Welcome to another week of literary excitement in Calgary ranging from genre-bending poetry and fiction to tantalizing murder mysteries.
The flywheel reading series, sponsored by filling Station magazine, regularly challenges writers to push their personal boundaries, and this week’s event is no exception. The Cross-Pollination Experiment unites two fiction writers and two poets in an evening of collaborative performances. Join Angie Abdou, Jonathan Ball, ryan fitzpatrick and Joni Krats for an exciting evening of literary experimentation at McNally Robinson (120 8 Ave. S.W.) on June 5, 5 p.m.
The Aboriginal Writers Circle brings together editors from New Tribe magazine with aspiring aboriginal writers to discuss stories, publishing and everything to do with writing. If you want to join the conversation, head to McNally Robinson on June 5, 6 p.m.
After the death of his father, without a penny or a plan, Charlie catches a bus to Banff. The new novel by Dean Salter, Don’t Blame the Bear, chronicles Charlie’s tale of family and responsibility. Salter will sign copies at McNally Robinson on June 6, noon.
What’s the point of having your own column if you don’t indulge in the occasional spurt of self-promotion? Markapalooza is a celebration of my 25th birthday and a fundraiser for the ALS Society of Alberta, featuring music by Allison Lynch, Christian Hansen & the Autistics, Danielle French, DJ Good Word, Kris Demeanor & His Crack Band and WADE and a prize raffle with books by a wide variety of authors, including David Bateman, derek beaulieu, Weyman Chan, Chris Ewart, ryan fitzpatrick, Melanie Little, Gisèle Villeneuve and more. There will also be an exclusive, limited-edition chapbook for sale, assembled by local literary heavyweight Natalie Zina Walschots. The party hits the Big Secret Theatre (Epcor Centre) on June 6, 7:30 p.m., $10 at the door.
For spine-tingling tales of suspense, look no further than Genre... Murder! This special event features four local mystery writers — Jeff Buick, Lorna Nicholson, Steve Owad and Sharon Wildwind — reading from their latest works. Dive into intrigue at the W.R. Castell Central Library (616 Macleod Tr. S.E.) on June 12, 7 p.m.
NoD Magazine, published by undergraduate students at the University of Calgary, consistently showcases high-quality and innovative poetry, fiction and visual art. The launch of issue eight will feature performances by Christian Bök, Megan Doraty, ryan fitzpatrick, Kim Tan-MacNeil and Michael Yip, with music by A Chalkboard (featuring Jared Andres and Laura Leif of The Consonant C), at Weeds Café (1903 20 Ave. N.W.) on June 12, 7 p.m.
Finally, it’s time for a transition here in the ol’ Bookends column. After almost two years in this space, it’s time for me to move on — but never fear, because the supremely talented Bronwyn Haslam will be picking up where I leave off. Bronwyn and I will co-write the next two weeks’ articles, and by the end of the month, Bookends will be her domain. Thanks, and adios!
