Novel brings home genre fiction prize

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This article was published 25/06/2018 (2638 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

David A. Robertson fell in love with writing early in his life. He was composing poetry in Grade 3, and he’s been writing ever since.

The Westwood resident is not only a prolific writer but a father of five, and publishing and communications manager at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. His father was born and raised in Norway House Cree Nation, his mother in Melita, Man.

Robertson’s dedication to the craft of writing was rewarded at this year’s Manitoba Book Awards. He was named the winner of the Michael Van Rooy Award for Genre Fiction for his novel, Strangers, and Robertson is grateful for the recognition.

“I worked so hard on Strangers, that this felt like a kind of validation for that work. That’s a bit tricky, too, because just holding a book you’ve written is validation on its own, but it was an honour to receive the Michael Van Rooy award.”

Strangers is the first book in a trilogy. Book 2, Monsters, is coming out this fall, and Book 3, Ghosts, will be out next year.

“I shaped this trilogy loosely on the arc that the original Star Wars trilogy follows. Either in structure or tone,” says the self-described comic book nerd and Star Wars nut.

Strangers, an Indigenous supernatural murder mystery, is a novel exploring more than just what it is on the surface, according to Robertson.

“It’s also about representation in literature of First Nations people, it’s about mental health, it’s about community. Even though Young Adult fiction is new for me, this focus is not dissimilar to the rest of my work in literary fiction, children’s literature, or graphic novels. They’re all about Indigenous people, cultures, communities, history, and contemporary issues. While the books are entertaining to read, you can also learn something from them,” he explained.

Robertson enjoys reading all kinds of things including YA fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

“I try to read literature similar to what I’m writing at the time, so I can learn how great writers do it. It helps me to get better. Creating change inspires me, and the way that stories can create change by engaging with readers. I think that’s exciting.”

Robertson has a memoir coming up with HarperCollins and two more books coming out in The Reckoner series. He is working on the concept for a middle grade fantasy series, and a follow-up to his very well-received children’s book, When We Were Alone, as well.

“I write these books for fun, because I love writing, but I also am very passionate about the subjects I write. I don’t write for awards, I don’t write for money, I genuinely write because I want to reach people, and have a conversation with them through story. I think it’s one of the most powerful ways we can communicate.”

For more information visit: www.darobertson.ca