Updates

Had a great week in Toronto at the Lillian H Smith branch library (where the Merril Collection is housed) and in Ottawa at the Can*Con writers convention, doing two more launches for The Sum of Us. Bev will also do one in Winnipeg. Saw lots of old friends, met some new ones, including writers I’ve been editing for the Laksa Media Social Causes series. Good fun, good networking.

An old client that I did some work for a few years ago got in touch and asked if I would finish that project. I like the story, though the material definitely needs work, so I was happy to go back to it. I am almost finished the original contracted material, and will send it to him, probably this weekend. Then, if he is still willing, I’ll do a second pass. If not, I have tons of projects–most likely will work on book 2 of my series (that’s in my head right now). I have two other projects but I am waiting for feedback from others on those.

…and submitted. As Chapter 1 of book 2 will be published at the end of book 1, it has the same deadline, of course. But I like the outline and the chapter, so I’m not too worried that I have set book 2 on a bad course, or anything.

Being the odds-on favorite to take “Best Related Work” at the Auroras this year didn’t prevent me from doubting it could happen. So it was a shock and surprise when our name was called! I got to give the acceptance speech for Lucas, who couldn’t be there, then muddled through my own which I winged (rather well, I thought, except for missing out my thanks to everyone on my list to thank). Also, our artist, Samantha Beiko, won for best cover, and one of our authors, Hayden Trenholm won Best Short Story for “Marion’s War.” Triple Crown!

Okay, or going on holiday. Had a wonderful week in Nova Scotia with my sister; but hey–we DID go sea kayaking, which I have never done before, and one needs a plethora of experiences as a writer, right? Also, very cool to go to a ceilidh and see the locals just get up and square dance as the music moved them.