ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Megan Cole talks to Julie Wilkins. Julie is the author of We're Happy You're Here. We're Happy You're Here is a finalist for the 2025 Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize. In this conversation, Julie talks about the story that inspired her book, and how books create opportunities to gather and build community. To find out more about We're Happy You're Here visit: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/project/were-happy-youre-here/ To view the 2025 BC and Yukon Book Prizes shortlists: bcyukonbookprizes.com/2025/04/10/bc-…sts-announced/ ABOUT JULIE WILKINS: Julie Wilkins is a storyteller and entrepreneur. The owner of Gather Bookshop, an independent bookstore where her passion for inclusive and diverse literature comes alive on the shelves, Julie is excited to be finding her own voice as an author. We’re Happy You’re Here is her first book. Julie lives in Squamish, British Columbia. ABOUT MEGAN COLE: Megan Cole the Interim Executive Director for the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered, and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the traditional territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen. Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.