Mark Nykanen to lead Writers Retreat at Island Lake Lodge

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The Fernie Writers Conference recently announced Mark Nykanen, four time Emmy Award winning journalist and author of three critically acclaimed thrillers, will lead a novel workshop and retreat at Island lake Lodge September 28 to October 3, 2008. The retreat will be limited to 10 participants and will focus on crafting a thriller. The workshop will be a mix of discussion and re-working of material presented and critiques by the group as whole.

Both Tuesday and Wednesday night there will be readings in the great room of the Bear Lodge.

About Mark Nykanen.

Known for his gripping psychological thrillers, HUSH, The Bone Parade, and Search Angel, you have to wonder what sort of mind develops the tense gripping page-turning plots. His books have been translated into five languages - French, German, Russian, Italian, and Dutch. The Bone Parade was a bestseller in Germany.

In an earlier life, Mark worked first as an investigative reporter for newspapers and then at 28 was hired by NBC. At the time, he was the youngest NBC correspondent. As an investigative TV journalist for NBC, he received four Emmy Awards. Searching for something more, in 1987 he left broadcasting. Since that time his work has centered on peace and environmental activism.

After one of Mark Nykanen’s readings, an individual in the audience wanted to ask a question not of Mark, but of Mark’s wife.

“Go ahead.”

“Do you have a problem living with someone who think up that sort of graphic violence?”

“No. I know he’s nothing like that. It’s only his writing.”

Mark laughed, shaking his head.

Mark brings a fine and practiced eye to the Retreat and the ability to critically cut to the core of an issue. His plotting sense is impeccable and the weaving of character traits to create plot depth stands as a hallmark of his work.

Four and a half years ago Mark moved to Nelson BC where he lives with his wife and daughter.

The Retreat is all-inclusive—Dinner Sunday September evening to the closing lunch on Friday afternoon, lodging and all workshop sessions.
$1725.00. based on single occupancy.
Double occupancy $2175.00. Applicable to participants who wish to bring a guest to share the week at the Lodge.
GST and a 15% gratuity on dining is not included.