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Leslie Gentile’s debut novel Elvis, Me and The Lemonade Stand Summer was released by Cormorant Books in February 2021. It won the 18th annual Victoria Children's Book Awards for 2021, and is a finalist in both the Rocky Mountain and Silver Birch Book Awards for 2022. It has gone into its third printing in under a year. Gentile now performs with two of her adult children as The Leslie Gentile Band, and with author/musician sister Karen Lee White as The Half White Sisters. She has been a musician, concert promoter, bookkeeper, education assistant, antique restoration assistant, gooey duck shucker and riding instructor. Gentile lives on Vancouver Island with her husband Dan, and a German Shepherd who is convinced that he’s a lap dog. Gentile is of Salish, Tuscarora and Scottish heritage and lives on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. Leslie said she’s pleased that her book has resonated with readers of all ages. “It’s considered a middle grade novel, but I am really blown away by the huge number of adults who have embraced this book and the two main characters, Truly and Andy El, and let me know how their story has impacted them. I’ve had a few adult readers tell me that the book has made them rethink their preconceived ideas about Indigenous people — now that is powerful, and for a writer, very humbling,” she said. Leslie said she’s heard so much about Electric Mermaid that she’s really excited to join the community. “It’s such a brilliant idea to celebrate and encourage writers with an open mike event. I’m looking forward to hearing a diverse group of writers that I wouldn’t ordinarily get to hear what a gift to be part of it,” she said. can buy her book are available at most bookstores and online at Chapters, Amazon
Derek Hanebury is a Vancouver Island writer of fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Something Else Altogether (RCN) is his first solo collection of short stories, following the 2020 publication of Both Sides Now (RCN), which was a compilation of stories co-authored with Vicki Drybrough, and Libbie Morin, and the 2006 publication of Nocturnal Tonglen (Ekstasis) a collection of poems. He is also the co-editor of Alberniology, an Alberni Valley writing anthology. His first novel, Ginger Goodwin: Beyond the Forbidden Plateau, (Arsenal Pulp) went to a second printing. He has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from UBC and taught writing at North Island College on Vancouver Island until his retirement in 2017. “We are thrilled to help launch Derek’s wonderful new book. He’s a wonderful host and leader for the Electric Mermaid, and his writing is amazing. This book’s short stories are beautifully crafted. can buy his books at www.rcn.media.
“We are thrilled to help launch Derek’s wonderful new book. He’s a wonderful host and leader for the Electric Mermaid, and his writing is amazing. This book’s short stories are beautifully crafted. It will be a real treat for listeners and fellow writers,” said artistic director Jacqueline Carmichael. Electric Mermaid, emceed by Derek Hanebury, is supported in part by Creative BC and the Canada Council on the Arts and by Char’s Landing hostel and venue of Port Alberni. The April 27 edition marks the addition of a new sponsor, Alberni Valley publishing house RCN Media.Writers of all levels and genres are welcome to register for a reading of up to five minutes with moderator Karl Korven at [email protected]. Curated open mic reading lengths from Luma’s List depend on how many readers there are.
READER 03 noshow Joy Sheldon 5 min (Via Zoom from Chowican Valley)
