There are more than 20 great reasons to purchase the new book being released at the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshops’ annual general meeting and book launch on Tuesday, September 5.

Twenty Years on Snowshoes: Winning Stories from Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop contains stories selected from among all the winners in the short story/fiction and memoir categories in the annual writing contest held by NOWW since 1999.

“This commemorative book contains 20 award-winning stories by some of our region’s best writers, in recognition of NOWW’s first 20 years,” said NOWW president Jane Crossman. The cost is $15 at the launch and $20 after that at workshops and readings.

The book features stories by John Pringle, Joan Baril, Jim Foulds, Mike Bryan, Heather Dickson, Roy Blomstrom, Holly Haggarty, Doug Diaczuk, Sue Blott, Jayne Barnard, Susan Rogers, and other recognizable names.

Dickson, who designed the cover, said the name of the book came about in a brainstorming session. “The snowshoes represent that we’re making tracks and there’s still a journey to go ahead of us,” she said.

The book was edited by Rosalind Maki and Deborah de Bakker, with a foreword by Charles Wilkins. “Rosalind and Deborah have done a superb job editing this collection of stories and Heather Dickson designed an eye-catching cover,” Crossman said.

Maki said they are very proud of this anthology. “The stories are terrific, compelling and varied, both in style and subject matter.”
de Bakker said the book reflects the strength of the writing community, which has been encouraged by NOWW for 20 years. “I hope everyone will read the stories and be captivated by them, as we have been,” she said.

Crossman encouraged people to come support the book launch, adding that yearly NOWW memberships will also be sold at the launch. She wishes to thank the Lakehead Rotary Club for their generous support of the publication.

The AGM and book launch will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 5 in the first-floor Dawson Room at the Prince Arthur Hotel and Suites. The AGM starts at 6:30 pm. Doors open for the book launch at 7:15 pm.

For more information about NOWW, visit nowwwriters.ca or contact admin@nowwwriters.ca.