Love Christmas! I have 16 days off and although there are many wonderful family activities and of course, skiing (and snowboarding), I have managed to set aside a few days to write. Currently working on Chapter 7 of my current novel and it is going quickly — which I hope is a good thing! No blocks (at least not major ones) right now. One of my commitments today was to be a cashier at a casino where my husband’s organization is raising money to repair a 300 ton steam locomotive. It wasn’t very busy, so I was able to finish critiquing my new acquaintance’s novel between cashing out chips. I should be able to give her the crit at Thursday’s IFWA meeting, so that will be a nice turn-around time for her: one month. Hope my crit is helpful.
Sometimes you love technology . . .
And other times!!! So, I posted last week, but 2 of my 3 paragraphs didn’t show up on the post. What I was going to say, is that I am critting a novel for a new member to one of my writers’ groups and there are definite challenges when critting someone you have only had one conversation with. One always wants to be helpful, but a writer has to be very thick-skinned when getting critted, and I don’t want to offend. I think the best bet is to tread lightly . . .
Critiquing new writers, and other things
The gathering of my Kensington Writers’ Group was great. People’s careers are really taking off. Not only did Shenaaz have lots of interesting stories about being a GG nominee, Jan has just signed her contract for the publication of her children’s novel, “Dead Frog on the Porch” (great title, eh?) and she and Francis had cool stories to tell about their weekend at the Surrey Writers’ Conference. Also, we have a new member of our group.
GG Nominee Shenaaz Nanji
Did I mention that my good friend and writing-group member, Shenaaz Nanji was nominated for the Governor-General’s Award for her children’s novel? Her book, Child of Dandelions was wonderful. Not only was it well written and a gripping story, but I learned a lot about a period in history that I lived through but was pretty unaware of, as the events happened half way around the world. Very cool. Shenaaz was interviewed multiple times over the past couple of weeks and flown to Toronto for a few days as well. Hot stuff! She, along with the rest of my Kensington Writers’ Group, is coming over for a Christmas party on Monday, so I’m hoping we will hear more of her stories then.
Very cool!
Susan
Notice that “Back” is now listed on the SFCanada site
Have a look at Canadian SF for all the awards in Canada, latest news in Canadian SF, as well as all the works eligible for the Auroras. I just posted “Back” (Analog, June 2008 — you can read it right here on my website under “Publications”) which will be eligible for the upcoming Auroras (to be presented at Anticipation in Montreal this summer) as well as for the current Nebula award. I already have two recommendations for the Nebula.
TTFN!
Susan