The Author Spotlight Series shines a light on writers creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their books and why they do what they do.

 

Click Here to follow the series as it progresses.

To submit an author for consideration, email editors@myentertainmentworld.ca.

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“James Corbiere (Aanishinaabe, Bear Clan) was born and raised in Wii kwem koong, Ontario, on “Da Rez. He is a childhood church trauma survivor, who became a peace keeper (police officer) and later, an Indigenous language teacher. He combines his knowledge and lived experience with his artwork to bear witness to the effects of colonialism and its impact on Indigenous people in Canada”.

 

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I didn’t think about being a writer. Things just happened to work out that way.

 

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?
I don’t recall anything like that, I wrote a crossword puzzle in grade 5. I first started my comic book drawings in 2008. I was living in Northern Michigan at the time. I was fresh out of a divorce, I was in constant pain from a back injury at work, for which I lost my career in policing, which in turn resulted in my losing the home I built. I was wandering around visiting family. I went to my sisters in Michigan and we went out to Target. I found this big bound blank book and it just called to me. I picked it up, bought it and in November 2018, I sat and wrote and wrote and wrote. Drawings, words I spent a whole month. It poured out of me. This book became Giiwedanong, of which I have self published two 32 page comic books.

 

How did you develop your skills?
I practice. I feel inspired to gather my materials and just go. But it’s a lot of practice too, in other parts of your life.

 

Who are some of your biggest literary influences? Do you have a favourite book/author?
Literary influences…Dr Suess, the artwork and stories, Monty Python, life and nature.

 

How would you describe your work?
My work. We’ll, the stories are rattling around in my head. So when I have the chance, I will sit down and just fill out bits of paper which I assemble into a coherent plan and then  create something resembling a book.

 

Tell us about your most recent book.
I finished something called the “Tales of the Firekeeper” . It was a story I wrote to help guide you through how the game is played.

 

What are you working on now/next?
I am working on illustrations for an Aanishinaabe language workbook that will be used to help with Aanishinaabe language lessons and learning.