Nov. 17: New book launch
VIU professor Marilyn Bowering and former-professor Kate Braid will be launching their newest books at 1 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Nanaimo Museum.
Journeywoman: Swinging a Hammer in a Man’s World is Kate Braid’s memoir of her time as a journeywoman carpenter. In 1977, Braid applied to be a labourer on a construction site on Pender Island. For the next fifteen years she helped to build houses, bridges, and high-rises, and she became one of the first qualified women carpenters in British Columbia. A memoir has been on Braid’s mind since 1986, but she was inspired to complete it when, in 2007, she learned that the number of women in trades in B.C. has not changed from three percent since 1977.
Soul Mouth is Marilyn Bowering’s first book of poems in five years. It tells many stories within its sections titled “Body,” “Soul,” and “The Storytellers on Their Carpets.” It has already been praised by Monday Magazine as a collection where she “converses with the reader like a brave acquaintance.” Bowering has published multiple novels and books of poetry, and has twice been nominated for the Governor General’s prize. She has also written for the stage and screen.
The book launch promises to be an entertaining event with these two authors and long-time friends presenting their latest works. The event is hosted by the Nanaimo Museum, Caitlin Press, and Exile Editions.
Nov. 26: Visiting writers
Poets on Campus will be hosting John Barton and Yvonne Blomer on Monday, Nov. 26. Fans of poetry and fiction, and writers of all sorts will find something of interest in the hour-long event starting at 5 p.m. in the cabin (bldg. 365).
John Barton has published eight collections of poetry and three chapbooks. His poems, essays, and book reviews have appeared in anthologies and magazines across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Co-editor of Arc: Canada’s National Poetry Magazine from 1990 to 2003, and poetry editor from 2005 to 2008 for Winnipeg’s Signature Editions, he currently lives in Victoria where he edits The Malahat Review. He has won the Ottawa Book Award as well as awards from the CBC and the National Magazine Awards. He also co-edited the critically-acclaimed Seminal: The Anthology of Canada’s Gay Male Poets.
Yvonne Blomer was born in Bindura, Zimbabwe, and her poetry is equally international. She has been published in such journals as Seam, The Rialto, Grain, and The Malahat Review. She has an MA in Poetry, Distinction from the University of East Anglia. She also lives in Victoria, where she teaches poetry and memoir. In 2005 and 2007 she was a finalist for the CBC Literary Awards.
These two writers will bring their different experiences with the world of professional poetry and publishing to VIU on Nov. 26. Their presentations will be followed by a Q&A. Drinks and cookies will be available.