Graphic novel gathers Inuit tales

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This article was published 30/04/2016 (3795 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An anthology of modern and traditional Inuit stories from Canada’s Arctic gets the hardcover comic-book treatment in Arctic Comics, being launched by Renegade Arts Entertainment Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at McNally Robinson Booksellers.

Winnipegger Nicholas Burns has a hand in three of the stories, one created with fellow Winnipegger George Freeman. Both will be at the launch at McNally, along with comic-book colourist Laurie Smith and Lovern Kindzierski, who has written or illustrated numerous comics titles.

Two of the stories in the book are written and illustrated by Inuit writers or artists from Nunavut, including award-winning children’s author Michael Kusugak.

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Winnipeggers Chadwick Ginther and GMB Chomichuk are hoping for big things in June when fans begin voting for this year’s Aurora Awards for science fiction and fantasy.

Too Far Gone, the final volume in Ginther’s trilogy of novels about the adventures of Norse mythological characters in modern-day Manitoba, is shortlisted for the best English-language novel award. Ginther is also nominated along with Samantha Beiko in the “best fan organization” category for organizing the Winnipeg Chi-Series fantasy and science-fiction readings. Chomichuk’s Infinitum is shortlisted in the best graphic novel category.

Members of the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association begin voting June 15; the awards will be announced in Calgary in August.

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On Monday, Winnipeg’s ARP Press presents the first book by a writer who’s been named one to watch by theWalrus magazine. Jill Sexsmith’s Somewhere a Long and Happy Life Probably Awaits You contains stories that have been published by the Walrus and other literary magazines, and won the Writers’ Union of Canada short-prose competition. She launches the collection at McNally Robinson at 7:30 p.m.

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After gaining mainstream literary success with his graphic novel Louis Riel in 2003, Toronto author/illustratorChester Brown returned to the edgier milieu where he started in his 2011 graphic novel about his experiences patronizing prostitutes in Paying for It.

His latest work, Mary Wept Over the Feet of Jesus: Prostitution and Religious Obedience in the Bible, looks at the origins of attitudes towards prostitution. The new book tells nine stories dealing with prostitution in the Old and New Testaments. Brown discusses the book Tuesday at 7 p.m. at McNally Robinson.

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The Winnipeg Public Library brings together a room full of local writers to share their experiences and offer recommendations for reading at the Local Author Fair May 7 at the Millennium Library.

The event begins at 11 a.m. with a panel discussion featuring 2015-16 writer in residence Patricia Robertson;Daniel Perron, author of recent biography of Dancing Gabe; Elizabeth Murray, author of Holding on to Mamie: My Mother, Dementia and Me; and Melinda Friesen, author of the YA science-fiction novel Enslavement.

From 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 25 authors of fiction, non-fiction, children’s and young adult books will take be on hand to answer questions and discuss their work. The event is free, and takes place in the Carol Shields Auditorium on the second floor.

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