Writing tends to be a pretty solitary activity, but with their books completed and published, nine Yukon authors are ready to celebrate.
Mac’s Fireweed Books is hosting the annual Yukon Book Signing Extravaganza on Dec. 7, and the authors will be there speaking about their books, signing copies and mingling with the book loving guests that attend.
I talked to Lise Schonewille, the book buyer for Mac’s Fireweed Books about the event.
Elke Reinauer: How long has Mac’s Fireweed Bookstore been hosting this event?
Lise Schonewille: This will be the fifth event now.
ER: What has changed during the years?
LS: We are having more and more authors form year to year. It’s amazing how many writers are living in the Yukon. I actually made a list for the library and found
and Tuxedoed Man. These books are page-turners about Police Chief Kate Williams.
She also will present her book Backli’s Ford, which is already released and will be available at the event.
With Claire Eamer’s book, called Before The World Was Ready, is a non-fiction book about genius in science. It’s a book for eight-year-old children, but also a funny reading experience for adults.
ER: There are books about First Nation life and culture on the list.
Do you think the event can help foster a better understanding of native life and culture in the Yukon?
LS: Aboriginal culture is a big part of the Yukon. And so is native literature. I Was Born Under A Spruce Tree is a great book based on J.J. Van Bibber’s stories and his life. You can learn a lot about First Nation culture and life by reading this book.
Alex and Pat Van Bibber will be there to sign the book. They are looking forward to talking to people, sharing stories and presenting the book.
Another book on the List is Summer Snow by Eleanor Millard, which is based on her own experience by adopting an aboriginal girl who has FASD.
I am looking forward of having all these authors in the bookstore.
ER: What do you think makes the Yukon such a special place for literature, given there are 65 authors or more in the territory – that’s a lot.
LS: We have an eclectic group of writers in the Yukon. Every one of them has a very different story to tell. That, in itself, is what makes the Yukon a special place for literature. The rich history along with the peacefulness and beauty of our territory provides great material.
We also have two great platforms to help provide writers with a base to pen their works. The Berton House Writers’ Retreat in Dawson City provides the perfect setting for authors to contemplate and write their stories, and the yearly Yukon Writers Conference is a great opportunity for people to converse and showcase their writing to professionals.
The Annual Yukon Author Book Signing Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mac’s Fireweed Books, located at 203 Main Street in Whitehorse.
