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Northern Writers release fifth anthology

One thing is certain northerners love to write. Dorene Meyer, a Manitoban author, has released the fifth volume of the Northern Writers anthology. Taking over a year to complete, this anthology features adult writers who completed her writing course.
Northern Writers Volume 5 Dorene Meyer Oct 2014
Northern Writers release fifth anthology. Copies will be available at the Thompson Public Library.

One thing is certain northerners love to write. Dorene Meyer, a Manitoban author, has released the fifth volume of the Northern Writers anthology. Taking over a year to complete, this anthology features adult writers who completed her writing course. Meyer says she publishes and edits these anthologies to give the hopeful authors experience within the industry. “I produced these anthologies so that my students could get a complete experience of the publishing industry including writing, editing, biography, author photo, cover design, layout, readings and book launch. Several of my authors have gone on to write and publish their own books.”

Within the pages of this anthology are 16 contributors, including Meyer. Stories include a legend embedded in a story of a boat ride with his grandfather by Ferrin Towers; a numismatist’s view of Manitoba’s trade tokens by historian Scott M. Hopkins; a children’s story about York Boat Days by Corrine Clyne; memories of the S.S. Keenora by celebrated story-teller Clarence Thordarson; reflective stories for youth by young adult author Dana L. Coates and children’s book author Brenda Fontaine; an essay on aboriginal poverty by university student David Kelvin McKay; poems by local writers Doug Senio and Marcel C. Menow; a blog post about his new life in Africa by Josiah Meyer; poems and song lyrics by Dorene Meyer and Paul Meyer; children’s stories from teachers Erin Hopkins and Samuel Parmar; memories of Holland during World War II by former northern outpost nurse, Suzanna Abels-Meyer; and memories of her childhood in Tootinawaziibeeng First Nations by Deborah Ironstand.

Meyer says it’s important for her that these anthologies are published. “The north is very underrepresented because of the isolation factor. It is almost impossible to become a well-known successful author and live in the north. I believe it is important to get Northern Manitoba voices out into the public because I believe that everyone has a voice; everyone has a story worth listening to. We are all richer when we take the time to listen to the voices of people who are different from us in some way. People who have grown up in the north have a different view of life than those who are close to a large city.”

Many of the Northern Writers authors from volume five and previous volumes live in Norway House. “Many of the authors are also of aboriginal heritage and the book is made richer by their presence,” says Meyer. 

The book officially launched today with a book release happening tonight at McNally Robinson BookSellers at 7 p.m., and tomorrow at Neechi Niche at 2 p.m., both in Winnipeg. The anthology is being sold online on www.goldrockpress.com, at My’s in Wabowden, at Teeka’s in Norway House, at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg, and at Neechi Niche in Winnipeg. Meyer says the Thompson Public Library has received several copies of the anthology, and there is a hope local stores will carry the paperback in the near future. 

Meyer says she is currently working on a Grade 6 anthology, but does not have any immediate plans for Northern Writers Volume 6 just yet. 

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