U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories
Welcome to U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories — the podcast that takes you beyond the book jacket and into the creative heart of the University of Alberta’s finest storytellers.
In each episode, we sit down with U of A authors — from celebrated alumni to inspiring faculty and emerging student voices — to explore the passion, process, and personal journeys behind their latest works. From fiction to memoir, poetry to research, discover the experiences, memories, and motivations that shaped the stories on the page.
Because every great book has a backstory — and we’re here to share it.
Territorial Acknowledgement
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.
U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories
Alexis Marie Chute
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In this episode of U of A Reads, we sit down with Alexis Marie Chute, ’07 BFA, an award-winning visual artist, filmmaker, art gallery curator, and bestselling author of 7 books, including the fantasy trilogy Above the Star, Below the Moon, Inside the Sun, and memoir Expecting Sunshine. Her latest non-fiction books include Prairie Spirits, The Eternal Summer of Alberta’s Herbarium, Memorable Murals, and Moments in Focus. Her artwork is represented at the Art Gallery of Alberta and her documentary films have screened worldwide. She is the curator of Wild Skies Art Gallery, the Red Brick Common Public Art Gallery, and is co-founder of InFocus Photo Exhibit. Her most recent venture is Wild Skies Press, a hybrid-Canadian book publisher that produces beautiful art books, poetry collections, fiction and non-fiction titles. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and is passionate about creativity, healing, resiliency, and wellbeing on the “joy journey.”
We talk with Alexis about her creative process, how she develops immersive fantasy worlds, and the themes that run through her trilogy, from courage and friendship to the power of storytelling itself. She shares insights into what inspired the series, the challenges of bringing an entire fantasy world to life on the page, and the ways her artistic practice informs her writing.
Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy or curious about the craft behind building a trilogy, this episode offers a fascinating look at how imagination, discipline, and storytelling intersect in Alexis Marie Chute’s work.
This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association.
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