Shannon Burke Featured at Next KWG Program

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - May 22, 2015 - PRLog -- Novelist and screenwriter Shannon Burke will read from his newest book, "Into the Savage Country," at the June program of the Knoxville Writers' Guild.

The event, which will be open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 4 at the Laurel Theater, at the corner of Laurel Avenue and 16th Streets (in Fort Sanders). A $2 donation is requested at the door. The building is handicapped accessible. Additional parking is available at Redeemer Church of Knoxville, 1642 Highland Ave.

"I'll be talking about the book, and how I became interested in the subject," Burke said about the program, which was previously scheduled for KWG's March program but was cancelled due to inclement weather.

"Into the Savage Country" is a historical adventure novel that mostly takes place on a trapping brigade in the 1820s. The novel begins as the protagonist - a young man named William Wyeth - starts west on a trapping brigade. The character makes friends, falls in love, chases buffalos and becomes involved in a struggle where the future of the country hangs in the balance.

"I grew up reading books like 'Kidnapped,' 'Treasure Island,' 'White Fang' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' and my intent was to write a book in that vein," he said.

His first two novels were well-received and have been translated into several languages. "Safelight" (Random House 2005) was on the Kirkus and Publishers Weekly end of the year lists. "Black Flies" (Soft Skull Press 2008) was on numerous end of the year lists, was a New York Times Notable Book, a finalist for the Believer Book Award, on the Impac Dublin Literary Award Long List and runner up for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. He has worked on various films, including work on the script for the film "Syriana."

Copies of "Into the Savage Country" will be available for purchase at the program. For more information about Burke, please visit www.shannonburkewebsite.com. Additional information about KWG can be found at www.KnoxvilleWritersGuild.org.