Local Fernie author, Gordon Sombrowski has had his latest book nominated for a fiction award at the 2022 Whistler Independent Book awards.
His book, ‘What Narcissus Saw’ was shortlisted along with five other self-published books from across Canada.
“As problematic as the idea of awards are when it comes to art I am of course extremely pleased that a jury of my writing peers shortlisted What Narcissus Saw for the Fiction Category of the Whistler Independent Book Awards,” said Sombrowski.
“It feels especially validating because I decided to take on the risk of not going with an established publisher so that I would be able to maintain complete artistic control of the process. Working with some very special people that included editor Ron Smith, designer Vanessa Croome, as well as ASPublishing I was able to create the book that I wanted to share with readers. I am super stoked that the risk paid off!”
The Whistler Independent Book Awards were established in 2016 to recognize excellence in Canadian self-publishing, with awards across three categories: fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.
Sombrowski said he was grateful for those that made the Whistler Independent Book Awards possible.
“There are many great books published independently yet there are very few awards programs for books that fall outside the mainstream publishing industry-controlled awards programs. Kudos to WIBA for making it happen.”
Sombrowski’s nomination puts him on the shortlist, with three finalists set to be announced on July 15 2022. The winners will be announced at the Whistler Writers Festival, which is held in October.
‘What Narcissus Saw’ is a collection of short fiction stories which are inspired by the experience that is Fernie.
Released in December last year, Sombrowski described the stories as taking modern dilemmas, and examining them through the unique community of Fernie.
The book serves as a companion to his previous book of short stories, What Echo Heard, published in 2011, also set in Fernie.
What Narcissus Saw is available locally at Polar Peek bookstore in Fernie.
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scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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