A re-energized Writers' Collective, with a new office and co-ordinator, will emerge this month when the organization holds its first Library Out Loud open-mike series at the Millennium Library.

The Writers' Collective serves Manitobans with an interest in developing as writers through events, contests and a journal, called The Collective Consciousness, which new co-ordinator Anita Daher also plans to relaunch.

To take part in the first Library Out Loud event, scheduled for Feb. 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Millennium Library, email writerscollective@gmail.com

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Storyteller and retired Winnipeg teacher Joe McLellan launches the 12th book this month in his series inspired by the Anishinabe legends of Nanobosho.

Nikik and Wapus Save the People (Pemmican Publications), illustrated by Jackie Traverse, features Nikik (Otter) and Wapus (Rabbit) as they uncover a plot to steal the people's food.

The book launch is at McNally Robinson tomorrow at 2 p.m.

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Winnipegger Jeremy Bradley has the market figured out for his new self-published book, the Official Guide to Being a Winnipeg Cheapskate.

This weekend he'll be signing copies of the how-to book at that temple of cost-consciousness, Costco. He'll be at the St. James Costco from 11 a.m. to 1:30 today, followed by a trip to the McGillivray Costco from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Transcona shoppers will be able to pick up a signed copy of his book, along with bulk supplies of paper towels and motor oil, at the Regent Costco.

The manual contains section on saving money at Christmas and Valentine's Day, on your pets and phone bill, on vacations and weekends, and throughout the year via coupons.

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Is there a book in your heart just yearning to burst out, like one of those creatures from Alien?

If so, a Manitoba Writers' Guild workshop next Saturday, Feb 23, at 1 p.m. might be what you need. The two-hour workshop will offer perspectives from a successful self-published author, a representative from Friesen's printing, and the self-publishing co-ordinator at McNally Robinson.

The author on the program is Mary Anne Appleby, whose book Winnie the Bear was shortlisted in the Manitoba Book Awards and the Manitoba Historical Society book awards and won a gold medal at the International Publishers Book Awards last year in New York.

For information or registration, call the Guild at 204-944-8013.

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The Rady Jewish Community Centre is launching a new book club focusing on books that cover a range of subjects from a Jewish perspective.

First up is a meeting and conversation on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. with Winnipegger Méira Cook, author of The House on Sugarbush Road, set in South Africa around the end of apartheid. Subsequent meetings on April 4, May 9 and June 13 will focus on Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers, Nancy Richler's The Imposter Bride, and Shiva, by former Winnipegger Michael Tregebov.

The book club is free and open to all.

booknewsbob@gmail.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 16, 2013 J8