NIC welcomes crime novelist Sam Wiebe

NIC’s Write Here Readers Series welcomes Vancouver-based crime novelist Sam Wiebe, Friday Nov. 2 at the Comox Valley campus.

The event takes place at the Stan Hagen Theatre, starting at 7 pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

“Sam’s work represents the gritty realism of the noir crime genre, set in familiar locations to residents of the region,” said Nick van Orden, organizer and NIC English instructor. “It’s a great fit with this year’s Write Here Readers Series, which features authors from a variety of backgrounds discussing a wide range of subjects.”

Wiebe will read from his latest novel, Cut You Down, the second novel in his series featuring David Wakeland, a young private detective in Vancouver.

“A lot of my inspiration comes from where I live, the things I see happening around me and the issues that I see in the community,” he said. “The city itself has a lot of character. It’s endlessly inspiring.”

Wiebe never planned to write crime fiction but the genre drew him in.

“I think crime fiction is the most socially engaged of all genre-fiction,” he said. “It’s based in real places and deals with real social problems. It’s something that excited me as a reader and I found my work evolved into that genre.”

Along with his full-length novels, Wiebe’s stories have appeared in short fiction magazines Thuglit, Spinetingler and subTerrain. He also recently completed editing Vancouver Noir, the latest in the award-winning series of original noir anthologies, which includes Montreal Noir and Toronto Noir. Vancouver Noir is scheduled to be released this November.

Wiebe is looking forward to coming to the Comox Valley and engaging with students and residents.

“I love discussing the craft of writing,” he said. “It’s wonderful to engage with other writers and those interested in writing, especially being able to engage with young writers and students.”

NIC’s Write Here Readers Series showcases the richness and range of literary arts, offering students and community members the opportunity to hear from some of Canada’s top writers. The series is possible through funding from the Canada Council for the Arts.

The series continues Nov. 23 with young adult fiction author Gabrielle (G.S.) Prendergast. On Dec. 5, the series welcomes Travis Lupick, author of Fighting for Space, the story of a group of activists in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and their political fight to change how the city treats marginalized citizens.

The series is also looking to connect with under-represented and emerging writers in the region, with paid opportunities to read alongside a featured series writer. For more information, contact Nick van Orden at Nicholas.vanorden@nic.bc.ca.

For more information on the Write Here Readers Series, visit www.nic.bc.ca.