The written word will be the topic of discussion as four local literary giants take centre stage for Conversations with Writers: An evening for writers and readers.
Hosted by Rossland author Almeda Glenn Miller, the event on Wednesday, April 24 at the Rossland Gallery (7-9 p.m.) will focus on a conversation around literature, and literati.
The evening will contain stimulating interviews with local writers Susan Andrews Grace (Nelson), Adrian Barnes (Rossland) and Rosa Jordan (Rossland) followed by readings and a question and answer session.
"It's primarily a discussion of fiction and poetry, but it's also a discussion around the craft and the role of the writer," said Miller. "What we're trying to do is create a conversation between writers and readers and provide a forum for that."
Using the experiences and the insight of Andrews Grace, Barnes and Jordan, the evening will discuss the three writers' works in progress, their roles as a writers in the community and their lives in the community.
As well, the evening will look at the writer as a catalyst for change, in addition to discussing publishing in the curent climate.
"We're just looking for a high level discussion around writing and the writing life," said Miller.
She hopes the evening will flush out other writers in the community, inspire other writers, inspire emerging writers and stimulate some frank discussion around what it means to be a writer.
The colourful panel assembled should ignite discussion, Miller predicted. Barnes' latest book, Nod, was published in U.K. and has been nominated for an award. His book is not available in Canada.
"So it's an interesting discussion on why this book is getting so much attention and yet we can't get any Canadian publishers to grab onto it," said Miller.
The role of the poet in the community and what it means to be a poet in Canada today will also likely crop up, said Miller, with Andrews Grace leading that discussion.
Miller will also bring her experience into play. She has written one novel, Tiger Dreams, (2002, Raincoast Books), and is currently on a sabbatical from her teaching position at Selkirk College to work on two books—one of poetry and a collection of short stories.
The evening is presented by the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture and the Rossland Library, and is part of Arts and Culture week (April 21-27).
There will also be music by Moats and Oats and a display of local authors books, including books for sale. Admission is free.
Conversations with Writers: An Evening for writers and readers
- Wednesday, April 24, Rossland Gallery, 7-9 p.m.
- Join in for stimulating interviews with local writers Susan Andrews Grace (Nelson), Adrian Barnes (Rossland) and Rosa Jordan followed by readings and question and answer.
Susan Andrews Grace
Susan Andrews Grace is the author of four books of poetry. She is also a visual artist. Her mixed media works conceptually echo and honour textile traditions. Andrews Grace’s writing reflects feminine consciousness and mucks around in the beautiful dark. She teaches creative writing in Nelson where she has lived since 2001.
Adrian Barnes
Adrian is a novelist, journalist, and teacher based in Rossland. His new novel, Nod, is published in the UK by Bluemoose Books and is currently nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
Rosa Jordan
Rossland author Rosa Jordan grew up in the Florida Everglades, earned degrees from universities in California and Mexico, and immigrated to Canada in 1980. Besides two novels, four books for young adults, and one movie, she has written four non-fiction travel books about Latin America and Cuba, including the just published Cuba Unspun.