Tonight, Ottawa’s
Elizabeth Hay hosts an evening with one of the world’s most acclaimed authors, Booker Prize winner
Michael Ondaatje, reading from his eagerly anticipated new novel,
Divisadero, and answering audience questions. More info at
Ottawa International Writers Festival website.
Also in town is the lovely and talented
Nairne Holtz. She's reading from her book
The Skin Beneath which starts at 8:00 pm at Venus Envy, 320 Lisgar. Also featured are readings by
Megan Butcher and
Jennifer Whiteford.
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UPDATE: 10:30pmI went specifically tonight to take a photo of Mr. Ondaatje but at the last minute, literally, his (anti?) publicist came to our seats in the auditorium and warned us photogs not to take any photos during the event. I respected this request. But she also said there was to be no photography during the book signing after the interview. No (reasonable) reason was given for this, nor did I ask for one. I just thought this was odd behaviour. I was going to buy his new book but passed after hearing this. Anyway, I during the interview portion of the evening I whipped out my moleskin notepad and drew a pen & ink sketch of Mr. Ondaatje on stage. A photo would probably show him in better light... I was thinking that I would auction off this sketch and all the proceeds would go to the OIWF and their literacy fundraising. What do you think? [
The sketch is posted on Flickr.]
In any event, I left after the reading with no photographic record. So, I headed straight for the Venus Envy reading event and met up with author
Nairne Holtz to buy her latest book and have a brief chat with Jen and Megan. As Nairne had no apparent hang-ups about getting her photograph taken I politely requested a short photo-shoot after her reading. Happily, she obliged. A photo is forthcoming. Thanks Nairne!