The Porcupine's Quill

George A. Walker Written in Wood: Visual Narratives with a Canadian Cut

Wood engraver George A. Walker, the artist behind several wordless novels, including his most recent, Mary Pickford, Queen of the Silent Film Era presented a talk hosted by the Alcuin Society. He spoke about the importance of wordless graphic narratives in the context of contemporary Canadian culture, political history and biography.

When: Thursday, May 26, 2022, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite

For more information about this event, see the event details on Eventbrite.

Mark Frutkin on the Ottawa International Writers Festival Podcast

Mark Frutkin was interviewed as part of the Ottawa International Writers Festival podcast. Mark and host Susan Johnston chatted about Mark's latest novel, The Artist and the Assassin.

When: Tuesday, May 24, 2022, 12:01 p.m.
Where: Online

For more details, visit the Ottawa International Writers Festival website.

Woodwriter: The Wordless Art of George A. Walker

Woodwriter: The Wordless Art of George A. Walker is a documentary by Jeff Winch that explores the work of PQL friend George A. Walker. There was a free preview of the film for friends and supporters in May to thank cast, crew, participants and others instrumental in the film.

When: Friday, May 20, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Royal Cinema, 606 College St., Toronto, ON

Mark Frutkin Zoom Reading

Mark Frutkin held an online event including a reading from The Artist and the Assassin. He also read from short essays from his upcoming collection The Walled Garden and snippets of his work in progress, set in Tan Dynasty China, tentatively entitled The Accidental Hermit.

When: Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom

Frances Boyle @ TWUC Webinar

Frances Boyle, author of the short story collection Seeking Shade, took part in an upcoming webinar offered by the Writers' Union of Canada entitled "Construction of a Story Arc: In Conversation with Danuta Gleed Winners and Finalists". She was joined by fellow finalists Jack Wang and Sidura Ludwig. The event was hosted by Lesley Choyce.

When: Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 3:00 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom
Registration: $10 (or free for TWUC members) by registering via Eventbrite

For more information, visit the TWUC website

PQL @ Wellington County Writers' Festival

The Porcupine's Quill was pleased to take part in the first annual Wellington County Writers' Festival. On hand at the table next door was Wellington County-based wood engraver Wesley Bates. Rob Reid, who collaborated with Wesley on Casting into Mystery, stopped by the PQL table in the afternoon to sign a few copies.

When: Saturday, April 23, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Wellington County Museum and Archives, 0536 Wellington Rd. 18, Fergus, ON
Info: Wellington County website

Leon Rooke Artwork @ yumart Gallery

Governor General's Award-winning author Leon Rooke, the poet behind the collection Rank Songbirds, displayed his visual art skills with a gallery show at yumart. His show, "Expressionism's Revenge" ran at the gallery in Toronto in March of 2022.

When: Saturday, March 5, 2022 - Saturday, March 26, 2022
Where: yumart, 401 Richmond St. W., Lower Concourse, Suite B20, Toronto, ON
Info: yumart website

Mark Huebner @ The Arts and Letters Club

Mark Huebner, the artist behind the beautiful wordless novel Let Go, was a featured speaker at one of the Arts and Letters Club's Club Night dinners in Toronto.

When: Monday, January 10, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom. (Registration required)

Book Signing: Mark Huebner @ Mackenzies High Park Pub

Mark Huebner signed copies of his wordless graphic novel, Let Go, at Mackenzies High Park Pub. Thanks to all who stopped by.

When: Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Mackenzies High Park Pub, 1982 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON

Radio Interview: Mark Huebner's Let Go on Sauga 960 AM

Mark Huebner's was interviewed about his outstanding graphic novel in linocuts, Let Go, as part of the RAW Mike Richards show on Sauga 960 AM. Thanks to all who tuned in! If you missed it, you can watch it here.

When: Tuesday, December 17, 2021, 8:40 a.m.
Where: Sauga 960 AM

Frances Boyle @ Junction Reads

Frances Boyle, author of Seeking Shade, read as part of Junction Reads on Zoom.

When: Sunday, December 12, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom

For more information, visit the Junction Reads website.

Book Signing: Mark Huebner's Let Go

Thanks to all who attended the signing for Mark Huebner's wordless novel in linocuts, Let Go, at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto.

When: Sunday, November 28, 2021, 12:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, 14 Elm St., Toronto, ON

Book Reading: Mark Frutkin's The Artist and the Assassin

Mark Frutkin held a reading for his latest historical novel, The Artist and the Assassin—a tale inspired by the wild, creative life and mysterious death of 17th century Italian painter, Caravaggio—in a virtual reading sponsored by the Writers' Union of Canada.

When: Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom

Virtual Book Launch: Mark Frutkin's The Artist and the Assassin

Many thanks to all the enthusiastic guests who attended the launch of Mark Frutkin's The Artist and the Assassin, a gripping fictionalized take on the life of the famously mercurial painter Caravaggio

When: Thursday, October 7, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom

Frances Boyle @ Lit Live Online

Seeking Shade author Frances Boyle participated in the Lit Live Online Reading Series in October. She was joined by Lisa Richter, Lauren Turner, Billeh Nickerson, Anne Pollard and Lena Scholman.

When: Sunday, October 3, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Register: Free registration via EventBrite

For more information, visit the EventBrite registration page.

Sharon Berg @ Saint John's Farmers' Market Book Fair

Sharon Berg, author of the short story collection Naming the Shadows, read from her book at the Saint John's Farmers' Market Book Fair on October 3rd. Thanks to all who came out to meet Sharon on one of her first outings as an author in the province!

When: Sunday, October 3, 2021, 10:15 a.m.
Where: St. John’s Farmers' Market, 245 Freshwater Rd., St. John’s, NL

For more information, visit the St. John's Farmers' Market website.

George A. Walker @ Howard Iron Works Print Expo

George A. Walker, the artist behind many fabulous wordless novels such as Mary Pickford, Queen of the Silent Film Era and The Mysterious Death of Tom Thomson, was interviewed as part of the 2021 Howard Iron Works Print Expo, which was held virtually for 2021. George joined the conversation about the production of Woodwriter, an upcoming documentary about his work as a master engraver. Producer/Filmmaker Roxana Spicer and Director/Producer Jeff Winch was also interviewed.

When: Saturday, October 2, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Online

For more information, visit the Howard Iron Works website.

Write Now! Presents: D.A. Lockhart

D.A. Lockhart, author of Breaking Right, gave a talk about writing as part of the Write Now! - Writers on Writing series offered by the University of Western Ontario. The lecture was open to Western students, staff and faculty.

When: Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Where: University Community Centre Room 56, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON

For more information, view the event listing on the Western website.

Virtual Book Launch: Ross Breithaupt's Midland

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the virtual launch of Ross Breithaupt's fantastic debut novel, Midland. The book follows twenty-year-old Rory Fleck as he navigates grief, trauma, family stories, friendship and even a little romance during a transformative season as a tree planter in Northern Ontario.

When: Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom.

On the Radio: Ross Breithaupt's Midland on Sauga 960 AM

The Idea Shop segment of Sauga 960 AM's Raw with Mike Richards featured a short discussion of Ross Breithaupt's fantastic debut novel Midland. In case you missed it, a podcast of the episode is available online here.

When: Tuesday, August 31, 2021, ~8:10 a.m.
Where: Sauga 960 AM

Frances Boyle @ JUNEXTRAVAGANZA!

Frances Boyle, author of Seeking Shade, read as part of Attic Owl Reading Series JUNEXTRAVAGANZA! on Facebook Live. The event took place on June 24th and featured readings by Frances, Rayanne Haines, Lillian Necakov, Lauren Scharhag, Scott Ferry and Ekaterina Pavlova.

When: Thursday, June 24, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Facebook Live

For more information, visit the Facebook event listing.

P.C. Vandall @ Isle of the Arts Festival

P.C. Vandall, author of The Blue Moth of Morning, took part in the Gabriola Arts Council's Isle of the Arts Festival. She read during the "CoRvid Cabaret," hosted by Mitch Miyagawa as part of Poetry Gabriola’s 2021 Micro Festival. This virtual event was a feast for the senses, featuring music, poetry and 'shadow play'.

When: Saturday, April 10, 2021, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom

For more information, visit the Isle of the Arts Festival website.

On the Radio: Ed Seaward's Fair on Sauga 960 AM

Thanks for tuning in to The Idea Shop segment of Sauga 960 AM's Raw with Mike Richards. The short discussion of Ed Seaward's beautifully poetic debut novel, Fair was very insightful, and we hope a few new readers discovered this excellent book.

When: Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 8:10 a.m.
Where: Sauga 960 AM

Virtual Book Launch: Frances Boyle's Seeking Shade on Zoom

We were pleased to see so many attend the virtual launch of Frances Boyle's new short story collection Seeking Shade on Zoom! Frances was joined by D.A. Lockhart who treated everyone to a preview of his "most anticipated" 2021 short story collection Breaking Right. Thanks to Rhonda Douglas for hosting this event.

When: Thursday, February 11, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom

Reading: Mark Frutkin on Zoom

Mark Frutkin read from his novel The Rising Tide on December 3rd at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Lucky attendees also got a sneak peek from his upcoming novel, The Artist and the Assassin.

When: Thursday, December 3, 2020, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom (Contact us at pqlporcupettes@gmail.com for the log in information.)

Panel Discussion: Frances Boyle @ Ottawa International Writers Festival

Frances Boyle, author of the short story collection Seeking Shade, participated in the Ottawa International Writers Festival's podcast "The Art of the Short Story". She was joined by fellow panelists David Bergen and Souvankham Thammavongsa. The conversation was hosted by Peter Robb and Rhonda Douglas.

When: Friday, October 2, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Visit the Ottawa International Writers Festival website to learn how to listen to the podcast.

Radio Interview: Frances Boyle @ CKCU Asking for a Friend

Seeking Shade author Frances Boyle was interviewed by Susan Johnston for the CKCU radio show Asking for a Friend. Frances also read a short selection from her short story collection!

When: Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Where: 93.1 FM or online at the CKCU website

Book Launch: Casting into Mystery @ THEMUSEUM

The long-awaited launch of Robert Reid and Wesley Bates's book Casting into Mystery took place at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener. The author and artist were on hand for a short talk, and to sign books.

When: Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where: THEMUSEUM, 10 King St. W., Kitchener, ON
Tickets: Free tickets available through the event page on Eventbrite.

Book Launch: The Blue Moth of Morning @ Surf Lodge

You're invited to the launch of P.C. Vandall's new book of poetry, The Blue Moth of Morning! This book is full of fun, clever poetry and will be a great addition to your poetry collection. Poetry Gabriola is hosting the outdoor book launch for a limited number of guests, taking place on the launch of the Surf Lodge and Pub on Gabriola Island. (Please follow all social distancing measures put in place for your protection.) A Zoom link will be made available via the Poetry Gabriola Facebook page for those who wish to attend virtually.

When: Monday, August 10, 2020, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Surf Lodge and Pub, 885 Berry Point Rd, Gabriola, BC

For more information, check out the Poetry Gabriola Facebook page.

Rob Reid Interviewed on 98.5 CKWR

Robert Reid, author of Casting into Mystery spoke with Coral Andrews during Afternoon Drive with Coral Andrews on 98.5 CKWR, Kitchener-Waterloo's community radio station. Thanks for tuning in to hear about this beautiful book.

When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 2:20 p.m.
Where: 98.5 CKWR, or listen live at ckwr.com

Jeffery Donaldson @ Cobourg's Third Thursday Reading Series

Jeffery Donaldson, author of Fluke Print and Viaticum, took up the mantle of Guest Poet at Cobourg Poetry Workshop's Third Thursday Reading Series on February 20. Thanks to all who stopped by for an evening of poetry—and to pick up a signed book or two!

When: Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.)
Where: Meet at 66 King East, 66 King St. E., Cobourg, ON

Rob Reid and Wesley Bates @ KW Flyfishers Club

Rob Reid and engraver Wesley Bates gave presentation about their forthcoming book Casting into Mystery to the Kitchener-Waterloo Flyfishers Club. The event took place at the Albert McCormick Community Complex in Waterloo.

When: Saturday, January 4, 2020
Where: Albert McCormick Community Complex, 500 Parkside Dr., Waterloo, ON

Bookmark for Sailor Girl

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at 10:45 am Project Bookmark Canada unveiled a Bookmark for Sheree-Lee Olson's debut novel Sailor Girl.

The Bookmark is positioned at Lock 8 on the Welland Canal in Port Colborne. Author Sheree-Lee Olson and Port Colborne Mayor Vance Badawey were both in attendence.

For more information of Project Bookmark Canada, check out their website here.

Check out the news story on The Source here.

Miranda Hill, executive director of Project Bookmark Canada with Sheree-Lee Olson and Mayor Vance Badawey.

May 15 2009: Rideau Hall

Tim and Elke Inkster at Rideau Hall, 15 May, 2009.