Award-Winning Science Fiction Author Library's Sixth Writer in Residence
For Immediate Release, August 17, 2010
(Vancouver, British Columbia) – Award-winning science fiction author Spider Robinson is Vancouver Public Library’s sixth Writer in Residence.
During his four-month tenure, Robinson, an internationally acclaimed author of 36 novels, will mentor emerging writers and share his expertise with the community through readings, events
and the Library’s first-ever podcasted workshops.
“Vancouver Public Library is thrilled to announce Spider Robinson as our sixth Writer in Residence,” said Diana Guinn, Director, Neighbourhood & Youth Services. “He is among the most-prominent science fiction authors and his skills, knowledge and insight will greatly benefit the individuals he works with one-on-one and in workshops.”
The residency allows the writer to spend 75 percent of their time writing and Robinson will work on his novel tentatively titled Orphan Stars, the first book in a trilogy of sequels to Variable Star.
“I have felt that libraries are my true home ever since I discovered my first one back in 1954. So I’ve been a Reader in Residence for over half a century, which led me to writing,” said Robinson. “I could not have picked a more-appropriate library at which to reside than the Vancouver Public Library. Many have noted its physical resemblance to a Star Trek set, making it a natural home for cutting-edge experiments like turning a writer’s workshop into a podcast.”
Robinson has written 36 novels, which have been published in 10 languages, including the long-running series of raucous tales set around Callahan's Crosstime Saloon and The Stardance Trilogy, written in collaboration with his late wife Jeanne Robinson. His short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies around the world and Robinson is also an accomplished musician, writing songs in collaboration with musical legend David Crosby and being accompanied by guitar legend Amos Garrett.
In 2006, Robinson became the only writer to collaborate on a novel with science fiction grand master Robert A. Heinlein, posthumously completing the critically acclaimed Variable Star. He has won numerous awards, including science fiction's top international honours, the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, a Nebula Award and three Hugo Awards. In 2008 he won the Robert A. Heinlein Award for Lifetime Excellence in Literature.
Emerging writers who would like a one-on-one consultation with Spider Robinson must apply to be considered. Information is available at www.vpl.ca/writer_in_residence.
Robinson’s inaugural reading as Writer in Residence takes place Thursday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at the Central Library, Alice MacKay Room. Admission is free.
The 2010 Writer in Residence Program is made possible with financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library.
(Vancouver, British Columbia) – Award-winning science fiction author Spider Robinson is Vancouver Public Library’s sixth Writer in Residence.
During his four-month tenure, Robinson, an internationally acclaimed author of 36 novels, will mentor emerging writers and share his expertise with the community through readings, events
and the Library’s first-ever podcasted workshops.
“Vancouver Public Library is thrilled to announce Spider Robinson as our sixth Writer in Residence,” said Diana Guinn, Director, Neighbourhood & Youth Services. “He is among the most-prominent science fiction authors and his skills, knowledge and insight will greatly benefit the individuals he works with one-on-one and in workshops.”
The residency allows the writer to spend 75 percent of their time writing and Robinson will work on his novel tentatively titled Orphan Stars, the first book in a trilogy of sequels to Variable Star.
“I have felt that libraries are my true home ever since I discovered my first one back in 1954. So I’ve been a Reader in Residence for over half a century, which led me to writing,” said Robinson. “I could not have picked a more-appropriate library at which to reside than the Vancouver Public Library. Many have noted its physical resemblance to a Star Trek set, making it a natural home for cutting-edge experiments like turning a writer’s workshop into a podcast.”
Robinson has written 36 novels, which have been published in 10 languages, including the long-running series of raucous tales set around Callahan's Crosstime Saloon and The Stardance Trilogy, written in collaboration with his late wife Jeanne Robinson. His short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies around the world and Robinson is also an accomplished musician, writing songs in collaboration with musical legend David Crosby and being accompanied by guitar legend Amos Garrett.
In 2006, Robinson became the only writer to collaborate on a novel with science fiction grand master Robert A. Heinlein, posthumously completing the critically acclaimed Variable Star. He has won numerous awards, including science fiction's top international honours, the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, a Nebula Award and three Hugo Awards. In 2008 he won the Robert A. Heinlein Award for Lifetime Excellence in Literature.
Emerging writers who would like a one-on-one consultation with Spider Robinson must apply to be considered. Information is available at www.vpl.ca/writer_in_residence.
Robinson’s inaugural reading as Writer in Residence takes place Thursday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at the Central Library, Alice MacKay Room. Admission is free.
The 2010 Writer in Residence Program is made possible with financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library.
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Founded in 1887, Vancouver Public Library is one of Canada's largest library systems dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading, recreation and information needs of the people of Vancouver. Each year, the Library’s 22 branches serve over six million visitors and offer over 2.5 million items, including books, CDs, DVDs, magazine and countless online resources.
To arrange interviews, please contact:
Jean Kavanagh
Manager, Marketing & Communications
604-331-3895
Manager, Marketing & Communications
604-331-3895
604-612-4059 cell
jean.kavanagh@vpl.ca
jean.kavanagh@vpl.ca
