koyczan, Ariana Waynes and Skeena Reece and Sal Ferreras are going fast. View highlights from Spoken World 2009 on YouTube.
Read more Header

News & Features

Header
Wary book publisher plan to delay the release of electronic versions of their books in 2010. E-books and related issues will be the big story for the coming year. Full story.
Legal battles are looming over who owns the rights to publish e-books by writers like Wiliam Styron and Joseph Heller. Full story.
Kirkus, an outfit that gave pre-publication reviews to thousands of books is shutting down. Full story.
The posthumous publication of crime writer Steig Larrson’s third novel in North America is some time off, so booksellers are bringing in the foreign edition. Full story.
Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English usage, the gracefully written bible of grammar, has a new edition coming out. Full story.
Rachel Cusk wonders if there really is something called ‘women’s writing’. Full story.
This piece about book publicity in the New Yorker would be really funny if it weren’t so close to the truth. Full story.
Here is a best book list for 2009 from the Georgia Straight. Full story.
The Guardian lists the decade’s best unread books. Full story.

Books & Writers

Header
There is a new collection of George Packer’s essays first published in the New Yorker. Full story.
This is a rather mixed review of Tao Lin’s Shoplifting from American Apparel. Full story.
Rhea Tregebov delighted audiences at the Festival this year and her novel The Knife Sharpener’s Bell received kudos from the Globe and Mail. Full story.
There is a new collection of essays by the Nigerian master Chinua Achebe. Full story.
The Bedside Book of Beasts: A Wildlife Miscellany by Graeme Gibson has impressed the Guardian. Full story.
A lovely piece from Ann Patchett on a writer’s life. Full story.
Stacey May Fowles reviews Of Hockey and Hijab, essays on Islam and Muslim life. Full story.
Richard van Camp’s new collection of stories is reviewed in Quill and Quire. Full story.

Community Events

Header
VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Youth poetry slam featuring Brendan McLeod. Monday, December 28 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
IAN FERGUSON
Reading by the award-winning playwright, humourist and author of How to Be a Canadian. Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 2:00pm. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (1961 East Mall). More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.
ESCAPE CLAUSE: A SPECULATIVE FICTION ANTHOLOGY
Hear selected readings from Escape Clause, stories of wonder and delight, from speculative fiction writers. Featuring Linda Demeulemeester, Eileen Kernaghan, Casey Wolf, Ari Goelman, Clelie Rich, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, and Maryke Hendrikse. Monday, January 18 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
GREG MORTENSON
The author of Three Cups of Tea is coming to Kidsbooks in January! His powerful presentation will highlight his new adult book, Stones Into Schools; Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan. Adult tickets include a copy of the new book. For tickets and details, visit www.kidsbooks.ca.
ANN ERIKSSON
Join author in a discussion of her most recent book In the Hands of Anubis. January 21, 2010 at 7:00pm. Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art, 3696 W. 8th. More information at www.christiannehayward.com.
DOUGLAS BURNET SMITH
Author reads selections from Sister Prometheus: Discovering Madame Curie and from his forthcoming collection, Surface to Air. Monday, January 25 at 7:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye Rooms, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street. For more information please contact Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603.
2010 HAIKU INVITATIONAL
While the cherry blossoms bloom from March through May, you are invited to write your haiku with fresh inspiration. The poems will be judged during the summer and winners announced in the fall 2010. Winning poems will then be featured during the 2011 festival. So start planning now to submit your cherry blossom haiku this coming spring. The deadline for the next round of haiku submissions will be May 31, 2010. More information at www.vcbf.ca.

Produced by the Book News Collective.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival: 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca

Book News Vol. 5 No. 2

BOOK NEWS

Spoken World
The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents a spoken word extravaganza. Spoken word stars Ivan E. Coyote, Shane Koyczan, Ariana Waynes and Skeena Reece provide the word power, underscored by the improvised grooves of Sal Ferreras and his band Poetic License and the visual pyrotechnics of VJ Candelario Andrade. Details and ticket information http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/specialevents.

VPL Writer in Residence
The Vancouver Public Library is pleased to announce that they will be accepting applications for their sixth writer-in-residence in 2010. Complete details can be found on their website at www.vpl.ca/writer_in_residence.

If you are looking for suggestions of books to give for Christmas, the Advent Book Blog may be the only place you have to go.
http://adventbooks.wordpress.com/

Five of the largest publishers of U.S. newspapers and magazines plan to challenge Amazon.com Inc.’s Kindle electronic-book reader with their own digital format that would display in colour and work on a variety of devices.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/story/2009/12/08/rival-kindle-publishers-magazine-newspaper.html

Carol Ann Duffy, who stole the show at this year’s Poetry Bash has written a new version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/laureate-pens-a-new-12-days-of-christmas-1835037.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/dec/06/poet-laureate-duffy-christmas-poem

Ian McEwan has a new short story in the New Yorker called The Use of Poetry.
http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2009/12/07/091207fi_fiction_mcewan

PRIZES & LISTS

Petina Gappah from Zimbabwe has won the Guardian First Book Award. We have links to an article, a video and a short story.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/dec/02/guardian-first-book-award-gappah
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/dec/04/guardian-first-book-petina-gappah
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/dec/05/petina-gappah-awardwinner-short-story

Haruki Murikami has been awarded Spain’s Order of Arts and Letters.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/japanese-writer-murakami-honoured-in-spain-1834682.html

The winner of this year’s Journey Award, Yasuko Thanh, tells the story behind her winning story.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-writers-all-too-real-tale-puts-her-in-spotlight/article1390883/

For those with a taste for history the New Yorker has chosen the top ten books of 1709.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2009/12/the-top-ten-books-of-1709.html

BOOKS & WRITERS

Memoirs fueled by alcohol seem to be a popular genre. Here are reviews of two new ones Corked by Kathryn Borel Jr. and Lit by Mary Karr.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-lit-by-mary-karr/article1388548/
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6690

When we hosted Barbara Kingsolver she was touring with her non-fiction book about growing her own food. Now she has a new novel called Lacuna.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-the-lacuna-by-barbara-kingsolver/article1388579/

Malcolm Gladwell may be one of the most popular non-fiction writers working in English. This is a review of his latest, What the Dog Saw.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-what-the-dog-saw-by-malcolm-gladwell/article1388984/

Don Gillmor dares to write nothing less than the history of the nation in novel form, with a legendary explorer up front.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/734696–review-geoff-pevere-on-kanata-by-don-gillmor

An interview with Malalai Joya the author of A Woman Among Warlords: The Extraordinary Story of an Afghan Who Dared to Raise Her Voice.
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2009/11/16/MalalaiJoyaCdnTour/

EVENTS

ROBSON READING SERIES
Readings from the anthology Hope In Shadows: Stories and Photographs of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Thursday, December 10 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore library, Robson Square (800 Robson Street).

THE SWEET AND THE BITTER
Vancouver novelist Michael Turner (8 X 10) who appeared at the 2009 Writers Festival is branching out into film screenings, with a showing of James Clavell’s shot-in-Vancouver and rarely seen independent film The Sweet and the Bitter. Thursday, December 10 at 7:30pm. Pacific Cinémathèque (1131 Howe Street). More information at www.cinematheque.bc.ca.

STONE THE CROW
Book launch for poetry collection Stone the Crow, with readings and signings by author Chris Bose. Sunday, December 13 at 7:00pm. Grunt Gallery (116 – 350 2nd Ave. E.). More information at www.kegedonce.com.

VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Van slam featuring Mike McGee. Monday, December 14 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.

FRENZY
Anvil Press presents the launch of Frenzy by Catherine Owen with performances by folk musician Chika Marston, novelist Dennis E. Bolen, and electronic-music composer Soressa Gardner. Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00pm, free. Café Montmartre, 4362 Main Street. More information at in**@an********.com.

Upcoming

IAN FERGUSON
Reading by the award-winning playwright, humourist and author of How to Be a Canadian. January 4, 2010 at 2:00pm. Lillooet Room (level 3), Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (1961 East Mall). More information at www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca.

GREG MORTENSON
The author of Three Cups of Tea is coming to Kidsbooks in January! His powerful presentation will highlight his new adult book, Stones Into Schools; Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan. Adult tickets include a copy of the new book. For tickets and details, visit www.kidsbooks.ca.

ANN ERIKSSON
Join author in a discussion of her most recent book In the Hands of Anubis. January 21, 2010 at 7:00pm. Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art, 3696 W. 8th. For more information: http://www.christiannehayward.com/.

2010 HAIKU INVITATIONAL
While the cherry blossoms bloom from March through May, you are invited to write your haiku with fresh inspiration. The poems will be judged during the summer and winners announced in the fall 2010. Winning poems will then be featured during the 2011 festival. So start planning now to submit your cherry blossom haiku this coming spring. The deadline for the next round of haiku submissions will be May 31, 2010. More information at www.vcbf.ca.

Produced by the Book News Collective: Hal Wake, Clea Young, Brenda Berck, Ann McDonell and Sandra Millard.

To unsubscribe, please visit http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/booknews.

Hal Wake
Artistic Director
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2010 Festival – 19-24 October inclusive
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Suite 202, 1398 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
p: 604 681 6330 x102
f: 604 681 8400
e: hw***@wr*********.ca
w: www.writersfest.bc.ca
twitter: http://twitter.com/VIWF
facebook: http://tinyurl.com/viwffacebook