Long Summer Days

This has been a good writing week. I've settled into a rhythm, working on the main idea paragraphs in the morning and writing through the afternoon with the odd bike ride, hour working in the garden, or walk thrown in. I was aiming for 45,000 words by the end of June on this latest manuscript and am almost at 47,000 with a week to go. Now, they might not all be the right words yet, but that's to be expected on the first draft.

I made it out to the Capital Crime Writers wrap up evening at the Barley Mow pub in Ottawa South on Wednesday. It was an evening to listen to the Audrey Jessup contest winning authors read from their short stories, and to honour our outgoing president, Michael Murphy, who has given tirelessly of his time and energy to further the interests of the crime fiction community. Michael was head of the adult section at the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library before his retirement a few years back with a love of books and a good story. I cannot say enough about the support he has given to me personally and to all the writers in our group. Bravo Michael!

 Michael Murphy

Two of my favourite partners in crime Darlene Cole and Katherine Hobbs

Wynn Quon reading from his dryly humorous short story

Summer solstice arrived on Wednesday as well and the warmer weather and bouts of rain are making the city green and lush. I've been biking and walking, getting out to enjoy the sun and fresh air and the gardens around the city. Ottawa is a gorgeous place to be in the summer. A week from today is Canada Day when the country celebrates our 150th year since Confederation. We'll have some friends for a barbecue and toast in the monumental day.