A Busy Spring

Crime Writers of Canada hosted several author events on Thursday evening at various locations across Canada, capped off with simultaneous reading of the Arthur Ellis award shortlists at 8:45 p.m. on the dot. I was part of a panel at Rideau Chapters alongside R.J. Harlick, Barbara Fradkin and Michael McCann, with C.B. Forrest asking the questions and Mary Jane Maffini MC-ing the evening. We pulled in a decent-sized crowd as we discussed our writing processes. Of course, the highlight of the evening for me was having My Sister's Keeper shortlisted in the best novella category!

The panel: (l to r) Barbara Fradkin, me, R.J. Harlick and Michael McCann
 

 C.B. Forrest

 

Mary Jane Maffini

 

I will be going to Bloody Words in Toronto the first weekend in June and the Arthur Ellis dinner is on the Thursday. I wasn't planning to go but have rearranged my schedule to be in Toronto a day early so that I can take part in the evening. I think it's important to take time to celebrate what really amount to acknowledgements that your work is striking a cord with readers. Plus, never hurts to have an evening of food and wine with a room full of mystery authors:-)

 

A few events first. This coming Saturday, May 3, I will be signing books at Perfect Books on Elgin Street (at Somerset) from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Drop in for a chat if you are out and about.

 

Then on May 10, I'll be part of the mystery author all-day event at the Ottawa Public Library main branch, which kicks off with Peter Robinson in the morning. You can register for a free homemade lunch and my panel with Jeff Ross and C.B. Forrest will be on at 1:00 p.m. There will be readings by celebrities throughout the day and books for sale. The event, sponsored by Capital Crime Writers and the Ottawa Public Library, is free and you can come for all or part. It promises to be a great day. Click on the Capital Crime Writers link for more information.

 

Whew - not much time to catch my breath!  I got a good jump on my writing over the Easter long weekend and am heading up to 63,000 words. I figure if I make 80,000 words, this is a good target since I always add more on rewrites. I decided to keep in the development that I thought might be entering the story too early. It seems to be working out, taking the murder investigation in a new direction.

 

Another cold, wet morning today, perfect for sitting at my desk writing. I have to make a trip to see Linda Wiken at Brittons to pick up some books I ordered. Other than this, I'll be puttering away.

 

A few people have asked about purchasing copies of My Sister's Keeper. A hard copy can be ordered directly from Grass Roots Press or you can download it from Amazon and other major online sites. The Hard Fall is the second in the series and the third, To Keep A Secret will be released in September. I've grown very fond of Anna Sweet, the main character, who works in Hintonburg, shops in Westboro and hangs out at my local pub Whispers.

 

Write what you know :-)