# Shaena Lambert > Author of PETRA ## Posts - [Literary Giants in Short Form](https://shaenalambert.com/literary-giants-in-short-form/): I’m thrilled to be moderating what I expect will be a powerful, funny and riveting panel on the short story for this year’s Vancouver’s Writer’s Festival, with renowned writers Jonathan Lethem, Andre Alexis and Curtis Sittenfeld. Here is the description from this year’s program. I hope you can join us! You can connect to buy tickets through this link. Three luminaries of contemporary literature grace our stage with their new short story collections that brilliantly reflect the tensions and foibles of our modern lives. Hear from three acclaimed authors at the height of their powers: André Alexis (Other Worlds), Curtis Sittenfeld (Show Don’t Tell), [...] - [Launching Story House Narrative Services](https://shaenalambert.com/launching-story-house-narrative-services/): Beginning in winter, 2025, Shaena is thrilled to be collaborating with award-winning and critically acclaimed authors Caroline Adderson and Paul Headrick, in STORY HOUSE, providing narrative services to fiction and creative non-fiction writers. More info on the Mentoring & Teaching page. - [A fascinating conversation with Heather O’Neill at the Waterfront Theatre](https://shaenalambert.com/a-fascinating-conversation-with-heather-oneill-at-the-waterfront-theatre/): Talking about the genesis of her latest novel, The Capital of Dreams, powerful mothers, defiant daughters, the creation of artistic selves, and how O’Neill’s own childhood on the streets of Montreal influences her fiction… “women never liked being mothers,” the daughter in The Capital of Dreams muses, “they only liked the idea of motherhood beforehand.” - [Two events at the 2024 Vancouver Writers Fest, Oct. 21-27](https://shaenalambert.com/two-events-at-the-2024-vancouver-writers-fest-oct-21-27/): I’m so delighted to be holding two on-stage conversations at the Vancouver Writers Festival this year. One on short stories — with Caroline Adderson, Shashi Bhat and Aaron Kreuter — where we will talk about the extraordinary range of characters these three authors have dreamed up, the writing of short stories, why the genre can often offer more thrill than a novel, openings and closings — and all things craft and character…. The other event is an hour-long intimate conversation with author Heather O’Neill about all her books, but particularly focusing on the new, and brilliant The Capital of Dreams. [...] - [Journalist and author Sarah Hampson reviews Off the Record](https://shaenalambert.com/journalist-and-author-sarah-hampson-reviews-off-the-record/): Here’s another great review for Off the Record, this one from noted journalist and author Sarah Hampson in The Literary Review of Canada: “For her part, Shaena Lambert describes a wonderful childhood memory of a huge red cedar tree in the forest near the family home in West Vancouver. ‘This tree was my first love,’ she writes. Named Monkey Business, it had perfect notches for climbing and boughs that made a comfortable seat, thirty feet in the air. She could see across the woods and watch her mother from afar. The reader immediately understands that voyeuristic habit of a wordsmith [...] - [Tapping the Stream open for registration](https://shaenalambert.com/tapping-the-stream-open-for-registration/): Last year’s writing retreat, Tapping the Stream, at the lush, restorative and deeply creative space Hollyhock, on Cortes Island, was a huge success. Here are some photos of the 7-day retreat, where writers write deeply into their works-in-progress — often making huge creative leaps — host a salon, talk deeply about craft, nurture their creativity and build community. All while letting their hair down, paddling in the bioluminescence, and spending time in the garden. Poets, memoirists, visual artists and musicians (if engaged in a writing project), and novelists. I co-host this annual retreat with renowned teacher and writer Betsy Warland, [...] - [Off the Record: "A dazzling collection"](https://shaenalambert.com/off-the-record-a-dazzling-collection/): “Metcalf’s latest project, the anthology OFF THE RECORD brings together six of the writers with whom Metcalf has worked, in what becomes a dazzling collection of memoir and fiction. If Caroline Adderson, Kristyn Dunnion, Cynthia Flood, Shaena Lambert, Elise Levine, and Kathy Page aren’t quite household names, OFF THE RECORD is a powerful argument for just what a mistake that oversight is.” —Robert Wiersema, The Toronto Star Read the entire review here. - [Interview on How I Wrote This](https://shaenalambert.com/interview-on-how-i-wrote-this/): I’ll be interviewed February 8th on the podcast series, How I Wrote This, with writer and host Pamela Hensley. Other authors in the series include: Heather O’Neill, Anita Rau Badami, Mikhail Iossel, Sean Michaels, Baharan Baniahmadi, Kim Thúy, Neil Smith, H. Nigel Thomas, and Michelle Syba. Details at the How I Wrote This website. - [Launch of Breathing the Page](https://shaenalambert.com/launch-of-breathing-the-page-about-the-craft-of-writing/): I was honoured to participate in the launch of Betsy Warland’s Breathing the Page, a seminal book on writing, along with authors Darrel McLeod and Wayde Compton. If you haven’t read Breathing the Page, it’s a fascinating exploration of the craft of writing. You can watch the launch here: - [Interview at The Artisanal Writer](https://shaenalambert.com/interview-at-the-artisanal-writer/): Read an April 2023 interview with me conducted by Sabyasachi Nag at The Artisanal Writer website, where I discuss my books and my process. Please note: this website requires you to sign up for a free account to read content. - [Looking forward to 2023...](https://shaenalambert.com/looking-forward-to-2023/): Recently got word that The Walrus will publish my new short story, “Antonius Snorp” in 2023. “Antonius Snorp” was one of those stories that just landed one morning – and which I wrote quickly (for me), though the editing went on for months. Editing 101. January 25th, 7:00-8:30 pm PT. By Zoom. Danielle Geller, Cadence Mandybura and I will give mini-lectures and then have a rousing conversation on various aspects of editing. There will be a Q and A. We’ll explore substantive editing, line editing, copy editing, proofing. Fernie Reading Series – BOOKED! So delighted to be part of Fernie, BC’s, [...] - [Tapping the Stream, May 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/tapping-the-stream-may-2022/): Amazing writers, rich conversations, bonfires, swims and hot tubs, and deep and passionate discussions about fiction and character. Old work got burnt and new plans got planned. What a cornucopia. Sign up for the 2023 event here. - [Writer in Residence, Nelson’s Elephant Mountain Literary Festival, June 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/writer-in-residence-nelsons-elephant-mountain-literary-festival-june-2022/): So delighted to be Writer in Residence at Nelson’s Elephant Mountain Literary Festival. Blue pencil sessions with writers, a lecture on fiction, and hearing and appearing on stage with authors I deeply admire, including Suzanne Simard – who wrote Finding the Mother Tree – daring and thoughtful author Angie Abdou, iconic poet Tom Wayman, Magpie Ulysses, performer and playwright Lucas Myers, and others. Many thanks to Anne De Grace for inviting me to come to Nelson and be Writer in Res. This is a wonderful festival… - [The Mascot, shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, July 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/the-mascot-shortlisted-for-the-bridport-prize-july-2022/): My story, The Mascot, was shortlisted for the Bridgport Prize for Fiction. - [Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, August 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/sunshine-coast-festival-of-the-written-arts-august-2022/): 2022 was Jane Davidson’s final year as Artistic Director for the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. I was so delighted to be part of this event. Readings were held in the huge outdoor log amphitheatre. This is one of the best festivals in Canada, and I was very honoured to be there to salute Jane Davidson’s work. - [Writer in Residence at Whistler, Sept-Oct 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/writer-in-residence-at-whistler-sept-oct-2022/): September saw me and faithful dog Augie driving the Sea to Sky Highway for a two-month stint as Whistler’s Writer in Residence. I was given a small, quiet cabin on the south side of Alta Lake. I’d wake at 5 am and take a cup of coffee to the dock (only meeting the occasional bear), write all morning, then meet with six thoughtful and engaged writers – some working in fiction, some memoir. In October was the Whistler Writers’ Festival, organized by volunteers and overseen by Artistic Director Rebecca Wood Barnett. Taking over from Stella Harvey, whose work was honoured [...] - [Joy Kogawa House, October 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/joy-kogawa-house-october-2022/): Award-winning Saskatchewan poet Katherine Lawrence was in Vancouver at Joy Kogawa House in October, releasing her new book of poetry, Black Umbrella. I interviewed her – and it was a heady and yet grounding experience. This book is so thoughtful and moving. To meet and discuss writing and art in Joy Kogawa’s childhood home is such an intimate pleasure. - [Vancouver Writers Festival, October 2022](https://shaenalambert.com/vancouver-writers-festival-october-2022/): At the Vancouver Writers Festival in October, I had the pleasure of interviewing three American authors whose work has come blazing into the forefront of publishing in the US. Aamina Ahmad, Jonathan Escoffery and Soon Wiley. A stunning and thoughtful conversation about American publishing, bridging cultures, and creating unforgettable characters. - [Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize Winner](https://shaenalambert.com/ethel-wilson-fiction-prize-winner/): Thrilled and delighted to have PETRA win 2021’s Ethel Wilson Award for best work of fiction in BC and the Yukon. What an honour to be among talented writers Michelle Good, Aislinn Hunter, Susan Sandford Blades and Annabel Lyon, nominated with me. I read all their brilliant works over the summer and felt touched and excited to be in their company. When I won, our family was at the hospital with my mother, author Barbara Lambert, and she and I zoomed to the gala together from her hospital bed, while my husband, Bob, poured us Chablis and my daughter and [...] - [The battle to save the ancient trees of Fairy Creek](https://shaenalambert.com/the-battle-to-save-the-ancient-trees-of-fairy-creek/): Here is an article I wrote for The National Observer on Fairy Creek. This eyewitness account of police violence was used by the Rainforest Flying Squad in the affidavit that went to Judge Thompson – who, as so many of you know, recently removed the injunction imposed on protesters who are working to save the old growth trees of Fairy Creek. This BC Supreme Court judge lifted the injunction because of the unwarranted brutality and over-reach of the RCMP, which he said was bringing the courts into disrepute. I am very proud that this article formed a written part of [...] - [Petra nominated for Ethel Wilson Award](https://shaenalambert.com/petra-nominated-for-ethel-wilson-award/): So honoured to have Petra nominated for the BC and Yukon Book Prize’s Ethel Wilson Award. I am thrilled to be on this list with the talented novelists Michelle Good, Annabel Lyon, Aislinn Hunter and Susan Sanford Blades. I’m very excited to dive into all of these new novels! Awards gala to announce the winner is in September. - [Petra makes Best Global Feminist Reads, 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/petra-makes-best-global-feminist-reads-2020/): Petra makes the Nobel Women’s Initiative list of Best Global Feminist Reads for 2020! Click here to go to the Nobel Women’s Initiative website. - [Petra in CBC Best Fiction of 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/petra-in-cbc-best-fiction-of-2020/): Petra has been chosen as a CBC Best Fiction of 2020 Selection! - [Petra on Independent Booksellers' Bestsellers List](https://shaenalambert.com/petra-on-independent-booksellers-bestsellers-list/): Petra has hit the Independent Booksellers’ Bestsellers List! Thank you so much, bookstores and booksellers, for getting behind Petra so enthusiastically. Thanks especially to Book Warehouse, Marnie’s Books, 32 Books and Gallery, Pulp Fiction, Hager’s Books, Munro’s, Another Story Books, Vancouver’s beautiful new Upstart & Crow – and so many others! And thank you so much, readers! - [As It Happens with Carol Off, October 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/as-it-happens-with-carol-off-october-2020/): As it Happens! This half-hour feature interview with iconic broadcaster Carol Off aired in late October. Carol led the conversation in so many interesting directions – including the intersection of the personal and the political, the charisma of Kelly, the birth pains of Green politics – and which works better for politics: multicoloured webs, or strategic boxes! The Petra interview starts at minute 49. - [The Next Chapter with Shelagh Rogers, October 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/the-next-chapter-with-shelagh-rogers-october-2020/): The Next Chapter (national), Shelagh Rogers: An in-depth discussion of the themes and story behind my new novel, Petra, with Shelagh Rogers, on The Next Chapter, CBC Radio. Aired 4 PM Saturday, October 24th, and 1 PM Monday, October 26th, 1 PM. Listen to this clip here. - [Some recent media features](https://shaenalambert.com/some-recent-media-features/): North by Northwest, with Sheryl MacKay: October 18th, 8:30 AM. I was so delighted to have this conversation with Sheryl MacKay about Petra Kelly, her general-for-peace lover, and the novel writing process. Maclean’s Magazine: Three Governor General’s winners – two for fiction and one for non-fiction – chose Petra as a book to read during the pandemic! Globe & Mail: A probing Question and Answer with arts journalist Emily Donaldson. Toronto Star: A personal piece I wrote for the Toronto Star about meeting Petra Kelly and the seeds for my novel. The National Observer (syndicated online in The Star): An [...] - [Book launch for PETRA, August 25, 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/book-launch-for-petra-august-25-2020/): Island Launch: Big thanks to Karen Mahon Carrington, Robert MacLeod Carrington, Marnie’s Books, and others on Cortes Island, who organized my Island Launch (socially isolating, and completely wonderful). Please lie back on a blanket, in one of our blanket pods, and enjoy the entertainment as the sun sets – see video below! Poetry courtesy of Erin Robinson, music by Lucy Lambert and Rick Bockner, and a reading from Petra, plus on-stage interview about the novel, moderated by Karen Mahon Carrington. - [Talk at Munro's Books, October 13, 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/talk-at-munros-books-october-13-2020/): Munro’s Books, October 13th, 2020. Three BC writers of historical fiction talk shop about their new novels. This was such a fabulous event! A Zoom show and share, using photographs to illustrate our research process! Then a conversation led by acclaimed novelist, Claire Mulligan. Featuring Dede Crane, author of the newly released One Madder Woman, the story of the brilliant impressionist painter Berthe Morisot – a woman who changed our relationship to light, shadow, figure and movement in painting, but whose name is far less known than her contemporaries, Degas and Manet, both of whom owe much to her innovations. And Caroline Adderson – the author, most recently, [...] - [Appearance on Ottawa Writers Festival podcast](https://shaenalambert.com/appearance-on-ottawa-writers-festival-podcast/): Ottawa Writers Festival Podcast – Confronting History: Some think of history as something distinct from the here and now, but for bettor or worse, history is always with us. Clearly, some history needs to be confronted if we are ever going to learn from it. This episode features Francesca Ekwuyasi in conversation with Catherine Hernandez and Shaena Lambert in conversation with Peter Schneider. - [Talk at Vancouver Writers Festival, October 25, 2020](https://shaenalambert.com/talk-at-vancouver-writers-festival-october-25-2020/): Vancouver Writers Festival, Sunday, October 25th, 11 AM PST: Thrilled and honoured to be part of The Interviews with Marsha Lederman, featuring Seth Klein, Shaena Lambert and Amin Maalouf. This is sure to be a fascinating discussion. Amin Maalouf is the renowned scholar and author of The Crusades through Arab Eyes, and Samarkand. Policy expert and social thinker Seth Klein has just come out with a new book – The Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency – on how our society can and must flex World War 2-type muscle to fight climate change. I will dig into the story of ecological heroine Petra Kelly, and what we can learn from [...] - [Canadian activists comment on Petra](https://shaenalambert.com/canadian-activists-comment-on-petra/): Two Canadian activist leaders and feminists, Judy Rebick and Tzeporah Berman, have weighed in on Petra: “I loved Petra… set in a modern social movement reflecting both the excitement and dysfunction. Petra is the story of a powerful woman leader of the Greens in Germany. A wonderful portrait of a woman leader caught in the contradictions of our generation of women.” —Judy Rebick, author, feminist, activist “Petra is a captivating book about passion and purpose. Shaena Lambert manages to both capture the complexity and vision of Petra Kelly while digging deep into the history and politics of the green movement. I couldn’t put it down!” —Tzeporah [...] - [Shelagh Rogers – The Next Chapter](https://shaenalambert.com/shelagh-rogers-the-next-chapter/): Tune in for a discussion of the themes and story behind my new novel, Petra, with Shelagh Rogers, on The Next Chapter, CBC Radio. Recording in August for airing early September. Date and time to come. If you’d like info on when this interview will air, please join Shaena’s mailing list. - [Gill Deacon — Here and Now](https://shaenalambert.com/gill-deacon-here-and-now/): Join us for a CBC Radio Toronto conversation about Petra, my novel, and the fascinating woman behind the words. 1:55 pm, PST; 4:55 pm, EST. - [Toronto Word on the Street](https://shaenalambert.com/toronto-word-on-the-street/): Saturday-Sunday, September 26th A Festival of Ideas, Story Telling and Imagination. Join in a 30 minute on-line facilitated discussion on Petra, research, the ethics and boundaries of writing into the lives of real people, the seeds that started the book, and a reading. Precise time to come; visit the website. ## Pages - [Mentoring & Teaching](https://shaenalambert.com/mentoring-teaching/) - [News & Events](https://shaenalambert.com/news-events/) - [Statement to the Court of Appeal](https://shaenalambert.com/about-the-author/statement-to-the-court-of-appeal/) - [Long Bio](https://shaenalambert.com/about-the-author/long-bio/) - [About the Author](https://shaenalambert.com/about-the-author/) - [Home](https://shaenalambert.com/) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)