The Porcupine's Quill

Richard York Presentation @ Bound Book Arts Fair

Richard York, featured in the DA 91 was be on hand at the Arts ∓ Letters Club board room during the Bound Book Arts Fair to give a presentation on his work, his process and his influences.

When: Sunday, December 11, 2022, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Boardroom, The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, 14 Elm St, Toronto, ON

PQL @ Bound Book Arts Fair

The Porcupine's Quill joined a host of printmakers, bookbinders and other book arts folks at the 2022 Bound Book Arts Fair. The event was held on Sunday, December 11 at the beautiful Arts and Letters Club. It was a perfect opportunity for folks to pick out special holiday presents for the book lovers in their lives.

When: Sunday, December 11, 2022, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, 14 Elm St, Toronto, ON

C. I. Matthews @ Chesley Public Library

C. I. Matthews read from her debut collection of short stories, Took You So Long, at the Chesley Public Library on December 9. All enjoyed hearing from this talented writer!

When: Friday, December 9, 2022, 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Where: Chesley Public Library, 73 Second Ave. SE., Chesley, ON

Richard York @ Mira Godard Gallery

Richard York, featured in the DA 91, presented an artist's talk at the Mira Godard Gallery on December 9. The Salt Spring Island-based woodcut artist discussed the wide variety of influences that have informed his complex reduction prints, from Japanese Ukiyo-e and Bohemian modernism to Baudelaire, Northrop Frye, and T.S. Eliot to German Expressionism, the Provincetown Printers, and the British Woodcut Revival, and beyond.

When: Friday, December 9, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Mira Godard Gallery, 22 Hazelton Ave., Toronto, ON
RSVP: 416-964-8197

PQL Fall Fiesta in Toronto

We had a fantastic turnout for our literary fiesta at TacoTaco in Kensington Market! We were blown away by fantastic readings by:

• Ross Breithaupt (Midland)
• Daniel Bryant (Rerouted)
• Susan Glickman (Artful Flight)
• Karl Jirgens (The Razor's Edge)
• Bruce McDougall (Urban Disturbances)
• Ed Seaward (Fair)

Thanks to all who came out to support our authors and their books!

When: Wednesday, November 23, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Where: TacoTaco, 319 Augusta Ave., Toronto, ON

For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

James Reaney: Off the Grid

This year's James Reaney Memorial Lecture, was to have been presented by Stan Dragland in celebration of the launch of his book James Reaney on the Grid, which uses the metaphor of the grid to explore the inherited literary patterns underpinning Reaney's works. Unfortunately, Stan passed away in August, before he could deliver the talk. In his memory, his lecture was read by Terry Griggs as part of Wordsfest.

When: Sunday, November 6, 2022, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Museum London, 421 Ridout St N, London, ON

For more information, visit the Wordsfest website.

Wesley W. Bates Open Studio

Wood engraver Wesley W. Bates held an open studio this November, allowing art lovers and book arts enthusiasts a peek inside his artistic process. The open studio event included demos and refreshments. Many thanks to all who stopped by

When: Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: 15 Elora St. N., Clifford, ON

PQL Books and Brews Bash in Windsor

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the work of our fabulous Windsor authors and their new and recently published books. The event featured readings by:

• Anne Baldo (Morse Code for Romantics)
• Phil Hall (The Essential Eugene McNamara)
• Karl Jirgens (The Razor's Edge)
• D.A. Lockhart (Breaking Right)

Thanks as well to Chapter Two Brewing Company, for the venue, and to Biblioasis Bookshop for handling book sales.

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Chapter Two Brewing Company, 2345 Edna St., Windsor, ON

For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

C. I. Matthews @ The Staircase Theatre

The Staircase Theatre in Hamilton was the site of All Lit Up's Indie Reading Room series. C. I. Matthews read from her debut collection of short stories Took You So Long. Thanks to Epic Books for making books available for purchase.

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Staircase Theatre, 27 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton, ON

Karl Jirgens @ Supermarket

Karl Jirgens was in Toronto to launch of his short story collection The Razor's Edge. The reading and signing took place at Supermarket in Kensington Market.

When: Sunday, October 23, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Supermarket, 268 Augusta Ave., Toronto, ON

Cindy Matthews @ Walkerton Public Library

C. I. Matthews, author of the story collection Took You So Long, presented a reading and book talk at the Walkerton Public Library on Thursday, October 20. Thanks to all who attended!

When: Thursday, October 20, 2022, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Walkerton Public Library Gallery Room(lower level), 249 Durham St. E., Walkerton, ON

Frances Boyle @ People’s Co-op Bookstore

Frances Boyle, author of the story collection Seeking Shade, read from her stories and poetry at the People's Co-op Bookstore on October 18. She was joined by Steffi Tad-y, Ellen McGinn as well as host Mariner Janes.

When: Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Where: People’s Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC

Karl Jirgens @ BookFest Windsor

Karl Jirgens participated in this year's BookFest/Festival du Livre Windsor 2022. He took part in the Fiction Across Borders Panel along with Stefanie Clermont. The discussion was moderated by Amina Abdulle.

When: Saturday, October 15, 2022, 11:30 a.m.
Where: School of Creative Arts (SoCA) The Armouries, 37 University Ave. E., Windsor, ON

PQL @ Howard Iron Works Print Expo & Fair

The Porcupine's Quill was pleased to return to the Print Expo & Fair. held at the Howard Iron Works Printing Museum. The museum is a wonderland for anyone interested in print history and printing machinery. The fair featured demos, workshops and hands-on printing experiences, plus a number of vendors celebrating printmaking, letterpress printing, typography and book arts.

When: Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Howard Iron Works Printing Museum, 800 Westgate Rd., Oakville, ON

Karl Jirgens @ Biblioasis

Thanks to all who stopped by Biblioasis Bookshop to see Karl Jirgens read from his fantastic new collection of short stories The Razor's Edge. He was joined by G.A. Grisenthwaite, reading from his book Home Waltz.

When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Biblioasis, 1520 Wyandotte Ave. E., Windsor ON

C. I. Matthews @ Victoria Jubilee Hall

C. I. Matthews read from her debut short story collection Took You So Long on Saturday September 17. Her reading was part of the 125th anniversary celebration of Victoria Jubilee Hall in Walkerton.

When: Saturday, September 17, 2022, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Victoria Jubilee Hall, 111 Jackson St. S., Walkerton, ON

PQL @ Fisher Small and Fine Press Fair

The Porcupine's Quill was on hand at the 2022 Small and Fine Press Fair, taking place at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in Toronto. A full slate of printers and bookmakers participated in this event held in a truly gorgeous setting!

When: Saturday, September 10, 2022, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, 120 St. George St., Toronto, ON

Karl Jirgens @ Stone and Sky Music and Art Series

Karl Jirgens read from his short story collection The Razor's Edge as well as other publications at the Stone and Sky Arts Fest. The event featured music by the Nadine Deleury ensemble (Nadine Deleury, cello, Velda Kelly, violin, Lisa Raschiatore, clarinet) as well as performative visual art by Collette Broeders.

When: Sunday, June 19, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Pelee Quarry, Pelee Island, ON (just past the Pelee Winery Pavillion)
Tickets: $20
Info: Stone and Sky website

PQL @ The Word on the Street Toronto

The Porcupine's Quill was pleased to participate in The Word on the Street festival marketplace in Toronto this June. In 2022, the book festival took place at Queen's Park, and a great many book lovers joined us in the open air and availed themselves of the opportunity to catch up on all manner of enticing books.

When: Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, 2022
Where: Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto, ON
Info: The Word on the Street Toronto website

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.