Looking forward to 2023…
Recently got word that The Walrus will publish my new short story, “Antonius Snorp” in 2023. “Antonius Snorp” was one of those stories that just landed one morning – and which I wrote quickly (for me), though the editing went on for months.
Editing 101. January 25th, 7:00-8:30 pm PT. By Zoom. Danielle Geller, Cadence Mandybura and I will give mini-lectures and then have a rousing conversation on various aspects of editing. There will be a Q and A. We’ll explore substantive editing, line editing, copy editing, proofing.
Fernie Reading Series – BOOKED! So delighted to be part of Fernie, BC’s, reading series, where from 7:00 to 8:30 renowned author Angie Abdou and I will talk about writing, publishing, my most recent novel, Petra, and what is coming next from both her and me. Hope you can join us. I’ve read so much about Fernie in Angie’s fascinating memoirs.
Tapping the Stream – May 21-28 at Hollyhock on Cortes Island. This is a unique seven-day retreat that allows writers to work in a sustained way on their manuscript-in-progress, free from interruption, but meeting regularly with other writers by fireside, to discuss craft, publishing, and other key aspects of the writing life. I am co-facilitating with Betsy Warland, who created the Writers’ Studio at SFU and the Vancouver Manuscript Intensive, and won the mayor’s arts award for literary excellence.
Tapping the Stream, May 2022
Amazing writers, rich conversations, bonfires, swims and hot tubs, and deep and passionate discussions about fiction and character. Old work got burnt and new plans got planned. What a cornucopia. Sign up for the 2023 event here.
Writer in Residence, Nelson’s Elephant Mountain Literary Festival, June 2022
So delighted to be Writer in Residence at Nelson’s Elephant Mountain Literary Festival. Blue pencil sessions with writers, a lecture on fiction, and hearing and appearing on stage with authors I deeply admire, including Suzanne Simard – who wrote Finding the Mother Tree – daring and thoughtful author Angie Abdou, iconic poet Tom Wayman, Magpie Ulysses, performer and playwright Lucas Myers, and others. Many thanks to Anne De Grace for inviting me to come to Nelson and be Writer in Res. This is a wonderful festival…
The Mascot, shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, July 2022
My story, The Mascot, was shortlisted for the Bridgport Prize for Fiction.
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, August 2022
2022 was Jane Davidson’s final year as Artistic Director for the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. I was so delighted to be part of this event. Readings were held in the huge outdoor log amphitheatre. This is one of the best festivals in Canada, and I was very honoured to be there to salute Jane Davidson’s work.
Writer in Residence at Whistler, Sept-Oct 2022
September saw me and faithful dog Augie driving the Sea to Sky Highway for a two-month stint as Whistler’s Writer in Residence. I was given a small, quiet cabin on the south side of Alta Lake. I’d wake at 5 am and take a cup of coffee to the dock (only meeting the occasional bear), write all morning, then meet with six thoughtful and engaged writers – some working in fiction, some memoir.
In October was the Whistler Writers’ Festival, organized by volunteers and overseen by Artistic Director Rebecca Wood Barnett. Taking over from Stella Harvey, whose work was honoured at the Fest. Thanks so much to Rebecca, Stella and to Stephen Vogler, who runs the Point Artists Centre, which supports the annual WIR program.
In the thick of this residency, I managed to write 60,000 words of my new novel.
Joy Kogawa House, October 2022
Award-winning Saskatchewan poet Katherine Lawrence was in Vancouver at Joy Kogawa House in October, releasing her new book of poetry, Black Umbrella. I interviewed her – and it was a heady and yet grounding experience. This book is so thoughtful and moving. To meet and discuss writing and art in Joy Kogawa’s childhood home is such an intimate pleasure.
Vancouver Writers Festival, October 2022
At the Vancouver Writers Festival in October, I had the pleasure of interviewing three American authors whose work has come blazing into the forefront of publishing in the US. Aamina Ahmad, Jonathan Escoffery and Soon Wiley. A stunning and thoughtful conversation about American publishing, bridging cultures, and creating unforgettable characters.
Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize Winner
Thrilled and delighted to have PETRA win 2021’s Ethel Wilson Award for best work of fiction in BC and the Yukon. What an honour to be among talented writers Michelle Good, Aislinn Hunter, Susan Sandford Blades and Annabel Lyon, nominated with me. I read all their brilliant works over the summer and felt touched and excited to be in their company. When I won, our family was at the hospital with my mother, author Barbara Lambert, and she and I zoomed to the gala together from her hospital bed, while my husband, Bob, poured us Chablis and my daughter and aunt celebrated with us. I dedicated the prize to my mother, author and brilliant example, whose fascinating new novella Wanda, she actually wrote as she struggled with cancer—and published! She is my example and inspiration.
The battle to save the ancient trees of Fairy Creek
Here is an article I wrote for The National Observer on Fairy Creek. This eyewitness account of police violence was used by the Rainforest Flying Squad in the affidavit that went to Judge Thompson – who, as so many of you know, recently removed the injunction imposed on protesters who are working to save the old growth trees of Fairy Creek. This BC Supreme Court judge lifted the injunction because of the unwarranted brutality and over-reach of the RCMP, which he said was bringing the courts into disrepute. I am very proud that this article formed a written part of the evidence that led to this landmark decision. The trees are safer – at least for now – and the brave and passionate protesters have had a sizeable win in their yearlong-plus battle to save one of the world’s magical remaining ancient forests.
And here is an article on a tiny, rare lichen that has an outsized political footprint in the Fairy Creek battle.
Petra nominated for Ethel Wilson Award
So honoured to have Petra nominated for the BC and Yukon Book Prize’s Ethel Wilson Award. I am thrilled to be on this list with the talented novelists Michelle Good, Annabel Lyon, Aislinn Hunter and Susan Sanford Blades. I’m very excited to dive into all of these new novels! Awards gala to announce the winner is in September.
Petra makes Best Global Feminist Reads, 2020
Petra makes the Nobel Women’s Initiative list of Best Global Feminist Reads for 2020! Click here to go to the Nobel Women’s Initiative website.