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.
The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia is posting a weekly list of BC's bestselling books.
An annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. February 21 to 27. Details here.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: CanadaReadsInVancouver@cbc.ca. Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00pm.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 kids@KCTS9.org, call 1.800.930.6060 or visit http://kcts9.org/kids/kids/young-writers-contest.
Produced by the Book News Collective.
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.
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> .
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.
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 SLOnightwritersevents@yahoo.com for more information.
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.
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.
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 info@bws.bc.ca .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
presents the following half-day spring workshops – $45 each.
Special guest keynote speaker: Laura Resnick. Workshops, industry panel, editor appointments. For registration information & bookings, contact Sally Collins, SallyCollins@shaw.ca.
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.
Lois Peterson's second novel for children (Orca Book Publishers).
Newton Library, 13795-70 Avenue, Surrey.
(2:30-4 p.m.). For more information check www.loispeterson.net.
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.
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.
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.
There are 15 tickets available to Spoken World on February 18, at VancouverTix.com or by phone at 604 629 8849.
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 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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 darthbuddy2000@yahoo.ca.
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.
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.
The acclaimed author of Atonement and On Chesil Beach will make his eagerly anticipated Vancouver appearance to read from his latest book, Solar.
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.
Poet Fabiola Nabil Naguib reads from her work. Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm, free. SB406 at Emily Carr University, Granville Island, Vancouver.
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.
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, 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.
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).
Van slam featuring Scruffmouth. Monday, February 1 at 8:00pm. Admission: $5/$3. Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial). More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com.
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).
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 leej@ucalgary.ca.
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.
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.
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: publicpoetry@gmail.com with the subject line "Oh Canada submission". Entrants must live in Canada.
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: malahat@uvic.ca. Check the website for full contest details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1st Place $75, 2nd Place $50—for both short story and poetry. Finalists receive certificates.
Entries must be based on the theme: TRUST/BETRAYAL.
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.
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.
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" – fedbcwriters@gmail.com. Include: Publicity bio, publisher's copy, cover image in jpeg format, publisher name, year/month of publication, ISBN, and price.
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 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.
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 INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL PRESENTS SPOKEN WORLD: WORDS. MUSIC. ACTION!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keynote speaker – Patrick Taylor, bestselling author of the Irish Country Doctor series.
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, jkay@canauthors.vancouver.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
free public readings by a range of Canadian writers.
Note: There is free parking in the parkade under the ECU South Building after 7 pm.
call 604- 792-0025, local 2471.
Presenter Russ Crossley will speak on "Cliff Hangers". Location: Burnaby United, 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby.
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.
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 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 randal@oolichan.com or visit www.oolichan.com.
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.
Pandora's Collective and the Vancouver Artist's Collective will be putting on a fundraiser at the Cottage Bistro.
For volunteer opportunities please contact blnish_pandoras@yahoo.ca.
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.
You're invited to listen to five poets reading poems from one of their favourite dead poets.
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.
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!
We'll see you on the 28th!!
James Street Café – 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Feb. 21st at the Backstage Lounge on Granville Island, 10:30 pm for 90 minutes.
Feb. 23rd at a French club called the Adrenaline, 9:30 – 11:00 pm, 2 sets.
Have you spent too many hours hunched over the computer?
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.
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.
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).
Entry fee: Up to 3 poems for $5 & additional poems $2 each.
Additional chapbooks will be available for sale at $5 each.
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 is seeking its next Poet Laureate. Deadline to apply is January 29, 2010. For more information, click here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ariadnes@uniserve.com.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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 bwscafe@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ivan Coyote. Memoir Writing, 4 days February 9 to 12. Cost: $300.00.
Matt Rader. Poetry Writing, weekend February 13 & 14. Cost: $150.00.
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 .
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.
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.
P.S. We're trying out a new format for Book News. Please let us know what you think.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carol Ann Duffy, who stole the show at this year's Poetry Bash has written a new version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Ian McEwan has a new short story in the New Yorker called The Use of Poetry.
Petina Gappah from Zimbabwe has won the Guardian First Book Award. We have links to an article, a video and a short story.
Haruki Murikami has been awarded Spain's Order of Arts and Letters.
The winner of this year's Journey Award, Yasuko Thanh, tells the story behind her winning story.
For those with a taste for history the New Yorker has chosen the top ten books of 1709.
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.
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.
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.
Don Gillmor dares to write nothing less than the history of the nation in novel form, with a legendary explorer up front.
An interview with Malalai Joya the author of A Woman Among Warlords: The Extraordinary Story of an Afghan Who Dared to Raise Her Voice.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 info@anvilpress.com.
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.
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/.
Produced by the Book News Collective: Hal Wake, Clea Young, Brenda Berck, Ann McDonell and Sandra Millard.


text:
Long Way Gone
I'm in the fall mode of getting my work done, then retreating to the craft room to catch up on projects for the next event. That's about all I'm doing. Working and craft working.
I know you have heard me say it before. Reading for fun is a luxury right now, but then again, I've been in that kind of rut for awhile now. So sad. So very sad.
Of course, I do some reading for work. There's not only the projects we work on, but those we don't. It's my job to screen potential projects. Sometimes, that's a chore when it comes to some self-published releases. I was going through a bad run of some of those recently when I was able to take a break to read because I wanted to read. I finally got Net Galley access to one of my favorite authors and get his book before it released. I wasn't patient either. There was a waiting/wish list for Charles Martin's Long Way Gone.
It was such a relief to dive smoothly into good writing. (Good editing for that matter too.) Witty writing. A flow from the first page.
Before I get deeper into my review, let's start off with the back cover copy. I have some projects to letter, so why re-create the wheel in retelling the story?
MORE ABOUT LONG WAY GONE:
"No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home."
At the age of eighteen, musician and songwriter Cooper O'Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish.
Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns home to the remote Colorado mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith.
When Daley shows up on his street corner twenty years later, he wonders if it's too late to tell her the truth about his past—and if he is ready to face it himself.
A radical retelling of the prodigal son story, Long Way Gone takes us from tent revivals to the Ryman Auditorium to the tender relationship between a broken man and the father who never stopped calling him home.
Earlier I was telling the Lori, the owner of Fiction Addict that I would have this review into her tonight. She wasn't familiar with the author, so I was trying to explain.
Charles Martin writes in the genre similar to Nicholas Sparks. This didn't catch Lori's attention because she is not a fan of Sparks outside of The Notebook. Just note that I said similar genre. However, he writes more male friendly. Not as girly. Not without the tragicness, but there has to be some conflict, right?
One of the differences though is that every story doesn't take place in the Carolinas. That's a big deal. As I mentioned the wittiness to the writing is different. Charles Martin is also a better researcher, giving more depth to his main characters and their passions. Lots of details.
You will be able to vividly picture Cooper's surroundings on the mountain in Colorado and what it's like to be on stage at the Ryman in Nashville. Or at the local "watering hole" singing with the band.
The cover copy says it's a modern take on the story of the prodigal son. It is to a degree, but then, it isn't. If I told why though, it would be a spoiler.
The story starts off in present time when Cooper spots someone from his past. It's been a long time since he's seen Daley Cross, and there's definitely a story there. Chapters alternate between Cooper's present day situation and his retelling of past events. From the start, Cooper reveals that for the past twenty years he has been suffering (and healing) from a tragic event, and you have to hang with him to find out what happened. I have to say, I didn't really predict what it was even though you know it's what drove he and Daley apart. Plus there are some other little surprises sprinkled in.
The one problem I had with the book is that in one section, it felt like the author got some of his information and inspiration from watching episodes of ABC's Nashville. At one point, it got just a little too much Julianne and Avery.
Despite my anticipation which can often lead to disappointment, in the end, it didn't let me down.
MORE ABOUT CHARLES MARTIN:
Charles Martin is the New York Times bestselling author of 12 novels. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, Florida. Learn more about him at charlesmartinbooks.com.
Facebook: Author.Charles.Martin
Twitter: @storiedcareer
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Keeping up with Broadway, Off Broadway, London and for the past ten years theater in the Berkshires. A comprehensive site with lots of the latest content.
"The Judas Kiss", written by playwright Hare, is deftly directed by Boston Court's co-artistic director Michael Michetti, and, boldly explores Hare's raison d'etre for his roman a clef story. Act One of the play is set in the Cadogan Hotel in London, in 1895.
One can't help but enjoy the sparkling and inventive on-stage musical comedy machinations of 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' in one of the Ahmanson's slickest and audience-pleasing productions this season. The musical runs in LA through May 1.
During a post mortem of her second season as artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival we discussed producing as inheriting the family business. Her earliest memories go back to two when she saw Two Gentleman of Verona, at the Public Theatre where her father, Bernard, worked until he was fired by Joe Papp in 1978. As a toddler, her Mom brought her on stage while taking a bow at Jacob's Pillow. In the first of this two part report we discuss a portrait of the artist as a young producer.


I'm following through the Installfest, and have encountered an error when deploying the test app on Heroku.
When I run heroku run rails db:migrate I get the following return in the terminal.
Gem::LoadError: Specified 'postgresql' for database adapter, but the gem is not loaded. Add `gem 'pg'` to your Gemfile (and ensure its version is at the minimum required by ActiveRecord).
Gem::LoadError: can't activate pg (~> 0.18), already activated pg-1.0.0. Make sure all dependencies are added to Gemfile.
I've tried completely deleting the app and starting fresh, but the same error recurred. I have specified pg in my Gemfile using the recommended format, so I'm not sure what is wrong with the set up.
In short, changing the pg listing in the Gemfile to gem 'pg', '~> 0.11' seemed to fix the issue. The poster on StackOverflow mentioned that there were still some compatibility issues with the newer version of pg, which is why this works.
So relieved to get the test app working!! Feel like I can move on now.
That did not work for me. Is there another solution?
I am having the exact same issue. I tried the above suggestion, but no success. I also want to note that I'm not sure where you got the gem 'rails_12factor' from. Where did you find that? I don't see it in the instructions.
in the Gemfile, make this change gem 'pg', '~> 0.18. Save the file and go back to the terminal. In the terminal, type git add . hit enter. Then git commit -m "Updates for heroku deployment". Then git push heroku master.