According to Canadian novelist, David Carpenter, the Comox Valley “has been crawling with writers for 150 years.” This rich legacy is celebrated in a new book to be released on Dec. 3.
Inspired by the City of Courtenay centennial year, the Comox Valley Writers Society undertook to document book authors associated with the Comox Valley over the last century. While the initial challenge was to find 100 authors over 100 years, the project grew to include 180 authors over 150 years. The publication is a comprehensive record of book authors associated with the Comox Valley during this period.
The book honours those who have recorded local history, from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present. It also recognizes native sons and daughters who have gone on to contribute elsewhere as authors of books, and those who have migrated to the Valley at a later point in life with books to their credit, or in process, and who now contribute to the cultural life of the area. It contains authors who have contributed to science and discovery, history and the arts, spirituality and recreation, and more. Some have been distinguished and honoured at national and international levels, others have written and published for the enjoyment of the family and friends.
The Comox Valley Writers Society has produced a collection of material which brings new awareness to the reading public. There are facts of history, insights into personalities, connections to community, recognitions and awards received, which will cause readers to say: “I didn’t know that!”
The public is invited to attend the launch of the book on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Courtenay Museum. “We particularly want to encourage relatives of the historical authors to join us for this event,” say the organizers.
For more information call Christine at 250-331-0600 or Terry at 250-338-0597. The book will be available at the Laughing Oyster, the Blue Heron, and the Courtenay Museum.