Spend an afternoon with Canadian author, Pauline Holdstock

Well-known Canadian author Pauline Holdstock will discuss the writing process during a two-hour course offered by Malaspina University-College’s Centre for Continuing Studies on Saturday, April 23 at the Nanaimo campus from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

Holdstock will read from her novel, Beyond Measure, which has recently been nominated for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, and from her non-fiction book, Mortal Distractions.

In her book, Beyond Measure, Holdstock "creates a lush setting that envelopes the reader in Renaissance Italy, warts and all," said Nahanni Ackroyd, Program Coordinator for the Centre for Continuing Studies. "It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Anyone who is interested in writing, reading, art or history should make sure they spend an afternoon with this writer."

Holdstock’s visit to Malaspina coincides with the first day of BC Book and Magazine Week.

She will discuss the development of a novel, from the first stirrings of life to an independent existence, and examine such questions as what moves a writer to choose historical fiction? Are there obligations attached? When does a writer turn from fiction to non-fiction? Are there two distinct "muses"?

"Typically, the novel that you start to write isn’t the novel that you finish with," said Holdstock. "I’ll talk about my personal experiences with the writing process and draw on my collection of essays. Some of them relate to how you begin a novel, from the point of conception to where you go from there. There will be plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions."

The afternoon session will be of interest to writers and to those who like to read historical fiction, said Holdstock. "Historical fiction is set in a place and time where you, as a writer, have no experience," she explained.

Originally from England, Holdstock came to Canada in 1974. She writes novels, short fiction, essays and book reviews. Her books have been published in the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as in Canada. Her fiction has been anthologized in both Canada and the U.K., most recently in Going Some Place (Coteau) and Young Blood (Exile) in Canada, and in Valentine’s Day (Duckworth). Holdstock’s work has appeared in national newspapers and has been broadcast on CBC radio.

To register for the Afternoon with Pauline Holdstock on Saturday, April 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, call Malaspina’s Centre for Continuing Studies at 1-866-734-6252. The fee for this course is $25 plus GST.