Friday, October 28, 2005

New books are marathons

Just a few weeks ago, our new children's book, The Gathering Tree (Theytus Books), arrived all shiny and with that new book smell. A few days later, our previous children's book, As Long as the Rivers Flow (Groundwood), was delivered in its new paper cover version. They are both great books, and good companions -- together both are only CDN$33. To learn more about them, and order copies, see our website www.firstnationswriter.com

The Gathering Tree was an intense nine-month project, starting on January 17 in the Chee Mamuk, HIV/AIDS aboriginal education program office, with educators Melanie and Lucy. We all wanted a book that would introduce the subject of HIV awareness and prevention, with a First Nations storyline, that would appeal to all readers, no matter their age or background. The race was on!

Theytus Books, our publisher, was also involved, as well as illustrator Heather D. Holmlund from afar. The book was written by March 31, the artwork completed in early July. Design and layout by Theytus in Penticton, BC. Printed in Winnipeg by Friesen's. A real marathon!

What made it all so great was the readers who came to our wonderful launch on Monday, Sept. 26 at the Squamish Nation Recreation Centre. More than 50 schoolchildren were there and they were an intelligent and supportive audience. The huge room was full, with more than 120 people. What a celebration! We followed with three launches at Vancouver Library Central branch, the Gathering Place Library on Helmcken, and the Carnegie Library at the Carnegie Community Centre.

Then we took off for Dawson Creek where we were to do 5 school readings, but these were cancelled because of the teacher's strike. Chee Mamuk was with us in Dawson Creek, so we did two readings/workshops together, one with youth and one with adults. The youth were attentive and impressive. Thank you for attending!

Following Dawson Creek was a tour of northern Alberta, where Larry grew up, including High Prairie, Grouard, Wabasca-Desmarais, Slave Lake and then on to Edmonton. We joined students from all the Northern Lakes College campuses at Lab Day on Oct. 19... 78 students came to our writing workshops.

Altogether, we must have visited or called more than 20 contacts regarding The Gathering Tree and also the paper cover version of As Long as the Rivers Flow. That included Treaty 8, Treaty 6, HIV/AIDS Edmonton, Edmonton School Board, Edmonton Public Libraries, Edmonton Journal, Shaw Cable TV, and many more.

In 2006, we'll catch up with those readings in Dawson Creek, and do many more -- with requests in High Prairie, Slave Lake, Wabasca-Desmarais, Edmonton and others. We can't wait to meet with readers young and older. -- Larry and Constance

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Welcome!

Welcome to Living Traditions Writers Group Blog...