A Bookshop Kind of Saturday

Life has been busy. We spent a thrilling weekend in Gananoque watching our daughter Lisa and her curling team skipped by Rachel Homan, advance to ladies provincials in Toronto at the end of January. No mean feat. This was capped off last weekend by a favourable review of In Winter's Grip in the Globe and Mail. Reviewer Margaret Cannon is the top reviewer of crime fiction in Canada, so a nod from her is an excellent thing. You can still read the review if you go to www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books and look for the 'new in crime fiction' link. The Globe liked my book cover (thanks to Emma for the design) and used it in three places.

This morning, I am getting ready to head out with Chris Forrest to two book signings at the Orleans and Barrhaven Book Stops - two of the few remaining independent bookshops in Ottawa. I know some friends will be dropping by and hope to see as many as can make it - I believe we have to support the independents - I can't imagine losing the charm of a ramble through a bookstore on a snowy winter day.

The final edits on The Second Wife are done and it is due on March 1st - seems so close now. I've also been working with my publisher on the cover for Second Chances, the YA book due out in the fall. Emma has come up with another good cover design but it is yet to be finalized. I just wrote a blurb for the cover that needs some tinkering, but the base is there. Wa hoo - it's a lot like giving birth . . . only less painful and no night feedings.

This could be a busy year ahead.

Finally, I've completed the first draft of a sequel to The Second Wife that I'll be fussing with tomorrow before I run it by a few readers. I loosely based the storyline on a true crime event in Toronto that I heard about a number of years ago. It sends shivers up my spine even now.

Well, time for some breakfast, a second cup of coffee and then off to the first bookstore. I hope you can come by. We are at the Orleans Bookstop (1224 Place D'Orleans Drive) from 11-12:30 and the Barrhaven Bookstop (1 Jockvale Rd.) from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Winter Wonder? Land

Remember when we used to have snow? This photo was taken around this time in 2008. Today, I see green lawn when I look out the window. I wouldn't be surprised to see tulips poking out of the ground soon. That is if the fifty squirrels I see running around outside don't get to them first. (Shouldn't squirrels be comatose somewhere this time of year?)

The start of 2011. I have made resolutions . . . well, semi-agreements with myself anyhow. Like last year, I've resolved to have more fun this year. Less work, more socializing . . . making more time for friends and outings (I love this resolution). It's really not a tough one to keep.

Then, there's my annual promise to get in better shape (quite a bit higher on the tough-to-keep scale). I'm making headway. I'm starting yoga at work on Mondays beginning next week, I'm working out and curling twice a week. I've stopped buying so much processed food and steer clear of the cookie aisle. Poor Ted can't figure out why we never have anything to eat in the house :-)

Last but not least, I've resolved to finish two manuscripts this year. I'm well on my way to finishing one this month and will work on the second for the rest of the year. In addition, I have two books coming out in 2011 - The Second Wife with Orca (adult - spring) and Second Chances with Napoleon (YA - fall). This one ties in with having fun - I have a lot of fun writing and love the characters in all these books. Plus, I get to go to conferences and author events, which are always good times.

Speaking of which -and I don't know how I could have come up with a better segue - to begin this season of book events, C.B. Forrest and I will be appearing at the two Bookstops on Saturday, January 15th: from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Orleans Book Stop, 4-1224 Place D'orleans Drive; and, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Barrhaven Book Stop, 5-1 Jockvale Road. I hope you can come by and say hello. (Because you really should resolve to get out more :-)