This weekend, April 17 and 18, promises great things for both writers and readers. Two groups, independent of one another, have organized two events that should interest anyone who loves to hear stories or write them.
On Saturday evening, the SC Arts Council hosts their own fundraiser with a reading from Coast authors at the Arts Centre in Sechelt.
The Chorus of Coast Writers will include both veterans and newcomers: Jancis Andrews (Walking on Water), poet Joe Denham, Jo Hammond, Rebecca Hendry (Grace River), Rosella Leslie, Michael Poole, short story writer Sarah Roberts, mystery novelist Gwen Southin and Andrew Scott.
Last year, Harbour Publishing released Scott's epic, The Encyclopedia of Raincoast Place Names: A Complete Reference to Coastal British Columbia. Scott has just been awarded first prize in the B.C. Historical Federation's writing competition as well as the 2009 Lieutenant-Governor's medal for historical writing.
Be assured that Scott will not bore you by reading concise text from a reference book. He will use his few minutes on stage to give some background to the book and will read selected interesting excerpts.
Andreas Schroeder, though more an author than an auctioneer, will be handling the fundraising auction. If anyone recalls the last time he was let loose with a gavel, you will know that the results should be entertaining. The evening includes raffles and door prizes. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at WindSong Gallery in Sechelt, the Arts Centre and Gaia's Fair Trade in Gibsons.
Thinking of publishing your own book and want more information? On Sunday, a newly-formed group, the Sunshine Coast Independent Writers, hope you can stop by St. John's United Church in Davis Bay where a panel of local authors will describe their writing experiences and present their works to you in an event that takes place from 2 to 5 p.m.
"It will be informal," said organizer Pema Khandro, of the fledgling group, "a time to share and network among self published authors."
A panel of writers will talk about their literary journeys.
Stan Dixon published his Sechelt Nation history K'watamus Speaks and has been busy on book two. Barb Rees is visiting from Powell River to talk about her own works and also promote the Writers' Conference taking place on April 30 in Powell River.
Terry Barker is an early self-publisher. He wrote Boss Talk, his first venture, in 1983 using a Radio Shack TRS-80 computer and a dot-matrix printer. It was revolutionary in its day and he became the subject of several astonished TV and radio interviews. Recently, Barker announced his eighth and last book, Two Old Broads and Other Poems, a selection written over a lifetime.
I will also be speaking on the subject of self-publishing as will newer writer Kathy Bolton, who has recently completed her first book, The Breast of Intentions, a memoir about breast cancer and healing. Khandro will moderate and wrap up the session.
Khandro is a newcomer to the Coast whose background involves writing, psychology and interfaith ministry service.
The panelists will answer questions and allow time for audience discussion. The event also includes refreshments, the delightful harp music of Diana Halter and a table for anyone wishing to sell their own self-published books at the event.
Admission is a $5 donation at the door. Proceeds go towards providing writing workshop bursaries for Coast writers.
