Some kind words about "The Scoop."

A nice e mail today.

Dear Joan, read the story you wrote in collaboration with Ma Nee, yesterday. The one in Room.

Breathtaking. Really.

 

The issue is now for sale at Northern Woman's Bookstore, 65 Court Street S.  Not in Chapters yet.  

Beautiful Mystery on a Roll

Louise Penny's latest Inspector Gamache mystery is out and rolling up all the prizes and the excellent reviews.  Penny works hard, not only as a writer but as a superb marketer.  Right now she is on an extensive book tour around the continent where she meets adoring fans.  And she has a great book to sell.

Chief Inspector Gamache and Inspector Beauvoir, of the Sûreté du Québec, go to a remote monastery where they encounter the monks, the murder and music so glorious it became known, through the centuries, as "the beautiful mystery."

Penny writes, "And now The Beautiful Mystery has been published, I get to imagine you holding the book, reading about the monks, about the chants, about Gamache trying to tease the truth out of a community of men who have spent lifetimes concealing how they really feel. He must get silent monks to speak. And he must, in the great silence, see that while they are not talking, these men are still communicating."

The Scoop, my story in Room Magazine.

"The Scoop" is not my story.  It is the story of all those children scooped up and taken to residential schools.  And it is the story of communities without children.   I wrote "The Scoop" after listening to a friend tell me what happened to her.

"The Scoop" will appear in the Fall issue of Room Magazine which should be on the newsstands in two weeks.

The editor wrote in the intoduction  "Joan Baril’s creative non-fiction piece further illustrates government-sanctioned discrimination and racialization. Written from the perspective of Anishinabe child, “The Scoop, 1955” narrates a loss of epic proportions as it recollects the Canadian government’s sanctioned removal of some 150,000 Aboriginal children from their homes to residential schools."

Here it is ! The Giller Long LIst

The 2012 Scotiabank Giller Prize jury announced its long list on Tuesday, September 4. The jury read an astonishing 142 works of fiction this year, submitted by 50 publishers from every region of the country. Two thousand and twelve marks the 19th year of the prize. This year the jury features the esteemed: novelist, dramatist, and screenwriter Roddy Doyle; New York Times Bestselling author and prize-winning novelist Gary Shteyngart; and prize-winning author and founder of Key Porter Books, Anna Porter.
Once again, the Scotiabank Giller Prize is pleased to partner with CBC Books to invite the public to choose the Readers' Choice winner.

You can vote for your fave at http://www.scotiabankgillerprize.ca/2012-longlist/

I have read only by 419 by Will Ferguson  a novel about the Nigerian phone scams.  I look forward to reading many on the list.

Celona, Marjorie | Y published by Hamish Hamilton Canada

Davis, Lauren | Our Daily Bread published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Fagan, Cary | My Life Among the Apes published by Cormorant Books

491 by Will Ferguson published by Viking Canada

Hough, Robert | Dr. Brinkley's Tower published by House of Anansi Press

 Livingston, Billie | One Good Hustle published by Random House Canada

Lyon, Annabel | The Sweet Girl published by Random House Canada

Ohlin, Alix | Inside published by House of Anansi Press

Onstad, Katrina | Everybody Has Everything published by Emlem Editions

 Richardson, CS | The Emperor of Paris published by Doubleday Canada

 Richler, Nancy | The Imposter Bride published by HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

Thúy, Kim | Ru published by Random House Canada

Wangersky, Russell | Whirl Away published by Thomas Allen Publishers

Fanado - what a concept!

In these days of shrinking book publishing budgets and the offloading of promotion to writers, we wanted to share some good news. Margaret Atwood, one of the founders of TWUC, has developed a new way to connect readers and writers – Fanado.

“Fanado is for creators of all kinds – authors, musicians, artists. For writers in particular, Fanado will make it easier to build an audience,” says Margaret.

Fanado is an online promotional and broadcast space: writers will be able to do a reading, host an event, be part of a interview, have one-on-one chats with fans, private video conferencing among fans, sell books, sign book covers, including live on-screenautographing and personalizing, and more, all webstreamed and archived.

Once connected, through Fanado writers will be able to sign physical books, as well. One Canadian publisher has already acquired a Fanado “channel” – a named Fanado site for their own authors and books – and more are on the way.

Definitely Worth the Drive

Last September, I took in the Thin Air Writers Festival.  It was great to hear Miriam Toews and Guy Vanderhaeghe and others read from their work.  The festival was mainly held down town but readings happened at that great bookstore McNally Robinson.  This year, the festival is again in September, 21- 29.  For more info go to www.thinairwinnipeg.ca. The list of authors will be on line at the beginning of September but so far, mystery thriller writer Linwood Barclay is on the card.  A thrill by any standard.

Melvin Goes to Dinner

Sex, religion, fetishes, ghosts - what's not to like.  The dinner guest let it all hang out in this play by Michael Blieden  playing at the Paramount August 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets 10 bucks at The Growing Season, Steepers, High Time Tattoo and the Paramount.

A comedy that takes wicked turns, Melvin Goes to Dinner should be a fun evening.

Andrew Paulson Director and Producer. 

Louise Penny Launches a New Book

 Louise Writes: :This is it! August. The month THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY finally sees the light of day. Well over a year in the planning, thinking, researching, and then, the writing. And so much anticipation. I sometimes feel I'm going to explode from excitement/anxiety.

As you know, that simply goes with the territory. I suspect you often feel the same way, when something, or someone, you care about is about to be exposed to the public. I think anxiety isn't so much a mark of insecurity, as a reflection of how much we care.
I care a great deal about THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY. I can hardly wait for it to get into your hands. It hits bookstores, and kindles/nooks/ereaders/iPads on August 28th in the US, Canada and the UK. "

Haiku Revealed! Readings Unleashed!

HAIKU Summer

Second HAIKU Contest Mark 5 p.m. August 6th on your calendars, the last day of Festa Italiana, We will announce the 2012 Natsu Haiku Summer poetry contest winners and read winning entries. Building on the success of the Association’s haiku competition in 2009, we join with the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association to present a major cultural event for the summer. The Studio at 97 South Algoma, across Algoma Street from the Italian Cultural Centre Come meet poets and see the awarding of prizes. The big winner will be the arts in Thunder Bay. There is ample parking at the rear of 97 South Algoma, and more on the adjacent lot on Wilson Street. Minna san domo arigato! Grazia a tutti!! Thank you everyone!!! Preview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLID_J7V7xM

Money, Money, Money

Wealth Secrets, is a play about the dysfunctional world of investments. The play, written by Ahti Tolvanen and performed by a cast of Thunder Bay actors, is off to the Hamilton Fringe Festival where seven performances will be given at the Citadel Theatre July 19 - 28.

I had the happy opportunity to sit in on the dress rehearsal last Tuesday.  The play swings between Sierra Leon, where diamond terrorists kill for money and Canada where the diamond stocks are sold. 

Art Towen, played by Dennis Dubinsky, manages a successful investment company but he runs into opposition when he encourages his clients to buy ethical investments.  His associate, Horatio Chalmers, played by Uko Abara, discovers some investments deal with blood diamonds.

Actor Ukp Abara plays Horatio Chalmers, investment associate, who discovers the firm is selling stocks in Blood Diamonds

Bay Street Rocks

BAY STREET FILM FESTIVAL

September 6-9 2012

Short Animation for Bay Street Film Festival by Hubert den Draak

Films for the people

Since the inaugural festival in 2005, the Bay Street Film Festival has screened hundreds of films to thousands of Thunder Bay residents and visitors. Last year the festival ran from September 29th to October 2nd, featured 42 films from 12 different countries, including nine movies from local Thunder Bay filmmakers.
Read more and also see facebook link

Bumping into the Literary Past in Britain

Dozmary Pool where the Hand of the Lady of the Lake Emerged to Grasp the Sword of the Dead King Arthur

The moors of Devon and Cornwall stretch far and away, rolling hills of bright green grass stacked one behind the other, the green crossed with the dark lines of hedges, and dotted with white sheep, the valleys lined with trees and deep vegetation, and nearby the sound of water falling over granite but hidden among the thick brush.

Sometimes mist rubs out the farthest hills and sometimes thick layered clouds move aside to reveal a bit of blue or, less often, a shaft of sun, always a surprise. The hedges and lanes brim with wild flowers and flowering bushes.

The June air was cold and clean with moist edges that curled my hair into tendrils and made my socks feel clammy and my hands seek the shelter of the pockets of my rain jacket. One day we climbed a tor, resting on granite boulders as we climbed, and another day we found a line of menhirs placed by the ancient people, and a stone circle and then a hut circle.  The hillside fell away to a wall and a line of bushes far below. We saw a herd of sheep being moved up a far slope by two border collies and even at such a distance we could hear the whistles of the shepherd. Birds are everywhere on the moor: larks, rooks, swallows, sparrows and martins and many that I could not make out.

A Hulk Prison Ship

Another Masterpiece from Hilary Mantel

Hilary Mantel won the 2009 Man Booker Prize for her historical novel Wolf Hall.  The sequel, Bring Up the Bodies has been recently released and is every bit as good as Wolf Hall

In Wolf Hall,  Mantel tells the story of Thomas Cromwell, right hand man to Henry VIII.  Cromwell facilitated Henry's divorce from Katherine of Aragon, removed England from the power of the Pope and hustled saintly Thomas More to the scaffold, all to make Anne Boleyn a queen.

But in Mantel's version, Cromwell is a tough but likable guy who has climbed to a high place in court, a man kindly to his friends and his household and a hard worker who keeps the ship of state financially afloat.  Above all, a man loyal to the king.  Mantel goes further by portraying  More less of a saint than of a fanatic who approved torture and burning for those he considered heretics.

In the sequel, Bring Up the Bodies, the ever loyal Cromwell works for the downfall of Queen Anne (spoiler! She dies in the end) and the rise of the insipid Jane Symour who has caught the fancy of the king.

Both books are masterpieces of excellent writing, historical depth, a surprising amount of humour, astute character analysis and a plot that grabs the reader and won't let go. 

Poem by Martin Hicks

Martin Hicks' latest book of poetry, In The Realm of Fantasy,  is available locally at The Book Shelf on May St; Books, Sport Cards, and Collectables at Wolseley Street by the Cumberland Robins; or by direct sales marthickins@gmail.com. Cost is 21$.
    
ESTATE AND MOUNTAIN ASH

Closed corner house has gingerbread,

Which is to say much ornate trim.
High bedroom towers match overhead,
Planned renovation prospects slim.

From main part there extends addition

With windowsill and woodwork peeling,
Great source of childhood superstition
Nail-boarded...but far less for stealing.

There's separate sagging porch in front
Few carpenters in town would tackle.
To make brief pause and be quite blunt,
Whole scaly monster lours ramshackle.

A minor point perhaps worth mention

In years gone by viewed by officials.
On still not-broken pane of mansion
Glints doctor's name with gold initials.

 Nearby in last stand on green grounds

Stay four-or five-large ash in all.
Not far removed blare brassy sounds,
Encroachment of the urban sprawl.

Group lives by whimsy not yet felled

And maintains stance, ignored, alone,
Although white fence post hasn't held.
Far distant boughs lend sanguine tone.

Some term trees rowan, most call ash,

Let berries hang down heavy clumps.
Left one bares full length wicked gash
And with tired leanings on next slumps.

Worn sentries show gate wounded bark

And ragged leaves with flecks of mud,
Still proud as limbs assigned neat park.
Pressed berry yields foe sour thin blood.

 -Martin B. Hicks

Local Writers Sweep the Awards

The Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop is attracting entries to its annual writing contests from as far away as Cuba.  At the annual award night last Saturday, twelve winners in four categories were announced with local writer Jane Crossman taking first and third prize for her short stories.

Sue Blott double winner in poetry and creative non fiction.

The complete list of winners:

Poetry 1st. Holly Haggarty. 2nd Heather Mesich, 3rd Sue Blott

Children's story: 1st Heather Mesich, 2nd Bonnie Tittaferantte, 3rd John Pringle

Creative Non-fiction: 1st Krista Montelpare. 2nd Vania Selvaggi. 3rd Sue Blott

Fiction: 1st Jane Crossman. 2nd Vania Selvaggi. 3rd. Jane Crossman.
Congratulations to all the winners.   The judges for each category were:
Poetry: Judged by Dennis Cooley

Fiction: Judged by Matthew J. Trafford
Creative Non-Fiction: Judged by Leilah Nadir
Children’s Story: Judged by Richard Scrimger

A Wow! from Noww!

NOWW presents: An evening with Claire Tacon and Jamella Hagen

Two exciting new voices in Canadian literature will be making a stop in Thunder Bay on their cross-Canada tour. Hosted by the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop in conjunction with Biblioasis and Nightwood Editions, authors Claire Tacon and Jamella Hagen will bring poetry and prose together in an evening of readings from their debut collections at Outlet (formerly Ottawa House), 40 S. Cumberland St, on Thursday, May 10 at 7 pm. The event is free and all are welcome.

Don't miss this opportunity to see two of Canada's rising literary stars! Contact admin@nowwwriters.org for more information, or visit NOWW's website: www.nowwwriters.org.

Claire Tacon is the winner of the 2010 Metcalf-Rooke award for her first novel, In the Field. Her fiction has been short-listed for the Bronwen Wallace Award and the CBC Literary Awards and has appeared in journals such as The New Quarterly and sub-TERRAIN. Several of her works are anthologised in the current editions of Coming Attractions and Best Canadian Short Stories. She is a past fiction editor of PRISM international and is a lecturer at St. Jerome’s University.

Jamella Hagen’s first collection of poetry, Kerosene, was published by Nightwood Editions in fall 2011. Her poems have appeared in journals across Canada including Arc, Event and The Malahat Review as well as in the anthologies Unfurled: Collected Poetry from Northern BC Women, Ice Floe: New and Selected Poems and The Best Canadian Poetry in English, 2010. Her work has won The Fiddlehead’s Ralph Gustafson Poetry Prize, placed third in This Magazine’s Great Canadian Literary Hunt and been shortlisted for a CBC Literary Award. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from UBC, is a former executive editor of PRISM international and has coordinated the Whitehorse Poetry Festival. She currently lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, and is an instructor at Yukon College.

Jamella Hagen, Poet

The Redoubtable Helen Cimone, library book club lady, checks in.

Hello Joan,
We have a new title available in the Book Club in a Bag Collection. It is "The American Heiress" by Daisy Goodwin, which was generously donated by the Club Au Vin Book Club. A big thank to this club for the great donation. If anyone is interested in reserving this book for their club, please email or call me at the Mary J.L. Black Library.
Thank You
Helen CimonePublic Services Assistant  Mary J.L. Black Library  TEL:(807)-345-8275

Fort Frances Workshop

Bonnie Ferrante will be live, in-person at the Fort Frances Public Library, Saturday April 28th for a writer’s workshop @ 2 pm. This writer’s workshop will be of interests to ALL fiction writers. She will be focusing on writing great beginnings and introducing compelling characters. Time will also be spent speaking specifically about what writers need to know to write for young adults. The workshop will be useful to anyone who writes short stories or novels. A short reading will follow the workshop at 4 pm, and is open to the public. There will be prizes.

Please call the Fort Frances library at 274-9879 to register.

 

 

Dawn's End, a novel by YA author, Bonnie Ferrante

Life's Way, Reflections of Hospice Volunteers in Northwestern Ontario

Sometimes a story is so poignant it strikes at the roots of your heart.  Sometimes a story is so accepting and joyous it turns your heart upside down.   The stories in Life's Way do this.  These are the real accounts given by the volunteers for Hospice Northwest, the ones who stay with others right to the end of their life's way. 

With the help of several community organizations and staff members of Hospice Northwest,  amazing stories have been collected and presented in book form.

The launch takes place at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, (across the parking lot at the back of Confederation College) on Friday, April 13 starting at 7 pm.  Readings and snacks and the chance to get a look at a wonderful new Thunder Bay book.

A Literary Festival at Greenstone!!!

Information on the Squatchberry Literary Festival from Edgar J. Lavoie.
MEDIA RELEASE

BY: Squatchberry Literary Festival Committee

ADDRESS: PO Box 205, Geraldton, ON P0T 1M0

AUTHORIZED BY: Edgar J. Lavoie, Chair – Tel. (807) 854-1184

DATE: March 26, 2012

E-MAIL: Festival2012@hotmail.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ground-breaking literary festival revived

GREENSTONE, Ontario – A local committee is organizing a literary festival of regional authors for Canada Day weekend to coincide with Geraldton's celebrations of its 75th Anniversary of Incorporation.

Squatchberry Literary Festival begins Friday evening, June 29th, and runs until Sunday afternoon, July 1st, in Geraldton's Community Centre.  

More than a dozen published writers from Greenstone and Thunder Bay will offer readings of their works and lead workshops and panel discussions.

On Friday evening, the Festival kickoff will feature a presentation by award-winning Charles Wilkins, whose recent adventure of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean will soon be narrated in a new book.

On Saturday evening at the Festival banquet, Arthur Black, the syndicated columnist, will be guest speaker. His literary awards include three Stephen Leacock Medals for Humour.

The Festival has launched a website at SquatchberryFestival.ca. The committee will soon be accepting registrations through this site. Edgar Lavoie, Chair of the committee, said, "We are excited to be presenting our home-grown or home-nurtured writers to a national audience." The 75th Anniversary Celebrations will be hosting homecomers from across Canada.

One of the inspirations for the 2012 Festival was the 2011 Word on the Water festival held in Kenora last October. A local committee sponsored that event, which featured not only local writers but writers from the Canadian West.

The original Squatchberry Festivals ran as annual events from 1981 to 1984, sponsored by The Squatchberry Journal. The Journal was the first little magazine of Northwestern Ontario about arts and literature, publishing sixteen editions from 1975 to 1984. Lavoie served as editor and publisher.

Both The Journal and the Festivals broke new ground by featuring writers and artists from this region.

"Both the magazine and the festivals, which feature local and regional talent, have never been replicated," said Lavoie. "Maybe it's time to resurrect them."

 Arthur Black, featured speaker at the Squashberry Literary Festival in Geralton.