10 Kootenay authors at Lotus Books

Kootenay authors will be in-store all afternoon to sign, chat about and promote their books.

Special guest Amanda Bath, of Kaslo, presents her book Disaster in Paradise at the Kootenay Authors Book Fair. Her gripping tale tells the story of the devastating Johnson’s Landing mudslides on Kootenay Lake in 2013. — Photo courtesy Lotus Books

Would you like to visit with a number of local Kootenay authors? Want a Kootenay book recommendation? Do you like learning about local stories and history?

Then you are invited to drop in at the Kootenay Authors Book Fair, hosted by Lotus Books in downtown Cranbrook. There will be ten authors present at one of biggest book events ever held in Cranbrook. Enjoy some coffee and goodies and get to know these local Kootenay writers. It all takes place Saturday, December 5th at Lotus Books, 33 – 10th Avenue South in downtown Cranbrook, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Starting at 2:00 there will be a series of 3-minute book reviews.  Each author will be given 180 seconds to review their book and state why it should be added to your bookshelf this year. “We are thrilled to host so many Kootenay authors in our store this year.  I think ten authors is a record for us,” said Erin Dalton, owner of Lotus Books. “It promises be a great event showcasing local authors and letting everyone have the opportunity get to know some of our local area writers.”

Kootenay authors will be in-store all afternoon to sign, chat about and promote their books.  A wide variety of books will be available for readers to discover including historical novels, adventure stories, tales from yesteryear, stories of personal triumph, achievement and tragedy and personal memoirs.

The Kootenay author’s lineup includes…

Special Guest -- Amanda Bath: Kaslo, author of Disaster in Paradise.  Her gripping tale of survival and triumph tells the story of when her mountainside home was struck by the devastating Johnson’s Landing mudslides of 2013.  Amanda’s story is heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time.

Special Guest -- Jim Cameron: Cranbrook.  Popular history buff and Daily Townsman columnist Jim Cameron has produced an exquisite compilation of his newspaper columns about the history and intrigue of Cranbrook’s distant and not-so-distant past.  His photo heavy book is called Cranbrook: Then and Now.  

Keith G. Powell: Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak is his first historical novel that tells the story of Jack Fisher, the discoverer of gold on Wild Horse Creek and namesake of Mount Fisher along with his second book Raising Kain, the adventurous life of Conrad Kain.  His most recent book is the Fisher Peak Chronicles, a collection of Mt. Fisher themed stories about the prominent peak.

Brendan Gillen: This Cranbrook-based author has published over a half a dozen adventure stories in the grand tradition of Jack London—man versus the elements. His newest book is hot off the press with more adventures from Stewart, B.C and joins the likes of Maguire’s Last Stand.

Colin Cartwright: Canal Flat resident and former mayor, Colin Cartwright knows of what he writes about. His two books Empty on the Swan and Kootenay Bears capture the essence of the Kootenay wilderness experience.  Come meet a genuine storyteller.

Janet Penner: Cranbrook. Waltzing With Dad: A Gift of Legacy takes readers from the author's childhood spent getting to school by dog sled, to the challenges of her adult years. This true story has proven to be a page turner. Be prepared to read about bear traps, dead soldiers, Gestapo, mental hospitals, trucks on fire, llamas, being homeless and more.

Bill Roberts: Kimberley. This is the first time popular local writer Bill Roberts has participated in the Kootenay Authors Fair.  His amazing book, Best Miners in the World: Stories from Canada’s Sullivan Mine is a reader favourite.

Frank McIntyre and Dennis Dilts: Elko and Grasmere. These two experienced cowboys and outdoor big game guides have collaborated on a colourful novel that mirrors many of their own adventurous times called A Promise that Bears Honour.

Elinor Florence: Invermere. Elinor Florence’s book A Bird’s Eye View has been out almost exactly a year now and has captured the attention and imagination of readers across Canada.  Elinor has crisscrossed western Canada and some of Ontario promoting her book and now she brings her delightful story to Cranbrook.

So why not put a little Kootenay on your reading list this year? Check out the Kootenay Authors Book Fair and Sale at Lotus Books in downtown Cranbrook, Saturday afternoon, December 5th. Remember to read local this year.