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The author and founder of Monster House Publishing Paul McAllister discusses publishing and more, with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Paul McAllister had a lifelong dream to publish a children’s story. He shopped it around to publishers in and around Atlantic Canada, but he soon realised he could do it himself. There and Back Again, A Herman Tale, which was illustrated with Emily Brown, was published in 2014, and soon other authors and illustrators sought to realise their own dreams, and Monster House Publishing was born. Paul joins me now, and I’ll get him to tell us his story about creating this publishing house, and what he wants to accomplish. He also shares his personal story of growing up with ADHD and Dysgraphia. I’ll also ask Paul about publishing from that side of the country, and what young readers want. The website for more is at www.monsterhousepublishing.com. We talked last month, with Paul joining me from Fredericton, New Brunswick. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Paul McAllister; Mr. McAllister, good morning.   The post Paul McAllister first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The writer Aaron Williams discusses his memoir The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era (Harbour Publishing, 2024), with Joseph Planta. The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era by Aaron Williams (Harbour Publishing, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Last Logging Show Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. A terrific book published this year is the memoir from Aaron Williams, The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era. A few years ago, just out of university, Aaron takes a job in the logging industry, where both his father and grandfather worked. His great-grandfather built trestles in the 1920s. So perhaps it was inevitable that Aaron would get into forestry, but he was getting into it at a time when there were a lot of changes thanks to forest practices, as well as technology. I’ll ask Aaron about what he’s chronicled in this book, not just his time, but the end of his father’s time in the industry. The book takes us to Haida Gwaii and illustrates how spectacular a place it is. As well we meet some memorable characters, people that Mr. Williams hasn’t forgotten and which colour his memories of the hard, often dangerous work. He’s a terrific storyteller as you’ll read in the book, and hear shortly. Aaron Williams has been published in newspapers like the Globe and Mail and the Halifax Chronicle Herald. He has an MFA in creative non-fiction writing from King’s College. His first book, Chasing Smoke, was based on his experience fighting forest fires through the Pacific Northwest, as well as Idaho, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. The Last Logging Show is from Harbour Publishing. We spoke in June, with Aaron joining me from Halifax, where he now lives. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Aaron Williams; Mr. Williams, good morning. The post Aaron Williams first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

A principal skater for Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars Matthew King, previews the show ahead of playing in Vancouver (27 November-01 December 2024), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Disney On Ice returns to the Pacific Coliseum next week, Wednesday, 27 November 2024 through to December 1st. Fifty-six favourite Disney stars shine in Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars. There’s high-flying acrobatics, stunts, lighting and special effects, not to mention, costumes, set design, and of course figure skating. One of the production’s principal skaters, Matthew King joins me now. I’ll get him to tell us about working with Feld Entertainment on these shows, the reaction from audiences, kids of all ages, and the memorable music and characters we all know from timeless Disney works. I’ll also ask him about skating, how long he’s done it and what benefits one might derive from taking it up. Visit www.disneyonice.com for tickets and information. We spoke two weeks ago, with Matthew joining me from Portland, Oregon, while on tour with the show. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Matthew King; Mr. King, good morning. The post Matthew King first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The acclaimed musician Jens Lindemann will be performing at the Kay Meek Arts Centre’s 20th Anniversary Gala (Saturday, 23 November 2024); he discusses that, playing the trumpet, musicianship, as well as his new album Live @ Larry’s, with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Jens Lindemann joins me now. The world-renowned trumpet virtuoso is part of the Kay Meek Arts Centre 20th anniversary gala, this Saturday, 23 November 2024. As the cornerstone for arts and community events in West Vancouver celebrates bringing world-class arts as it has, it’ll do the same this Saturday with a dinner and concert. There are two events, a concert at 8pm headlined by the Trans-Canada Highwaymen, hosted by Lisa Christiansen and Grant Lawrence. But earlier in the evening, Jens Lindeman and pianist, also a Kay Meek Arts Centre advisor Ian Parker, will entertain guests at an elegant dinner. Visit www.kaymeek.com for tickets and information. I talked to Jens last week about his storied career as a musician, how he approaches performing, as well as a new album, Live @ Larry’s. It’s a terrific album of jazz and pop standards featuring Jens and his trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as Robi Botos, Mike Downes, and Kristan Alexandrov. It’s available everywhere you get your tunes, like Apple Music. Jens Lindemann has played jazz and classical in every major concert venue in the world, not to mention sporting events like the 2010 Olympics, the Rose Bowl, as well as Madison Square Garden for a New York Rangers game, among many others. He’s recorded with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as performed at a solo command performance for Queen Elizabeth II. He played lead trumpet with the Canadian Brass, as well as won accolades like the Grammy, Juno nominations, the Echo Klassik, and International Brass Personality of the Year from Brass Herald. He’s received several honorary doctorates, and is a Member of the Order of Canada. Visit www.trumpetsolo.com for more information. He joined me while on vacation in Maui last week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jens Lindemann; Mr. Lindemann, good morning.   The post Jens Lindemann first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The artistic director of Pacific Theatre Kaitlin Williams previews their latest production, the world premiere of The Hobbit (13 November-21 December 2024), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Kaitlin Williams joins me now. The Artistic Director of Pacific Theatre previews their latest production, the world premiere of The Hobbit. Based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien, this production adapted by playwright Kim Selody, with additional dialogue by Tim Carlson and Peter Carlone, brings theatregoers to Middle Earth with the rich settings, adventures and unforgettable characters from Tolkien’s imagination. Mr. Carlson and Mr. Carlone star in this show, and I’ll ask Kaitlin about what to expect on the Pacific Theatre’s stage between tomorrow night, (Wednesday, 13 November 2024) when the show opens, through to December 21st. Visit www.pacifictheatre.org for tickets and information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Kaitlin Williams; Ms. Williams, good morning. The post Kaitlin Williams first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The actor, singer, and dancer Vince Kelley discusses playing Blanche in the touring stage show Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue (at the Vancouver Playhouse 12-16 November 2024), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. One of the more robust cultural touchstones is making its way to Vancouver next week. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is a stage show bringing back the unforgettable characters from the 1980s hit sitcom to 2024. It’s got an all-male cast: Ryan Bernier as Dorothy, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Vince Kelley, who joins me now, as Blanche. This show has been travelling across the United States, with sold out performances and rave reviews, making for a fine tribute to the beloved sitcom. I’ll get Vince to preview the show, to tell us where the girls find themselves in 2024’s Miami, and hilarity that ensues as there’s a drug ring, and a dating app. Vince Kelley is a Detroit native, who joined me from his hometown last week. He attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and The New School. I’ll ask him about portraying this southerner, Blanche, and what it’s like to pay tribute to Rue McLanahan nightly. I’ll also ask Vince about his own experience watching The Golden Girls growing up. Visit www.goldengirlstour.com for tickets and information. It’ll be at the Vancouver Playhouse starting next Tuesday, 12 November 2024, running until November 16th. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Vince Kelley; Mr. Kelley, good morning. The post Vince Kelley first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The filmmaker and author Chase Joynt discusses his new book Vantage Points: On Media as Trans Memoir (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta. Vantage Points: On Media as Trans Memoir by Chase Joynt (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Vantage Points Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Chase Joynt has just published a provocative, fascinating book, Vantage Points: On Media as Trans Memoir. As you’ll hear, a box of family mementos arrives and a heretofore unknown connection to Marshall McLuhan comes up. Joynt finds out all he can about distant relations, and using McLuhan’s seminal Understanding Media as an inciting framework, writes this book that looks at the legacy of childhood sexual abuse, masculinity, family, creativity, film, art, transition, gender, and more. It’s a rich book of vignettes, an often exciting tapestry of montage-like essays and illustrations. Chase joins me now, and I’ll ask him about what it was like looking back at abuse at the hands of an uncle and neglect from his father, among other traumas, and finding a way through media to understand what happened, or glean some explanation of the experiences. And as you’ll hear, the experience of the book, not just reading, but thinking about it, and looking at it, will likely glean, for the reader, some wisdom or even connection or reflection. Chase Joynt is a director and writer whose films have won a number of awards internationally. His latest documentary feature, Framing Agnes, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the NEXT Innovator Award, and the NEXT Audience Award. He is the co-author of the Lambda Literary Award finalist You Only Live Twice, and Boys Don’t Cry. This new book is from Arsenal Pulp Press. We spoke one week ago, with Chase joining me from Los Angeles, California. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Chase Joynt; Chase, good morning. The post Chase Joynt first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The broadcaster and author Grant Lawrence discusses his new book for young readers Adventures in Desolation Sound (Harbour Publishing, 2024), with Joseph Planta. Adventures in Desolation Sound by Grant Lawrence (Harbour Publishing, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Adventures in Desolation Sound Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Grant Lawrence joins me again. He’s just published a new children’s book, Adventures in Desolation Sound. He’s bringing to young readers the unforgettable characters, and the remote and bucolic part of British Columbia that we’ve read about in his memoirs 2010’s Adventures in Solitude and 2022’s Return to Solitude. And with illustrations by Ginger Ngo, the book is a delight. We see what Desolation Sound was like for young Grant and his sister Heather, probably not as interesting as the television they were addicted to watching in the 1970s and 1980s. And there were the all-too long car trips and ferry rides that would make them sick, only to arrive to little artificial light, weird neighbours, and no television. But as happened with Grant, in the book, the Grant character learns the magic of Desolation Sound, and meets those remarkable, fascinating people like Cougar Nancy and Russell the Hermit. I’ll ask Grant about this new picture book, and all the adventures depicted therein. I’ll ask him about the place itself, and what it’s meant to him growing up and growing older, and to his own kids now. Grant Lawrence is the award-winning writer, musician, and broadcaster. Other than the two previous books I mentioned, he’s written two other bestsellers, The Lonely End of the Rink, and Dirty Windshields. His first children’s picture book, Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose was released in 2021. He is a longtime personality on CBC Music, and the lead singer of The Smugglers. He is a Canadian Screen Award winner, and the goalie for the Vancouver Flying Vees beer league hockey team. This new book is from Harbour Publishing. We spoke two weeks ago. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Grant Lawrence; Mr. Lawrence, good morning. The post Grant Lawrence first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The acclaimed novelist and writer Zoe Whittall discusses her new collection of poetry No Credit River (Book*hug Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta. No Credit River by Zoe Whittall (Book*hug Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: No Credit River Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Zoe Whittall joins me now. She’s just published a new collection, No Credit River. Through prose poetry, she looks back at abandoned love, trauma, the loss of a pregnancy, the complexity of queer relationships, and isolation. It’s a recent six-year period that she looks back on, that she’s come out of. I’ll ask her about the wisdom that she might have gleaned from the experience, and the understanding that she hopefully obtained having thoughtfully reflected on it all. There are pieces in the book that are personal, and it’s remarkable to see the insight she shares, as well as the growth of a person that comes with the passage of time. I’ll ask Zoe about the process of writing prose poetry, and how different it might be from other forms of writing that she does. I’ll ask her about the writing community in this country, which is something she discusses throughout the collection. Zoe Whittall is the author of the short story collection Wild Failure, and five bestselling novels including The Fake, The Spectacular, The Best Kind of People, Holding Still for as Long as Possible, and Bottle Rocket Hearts. Her previous poetry collections include Pre-cordial Thump, The Emily Valentine Poems, and The Best Ten Minutes of Your Life. Her work has won a Lambda Literary Award, the Writers’ Trust Dayne Ogilvie Award, and been shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. She has worked as a TV writer on the Emmy-Award winning comedy show Schitt’s Creek and The Baroness Von Sketch Show for which she won a 2018 Canadian Screen Award. This new collection is published by Book*hug Press. She was born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and now lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario, where she joined me from one week ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Zoe Whittall; Ms. Whittall, good morning. The post Zoe Whittall first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The author Renée D. Bondy discusses her debut novel [non]disclosure (Second Story Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta. [non]disclosure by Renée D. Bondy (Second Story Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: [non]disclosur Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. I started reading a novel recently [non]disclosure. It’s an engaging, well-plotted read. The book opens with a young girl whose family’s life is quite involved in their Catholic church. As the story continues, she is abused by her parish priest. She doesn’t tell anybody for a long time, but when she does, it’s because she’s read in the paper that the priest involved was in the news because he was accused of other abuses. She tells her parents, who tell the Archdiocese. As she goes into adulthood, we can see how this abuse affects her. And as she finds herself working in an underground hospice for men dying from the still-taboo AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, she comes to realise how much damage the silence enveloping her life has wrought. The book’s author, Renée D. Bondy joins me now to talk about the book, the impetus to write it, and the voice she gives her central character, and more. She taught Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Windsor, and her writing has appeared in Herizons, Bitch, Bearings Online, and the Humber Literary Review. She is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers. This new novel is published by Second Story Press. She joined me two weeks ago from her home in Chatham, Ontario. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Renée Bondy; Dr. Bondy, good morning. The post Renée D. Bondy first appeared on thecommentary.ca.