LIBRARY NEWS

13 - Wednesday, February 1, 1989 - Capilano Chronicle

Award-winning mystery writer discusses work

THE FIRST Canadian to win the Edgar (as in Poe) mystery writers? award will be appearing at the Capilano Library in Edgemont, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. to read from and discuss

her work.

L.R. Wright, the Burnaby author of The Suspect, Sleep While -I Sing and Love in a Temperate Zone often sets her novels in Vancouver and the sun- shine coast.

The Swspect, which received the top award from the Mystery Writers of. America, starts with the murder of an 85-year-old man by his 80-year-old brother-in-law.

The novel: is more of a2 “whydunit’’ than a “whodunit,” with the -murderer gradually revealed as a complex and likable

character. .

Wright, who has been writing fiction for the last decade, has won several prizes and received respect- ful reviews in the New York Times.

Laurali Rose Wright, 49, known

to most as ‘“‘Bunny,’’ was born in Saskatoon. Her father being in the military, the family lived in five

_ different provinces, before settling

in Abbotsford. Inspired by L.M. Montgomery’s novel, Emily of New Moon,

- Wright decided at age 12 to

become a writer. Although the death of her. father, a few years later, ended her plans to attend journalism school, Wright . per- sisted with her dream by taking typing and night classes in creative and non-fiction writing.

At 19, she sold her first freelance article to the Globe and Mail, and then returned to B.C. in

L.R. WRIGHT ... mystery author to discuss wark af Capilano Nbrary on Feb. 9.

1959 to work at a small weekly newspaper, the Fraser Valley Re- cord,

After dabbling in some amateur theatre in California, Wright join- ed a summer theatre troupe at the University of British Columbia, and later the Holiday Children’s Theatre with her future husband,

fellow actor John Wright.

Never really comfortable on stage, Bunny worked at odd jobs, put her husband through graduate studies in drama, and gave birth to two daughters.

In 1968 she returned to journal- ism as a reporter for the Star- Phoenix in Saskatoon, and later at the Albertan and Herald in Calgary where she began as assis- tant editor.

Then Wright won a Banff writ- ing workshop with W.O. Mitchell and began trying to make the tran- sition from journalist to fiction writer.

“It was done with great difficul- ty. But it was something I had always intended to do,°’ she recalls,

In Banff, Wright began her first novel, Neighbours, which she completed in 1977, winning a new Alberta novelist competition and a $4,000 prize.

‘After publishing two more novels, The Favourite and Among

CAPILANO LIBRARY Branch is

pre-register for Valentine's Crafts, ;

Friends, Wright branched into mysteries, scoring an Edgar with her first, The Suspect.

The detective of the tale, Sergeant Karl Alberg, appeared again in her second mystery, Sleep

- while I Sing.

Wright finds mysteries easier to do than her other novels, such as Love in the Temperate Zone, a novel about a broken marriage which was published last year.

Another mystery is nearly com- pleted and Wright has a fourth in the works. In her “‘spare’’ time she takes university courses towards a degree in English:

A disciplined writer who works by a regimented schedule, Wright's one regret about leaving journal- ism is that she misses meeting and being with people.

“T have to make an effort not to be solitary and fall into that trap,”’ she says.

‘After ‘all, she'll be needing some material for her next book! _.

Siorytimes for children aged 3-5

run Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Preschool Storytine, for ages three and up is another offering, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. SN

a great place for kids this month. scheduled for 4 p.m., Feb. 13. Ages six and up can learn how Regular programming continues, to make something. special for a . with Tales-for-Twos, 10:15 or

special friend... But they should 11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays.

_ Library offers fun for kids

* Coming Soon *

pelbrook Plaza

7 Has it been < awhile since > you cleaned out your basement? What “about all the junk accumulating ~

-out-in the garage? -

“You can sell your one-time treasures, meet your. = neighbours, and have some fun all at the Delbrook Plaza Giant Garage Sale February 18 and 19. The sale is to

Saturday and Sunday. We will supply all the ‘display’ “tables, paper. for signs, and will also provide good “advance publicity for the event.- You supply the merchandise, bags for purchases, and of course your. own change fund. There is no charge to any ©. family or group of families wishing to reserve a Bm: table. This could also be an excellent fund-raising ~ opportunity for any non-profit organization (again, no charge to reserve a table). Don't miss out on... a this wonderful occasion. To reserve your table for — - : this event, fill out the registration form below : and drop if off at the Delbrook Superette .. .-. “before February 11. Tables will be assigned on /a first come, first served basis'so make ‘sure . » you won't be disappointed — reserve your table today. : Even if you don't have any treasures to. . fecycle; drop by on the 18th and 19th to:. join in the fun. Maybe you'll find a treasure to take home.

SHSHSSESHSHSSSSHSSOTPHSSSHSSSESHRSSSESHTGEOSOSHSCSOSECS wee . Delbrook Plaza ] Giant Garage Sale Yes, | wish to reserve a table at the Giant Garage

Sale! Name

‘Address

_ Phone

Feb..18__- Feb. 19 (Tick one of the above.) . —e if you require more information about the event, contact Margaret at 980-6735. * * * Ali leftover, unwanted merchandgise is being donated to the East Vancouver Lions Club for use at their regular rummage sales. Coe evcccccccccccccocscecoscoeccoccoseesneceseoeesoseees ole

Both Days

e e “North Vanéotiver ° 988.0333: 7988-0210, 4