The Winds of Dune hits NY Times Bestseller List

We've just heard from the publisher, Tor Books, that The Winds of Dune has just hit #15 on the New York Times Hardcover Fiction bestseller list - after only one week on the shelves!

And they'll be coming to Saint Brigid's Centre next Monday!

Also, keep an eye out for the 501st Legion, a worldwide organization of costuming Star Wars fans, who will be making an appearance at the reading at Mr. Anderson's request. Since when do literary events get Storm Trooper security?

Nick Cave & Tim Flannery Confirmed!

Dear Festival Members - still confirming lots of great writing for the Festival proper, but wanted to give you an update on pre-Festival events.

I've already told you about Winds of Dune with Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson on August 17, The Year of the Flood with Margaret Atwood on September 22 and Little Brother with Cory Doctorow September 28.

Well, I am thrilled to let you know that we've landed Nick Cave for September 17th at 7:00 PM. He's one of the world's most acclaimed musicians and authors and I can't believe he's actually coming. Should be a fantastic night!

We've also just confirmed Tim Flannery - one of the world's most respected writers on environmental issues for October 14th. He'll take the stage at 8:30 PM. The Case for God with Karen Armstrong (previously announced) will be that same day at 6:30 PM.

I should also let you know that Lori Lansens has had to cancel her tour so the event on October 5th has been cancelled.

All these events will be held at Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts and Humanities (314 St. Patrick at Cumberland) and start at 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted. All our events are free for Members, but don't forget to tell your friends that they can get their tickets online or over the phone at 613.562.1243!

So, the good news just keeps on coming! Can't wait to spill the beans on the Festival itself!!

All the best,
Sean

Pre-Festival Update

Dear Festival Friends - I can't wait to start spilling the beans on the big Fall Edition.

We're confirming some FANTASTIC talent but it's still too soon to let the cat out of the bag. Rest assured we'll let you know what we've got in store ASAP.

In the mean time, wanted to remind you about our upcoming pre-Festival events: All at 7:00 PM at Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts and Humanities.

August 17:
Winds of Dune with Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson
(Please note that the date on this one has changed since my last email)

September 22:
The Year of the Flood with Margaret Atwood (A Choir, Actors and Atwood!!)

September 28:
Little Brother with Cory Doctorow,

October 5:
The Writing Life with Lauren Kirshner (author of "Where We Have to Go") and international bestseller Lori Lansens with her latest "The Wife's Tale."

October 14:
The Case for God with Karen Armstrong.
From the bestselling author of A History of God and The Great Transformation comes a balanced, nuanced understanding of the role religion plays in human life and the trajectory of faith in modern times.

Of course these are all free for Festival Members, but do let your friends know that event tickets are now available from our website at writersfestival.org

More news soon!!

All the best,
Sean

Coming up: Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: The Winds of Dune

On August 17th at 7:00, we'll be welcoming Brian Herbert, son of the legendary Frank Herbert, and co-author Kevin J. Anderson, with their latest sequel to the Dune series, The Winds of Dune.

Publishers Weekly says, “This satisfying tale from Herbert’s son and Anderson follows Jessica, the mother of galactic emperor Paul Atreides . . . . Fans of the original Dune series will love seeing familiar characters, and the narrative voice smoothly evokes the elder Herbert’s style.”

With their usual skill, Herbert and Anderson have taken ideas left behind by Frank Herbert and filled them with living characters and a true sense of wonder. Where Paul of Dune picked up the saga directly after the events of Dune, The Winds of Dune begins after the events of Dune Messiah.

Praise for Dune, the timeless classic that began the epic story:
“One of the monuments of modern science fiction.” -- The Chicago Tribune
“I know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings.” -- Sir Arthur C. Clarke

The reading and onstage conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing: tickets are available through our website at www.writersfestival.org or by calling our box office line at 613-562-1243.

Summer Update

Dear Festival Members - Hope you are having a great summer so far!

Just wanted to take a break from the heat to let you know that we're hard at work on the 2009 Fall Edition of the Festival - it's going to be really fantastic!

We're also lining up some great pre and post Festival events and wanted to let you know about some that have been confirmed:

On August 18th, we'll be hosting Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson in support of their latest in the Dune series "Winds of Dune."

On September 22nd, it's Margaret Atwood and her latest "The Year of the Flood" (More details on this one soon!)

On September 28th we'll have UK author Cory Doctorow, author of "Little Brother" (he'll also be doing a couple of THINK INK events in area schools on the 29th)

October 5th we're hosting Lauren Kirshner (author of "Where We Have to Go") and international bestseller Lori Lansens with her latest "The Wife's Tale."

Event details and author bios and all of that will be going up on the website soon and I hope to be back in touch with more announcements next month - lots and lots of exciting authors heading our way.

Talk to you soon,
Sean

Sean Wilson
Artistic Director
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Festival Discussion Forum
writersfestival.org