The Toronto History Weekly

Enjoy this recording of my talk with historian Adam Bunch and find out about my creative non-fiction novel, Hangman: the true story of Canada’s first official executioner

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Explore a Dark Part of Canada’s History: Hangman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver author’s new book explores a dark aspect of Canadian history

Halloween has become a light-hearted celebration of all things ghoulish. But as late as 1910, members of the public, including children, entertained themselves by attending real hangings.  

New Westminster, BC (October 21, 2022) – Hangman: The true story of Canada’s first official executioner, from Vancouver author Julie Burtinshaw, examines capital punishment in Canada through the lens of John Radclive, a notorious figure who both fascinated and repelled citizens across the country.

A former British sailor, Radclive was appointed Canada’s first official executioner in 1892, a position he held until his death in 1911. In BC, he executed criminals in Victoria, New Westminster, Kamloops and Nelson. Over the course of his career, Radclive worked tirelessly to bring mercy and dignity to the condemned. He was an outspoken critic of selling tickets – a lucrative and widespread practice that resulted in several riots – and eventually succeeded in establishing private, indoor hangings. A family man, Radclive was also a bombastic figure who enjoyed being a public figure, never wore a mask, refused to apologize for his profession and delighted in pointing out the hypocrisy of the elites. He eventually came to oppose capital punishment and died of cirrhosis, abandoned by friends and family.

Julie Burtinshaw is the award-winning author of seven books for young adults and teens and is an active participant in the local writing community, having served as a judge for the BC Book Awards and Red Cedar and mentored many emerging writers. Hangman is her first work of creative non-fiction, published by New Westminster-based Tidewater Press.

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FOR INTERVIEW REQUESTS:

Please contact the author directly at jburtinshaw@gmail.com or by phone at 604-785-8004.

FOR REVIEW COPIES:

Please contact the publisher at info@tidewaterpress.ca.

ABC Bookworld Biography: Me

I loved that this popped up, but have to admit, I don’t think I look like this anymore!

Julie Burtinshaw a few years back

Still, I’m very grateful they for the mention of my books, especially the new one, soon to be in bookstores everywhere!

Burtinshaw’s first creative non-fiction novel, Hangman: The true story of Canada’s first official executioner (Tidewater, 2022) tells the story of John Robert Radclive. After immigrating to Canada in 1890, Radclive became the country’s first professional hangman in 1892. He proved to be a reluctant hangman and took on the job to ensure that death came quickly to convicts sentenced to hang. In Birtinshaw’s story, Radclive comes to question the Canadian justice system and his role within it. From publicity: “Based on extensive historical research and contemporaneous newspaper accounts, Hangman recaps the history of capital punishment in Canada and the ambivalence of public attitudes toward it through a highly personal lens.”

My first non-fiction book arriving soon.

Twenty-two years following my first book and the thrill of a finished novel remains.

Word Vancouver, 2022

Calling all writers! I’d love to see you at Word Vancouver, 2022 on September 25, where myself, Andrew Chesham, Laura Ferina and Joseph Kakwinokanasum, will be Demystifying the Publishing Process with moderator, Rob Taylor.

About This Event 

In this panel on demystifying the publishing process: working with a small, independent, or ‘micro’ press, four published authors, two of whom teach at SFU’s Writer’s Studio and two who have recently graduated from the program and have new books out with a local BC press, continue the conversation initiated on our Read Local Blog. The discussion will move from the act of writing to the work of getting your work noticed and published. Panelists will share their insights about working with a small, independent BC publisher.

Location: SFU Harbour Centre, Labatt Hall

Type: Panel

Moderator:  Rob Taylor

Guests: Andrew Chesham & Laura Farina, co-editors of Resonance: Essays on the Craft and Life of Writing (Anvil Press) | Julie Burtinshaw, Hangman (Tidewater Press) | Joseph Kakwinokanasum, My Indian Summer (Tidewater Press)

Get your free ticket here!

Thank you 49th Shelf for the book recommendation!

The Keepers on My Bookshelf, had some kind words to say about my last book, one of the 2018 BC Book Prizes Best Book for Teens saying good-bye to London. A good review is always appreciated. Thank you!

“Along with Juby and Nielsen, Julie Burtinshaw (Saying Goodbye to London, about teen pregnancy) seems to really understand kids and teens and what makes them tick—their humour, their thinking, and their language. I’ve learned a lot about writing for kids/teens from reading these three authors.”

My First iBook: Darkness Between the Stars Has a New Format

It’s finally happened! The Darkness Between the Stars a book that I am very proud of is now available to download at iTunes. From Goodreads: This book should be read by every parent and teen. This is a story that shows how teenagers can have much stress and pressure to succeed which could lead to depression and thoughts of suicide when life becomes to overwhelming. Parents should not ignore signs and strange behavior and try to seek help before their child gets totally out of control. This book would be great for a must read book in high school. Discussions should be held regarding how to get help for depression and also how suicide effects entire families for the rest of their lives. I myself have learned a lot from reading this and hope many others will read it too. This can possible save lives.

Award winning author Julie Burtinshaw has written compelling and provocative novel about the realities of teen suicide. This is a gritty, honest heartfelt book that is ultimately filled with hope. And not easily forgotten.

Now available to download at your iTunes store.

Pages: 219
Size: 1.0 MB

Symposium on Manitoba Writing: Let the Stars Shine in Our Bones

The website for the upcoming Symposium on Manitoba Writing is up and looking great. I am excited to be on one of the panels:
MANITOBA YOUNG ADULT (YA) WRITING

Friday, May 11 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Two established writers for young adults consider the growth in Manitoba YA writing, its place in a Canadian YA context and how developing trends in YA writing and publishing might affect its future.

PANELISTS:
Susan Rocan
Julie Burtinshaw

You can check out my page here, and I will have loads to say about YA publishing – both here in BC and across the country.

Julie’s Suite Articles

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Latest Articles by Julie Burtinshaw

FOREST OF READING NEWS!

This year the OLA has partnered with Authors’ Booking Service to assist nominees with bookings. We are pleased to help coordinate school and library visits for all nominees who wish to take advantage of the OLA’s arrangement. There is, of course, absolutely no charge to the OLA, or to schools or libraries, for this service.

Visit this page on our site for links to information on the OLA Nominees we can help you with!

And the Nominees are:

White Pine

The Perfect Cut by Julie Burtinshaw

Book of Michael by Lesley Choyce

Cracked up to Be by Courtney Summers

Getting the Girl by Susan Juby

Half World by Hiromi Goto

The Landing by John Ibbitson

Mostly Happy by Pam Bustin

Sister Wife by Shelley Hrdlitschka

The Uninvited by Tim Wynne-Jones

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

The Perfect Cut: Included in CCBC Best Books For Teens 09

Canadain Children's Book Centre - Best Books 09 Edition

Best Books For Teens 09, Review

Thank you for including my book in this list!
Julie