National Novel Writing Month Turns 10

There are some who say writing a novel takes awesome talent, strong language skills, academic training, and years of dedication. Not true. All it really takes is a deadline – a very, very tight deadline – and a whole lot of coffee.

Welcome to National Novel Writing Month: a nonprofit literary crusade that encourages aspiring novelists all over the world to write a 50,000-word novel in a month. At midnight on Nov. 1, more than 100,000 writers from over 80 countries – poised over laptops and pads of paper, fingers itching and minds racing with plots and characters – will begin a furious adventure in fiction. By 11:59 PM on Nov.
30, tens of thousands of them will be novelists.

2008 is the ten-year anniversary of NaNoWriMo, founded in 1999 by freelance writer Chris Baty. In its first year, NaNoWriMo had just 21 participants. In 2007, over 100,000 people took part in the free challenge, making it the largest writing contest in the world. And while the event stresses fun and creative exploration over publication, 24 NaNoWriMo novelists have had their NaNo-novels published, including
Sarah Gruen, whose New York Times #1 Best Seller, Water for Elephants began as a NaNoWriMo
novel.

Around 18% of NaNoWriMo participants "win" every year by writing 50,000 words and validating their novels on the organization's website before midnight on Nov 30. Winners receive no prizes, and no one at NaNoWriMo ever reads the manuscripts submitted.

So if not for fame or fortune, why do people do it?

"The 50,000-word challenge has a wonderful way of opening up your imagination and unleashing creative potential like nothing else," says NaNoWriMo Director (and nine-time NaNoWriMo winner) Chris Baty. "When you write for quantity instead of quality, you end up getting both. Also, it's a great excuse for not doing any dishes for a month."

There will be a "Meet and Greet" Event held 2:00 pm Sunday, October 26 at Chapters (Regent Mall), 1381 Regent Street, Fredericton, NB, E3C 1A2. Come and find out what the buzz is all about.

If you would like more information about National Novel Writing Month, or would like to talk to participants from NaNoWriMo chapters in your area, please visit our website at www.NaNoWriMo.org, or contact Fredericton Municipal Liaison Susan Douglas (506-451-2955) OR press@nanowrimo.org.

New Writer in Residence UNB Fredericton

Fiction writer and poet, Gerard Beirne, has taken up his position as Writer-in-Residence at the University of New Brunswick for 2008-2009. Beirne, originally from Ireland, has lived in Canada for eleven years. His novel, The Eskimo in the Net (Marion Boyars, London), was short-listed for the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award 2004. His collection of poems, Digging My Own Grave (Dedalus Press, Dublin) was second in the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award. His short story, "Sightings of Bono," was adapted for film featuring Bono (U2). He can be contacted by e-mail at gbeirne@unb.ca.

Let Harper Know How you Feel About Arts Cuts

Valerie Payn, President, Halifax Chamber of Commerce, invites you to join Prime Minister Stephen Harper as he speaks in Halifax.

Friday, September 12, 2008
7:15 am - 9:00 am

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Nova Scotia Ballroom

$60 members / $100 non-members (plus HST)

Arts Cuts

Arts cuts in Canada
Reply-To: R Labossiere admin@KLOOJ.NET

Some of you will have heard already about the slashing of arts funding by
the Conservative government in Canada. Of particular concern are the loss of
the Trade Routes program that supports travel of Canadian artists abroad and
the Canadian New Media Fund, though really we are looking at a government
that doesn't understand the arts or their importance.

The government here is about to call a snap election, the announcement
should happen Sunday.

An interdisciplinary group of artists have formed a group called the
Department of Culture to strategize and campaign around the arts funding
issues. It is in the very early stages but your support and participation
would be appreciated. There is a website with more infomation:
http://www.departmentofculture.ca

- Robert Labossiere
Toronto

Coming Election Must Focus on Knowledge Economy Issues -- PWAC

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) encourages Canadian voters, media and politicians to ensure information economy issues are front and centre in any coming federal election, and into the next legislative session.

“Canada needs a sharper focus on the new economy of ideas and the rights of knowledge workers,” advises PWAC President Tanya Gulliver. “Over the past decade, successive governments have talked up the knowledge economy, but directed policy and legislation have been woefully lacking. We are in serious danger of being left in the dust of the global marketplace.”

PWAC points to the recently introduced Bill C-61, the proposed amendment to the Copyright Act of Canada, as an example of potentially stalled information-age legislation. As well, the recent $45 million in arts funding reductions indicate Canada is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to cultural economics.

“PWAC has consulted with government after government on copyright reform and cultural funding,” notes Gulliver. “Just when we get a copyright bill to consider and shape, it looks like it will die on the order paper because of an election. How long will the country wait for another such bill, and how far behind the rest of the world will we fall in the meantime?”

Canada’s cultural sector is vibrant and poised for explosive growth. Cultural industries already contribute upwards of $46 billion to the Canadian economy, and employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Ironically, Canada’s cultural workers remain largely underpaid, and continued funding cuts do nothing but sap the energy of a painfully underfunded sector.

“It’s time for all of Canada’s politicians to get serious about culture as business,” insists Gulliver. “Canada should be leading the way, not joining the knowledge economy third world.”

Established in 1976, PWAC is the national organization representing 660 professional freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

2008 WFNB Literary Competition Winners Announced

April 9, 2008 (Fredericton, NB) –
The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Literary Competition. Writers from across Canada competed in seven categories for over $2000 in cash prizes. Prizes were handed out at the Literary Awards Banquet held at the Rodd Miramichi Hotel on April 5th.

Susan Gillis judged the individual poem category. Rita Auffrey of Moncton, NB, takes first place with “Nine Roads for Joan of Arc.” Second place goes to Kathleen Brown of Fredericton, NB for “The Seam from Less.” Judith Frost of Verdun, PQ, places third with “My Father was Ready.” Honorable Mention goes to Kath MacLean of Edmonton, AB, for “Their Little Necks are Broken.”

J.J. Steinfeld judged the Short Fiction category. David Speare of Charlottetown, PEI, places first with “Return of the Railroad Cat. ” Second place goes to Elizabeth Penny of Whitby, ON, with “Not in My House.” Martin Gerrard of East St. Paul, MB receives Third place for “Dreaming of a Kiss.” Honorable Mention goes to Elaine McCluskey of Dartmouth, NS, for “The Favorite Nephew.”

Ken McGoogan judged the Non-Fiction category. Susan Marie Toy of St. Vincent & Grenadines, West Indies, takes first place with her piece “Hockey Night on Bellefair Avenue.” Second place goes to Anne Levesque of Moncton, NB, for “Pusat.” Helena MacLean of Lunenburg, NS receives Third place for “Santa’s Birthday.” Honorable Mention goes to Laurence Hutchman of Edmundston, NB, for “Playing the Legends.”

The Writing for Children category was judged by Sylvia McNicoll. First place goes to Tyler Enfield of Edmonton, AB for his piece “The Secret Worlds of Tabetha Bright.” Helene Boudreau of Markham, ON, takes Second place with “Acadian Star.” Third place goes to Lindsey Morris of Amherstburg, ON for “The Hotdog Bun.” Honorable Mention goes to Sarah K. McEvoy of Verdun, PQ, for “Meet Me at the Monkey Tree.”

Carmelita McGrath judged the Sheree Fitch Prize for Poetry written by a youth. Randi Watson of Hazelton, NB, wins first place with “Rain.” Second place goes to Nicole Oakley of Elgin, NB, for “Walk In Our Shoes.” Mathiew Charles Nini of Bathurst, NB receives Third place for his poem “A Year in Sonnets.” Honorable Mention goes to Ryan McNeil of St-Paul, NB, for “Stories.”

Joel Thomas Hynes judged the David Adams Richards Prize for unpublished manuscript or short stories. The winner is Andre Narbonne of London, ON, for “The Separatists.” Honorable Mentions go to Beverly Akerman of Montreal, PQ for “The Heart of All Things”; and Elaine McCluskey of Dartmouth, NS for “The Houdini.”

Peter Richardson judged the Alfred G. Bailey Prize for unpublished poetry collection. The winner is Sandra Ridley of Ottawa, ON for her submission “Downwinders.” Honorable Mention goes to Shane Neilson of Guelph, ON, for “White Coat, Black Bag.”

The WFNB congratulates all the winners and thanks everyone who entered the competition this year. Please visit www.umce.ca/wfnb for more info on the WFNB, and guidelines for the 2009 competition.

Fredericton Arts Alliance Arts Evening with Pauline Bourque from the NB Arts Board

The Fredericton Arts Alliance will be hosting an Arts Evening at 7 PM on Wednesday, January 16 in the multi-purpose room of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, 732 Charlotte Street. Artists, arts organizations, and all those interested in the arts are welcome.

Pauline Bourque, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Arts Board (ArtsNB), will provide a history of the organization, an update on the ArtsNB grants and will also discuss the changing profile of the Arts Board.

For more information please contact the Arts Alliance at frederictonartsalliance@yahoo.ca.

edVentures Fredericton

Atlantic Canada’s Riverfront Capital is set to become one of Canada’s leading centres for vacation learning in craft and culture with the launch today of edVentures Fredericton, an innovative new program developed by Fredericton Tourism and it’s cultural sector partners.

The edVentures Fredericton program, which will run from July 7 to August 22 in 2008, will be Atlantic Canada’s largest vacation learning program.

More than 60 New Brunswick artists, like Trudy Gallagher, William Forrestall, Brigitte Clavette, Peter Thomas, Deanna Musgrave and Doris Norman, will teach five-day weekday, along with one-day and two-day workshops.

The new program, developed in large part by Fredericton special projects consultant Nancy Lockerbie, features some of New Brunswick’s best-known artists, offering more than 140 workshops in craft and culture. Courses range from pottery and jewellery making to rug hooking and digital photography. For a full list of workshops, visit www.edventures.ca.

“edVentures demonstrates in living colour what a vibrant, cultural City we have. We’ve got so many talented, creative people in our community and we’re already known as a learning centre. By combining the strengths of our cultural sector and our tourism industry, we’ve created something truly exceptional,” said Mayor Brad Woodside.

“This is among the most significant cultural programs launched in New Brunswick in the last decade or two. It‘s going to be good for the arts community, good for the City and good for the economy,” says Woodside.

The Province of New Brunswick is contributing $10,000 towards the edVentures program. Entreprise Fredericton is contributing $5000.

Partners in the new program include Fredericton Tourism, the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the University of New Brunswick Kings Landing Historical Settlement, the Charlotte Street Arts Centre and the Historic Garrison District.

The College of Craft and Design will offer more than 50 edVentures workshops this summer.

“The College is already a leader in craft education with its winter academic programs. We’re excited to partner with Fredericton Tourism on edVentures. It allows us to offer a summer program with the same talent base of exceptional instructors,” says NBCCD Principal Michael Maynard.

edVentures workshops will take place at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, Kings Landing, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Charlotte Street Arts Centre.

Fredericton Tourism has negotiated exclusive accommodations rates for out of town participants.

“The idea behind edVentures Fredericton is to combine an exceptional learning experience with the rich program of cultural and entertainment offerings the City has each summer and facilitate real connections to our community. We think we’ve developed something truly exceptional,” says David Seabrook, manager of Fredericton Tourism.

When EdVentures participants aren’t in workshops, they can take in summer concerts, festivals, outdoor films, heritage walking tours, haunted hikes wine-tastings, gallery tours and cultural lectures. Exercise enthusiasts can join local residents for free Tai Chi, yoga, group runs and walks, along with biking tours along the City’s 82-kilometre riverside trail network.

To register for an edVentures program, call Fredericton Tourism at 460-2233 or go online at www.edventures.ca.

A Message from the Canada Council

Creating our future . . . An invitation to contribute to our strategic plan

The Canada Council for the Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Anniversaries are occasions for celebrating the achievements of the past, but they also provide an opportunity for looking to the future. As announced on May 9, the Canada Council is in the process of developing a strategic plan for 2008-2011, to guide the orientation of the Council’s programs and priorities over the three-year period. We are inviting you to participate in this process, by giving us your thoughts on where the Council should be going in the short- and long-term. Creating our Future, a discussion paper and survey, is now available on the Canada Council’s web site.

We would appreciate your reading the discussion paper and sending us your ideas and suggestions by June 15 at the latest. Your opinion – and especially your responses to the questions in this paper – will inform and enrich the strategic plan and provide ideas and inspiration for the long-term development of the Council. We also would like to request that you circulate this information. We would like to hear from anyone interested in the arts. The Council’s strategic plan will be developed over the summer and early fall, and will be reviewed by the board of the Canada Council during its 50th anniversary meeting in Montreal in October 2007. Once approved by the board, it will be released to the public and posted on the Council’s web site. We look forward to hearing from you.

Info: www.50.canadacouncil.ca/en/consultation

Literary Competition Winners Announced

The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) announced the winners of its annual Literary Competition at a recent banquet held in Sackville, New Brunswick. Writers from across Canada competed in seven categories for over $2000 in cash prizes.

Yvonne Trainer judged the individual poem category. Nova Scotia’s Eleonore Schonmaier took first place for “Urban.” Second place went to matt robinson of Fredericton, New Brunswick, for “heart.” Richard Toth of Bathurst, New Brunswick, placed third with “A Railway Siding.”

Gerard Beirne judged the short fiction category. Elizabeth Blanchard of Dieppe, New Brunswick, won first for “Bitch Curve.” Second place went to John Paciga of Rothesay, New Brunswick, for “Tattoo.” Also of New Brunswick, Anne Lévesque, took third place for “The Baby.”

Fraser Sutherland judged the non-fiction category, a category which was swept by New Brunswickers. Noeline Bridge took first with “Night Bus to Amsterdam; or How I Saved Frank & Ronnie’s Holiday.” Second place went to Sherman R. Fisher for “Who Was Uncle Stanley?” J. Bastarache won third for “The Leprechaun’s Garden.”

The writing for children category was judged by Deb Loughead with Susan Beeby from Ontario taking the top prize for "The Girl with the Crazy Brother." Michelle McLean of New Brunswick won second for "When Pigs Fly (and other poems)." Third place went to Jan L. Coates of Nova Scotia for "Goodbye to Wollypoggle."

Magie Dominic judged the Sheree Fitch Prize for fiction written by a youth. Christy Joy Frost of Quebec placed first for “A Kinder Place.” Nova Scotia’s Andrea Gigeroff and New Brunswick’s Katherine Standen tied for second place with “Akerley” and “The Infallible Locket” respectively. Aleesha Askraf, Bonnie Devine, Jaclyn Drummond and Ashley Lewis of Ontario wrote the third place entry, “Loose Change.”

The Alfred G. Bailey Prize for an unpublished poetry manuscript was judged by Carole Langille and Greg Cook with Margo Wheaton from Nova Scotia winning for “The Morning When the World Was New.”

Michelle Butler Hallett judged the Richards Prize for a collection of short stories, a short novel or a substantial portion of a longer novel. Ontario’s Darryl Berger took the prize for “Punishing Ugly Children.” Honourable Mention in this category went to Carla Gunn of New Brunswick for “Frog.”

The WFNB congratulates all the winners and thanks everyone who entered the competition this year. The deadline for the 2008 contest is November 12, 2007. Judging details will be announced on the WFNB website later. Visit www.umce.ca/wfnb for guidelines.

What Some of the Judges Said:

Sheree Fitch Prize Winners
First place: A KINDER PLACE by Christy Joy Frost, Verdun, Quebec
Second place is a tie: AKERLEY by Andrea Gigeroff, Dartmouth, NS and THE INFALLIBLE LOCKET by Katherine Standen, Cambridge Narrows, NB
Third Place: LOOSE CHANGE by Aleesha Ashraf, Bonnie Devine, Jaclyn Drummond and Ashley Lewis, Aurora, Ontario

Judge Magie Dominic’s comments:
The writers of these four essays took great care to stay with their chosen story, never wandering away from the characters. Their dedication to the story was obvious and each wrote beautiful images. Their use of the language was strong and resulted in striking visuals.

They also took great care with the grammar, spelling, structure and the less exciting but imperative aspects of writing. When submitting work anywhere, but especially to a writing competition, it is absolutely imperative to pay attention to these details. These writers attended to the editing process, and I want to commend them for doing so.
All four writers should continue to work. I would love to know what Narciel did after she left the dome area; or what Elliott did later in life, what choices he made. I would like to know if Caterina really did leave that balcony, or if Kyle ever tried to find Akerley again. These four writers gave me many characters to think about and I thank them.

To write is work in itself. Sometimes very solitary, very thankless work. Each essay submitted represented work and I want to congratulate everyone. It was difficult to select only three and in fact it was impossible to select only three, which is why there had to be a tie for second place. In general always reread your story. Edit sentences; obey the guidelines, if they ask for 4,000 words, don't submit 16,000; look for typos! Look for ways to explain a situation differently, see what works best. Every writer in this competition shows talent and should definitely be encouraged to write and encouraged to submit their work.
Thank you,
Magie Dominic
New York City, April 2007

Short Fiction, Judge Gerard Beirne

First Place: Bitch Curve, Elizabeth Blanchard, NB

Judge's comments: Bitch Curve is a very fine story indeed. The narrator's strong voice never wavers. It steers the reader through this troubling tale. The dual narrative of the hit and run and the infidelity weave seamlessly together. The reader's understanding of Gerald's guilt increases from one narrative to the other resulting in a rich and complex story. A worthy winner.

Second Place: Tattoo, John Paciga, NB

Judge's comments: In Tattoo the writer clearly displays an acute eye and ear for character. The three main characters live out their lives for the reader upon the page. The tattoo metaphor works effectively and is well-controlled. It allows the underlying themes to emerge and be explored. A well paced narrative culminates in a very successful story.

Third Place: The Baby, Anne Lévesque, NB

Judge's comments: The Baby contains a strong narrative which holds the reader's attention throughout its tense story line. The crux scene is original and filled with the necessary ambivalence all fine stories contain. Gordon's emotional state is well explored and well served by this story.

Writing for Children, Judge Deb Loughead

First Place:
The Girl with the Crazy Brother, Susan Beeby, Ontario

This novel is written in a believable first person voice, present tense, which adds an edginess and immediacy to the central issue. Each of the characters is well-established. Emily, the main character, is beautifully conceived, as is her escalating struggle to comprehend her brother's 'madness' and to try to find an explanation while attempting to convince her oblivious parents that there really is a serious problem. Matt's psychosis begins slowly and builds to a crescendo by the final page the author submitted for judging-it certainly made me want to read on to the conclusion of the novel. Emily's friend Stephen is a compassionate friend and the onset and development of their relationship is sweet and entirely convincing. High school life, which threads through the narrative, rings true and even the secondary characters we meet are multi-faceted and complex with distinct personalities. It's a bittersweet and emotionally wrenching exploration of an often misunderstood challenge that affects so many families.

Second Place:
When Pigs Fly (and other Poems), Michelle McLean, NB

I had so much fun with this submission! It's a splendid collection of poetry that captures the concerns and experiences of childhood then puts a wild and wacky twist on each of them. There are unexpected delights on every page because this poet knows exactly how to begin and end a rhyme and always manages to surprise the reader. And the bouncing, galloping rhymes consistently play games with the reader and tickle all the senses! Children will giggle over these poems, as will the adults who are sharing them! A few
of my favourites: “There's A Kitty In This Sandbox”, pg 35, “It's Not My Day,” pg. 16, “The Complainer,” pg. 17, “Surprise,” pg 51.

Third Place:
Goodbye to Wollypoggle, Jan L.Coates, NS

A delightful story with the cadence of poetry, this tale of a 'magical' cape stitched up for Sam by his Gran will captivate children. Not only will they be able to conjure up the images that are so beautifully rendered in words, they will certainly enjoy the wordplay as well-“Poke, Swish…Poke, Swish…” The familiar playtime adventures the author describes are sure to strike a note, and children will be able to identify with the transition from 'babyhood' to 'little boy' for which the shrinking cape serves as a metaphor. The colourful narrative could be well translated into illustrations.

Non-Fiction, Judge Fraser Sutherland

Non-fiction is essentially no different from fiction: one way or another a story is being told. Several entries in this year’s nonfiction competition possess story-telling appeal, but the winners I’ve chosen add an extra dimension: the portrayal of character.

First Prize: “Night Bus to Amsterdam; or How I Saved Frank & Ronnie’s Holiday” Noeline Bridge, NB
A wry account of misadventures involved in getting from Dover to Amsterdam across the English Channel in the company of a gay couple. Sympathetic, sharply observant, but never patronizing, the narrator doesn’t get in the way of the story’s human comedy.

Second Prize: "Who Was Uncle Stanley?" Sherman R. Fisher, NB
A poignant portrait of a rural old-timer who had come to a community as an outsider. The story’s anchored by a solid sense of place and of the past.

Third Prize: “The Leprechaun’s Garden” J. Bastarache, NB
A telescopic epic of a family seeking a new life in the countryside. The narrative’s a little breathless, but the theme of homecoming is ably shaped.

Richards Prize, Judge Michelle Butler Hallett

Winner “Punishing Ugly Children” Darryl Berger, ON
“Punishing Ugly Children” burrowed into my head and laid eggs. Highly polished, crisp and frightening. Should be submitted to a publisher.

Honourable Mention “Frog” Carla Gunn, NB
Goes brave places in a well-crafted narrative voice. Dares to be funny.

Alfred G. Bailey Poetry Prize, Judges Greg Cook and Carole Langille

Winner “The Morning When the World Was New” Margo Wheaton, NS
It distinguishes itself for its fresh voice. In these poems there is a heightened sense of exultation and anticipation within the hushed tone. Through her sure sense of rhythm and image the poet draws the reader into a vital, surprising and sensual world.

"Outside, the porch light
is keeping its vigil, more
constant than the human heart
that can only try
and fail to be faithful."

The poet of ‘The Morning When the World Was New” is faithful to her keen awareness of the day's casualties and blessings. Her poetic process itself highlights her intimate and natural voice which guides us in this new world.

It was difficult for the judges to come up with one outstanding runner-up as there were several excellent books that would fit that category. They include wonderful poems, although the whole manuscripts didn't yet hold together in their entirety.

Contestants should know their work is greatly admired.

Frye Festival Schedule of Events

Now in its 8th year, this five-day celebration of words officially opens April 25 on a quest to promote the pleasure and discovery of reading. Canada's only bilingual literary festival boasts appearances by almost 300 award-winning authors to date, an annual economic impact of $2 million plus on the greater Moncton region. This year its school visits will double, with some 8,000 schoolchildren throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to welcome authors into their classrooms. The not-for-profit, volunteer-driven festival attracted 10,000 people to its events, donated $4,000 worth of new books to local schools (increases to $6,000 this year), and gave out $2,800 in prize money to new and young writers (this year's amount will also more than double).

Frye Festival Schedule

Tuesday, April 24

6-8 pm: Soirée littéraire - An evening to promote the fun of reading for kids and their families (in French). École Marée Montante, 49 College St., Saint-Louis-de-Kent

7-8:30 pm: Frye Symposium: Pop et Frye - "Anxieties of Identity: Popular Potboilers, Gothic Literature and Stories of the Self". Robert Lapp and Deborah Wills from Mount Allison University discuss popular literature past and present, with a focus on horror, literature of the macabre, and the Gothic (in English). Free admission. Moncton City Hall, 6th floor, 655 Main St

Wednesday, April 25

Writers in Schools - Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the school day

9:30-10:30 am: Frye Symposium: Lecture by Jean O'Grady - "Revaluing Values". Simultaneous translation. Free admission. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

11 am: Official Launch of the Festival, Moncton City Hall, Lobby, 655 Main St.

12:00 noon: YMCA Literacy Luncheon. Proceeds to the YMCA's Youth Tutor Club. Guest Speaker: Lesley Choyce. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of 8. To reserve, call the YMCA at 857-0606. Ramada Plaza Hotel, Crystal Palace, 499 Paul St., Dieppe

1:30-3:30 pm: Frye Symposium Roundtable. Authors discuss the topic: "Ways of Understanding Popular Culture". Moderator: Hélène Destrempes. Panelists: Brecken Rose Hancock, Serge Morin and Tony Tremblay. Simultaneous translation. Free admission. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

3-5 pm: Workshop for Adults Writing for Children with Lesley Choyce (in English). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St


5 pm: Entre Nous, Rogers Television Frye Festival Special with Manon Levesque (repeated at 10 pm)

5-7 pm: A Tribute to Jean O'Grady. L'Auberge, Delta Beauséjour Hotel, 750 Main St.

7-9 pm: Reading and Discussion with Lorette Nobécourt, sponsored by Alliance Française and the Consulate General of France. Alliance Française, 241 St. George St.

7-9:30 pm: Aliant Café Underground - Performances by high school students of their own poetry, prose and songwritingMentors: Emily Pohl-Weary and Dano LeBlanc. Free admission. Empress Theatre, Robinson Court (adjoining Capitol Theatre, 811 Main St.)

Thursday, April 26

Writers in Schools - Beginning at 8:30 and continuing throughout the school day

9-11 am: Bilingual Postcard Story Workshop with Jo-Anne Elder - "I'm writing to tell you..."
To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

9:30-10:30 am: Frye Symposium Lecture by Robert D. Denham - "Frye's Magnum Opus: Fifty Years After". Simultaneous translation. Free admission. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

12-1 pm: Dialogue - Jean Fugère in conversation with Lorette Nobécourt (in French). Free admission. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

1:30-3:30 pm: Writers Federation of New Brunswick Readings, hosted by Lee Thompson. Readers include Tammy Armstrong, Elizabeth Blanchard, Noeline Bridge, Kelly Cooper, Laurie Glenn Norris and Ed Gates. Admission: $5. Mexicali Rosa's, 683 Main St.

5 pm: Entre Nous - Rogers Television Frye Festival Special with Manon Levesque (repeated at 10 pm)

6 pm to 7 pm: Dialogue - Patrick Lane in conversation with Bernice Eisenstein (in English). Free admission. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

8 pm: Soirée Frye - Readings by Karen Solie, Georgette LeBlanc, Marilyn Lerch and Bryan Perro
Musical Guests: Isaac & Blewett with Les Païens. Award Presentation to the winners of the State Farm Essay Contest. Admission is $5 at the door. Reception to follow. Capitol Theatre, 811 Main St.

10 pm: Night Howl - Featuring George Fetherling and Brigitte Harrison with musical guest Marc-André Léger. Admission: $5. Kramer's Corner, 702 Main St.

Friday, April 27

6-8:40 am: CBC Information Morning - Festival Broadcast. CBC Moncton's Information Morning will air an entire show on the Festival. The program is broadcast on CBC Radio One.

Writers in Schools - Beginning at 8:30 and continuing throughout the school day

9 am-5 pm: Writing for Film and Television Workshop with Randy Pearlstein (in English). Effective techniques for both advanced and beginning film and television writers. To register call 859-4389 by Monday, April 23. Registration fee: $35 - Simultaneous translation. Théâtre l'Escaouette, 170 Botsford St.

9-11 am: Poetry Workshop with Karen Solie (in English). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

9-11 am: Creative Writing Workshop with Georgette LeBlanc (in French). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

12-1:30 pm: Roundtable - Authors discuss the topic: "The Graphic Novel Grows Up"
Moderator: Jean Fugère, with Bernice Eisenstein, Dano LeBlanc, Harvey Pekar and Michel Rabagliati. Simultaneous translation - Admission: $10. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

1:30-3:30 p.m.: Creative Non-Fiction Workshop with Patrick Lane (The Memoir) (in English). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

5 pm: Entre Nous - Rogers Television Frye Festival Special with Manon Levesque (repeated at 10 pm)

5-6 pm: Book Signing by Harvey Pekar, United Book Store, 347 Mountain Road

5-6:30 pm: Mostly Fiction - Readings by: George Fetherling, Gilles Gougeon, Lorette Nobécourt and Elaine McClusky. Admission: $10. Creek Restaurant, 107 Robinson St.

8-9 pm. Harvey Pekar Live. Admission: $10. Théâtre l'Escaouette, 170 Botsford St.

10 pm: Night Howl - Featuring Emily Pohl-Weary and Serge Patrice Thibodeau with musical guests Urban Café. Admission: $5. Kramer's Corner, 702 Main St.

Saturday, April 28

9 am-12 pm: State Farm KidsFest for children 2 to 12 and their families. Author readings, book signings, workshops, comic strip writing, contests, etc. Free admission. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St. KidsFest schedule includes:

9 am: Michèle Laframboise - Reading
9:30 am: Jeremy Tankard - Reading
10 am: Coro Atlantica - Performance of excerpt from Seussical the Musical
10:30 am: Lesley Choyce - Reading
11 am: Marie-France Comeau - Reading
11:30 am: Dano Leblanc - Signing by Acadieman Creator


10-11 am: Comics in the Library Workshop for Students Aged 8 to 10 with Scott Tingley (in English). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Free admission (www.comicsintheclassroom.net). Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

10-11 am: Writing Workshop for Students Aged 6 to 9 with Marie-France Comeau (in French). " Sur la trace des sens - avec Diego l'escargot ". To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Free admission. Moncton Public Library, 644 Main St.

10 am- 12 pm: Special Festival Broadcast: "Anne et compagnie". Host: Anne Godin. Radio-Canada Atlantique. www.radio-canada.ca/atlantique

9:30-11:30 am: Creative Writing Workshop with Arlette Cousture (in French). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Presented by Université de Moncton’s Alumni Association, Moncton Campus. Registration fee: $10. Dieppe Public Library, 333 Acadie Ave.

10-11:30 am: Saturday Brunch and Books. Brunch begins at 9:30, with readings at 10 by Laura Byrne Paquet, Gilles Gougeon, Brigitte Harrison and Elaine McCluskey. Admission: Cost of the meal. Kramer's Corner, 702 Main St.

11:30 am: The "Association France-Canada Moncton" Hosts Author Lorette Nobécourt. On the menu: Acadian Fricot - Admission: $15 (not included in Festival Pass). Registration: Ronald Cormier, 383-8563 or rcormier8563@rogers.com. Rotary Pavilion - St. Anselme Park, Dieppe

12-1 pm: The Antonine Maillet - Northrop Frye Lecture - Lecture by David Adams Richards entitled "Playing the Inside Out". Simultaneous translation. Admission: $10. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

1:30-2:30 pm: Dialogue - Tony Tremblay in conversation with David Adams Richards (in English). Admission: $10. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

2-4 pm: Comic Book Workshop for Students 12+ with Jeremy Tankard (in English). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Sponsored by Read's (all proceeds to Laubach Literacy). United Book Store, 347 Mountain Road.

2-4 pm: Comic Book Workshop for Students 12+ with Jimmy Beaulieu (in French). To register call: 382-3015 or fryeworkshops@hotmail.com. Registration fee: $10. Sponsored by Read's (all proceeds to Laubach Literacy). United Book Store, 347 Mountain Road.

3-3:30 pm: Book Signings with Allan Cooper and Others! Festival Bookstore and Café, Lobby, Delta Beauséjour Hotel, 750 Main St.

3-4 pm: Dialogue - Gilles Gougeon in conversation with (to come) (in French). Admission: $10. Moncton City Hall, Council Chambers, 655 Main St.

3-4:30 pm: Aliant Budding Writers, Grade 5 to 8 students read their own work
Mentors: Emily Pohl-Weary and Paul Roux. Free admission. Riverview Middle School, 45 Devere Road, Riverview.

4-6 pm: The 'Not Just Another Book Launch' Event - Goose Lane Editions and Éditions Perce-Neige present their new titles, including works by Laura Byrne Paquet, Lesley Choyce, Tammy Armstrong, Georgette LeBlanc and others. Hosted by Goose Lane Editions' Susanne Alexander and Éditions Perce-Neige's Serge Patrice Thibodeau. Free admission. Reception to follow. Moncton City Hall, Lobby, 655 Main St.

8-11 pm: Frye Jam - An extravaganza of readings of all kinds, music and a comic jam.
Hosts: Les Païens. Musical Guests: Suzanne Léger, Sean Booth & ParaNerd, Pascal Lejeune and pAn. Admission: $10. Aberdeen Cultural Centre, 140 Botsford St.

Sunday, April 29

10-11:30 am: Brunch and Books - Readings and musings on the writing life with (to come) and Arlette Cousture. Also includes the Greater Moncton Literacy Advisory Board's annual "Adult New Writers Contest Awards". Tickets are $20 and must be purchased by April 27 through the Capitol Theatre Box Office or by telephone at 856-4379 or 1-800-567-1922. Delta Beauséjour Hotel, Mezzanine, 750 Main St.

1-2 pm: Poet flyé Says Bye Bye! Paul Bossé reads his Poet flyé epic creation. Unveiling of the Northrop Frye commemorative plaque. Free admission, food, music and parking. Greater Moncton International Airport, Destinations Lounge, 2nd Floor, 777 Aviation Ave., Dieppe.

Aliant Cafe Underground

One of the new and exciting additions to the Frye Festival line-up is Aliant Café Underground – an event that gives the literary stars of tomorrow their own stage to shine.

Made possible by the generous support of Aliant, the event encourages students in Districts 1 and 2 to present their original works of poetry, prose and song lyrics to an appreciative local audience.

Their venue will be the Empress Theatre with curtains to rise on their performances, Wednesday, April 25, beginning at 7 p.m.

Aliant Café Underground is one of the opening events of the five-day Frye Festival which runs until April 29 in Moncton.

Aliant Café Underground supports the Festival’s goal of providing young writers with opportunities to share their creations, says chairperson Dawn Arnold. “This is their chance to be in the spotlight, to experience the magic of their own words as part of a larger literary community.”

Arnold hopes there will be a strong show of public support for the students at this premiere event of original song and poetry.

“I am certain that residents of this region will be impressed to discover the wealth of literary talent that is in our schools,” concludes Arnold, adding, “We can promote that talent with our applause and cheers.”

Aliant is also the sponsor of Aliant Budding Writers which gives Middle School students, Grades 5-8, an opportunity to read their original work. This event will be held at the Riverview Middle School on Saturday, April 28, from 3-4:30 p.m. Festival authors Emily Pohl-Weary and Paul Roux will serve as mentors, providing encouragement and inspiration to the young writers.

Festival passes are now on sale at the Capitol Theatre Box Office. For more details about the Frye Festival, contact the festival office at 859-4389 or visit the festival website at www.frye.ca

Telling All Our Stories in NB

NEW BRUNSWICK
FILMMAKERS CO-OPERATIVE

TELLING ALL OUR STORIES in NB is a production support program aimed at providing opportunities for Visible Minority and Aboriginal artists to express themselves creatively through the medium of video.

Applicants to the fund must be New Brunswick residents, new to filmmaking or have less than 2 videos to their credit. Up to 2 awards will be given annually. Successful applicants have one year to complete their project.

Eligible projects are those over which the artist has creative and editorial control. All genres are accepted (i.e. experimental, drama, documentary, video installation, and new media.). Artists crossing over trom other disciplines (i.e. theatre, writing, visual arts, and dance) are also welcome.

A screening of completed productions will be held either within the Silver Wave Film Festival Program or as a special separate event. Applicants retain copyright to their productions, but they must provide a copy of their tape to be kept in the NBFC's archives.

Deadline: June 1, 2007

The successful applicants receive:
A one-year full membership;
_ up to $1700 in access to NBFC video equipment;
_ a $350 credit towards any required/elective workshop(s) that will enable you to complete your project (required workshops must be taken in order to produce a work);
_ up to $450 in cash;
_ video production information

Applicants must submit:
- a current resume (with emphasis on your artistic work)
- a l to 2 page description of the proposed project (may include a script, treatment, or storyboard) - a production schedule
- a budget

New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative
PO Box 1537, Stn A
Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y1
Tel: (506) 455_1632 Fax: (506) 457_2006
Email: info@nbfilmcoop.com Website: www.nbfilmcoop.com

NB Filmmakers’ Co-operative wishes to thank the following sponsors for their ongoing financial support: New Brunswick Film, The Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, National Film Board and the Province of New Brunswick

Wake Up Mr. Harper

In conjunction with other arts groups, The Writers’ Union of Canada is holding an Awakening in Ottawa, on April 16, to open the eyes of the Harper government to the cultural and economic contribution the arts make to Canada.

“Canada’s cultural health depends upon the constant flow and consumption of art and artistic ideas,” said Deborah Windsor, executive director for the Union. “The arts, like our lakes and rivers, are a vital natural resource.”

Ron Brown, chair of the Union, pointed out that the Arts tell us who we are. It is through the creations of Canadian artists that Canadians learn about Canada and themselves and the world has a better understanding of us as a sovereign nation. Brown added that the cultural sector enriches Canadian society and showcases Canada abroad and contributed $40 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2002 more than agriculture, logging, forestry, mining and oil and gas combined.

Writers and filmmakers and playwrights and visual artists are holding a press conference in the Centre Block pressroom on Parliament Hill at 1:30 pm. After the press conference, we will gather in front of Centre Block for an awakening event.

Vice chair Susan Swan explained that younger writers are the ones who will suffer most from Harper's cuts to cultural programs abroad, ending a thirty year tradition of the Canadian government supporting its artists and writers with foreign distribution of films and foreign publications of their work.

The Writers' Union of Canada is our country's national organization representing professional authors of books. Founded in 1973, the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well being of all writers. For more information, please visit www.writersunion.ca.

Writers Gathering in Sackville

The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) will hold their annual spring literary weekend in Sackville, NB, next month.

The three day event kicks off Friday April 13th with a spectacular reading at the Owen’s Art Gallery on the Mount Allison University campus. Poetry & Music (In)Tense featuring poets Kathy Mac, Greg Cook, Marilyn Lerch, Roger Moore, Laurence Hutchman and Robert Moore, with special guests, pianist Janet Hammock and flautist Karin Aurell, will be a unique blending of music, poetry and improvisation that promises to entertain.

“We are so honoured to have this opportunity to have such celebrated musicians as Janet Hammock and Karin Aurell participate in this reading,” says Kellie Underhill, WFNB Director and event organizer. “This is going to be one of the most spectacular and unique events we’ve done in years, and I hope a lot of people come out to support it.”

A series of writers’ workshops are slated for Saturday April 14th beginning at 10:45am at the Marshlands Inn. Participants are invited to choose either “Writing Children’s Fantasy: Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme” with celebrated children’s author, K.V. Johansen, or a Drama Workshop with Governor General’s Award-winning playwright, Kent Stetson, for the morning session. The afternoon session will see all participants exploring short fiction forms with J.J. Steinfeld in a workshop entitled “Wordful Explorations: An Exploration of Imagination and Creativity through the writing of Short Fiction.”

“This weekend is a very affordable way to try your hand at writing if you’ve always wanted to but haven’t dared,” Underhill says. “For full-time writers, the weekend will surely get your creative juices flowing. I always love our annual spring gathering because it draws together such a unique mix of readers and writers, professional and amateur, young and not so young. We always have a great time.”
Another highlight of the weekend is the Annual General Meeting for the WFNB membership, which all members are encouraged to attend Saturday morning before the workshops begin.

Saturday evening, April 14th, the Marshlands Inn plays host to a literary banquet honouring the winners of the WFNB’s Annual Literary Competition. Tickets for the banquet must be purchased in advance. The Marshlands’ specialty of pan-seared fresh Atlantic salmon, a traditional roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding, and a delectable asparagus crepe are on the menu. Winning writers will read from their entries.

“Often this is the first opportunity these writers have to read in public,” Underhill says. “They’re just starting out, it may be the first contest they’ve ever won. Most of them have no idea how good they really are. It’s wonderful to see new talent on the rise. I especially enjoy when the winners in the youth categories read. We have so many talented young writers in our high schools.”

On Sunday morning everyone who would like to participate is invited to read during an Open Mic event at the Marshlands over breakfast. Always a popular event with writers and literary enthusiasts alike, this reading offers a supportive environment for budding artists especially. Anyone may attend any of the weekend’s events whether they are WFNB members or not. Everyone is welcome.

A full schedule of fees and a registration form are available online at www.umce.ca/wfnb.

Contributors Selected for Vagrant Review

In May 2007, Vagrant Press will release The Vagrant Revue of New Fiction, a collection of 15 short stories by gifted Atlantic Canadian writers on the cusp of their literary careers. The selected stories are as varied and beautifully weird as the East Coast itself.

Co-editors Sandra McIntyre and Mary Jo Anderson received more than 200 submissions for the project. They were looking for—and found—new and extraordinary literary voices. The writers range widely in age, location and experience but are knit together in this eclectic collection by the superior quality of their writing, their connection to Atlantic Canada, and their potential to become the next big thing. You will hear more from these writers in the future.

The Vagrant Revue is an inspiration to aspiring writers, a goldmine for serious readers, and a vital, edgy addition to the Atlantic Canadian literary canon.

The selected stories are:

The White Rose BBQ by Brent White of Fredericton, NB
Hens by Janet Parker Vaughan from Middleton, NS
Why Do Birds? by Lee Thompson of Moncton, NB
What It Would Make of Him by Darcy Rhyno from Little Harbour, NS
Seventeen Heresies by Elizabeth Peirce of Halifax, NS
A Good Place to Come From by Sarah Mian from Halifax, NS
I Like to Hold Your Hand by Nina Lassam of Halifax, NS
One Last Thing by Amy Jones from Halifax, NS
You, Jane by Joanne Jefferson of Pleasantville, NS
City of Trees by Joey Comeau from Halifax, NS
Standin’ Up by Rhian Colcott of Bridgewater, NS
Pardon-speaking blood by Michelle Butler Hallett from St. John’s, NL
Extinction by Erna Buffie of Halifax, NS
Home Fires Burning Bright by Judy Bowman from Miramichi, NB
Heroes Until by Russell Barton of Dartmouth, NS

Sandra McIntyre is the Managing Editor at Nimbus Publishing/Vagrant Press. She has earned a master’s degree in English literature from Dalhousie University and has since spent six years in book publishing. Her passion for books and especially new authors has transformed the Atlantic Canadian publishing world.

Mary Jo Anderson is a major force in both the regional and national book industry. A founding member of Word on the Street Halifax, she has written articles and book reviews for the Globe and Mail and the Chronicle Herald, and has been a regular book panellist on CBC Radio.

6th Annual Poetry Face-Off in Moncton

CBC Continues the Tradition of the Battling Bards

Host: Rhonda Whittaker, host of CBC Radio's Information Morning
Venue: The Chocolate River Conservatory of Music
Event Date: February 25th
Time: 2:00 PM
Broadcast Date & Time: TBA

Poets:
Steph Berntson
Matt Robinson
Jesse Robichaud
Paul Bosse
Karen Davidson

THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA 2006 SHORT PROSE COMPETITION FOR DEVELOPING WRITERS $2,500 PRIZE WINNER

The Union initiated the Short Prose Competition in 1993 in honour of its twentieth anniversary. The Competition aims to discover, encourage, and promote new writers of short prose. Entry is limited to writers who are not yet published in book format, in order to provide opportunity and exposure to developing writers.

This year, twenty-five Union members donated their time and expertise to read 246 submissions, distilling them to a shortlist of twelve strong entries. The final jury — Caroline Adderson (novelist and short-story writer, Governor General’s Award nominee, and Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize winner), Kathy Page (novelist and short-story writer, nominated for the 2005 Governor General's Award for Alphabet), and Andrew Pyper (best-selling author, and Arthur Ellis Award winner) — chose the following winner from the shortlist of twelve contenders.

WINNER
”Brideship” by Anna Johnston

Anna Johnston's "Brideship" is a vividly imagined story, told in language that is at once intricate and forceful, sophisticated and sensual. The author has done her work — both in the research required in rendering her historical setting, and the imagination with which she has created her gutsy characters. "Brideship" is an
ambitious and accomplished piece of fiction. (Jury)

Anna Johnston is a recent student of the University of Victoria's Writing Program and a member of The Malahat Review's editorial board. She has had fiction and poetry published in the student journals This Side of West and The Claremont Review, and her work was recently selected for a 'best of' publication of The Claremont Review. She currently works in Victoria as a researcher, where she looks forward to encountering much more material for her historical fictions.

FINALISTS
“Beading Miss O’Leary’s Wedding Gown” by Cathy Marie Buchanan
“Elephants in the Sand” by Akoulina K. Connell
“Let the Japanese Do Kamikaze” by John Bandler
”Loose Ends” by Susan Garnham
“Mel” by Sheila McClarty
“Not Quite Nancy Drew” by Pam Bustin
“Rocket-Cars, Hoppers and Heroes” by Ron MacLean
“Still Life With Flowers” by Bev Craddock
”The Gym Garden” by Andrew Binks
“The Passage” by John Blackmore
“The Slava Ladies League Christmas Pyrohy Fiasco” by John Spychka

READERS FOR THE COMPETITION
Ray Argyle, Thelma Barer-Stein, Jean Rae Baxter, Heather Birrell, Kathy Buckworth, Sue Donaldson, Betty Dyck, Sarah Ellis, Celia Godkin, Carolyn Gossage, Nancy Graham, Lynn Harrigan, Marvyne Jenoff, Ann Jamieson, Robert H. Jones, Simon Leigh, Catherine MacLeod, Michael Mirolla, Helen Pierera, Bill Schermbrucker, Debbie Spring, and Halli Villegas.

Anne Simpson Lecture, Fredericton

John McLaughlin, President of The University of New Brunswick and James Murray, Dean of Arts invite you to Art Sweet Art: Helping Emerging Artists Stay in Atlantic Canada, a public lecture by Anne Simpson. Anne Simpson, a maritime author, has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Journey Prize (1996), the Atlantic Poetry Prize (2001), the Griffin Poetry Prize (2004), and the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award. She has been a finalist for the Governor General’s Award for Poetry and the Chapters/Robertson Davies First Novel Prize.

The lecture will take place on January 25, 2007 at 8 pm in the Charlotte Street Art Centre Auditorium. Refreshments and conversation are from 7 – 8 pm. Everybody is welcome to attend.

Fraud Warning for Artists

The Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council (NSDCC) has recently received word of fraudulent activities targeting crafts people. They have asked that we send out this notice to our members as artists with websites have been targetted in the past.

Two members of the NSDCC have recently received large product orders through email. After requesting a deposit, the artist received a fraudulent bank draft which had been produced to duplicate a TD Canada Trust Bank Draft. The Bank Draft was missing key authenticating marks including a watermark. Recent occurences have involved the request that the orders be shipped out of country and that a portion of the deposit be returned. Please be aware that this activity has taken place, and if you notice anything suspicious, please contact the local RCMP.