Whatcom READS 2022 author Michael Christie to visit WWU March 4 for a writing workshop

Canadian author Michael Christie will be at Western Washington University for The Art and Craft of Writing workshop on Friday, March 4, 2022, in the Reading Room of Western Libraries from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During this event, Christie will share insights into the writing process of "Greenwood," the 2022 Whatcom READS book selection, and provide tips and inspiration for writers of all levels.

This Whatcom READS event is offered in collaboration with the Center for Canadian-American Studies at WWU as part of its new course, Western Reads Canada, which focuses on introducing students to impactful contemporary literature by Canadian authors. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and advanced registration is required. Guests must also wear a mask, provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours, and present matching photo ID. Please register online at whatcomreads.org/events, where you can also learn more about other events with the author, including an evening at the Mount Baker Theatre, hosted by WWU’s Center for Canadian-American Studies Director Christina Keppie.

In addition to writing "Greenwood," Christie is also the author of the highly regarded novel "If I Fall, If I Die" and the linked collection of stories, "The Beggar’s Garden." His work has been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. His essays and book reviews appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Globe and Mail. A former carpenter and homeless-shelter worker, the author divides his time between Victoria and Galiano Island, British Columbia, where he lives with his wife and two sons in a timber-frame house that he built.

The Whatcom READS program celebrates reading, readers, and strong communities through the shared experience of one book. Entering its 14th year, Whatcom READS is presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County – Bellingham Public Library, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College and Whatcom County Library System. Village Books is Whatcom READS’ community partner. Where possible, event recordings will also be shared on the Whatcom READS website. This event is sponsored by the Center for Canadian-American Studies, Whatcom READS, Village Books, and Western Libraries.

If you have questions about this event or need to request accessibility accommodation, please contact Christina Keppie, Director of the Center for Canadian-American Studies, via email to canam@wwu.edu.