The Pacific Festival of the Book 2008

PFB PRESENTERS 2008

AUTHORS AND WRITERS AT PFB 2008
54 author and presenter bios are gracing this page today. Watch for updates weekly - sometimes daily! See the directory Quick Links on the right --->

LOU ALLIN

Lou Allin is the author of a forthcoming mystery series set around Sooke, the first volume entitled And on the Surface Die: A Fossil Bay Mystery. She also wrote the Belle Palmer mystery series set in Northern Ontario, one of which was nominated for the Arthur Ellis Best Novel Award. Her most recent crime novel is Memories are Murder. Appearing on the Open Mic at

SUZANNE ANDERSON

Suzanne Anderson chose to self-publish her first book, a military history, in 1997. At the time, she discovered there was little information on how to self-publish in Canada and decided to remedy that. Self Publishing in Canada: A complete guide to designing, printing and selling your book is based on both personal experience and extensive research, which included taking courses through Simon Fraser University’s publishing program. Anderson is on the board of a self-publishing co-operative on Vancouver Island. She conducts workshops on self-publishing and book marketing at community colleges. An electronic version of this author bio and photo can be found in the press room on her website at www.selfpublishing.ca. Other books by the author includes Good Morning Quadra! A History of HMCS Quadra (1997, Half Acre Publishing) Appearing Sat March 15th from 4:00-5:00pm in a panel New Frontiers - Lessons in Self-Publishing from the Edge.

MAVIS ANDREWS

Mavis Andrews is a freelance editor and book consultant with a strong background in graphic design and illustration. Her popular writing courses and workshops have been presented through Camosun College Continuing Education and several international writers conferences, as well as editors and writers associations and community education programs. A former editor of the Illustrator and of Focus on Women magazine, Mavis is the VP of the Victoria School of Writing. She works with writers in a wide range of fields including children's literature, and is passionate about encouraging the development of individual creativity. Mavis has been a strong force behind PFB's Youth Anthology Publishing Project this year as well as providing assistance in numerous other areas of the festival. Mavis will be leading a hands on workshop for illustrators and artists "From Process to Product - the Art of the Illustrator" Thurs March 20th from 1-3pm, VAC.

JOHN BARTON

John Barton has published eight books of award-winning poetry and five chapbooks, including Designs from the Interior (Anansi, 1993), Sweet Ellipsis (ECW, 1998), Hypothesis (Anansi, 2001) and Asymmetries, (Frog Hollow, 2004). A bilingual edition of West of Darkness: Emily Carr, a self-portrait was published by Buschek Books in 2006. He is co-editor of Seminal: The Anthology of Canada’s Gay-Male Poets, which was published earlier this spring by Arsenal Pulp. He has won three Archibald Lampman Awards, the Patricia Hackett Prize (University of Western Australia), an Ottawa Book Award, a CBC Literary Award and a National Magazine Award. His poems have appeared in anthologies and magazines across Canada and in the United States, Australia, India, and the United Kingdom. He lives in Victoria, where he is editor of The Malahat Review. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30pm-3:30pm on literary publishing panel: IN THE SMYTHIE OF THE SOUL; Literary Publishing as Creative Conscience and also appearing at CACGV Thurs March 13th at 7pm at the opening of the exhibition "A Climate of Change".

BRUCE BATCHELOR

In 1995, Bruce Batchelor rocked the publishing industry when he invented print-on-demand (POD) publishing and triggered a landslide of new books from every country in the world. Since then, more than 200,000 writers have seized this opportunity to be published, and the rate is accelerating. In 2008, an estimated 50,000 new authors will use POD services such as AuthorHouse, BookSurge, iUniverse, Lulu, Trafford and Xlibris. As a next step, Bruce has turned his attention to solving the rest of the puzzle: how self-publishing "indie" authors can be successful in SELLING their books in cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly ways.

Bruce was CEO of Trafford Publishing for 11 years, and is now owner/publisher at Agio Publishing House in Victoria, BC, Canada. A bestselling author and management consultant, Bruce speaks at writers conferences and universities. Bruce will present an intensive workshop on self publishing "Book Marketing DeMystified" Thurs March 13th from 1-4pm at VAC. See our schedule pages for more details or Order tickets online.

YVONNE BLOMER

Yvonne Blomer’s poetry has been published internationally and is included in the anthologies In Fine Form: The Canadian Book of Form Poetry (Polestar), The Fed Anthology (Anvil Press) and Mocambo Nights (Ekstasis). She has won literary awards and has been heard on BBC Radio. Bomer recently completed a Master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. The poems in a broken mirror, fallen leaf, published by Ekstasis Editions in 2006, spring from her imagination and from her experiences when living for two years on the Japanese island of Kyushu. She currently resides in Victoria, BC. Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk - Ekstasis Authors, 7PM FREE Top

PETER BRAND

Peter Brand is the coordinator of FirstVoices.com, an online Aboriginal language archive hosted by the First Peoples’ Council. Peter and colleague John Elliott brainstormed the concept for Web-based language resources while teaching at the Saanich Tribal School on the Tsartlip First Nation. Today FirstVoices hosts over sixty Aboriginal languages in Canada and the USA. Community-based teams upload word, phrase, song and story collections which populate a variety of interactive multimedia language resources. Pioneering work in the development of keyboarding technologies for the diverse range of Indigenous language orthographies led Peter into a collaboration with on-demand publishing guru Bruce Batchelor. Together they spearheaded initiatives that have since delivered first books to Indigenous communities around the world. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 11:30-12:30 in "Reclaiming Voices: Indigenous Language Revitalization"

ROBERT BRINGHURST

PFB welcomes Robert Bringhurst one of Canada’s most respected poets, cultural historians, and linguists who has worked for many years with First Nations texts. His book The Elements of Typographic Style (2nd ed., 1996) is now a standard text in its field. The Black Canoe (2nd ed., 1992) is one of the classics in the field of Native American art history, and The Raven Steals the Light, which he cowrote with Haida artist Bill Reid is among the most popular books in Canada in the field of Native Studies. Robert is author of Story as Sharp as a Knife, Volume 1 of the trilogy: Masterworks of the Classical Haida. He translated Nine Visits to the Mythworld from Haida, originally phonetically transcribed by a young American anthropologist on the Northwest Coast of North America in 1900.

Robert’s book The Solid Form of Language (Gaspereau Press) delved into the creative tensions between oral language and written script. His 2006 and 2007 books The Tree of Meaning: Thirteen Talks and Everywhere Being is Dancing: Twenty Pieces of Thinking, contemplates the connections between poetry, language, nature and philosophy. Latest book is Everywhere Being Is Dancing (Gaspereau, 2007). Appearing Saturday March 15th from 1:00-2:00pm Top

KEN CATHERS

Ken Cathers is married with two sons and lives with his family in the town where he was born, Ladysmith, B.C. He has worked at Harmac Pacific Pulp Mill in Nanaimo for thirty-two years. He has a B.A. from University of Victoria and a M.A. from York University in Toronto. His previous books include World of Strangers (Ekstasis Editions). Blues for the Grauballeman, his fifth book of poetry, was published by Ekstasis Editions in 2007. Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk - Ekstasis Authors, 7PM FREE Top

GILLEAN CHASE

Victoria poet and writer Gillean Chase's many writing related endeavors include publishing two volumes of poetry (The Distress of Harvest (Fiddlehead, 1981), and The Square Root of Female) (Ragweed, 1984)as well as her novel Triad Moon(Gynergy Books 1993). She also writes reviews for films, novels and poetry for Kinesis, Angles, and Room of One’s Own (Vancouver); Quarry (Kingston); and the Canadian Women’s Studies magazine. She has been published in anthologies and periodicals, including To Sappho My Sister: Lesbian Sisters Write About Their Lives, in Alberta’s Landscape and in Eastern Canada’s Fireweed, both literary anthologies. She has done poetry readings sponsored by the Canada Council and early in her career won an Ontario Arts Council Award. Gillean comes to PFB this year to share her poetry. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 12:30-1:00pm in "Three Poets Reading"

DANIEL EDWARD CRAIG
Daniel David Craig

Daniel Edward Craig, author of the Five-Star Mystery series, draws on his years working in luxury hotels to delight readers with his hilarious behind-the-scenes novels set in the hotel business, where things are never as calm and dignified as they seem. His first novel, Murder at the Universe, which features the adventures of dedicated hotel manager turned house detective Trevor Lambert, was published by Midnight Ink Books in September 2007. The second novel in the series, Murder at Hotel Cinema, will be released in June 2008. Craig now works as a writer and consultant in Vancouver. He travels extensively, being particularly passionate about hotels, having stayed in and worked for some of the best in the world. His popular blog can be found at www.danieledwardcraig.com. Appearing in a panel "Crime Writing in the 21st C" Sat March 15th 12:30-1pm. Top

VICKI DELANY

In November, 2007 Quill and Quire listed Vicki Delany as one of Ten Rising Canadian Mystery Writers to Watch. She is the author of In the Shadow of the Glacier (Poisoned Pen Press, 2007) the first in a traditional village/police procedural series set in a small town in the interior of British Columbia, as well as novels of psychological suspense: Scare the Light Away (Poisoned Pen Press 2005) and Burden of Memory (Poisoned Pen Press 2006). In April 2007, Vicki took early retirement from her job as a systems analyst and sold her house in Oakville, Ontario. She is spending a year driving across North America with her dog, attending mystery conventions, meeting writers and readers, and working on the next Constable Molly Smith novel. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime. Vicki will be the moderator for "Crime Writing in the 21st C" Sat March 15th 12:30-1pm.

JOANN DIONNE

JoAnn Dionne has lived in Japan, Mexico, China, and more recently, Hong Kong for five years, where she worked for a time as an editor at Oxford University Press. Joann grew up in Salmon Arm and she lives in Victoria. JoAnn's first book Little Emperors: A Year with the Future of China is published through Dundurn publishers in Toronto. Appearing at Intrepid Studios, Tues March 11th from 12pm-1pm. FREE

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MIKE DOYLE

Mike Doyle has lived in Victoria since 1968. His first poetry collection A Splinter of Glass (1956) was published in New Zealand; his first Canadian collection is Earth Meditations (Coach House, 1971), his latest Living Ginger (Ekstasis, 2004). He is recipient of a PEN New Zealand award and a UNESCO Creative Artist's Fellowship. He has also written (as Charles Doyle) a biography of Richard Aldington and critical work on William Carlos Williams, Wallace Stevens, James K. Baxter, and others. Paper Trombones: notes on poetics was published by Ekstasis Editions in 2007. Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk - Ekstasis Authors, 7PM

STAN EVANS

Stan Evans is the author of numerous non-fiction articles and stories. He is a member of both the Writers Union of Canada, and Crime Writers of Canada. He lives in Victoria. His sixth novel, Seaweed on the Rocks, will be published in September, 2008. Stan's lively characters include Sergeant Decker, a frontier policeman based in the Canadian West and Silas Seaweed, a Coast Salish policeman based in present day Victoria.

M.A.C FARRANT

M.A.C. Farrant is the author of eight collections of satirical and humorous short fiction as well as My Turquoise Years a novel-length memoir published by Greystone Books/Douglas & McIntyre in 2004. She is currently working with the Arts Club Theatre of Vancouver on a stage adaptation of My Turquoise Years which was also broadcast on CBC 1 as a ten-part serialization. Her stories have been adapted for both radio and television and are widely anthologized in Canada and the United States and have been translated into French and Italian. In 2006 stories appeared in the Penguin Anthology of Canadian Humour, Dropped Threads 3 (Random House), a tribute anthology for Bill Bissett, (Nightwood Edition) and other places. Three anthology contributions are forthcoming in 2008. A collection, “Down the Road to Eternity—New & Selected Fiction”, will appear from Talonbooks in 2009. A collection of non-fiction—essays/stories—will appear from Key Porter Books, also in 2009. M.A.C reviews fiction and non-fiction for the Vancouver Sun and the Toronto Globe & Mail and is the host and co-organizer of the long-running Sidney Reading Series and we are pleased to welcome her to PFB this year. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30-3:30pm in a Four Women Writers Panel "Don't Call me Baby!" AND with a special reading from 3:30-4:00pm. Top

CARLA FUNK - VICTORIA POET LAUREATE
Carla Funk, Victoria Poet Laureate

PFB is honoured to have Carla Funk attend and participate in our second festival. Carla is a central figure in the Victoria arts community and establishing her role as Victoria's first Poet Laureate is a significant achievement for all. Carla grew up in Vanderhoof - in the centre of British Columbia. Her poems are rich with personal imagery and history of growing up in world of logging trucks, mennonites and BC rurality. Carla teaches at the UVIC School of writing and will be opening the festival as well as reading poetry with special guests. See her web sitewww.carlafunk.com Appearing Saturday March 15th from 11am-11:30am with special guest Donna Kane.

RODERICK GLANVILLE

Roderick Glanville is a well-loved Victoria storyteller and actor. As company member of Kaleidoscope Theatre for over ten years, he brings a career of twenty five years performing for young audiences throughout Canada and the U.S. Roderick has been the program producer in education for the Maritime Museum of B.C., gallery animator for the Royal B.C. Museums Da Vinci exhibit, Circus Magicus, and he creates interactive programming for Craigdarroch Castle, including his performance of 'Oscar Remembered' and 'Lyric the Leprechaun'.

Roderick brings a special historical roving performance to PFB this year in the the character of ‘Cole the Chimney Sweep’ who will weave local tales of famous, and not so famous personalities. Cole will delight all ages with his tales of Victoria’s high profile and dynamic history makers: Rattenbury, McClure, Maynard, Dunsmuir and more. If you’ve ever wanted to know what the walls would say if they could talk, this is your chance to find out and get the inside scoop on what life was like for the many pioneering adventurers in the rapid development of this fair city. From roof top to root cellar, success, comedy and tragedy all told through the experiences of our friendly Victorian Chimney Sweep. (Warning: some stories may or may not contain nuts.) Appearing at Intrepid Studio with The Victoria Poetry Slam Team, Monday March 10th, 12-1pm. and roving throughout the afternoon Saturday March 15th at VAC. Top

PAULINE HOLDSTOCK

Pauline Holdstock is an internationally published novelist, short fiction writer and essayist. Her novel, Beyond Measure was a finalist for the Giller Prize and the regional Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and was the fiction winner of the 2005 BC Book Prizes. Her novella, The World of Light Where We Live, was the winner of the Malahat Novella Contest in 2006. The essay collection, Mortal Distractions, is her most recent non-fiction. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30-3:30pm in a Four Women Writers Panel "Don't Call me Baby!" Top

CORNELIA HORNOSTY

Cornelia Hornosty lived in Ontario for 28 years and has been living in Victoria since 1995. Three previous collections of her poetry were published by Borealis Press in Ottawa: Voice with Flowers (1991), Under the Beaks of Millions (1993), and The Inner Romaine of Our Lives (2000), as well as a chapbook with Leaf Press titled Small Lake with Pine Trees (2003). Ordinary Days was published by Ekstasis Editions in 2007. Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk Monday March 17th- Ekstasis Authors, 7PM FREE
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KATRIN HOROWITZ

Katrin Horowitz is a Victoria writer who recently self-published her first novel, Power Failures (lulu.com, 2007), an unconventional murder mystery that was inspired by several months that she spent doing volunteer work in Sri Lanka. Before moving to Victoria and unleashing her inner muse, she worked, among other things, as a librarian, a radio broadcaster, an economist, a civil servant, a banker and a consultant. She is now working on her second novel.
Appearing Saturday March 15th, 4:00-5:00pm, Self Publishing Panel - Lessons Learned and Tips from the trenches!.

DONNA KANE

Donna Kane's work has appeared in journals and anthologies across Canada. Her second book of poetry, Erratic, was published in 2007 by Hagios Press. In addition to her writing, Donna organizes readings, retreats, and festivals throughout the Peace River region. In 2008 she will be organizing the third Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp. To find out more about Donna’s work you can visit www.donnakane.com. Appearing with Carla Funk on Sat March 15th, 11:00am-11:30am.

BRIAN KAUFMAN

Brian Kaufman has worked for years in the Vancouver art scene as a playwright, editor and publisher. He co-founded the internationally-known literary magazine subTERRAIN. He is the publisher of Anvil Press. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30pm-3:30pm on literary publishing panel: IN THE SMYTHIE OF THE SOUL; Literary Publishing as Creative Conscience

RUTH LINKA

Ruth Linka has worked for a number of publishers including Raincoast Books in Vancouver and NeWest Press in Edmonton. Currently Publisher at Brindle & Glass (www.brindleandglass.com), a company she co-founded in 2001, Linka is also Associate Publisher at TouchWood Editions (www.touchwoodeditions.com). Brindle & Glass is a literary publisher with authors on their list such as Mark Anthony Jarman, Fred Stenson, Keith Maillard, Bert Almon, Harold Rhenisch and Giller long-listed Claire Mulligan. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30pm-3:30pm on literary publishing panel: IN THE SMYTHIE OF THE SOUL; Literary Publishing as Creative Conscience

ANDREA MACPHERSON

Andrea MacPherson is a poet and novelist. She has written four books: two novels, When She Was Electric (Raincoast, 2003) and Beyond the Blue (Random House, 2007) and two poetry collections, Natural Disasters (Palimpsest, 2007) and Away (Signature Editions, 2008). When She Was Electric was listed No. 6 on CBC Canada Reads: People’s Choice. Andrea holds an MFA from the Creative Writing Department at the University of British Columbia, where she was Editor of Prism International. She is the Reviews Editor for Event Magazine, and teaches Creative Writing with University College of the Fraser Valley and Douglas College. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 12:30-1:00pm in "Three Poets Reading" Top

ISA MILMAN
Ilsa Milman

Isa Milman is a poet, artist and occupational therapist who lives in Victoria, BC. Born in a Displaced Persons Camp in Germany in 1949, she emigrated with her family to Boston in 1950, where she grew up and was educated at Tufts University. She has lived in Canada since 1975, first in Montreal for 21 years, where she completed a Masters degree in rehabilitation, and taught occupational therapy at McGill. Her first book, Between the Doorposts, was published by Ekstasis Editions in 2004.Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk Monday March 17th- Ekstasis Authors, 7PM FREE Top

P.K. PAGE

P.K. Page told us at this year's Victoria Butler Book Prize event that if she is around, she will be at the festival! P.K. has written some of the best poems published in Canada over the last five decades. With a long list of distinguished awards and achievements the Pacific Festival of the Book is honoured to have Victoria's first lady of poetry. In addition to winning the Governor General’s Award for Poetry in 1957, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1999. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including ten volumes of poetry, a novel, selected short stories, three books for children and a memoir, entitled Brazilian Journal, based on her extended stay in Brazil with her late husband Arthur Irwin, who served as the Canadian Ambassador there from 1957 -1959. A two-volume edition of Page’s collected poems, The Hidden Room (P Q L), was published in 1997. Planet Earth was recently ranked #9 on the Amazon.ca list of 50 Canadian Essential Books of all time. Page’s “autobiography in verse”, Hand Luggage, was published in March, 2006. Her next work, a short fiction piece entitled Up on the Roof, is scheduled for release in 2007. Born in England and brought up on the Canadian prairies, Page resides in Victoria, British Columbia. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:00pm-2:30pm Top

MELODY POIRIER

After 8 years with her own consulting practice as a software analyst in Vancouver, and a term at UBC in their Multi Media Studies program, Melody Poirier moved to Vancouver Island in 1999 and studied at Victoria College of Art through their extension program. She came to work for Island Blue Print in 2005. She has written a series of short stories about her experience during the 70’s as a groom and apprentice animal trainer for a lion and tiger act with an American circus. With an understanding of the writing process, and a strong background in software support, she clarifies the progression of getting your work from your word processor to “print ready format” and beyond.
Whether you are an independent publisher, a self published writer, or just assembling
your family history, class yearbook or fund raising cookbook, this workshop will provide
you with the insight needed to maintain control of your book, understand the digital
printing process and determine what areas are best left to a designer or a desktop
publisher, what areas you can handle yourself, and how to avoid extra costs and
unnecessary delays along the way. Appearing on Saturday March 15th from 4:00pm-5:00pm in a self publishing panel: Presenting a VAC workshop Learn from the Experts Tue March 18th from 10am-12pm
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PAMELA PORTER

Pamela Porter was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her novel, The Crazy Man, has been stunning success, winning the Governor General's Literary Award, the Texas Institute of Letters Friends of the Austin Public Library Award for Best Young Adult Book, the CLA Book of the Year for Children Award, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Rocky Mountain Book Award, the Hackmatack Award, the OLA Golden Oak Award and the Manitoba Young Reader's Choice Award. She has published another children's novel, Sky, a picture book, Yellow Moon, Apple Moon, and two collections of adult poetry. Pamela lives in N. Saanich with her family and a menagerie of rescued animals. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:00-2:30 - VAC

ROBERT PRIEST

With our strong emphasis on youth and the spoken word at PFB this year we are thrilled to welcome Robert Priest who will be leading the youth writers workshop. As a poet, singer and songwriter Robert brings an eclectic, often hilarious and always insightful approach to his art. He has published fourteen books of poetry and has a long list of awards behind his career. As a songwriter, he co-wrote the number one hit, Song Instead of a Kiss,for Alannah Myles and has been seen singing topical songs on CBC Television's Sunday Night News. He teaches a lyric-writing course at U.of T.'s School of Continuing Education and as a teacher/workshop leader he has been described as "Ontario's most popular poet in the schools"by Today's Parent Magazine. For more information about Robert you can find him all over the web but here are a few links to follow: PoemPainter.com, You Tube Videos (do an extra search for "Great Big Faced" for even more), U of T Library Bio . Appearing Saturday March 15th, 11:30-12:30pm - Youth Writing Workshop and 4:00-5:00pm in Slam a Rama Ding Dong - poetry slammers come out in force!

PETER RICHARDSON

PFB is pleased to welcome from Gatineau, Quebec, Peter Richardson whose poems have appeared in many Canadian and American publications. Peter was born in Norwalk, Connecticut and came to Quebec from Vermont in 1969 at age 20. For 25 years, he was a ramp worker for Air Canada at Mirabel and Trudeau airports. He has published three collections of poetry with Véhicule Press in Montreal: A Tinkers’ Picnic, shortlisted for the 1999 Gerald Lampert Award; An ABC of Belly Work (2003), finalist for the Acorn-Plantos People’s Poetry Award; and Sympathy for the Couriers (2007). His work has appeared in Descant, Poetry Magazine (Chicago). Sonora Review, The Malahat Review, Prism International and The Rialto (UK) among others. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 12:30-1:00pm in "Three Poets Reading"
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JANET ROGERS

A Mohawk writer from the Six Nations territory in southern Ontario, Janet Marie Rogers was born in Vancouver and now lives in Victoria, B.C. Originally a visual artist, Rogers later channeled her creative energy into writing, exploring poetry, drama, fiction and fantasy. She is known as a dynamic spoken word artist and performer. Splitting the Heart, her first book, was published by Ekstasis Editions in 2007.Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk Monday March 17th- Ekstasis Authors, 7PM FREE . FREE

LINDA ROGERS

Her belief in a social gospel of change through storytelling led Linda Rogers to a vocation in writing. She has been an advocate for literacy and the rights of children and has served in many volunteer capacities in addition to her life as a novelist, poet, and journalist. The human story is what interests her most. Her work, which has received international awards, has been translated into Welsh, Hindi, Persian, French, German, Spanish, Hebrew and Chinese. Along with her husband, mandolinist Rick van Krugel, she composes songs with Chris Trygg of Vincent Black Lightning. At present, Rogers is completing a trilogy of novels about a Victoria family, the first of which is /The Empress Letters/, a picaresque novel about a Canadian in Turkey, and a collection of poems. She is a regular contributor to Focus Magazine, a journal of art and ideas. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30-3:30pm in a Four Women Writers Panel "Don't Call me Baby!" Top

SHARON ROWSE

Sharon Rowse has a fascination with the the western frontier and the madness that was the Klondike Gold Rush. Her debut novel, THE SILK TRAIN MURDER, which received a Booklist starred review, is set in Vancouver during the Klondike era and has a recovering gold miner for a hero. Sharon is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Vancouver where she is at work on the second book featuring John Lansdowne Granville and Emily Turner. Appearing in a panel "Crime Writing in the 21st C" Sat March 15th 12:30-1pm. Top

DAVID RUSSEL

David Russell is a long time member of the arts community in Vancouver. He has worked in stage and television, including performing as a company member with the world champion improvisation company the Vancouver Theatre Sports League for nearly twenty years, where he continues to perform today. He hosted a youth television program on the Global Television network and was host for six years of a Vancouver-based talk show. Russell has written freelance for a number of publications, including Maclean's, The Vancouver Sun, The Province and others. Deadly Lessons, shortlisted for the 2007 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel, is Russell's first novel. Appearing in a panel "Crime Writing in the 21st C" Sat March 15th 12:30-1pm.

ULLA RYGHE

Ulla Ryghe grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, where she also started her career in film and worked as Ingmar Bergman's film editor during the 1960's. In 1968 she packed her bags, becoming a voyager to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the East. Along the way her life brimmed with people, events and experiences, which are chronicled in her memoir "Travels in Wonderland" to be launched this March and featured at the PFB Group Book Launch event on Sunday March 16th. The book reveals a rare account of working with Bergman as well as the NFB in Montreal. She now lives in Victoria, B.C. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 10:30am-11:00am and on Sunday March 16th in the group book launch event from 1:00pm-4:00pm Top

DON SEDGWICK

Don Sedgwick is president and part owner of Transatlantic Literary Agency Inc., and has worked for the company since 1998. During his 30-year career in the world of books, he has served as publisher and editorial director of three major Canadian companies: Doubleday Canada, Seal Paperback Books and Scholastic Canada. He also worked in the marketing departments of McClelland & Stewart and Key Porter Books. Don has taught numerous courses and workshops in publishing, and he is a senior lecturer in the Master of Publishing Program at Simon Fraser University. Don will present a workshop "Getting it Between the Covers" which will provide insights into how to get published. Presented by SFU Summer Publishing Workshop Mon March 17th, 1-5pm. Order tickets online. Top

CAROL ANN SOKOLOFF

Carol Ann Sokoloff, poet, performer & songwriter, received a Peabody Award for Educational Radio. Carol sings jazz with Trio Espresso, and is the editor and coowner of Ekstasis Editions. She is a parent, editor and literacy advocate who lives in Victoria, BC. * Carol is also part of the PFB organizing team and has brought her expertise, committment and dedication to helping PFB launch the Youth Anthology - a collection of writing by youth. "Home Before Dark" will be launched on Sunday March 16 from 1-4pm. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30-3:30pm in a Four Women Writers Panel "Don't Call me Baby!" Top

DAVID A.E. SPALDING, AUTHOR & KEVIN OKE, PHOTOGRAPHER
David Spalding

David A.E. Spalding held senior positions at the Provincial Museum of Alberta for 15 years and has worked in radio and television. Spalding now lives on Pender Island, BC. He has published 13 books, including Whales of the West Coast, Dinosaur Hunters and Into the Dinosaurs’ Graveyard, as well as many articles and television scripts.

Enchanted Isles offers an insider’s perspective on the unique beauty and charm of the southern Gulf Islands that run along the coast between Victoria and Nanaimo. This gorgeous coffee-table book is sure to be a hit with island dwellers and tourists alike. Both the author, David A.E. Spalding and the photographer, Kevin Oke are long-time residents of the gulf islands so they are able to offer the valuable knowledge available only to true islanders.

Kevin Oke received his degree from the Brooks Institute of Photographic Arts and Sciences in Santa Barbara, and his work appears in numerous books, magazines and travel guides. Kevin has lived on North Pender Island, BC, since 1990, where he works as a freelance photographer and artist. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:00-3:00pm on the Open Mic with a multimedia presentation.

SID TAFLER

Sid Tafler has edited and contributed to several books on education, history and current affairs. He was the Editor of Monday Magazine for six years, is currently a columnist for Monday and has written more than 2,000 magazine and newspaper articles and the play “Ghost on the Road,” produced at the Victoria Fringe Festival. Sid has taught writing at UVic, Camosun College, the Victoria School of Writing, Western Academy of Photography, Mount Royal College and the Fairfield Community Association. His book Us and Them, A memoir of tribes and tribulations, was published in 2006. Sid presented the organization team with a big problem - we wanted him for everything! However, the group finally agreed to have Sid present a fabulous workshop on Memoir Writing - "The Story Only You Can Tell" is sure to engage and inspire writers from all walks. Presenting on Wed March 19th, 1-4pm. Order tickets online.

CHARLES TIDLER

Charles Tidler's stage plays have had productions throughout Canada, across the United States, at the Edinburgh Festival, and in London's West End. Achievements include two National Radio Awards, a Chalmers Outstanding PlayAward, Canada Council and B.C. Arts Council awards, and a Governor General's Award nomination in drama. He is also an award-winning poet and a spoken jazz artist. His first novel, Going to New Orleans, was published in 2004. Straw Things: Selected Poetry & Song 1963-2007 will be published by Ekstasis Editions in 2008. The father of two sons, Charles makes his home in Victoria. Appearing at PFB and Theatre Inconnu Sunday March 16th. Top

PETER TROWER

The west coast has inspired many literary aritsts and Peter Trower "the logger poet" is no exception - in fact many people would agree the bush is the ultimate place for inspiration. Peter Trower was born in St. Leonard's on Sea, England in 1930. He came to Canada in 1940. Peter worked for 22 years as a logger and has been writing professionally since 1971. Peter has published three novels to date, more than ten books of poetry and numerous articles. One of his novels (Grogan's Cafe) has been optioned for a film. In 1976, Peter was the subject of a CBC documentary titled 'Between the Sky and the Splinters' after his 1974 book of poetry of the same name. Appearing Saturday March 15th, 10:00am-10:30am. VAC

LYNNE VAN LUVEN

Lynne is the editor of Going Some Place: Creative Non-Fiction Across Canada. She began her journalism career in 1968 and worked for two decades at several daily newspapers in Alberta. She can be heard as a book reviewer and cultural commentator on CBC radio. She has a PhD in Canadian Literature with a focus on feminism in Canadian Drama, and is the co-editor of Pop Can: Popular Culture in Canada. Lyn will be presenting a creative writing workshop for Victoria School of Writing on Tues March 18th.
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NAOMI BETH WAKAN
Naomi Wakan

PFB welcomes back for a second visit Naomi Beth Wakan who has written/compiled over thirty books including Images of Japan (Pacific-Edge Publishing) and Haiku: one breath poetry (Heian International, an ALA selection). Her most recent book of poetry, Segues,was published by Wolsak and Wynn in the Spring of 2005. Her book to encourage the older writer, Late Bloomer - on writing later in life was published by Wolsak and Wynn, Toronto, Fall, 2006. Her latest book of essays, Compositions: Notes on the written word, (Wolsak and Wynn) is just out. Her writing workshops, Late Bloomers, are to inspire and empower the older writer. Naomi is a member of Haiku Canada and contributes frequently to their newsletters. She is also a member of The League of Canadian Poets and Tanka Canada. Her poetry and essays have been printed in numerous magazines including Geist, Room of One's Own, Moonset and Resurgence. She
lives on Gabriola Island, B.C. with her husband, the sculptor, Elias Wakan.
www.naomiwakan.com. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 10:30-11:30 on Late Bloomers - Writing in Later Life as well as an extended workshop presentation Mon March 17th from 10am-12pm. Order tickets online for this event. PFB is pleased that Naomi will also be part of the group book launches event Sunday March 16th, 1:00-4:00pm with her new book Compositions: Notes on the Written Word. Top

LEE WEINSTEIN
Lee Weinsiein

Fernwood Publishing brings us Vancouver writer Lee Weinstein, co-editor with Richard Jaccoma of Prison Voices , an inmate-written book, made to encourage reading and writing in prisons. Within these pages twelve convict-authors reveal the dramatic details of their lives and their struggles.

Prison Voices was proposed for the National Literacy Secretariat. The John Howard Society of Canada approached Correctional Services Canada to obtain permission for Weinstein Jaccoma to solicit writing as well as to interview, record and photograph prisoners. “At first they trickled in but we received more than 300,” says Weinstein. “We were struck by the power of the writing and awed by the challenge of reducing those to just 12.” Weinstein and Jaccoma interviewed prisoners in federal penitentiaries in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. They found stories of hope, despair, remorse and rehabilitation, but most of all a central story of people struggling to learn.

Lee brings a particularly poignant perspective on this year's festival theme, "A Climate of Change" with his work editing Prison Voices. This work will appeal to those interested in rehabilitative writing or for inspiration as a unique and moving story that often counteracts the stereotypes of "prisoners. This work also demonstrates the inherent possibilities and unique applications of writing to change lives and make sense of the world…Appearing Saturday March 15th from 1:00-1:30pm Top

STAR WEISS

Star Weiss is a longtime journalist/writer/instructor who has been published in leading publications across Canada for more than 25 years. She has taught at Malaspina University-College, Camosun College, and Western Academy of Photography, where she was head of the Written Image program until 2005. Star was host of the popular cable TV program "Kitchen Culture: The Multicultural Cooking and Lifestye Show That is One of a Kind!", and co-host of Healing the Heart, a nationwide CBC radio special aired in April, 2007. She is an avid alpine hiker, with a background in multiculturalism and First Nations education, and is passionate about the importance of finding, and recording, the sacred places in our lives. Appearing at Intrepid Studio Thurs March 13th, 12:00pm-1:00pm reading and talk on "Today's Spiritual Searches for Ordinary People" See public schedule for more info.

ELIZABETH RHETT WOODS

Elizabeth Rhett Woods has published five books of poetry and three novels, including Beyond the Pale (Ekstasis Editions, 2006) and the underground classic The Yellow Volkswagen (PaperJacks, 1971). Her poetry and plays, including the 90-minute verse play Maya (Tuesday Night, 1974) have been broadcast on CBC Radio. Ekstasis Editions published her latest book, 1970: a novel poem, in 2007. She lives in Victoria.Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk Monday March 17th- Ekstasis Authors, 7PM FREE

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REX WEYLER

Rex Weyler is an author, historian, and ecologist. He was a director of the original Greenpeace Foundation and a cofounder of Greenpeace International in 1979. His history of the organization, Greenpeace: The Inside Story (Raincoast, 2004), was a finalist for the Shaughnessy Cohen award for political writing and for the BC Book Award for non-fiction. His history of the American Indian Movement, Blood of the Land (New Society, 1997), was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He is a co-author of Chop Wood, Carry Water: A Guide to Finding Spiritual Fulfillment in Everyday Life. His photographs and essays have appeared in books, magazines, and newspapers including the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and National Geographic. He writes regularly for the Tyee online and posts excerpts and essays at his web site, www.rexweyler.com. His new book, The Jesus Sayings: The quest for his authentic message (Anansi Press, 2008) examines the evidence of an historical Jesus, his original teachings, and his relevance today. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 2:30pm-3:30pm on literary publishing panel: IN THE SMYTHIE OF THE SOUL; Literary Publishing as Creative Conscience and in the PFB group book launch event on Sunday March 16, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

SAMADHI WHITEHOUSE

Edna Whitehouse now goes by her nickname, Samadhi—which means “Being in the moment, and being one with the Divine”. Samadhi began her writing career by winning two contests; the first was with Focus On Women, a Victoria-based magazine. Her essay, “Two Hearts In One,” spoke of her healing journey through her first heart surgery and the correlation of illness and forgiveness. Her second essay, “A Gut Reaction,” for the on-line magazine, Outback, showed the risks as well as the fun of exotic travel abroad. At the age of forty-eight, Samadhi decided it was time to dive into her passion and give full-time writing a chance. The outcome is "Circles in the Sand". A writer who has never forgotten what it feels like to be young and to be silenced, Samadhi’s messages are break the cycle of dysfunction, find your voice—be heard. Take back your own power. After years of travel, including visiting, living, and/or working in Europe, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, India, Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand, Samadhi now lives in Victoria—surrounded by the ocean and its life force. Appearing Saturday March 15th from 12:45-1:30pm on the Open Mic Presenting a Victoria Arts Connection workshop Wed March 19th from 10am-12pm, is based on The Passion Test™—a simple, yet profound way to discover your passions and the secret to aligning your life with what matters most to you! Samadhi’s book reading, including a poignant slideshow, is from Circles in the Sand. www.samadhiwhitehouse.writerswebpages.com Top

SHERI-D WILSON
Sheri D Wilson

The Mama of Dada - Sheri-D Wilson, poet, playwright, performer, film-maker, essayist, and educator is Internationally renowned for her jazz infused performance style laced with a dangerous wit. Sheri-D's unique experimental poetry shatters all conventions. In 2003 she won the title Heavyweight of Poetry, USA in a Bumbershoot Bout against the incredible Andrei Codrescu. Sheri-D has six collections of poetry published by Frontenac hous, Arsenal Pulp Press and Petarade Press. Sheri-D Wilson's work has been featured on CBC's Word Beat, Sounds like Canada, Canada Reads and ZED TV and she has written many articles for the Globe and Mail. Sheri-D is a leader as a poet, innovator and activist and in the revival of Spoken Word Poetry which has grown from a grassroots movement into the literary world. She is the founder and Artistic Director of the Calgary International Spoken Word Festival, and a founding member of SWAN (Spoken Word Arts Network). For more information about Sheri-D follow the links to her official web site sheridwilson.com, calgaryspokenwordfestival.com,and e-poets.net Appearing Saturday March 15th from 3:30pm-4:00pm and 4:00-5:00pm in a group poetry slam "Slam a Rama Ding Dong" with Robert Priest and the Victoria Poetry Slam Team. Top

VICTORIA'S POETRY SLAM TEAM

Jane Broomfield (Jane Bee) Jane is a graduate of Toronto's Theatre Humber College and has performed with many companies across Canada including: The Theatre Center, Dancemakers, Parahumans (Toronto), Workshop West (Edmonton), PlaywrightsTheatre (Vancouver), The Belfry and Kaleidoscope Theatre (Victoria). She is often seen at local community events as a stiltwalker and spoken-word artist, and was a founding member of The Emma Goldman Collective (a cooperative children's playgroup), as well as The Black Cat Cafe, a long-running monthly open stage, dedicated to showcasing local artists. Her favourite role is that of mother, to a 10 year old daughter and 6 year old son. Appearing Monday March 10th from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Intrepid Theatre with Roderick Glanville and4:00-5:00pm in a group poetry slam "Slam a Rama Ding Dong" with Robert Priest and Sheri D Wilson. Top

Steven J. Thompson Steven was born and raised in the lower mainland of BC, he is a professional writer having written articles for Monday Magazine and been commissioned by CBC to write a poem for the 2007 Poetry Face-off. He is the co-founder and host of a bi-weekly spoken word series in Victoria called Tongues of Fire. Steven also has a seven year career as a Computer Systems Analyst currently with Thrifty Foods and previously with KPMG LLP. He holds a diploma in Networks Systems Analysis from Royal Roads University and a certificate as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Steven has also held a volunteer job at The Wild Arc – a branch of the SPCA – from the summer of 2003 to the summer of 2004. He lives in Victoria with his wife Janice. Appearing Monday March 10th from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Intrepid Theatre with Roderick Glanville and4:00-5:00pm in a group poetry slam "Slam a Rama Ding Dong" with Robert Priest and Sheri D Wilson. Top

strong cottonwoods (Scott Gordon Towson) strong cottonwoods was born in the suburban outskirts of Vancouver, son to a wise-cracking math instructor and a warm-hearted nurse. He moved to Vancouver Island in 2003 to study at the University of Victoria, where he graduated with distinction & earned a BA in English Literature. During his studies at UVic, Scott became involved in Victoria's spoken word scene, adopting the moniker strong cottonwoods & earning himself a spot on Victoria's inaugural Slam Team ('05). This year will mark strong cottonwoods second time representing Victoria in the National Team Slam Competition, the first being at the 2005 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in Vancouver. Lately, his work has focused on Odditory Presence, a 4-piece performance poetry troupe, who recently toured a circuit of arts festivals in BC & AB, during which they took 1st place at the Wells (8th) Annual International One Minute Play Festival & turned many a head with their unique beatbox poetics. Strong cottonwoods contributes his eclectic style & versatile beatboxing skills to Victoria's poetry scene and will brandish these poetic weapons on behalf of Victoria at the CFSW. Appearing Monday March 10th from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Intrepid Theatre with Roderick Glanville and4:00-5:00pm in a group poetry slam "Slam a Rama Ding Dong" with Robert Priest and Sheri D Wilson. Top

Rae Weinfeld (RadaR) Rae grew up in Edmonton Alberta, where she completed two years towards a Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Alberta. She then, however, found her true passion as a Sound Engineer and Performance Poet. In 2006 she moved to BC to work at Streetlink emergency shelter in downtown Victoria. There she joined with the Tongues of Fire poetry collective. Rae spent her summer touring through Alberta and BC with the group Odditory Presence. She is currently trying to start a small business in live music production and engineering. She offers these services freely to the community for fundraisers and events to raise awareness on environmental and human rights based issues. She has volunteered for organizations such as Amnesty International and FNB. She is bilingual and enjoys performing in both French and English. Appearing Monday March 10th from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Intrepid Theatre with Roderick Glanville and4:00-5:00pm in a group poetry slam "Slam a Rama Ding Dong" with Robert Priest and Sheri D Wilson. Top
JORDON ZINOVICH

Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Jordan Zinovich has lived in Crete, England, France, Guinea Conakry, Holland, India, Spain, and New York City. His work has been translated into French and Dutch, with radio performances in New York and Amsterdam. At present he is a senior editor with the Autonomedia Collective, one of North America’s most notable underground publishing houses. His translation of Hans Plomp’s In India will be published by Ekstasis Editions in 2008.Appearing at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (CACGV) Writer's Talk Monday March 17th- Ekstasis Authors, 7PM

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