First-Time Novelist David Demchuk Makes Giller Nomination History

David Demchuk's debut novel The Bone Mother has made Giller nomination history as the first in the horror genre to be longlisted for the 2017 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

"When I began work on The Bone Mother and immersed myself in her world, I never expected to earn such an honour," said Demchuk. "From its inception, I knew it would an unusual and exciting experience, for me and for the reader. I am hugely grateful to ChiZine Publications for taking a chance on me. And I am thrilled to receive this recognition from the Scotiabank Giller jury."

Inspired by his love of Eastern European fairy tales, legends and folklore, as well as his Winnipeg upbringing, Demchuk's The Bone Mother tells of three neighbouring villages on the Ukrainian/Romanian border which are the final refuge for the last of the mythical creatures of Eastern Europe--the Rusalka, the Strigoi, the Vedma, and more. Now, on the eve of the war that may eradicate their kind, and with the ruthless Night Police descending upon their sanctuary, they tell their stories and confront their destinies.

"But apart from that, it's about how women and children and marginalized communities are imperiled in times of conflict and chaos, and it's about how humanity is often more evil than the monsters that we create and fear," adds Demchuk.

Demchuk has been writing for stage, print and other media for more than thirty years. His theatrical works have been produced in Toronto, New York, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver, Chicago, San Francisco, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in London, England. This is his first novel, his first Giller nomination, and the first Giller nomination for a novel in the horror genre.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

Author Cruises at The Word on the Street Festival, Harbourfront Centre on Sunday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join featured author David Demchuk along with fellow writers Nick Cutter and Ron Corbett aboard one of Canada's tall ships for an hour of readings and discussion followed by a signing of his book The Bone Mother. David will also be in attendance at the ChiZine Publications tent, and available as part of the Friend An Author campaign.

Peterborough - Chiaroscuro Reading Series at The Spill, 414 George St. North, on Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m. David Demchuk joins Dana Cameron and Ian Rogers for some spooky pre-Halloween fun. Free admission.

Toronto - Chiaroscuro Reading Series at ROUND Venue, 152A Augusta Avenue, onWednesday, October 18 at 7 p.m. David Demchuk returns with other noted authors from the ChiZine extended family for an evening of readings in advance of Hallowe'en. Free admission.

Montreal - The Violet Hour at Stock Bar, 1171 Rue Sainte-Catherine E on Tuesday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m. David Demchuk joins other queer Toronto and Montreal authors in celebrating Hallowe'en in an evening of short readings and performances. Free admission.

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