Author holds book signing at Historical Society in Donnelly

Pierrette Requier held a book signing at the Historical Society in Donnelly on June 16 .

Emily Plihal
Special to the Express

Former Donnelly resident Pierrette Requier graced the community with her presence on June 16 for the signing of her newly released book Details From the Edge of the Village.

Requier was one of four poets published by Frontenac House in the 2009 Quartet series.

“The Quartet was launched across Canada,” says Requier, who used personal experiences to guide her through the creation of her book. “Each year Frontenac releases a quartet of books. This year they will be publishing 10 in celebration of their 10 year anniversary.”

Requier was born fourth out of 11 children in Donnelly. She explains she was the child of a child of pioneers who settled the region. Being raised in Donnelly, Requier says she was fortunate to learn both French and English, which she was raised to speak interchangeably.

Requier’s book of poetry details an encounter with every day life. She speaks of everything from her family to experiences seen through her eyes.

“I have been writing and performing poetry for almost two decades,” says Requier. “Writing this book was like coming home as I am so profoundly rooted here.”

Requier has been living in Edmonton for many years, but says the foundation of her life built in the Smoky River region. Her book depicts life as she knew it growing up in Donnelly and her life experiences that have moulded the person she’s become.

“The book is written in Northern Alberta dialect and I’ve used French in it to separate itself from other books,” says Requier. “The format of the book is definitely unique.”

Requier’s first career was as an elementary teacher, but she has expanded her career to include various other professions.

Currently Requier is counselling and holding creative writing workshops.

She has read at various international poetry festivals, been reviewed in the Globe and Mail and other newspapers, and has been published in many different poetry anthologies.

These anthologies include Writing the Land anthology (you can check out her writing at www.blueskiespoetry.ca), and Other Voices magazine.

She explains this book of poetry has an undertone of tenderness, even if some of the topics are unsavoury.

Details from the Edge of the Village can be purchase at the Historical and Genealogical Society building in Donnelly or through Frontenac House at 1-403-245-2491. You can also go online at www.frontenachouse.com for more information.

Requier will be featured on a radio interview with Ken Davis on CKUA on June 28 beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The interview will feature an explanation of her book and Requier will also read excerpts from the book.

Requier is hoping to hold writing seminars in our region.

She is well known for her Wind Eye Writing Seminars in Edmonton.

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