Oh Canada!

To get this Canada Day weekend started, I'll be at Perfect Books, 258 Elgin Street, today (Saturday) between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. so come on by if you're downtown and stock up on some summer reading.

My plan this week had been to finish reviewing the edits for Closing Time from my Dundurn editor Shannon by Friday, and I was on schedule ... and then the summer cold hit. And a nasty bug it is too. Oddly enough, Shannon in Toronto also had it and the cold delayed her edits by a few days. (Can a cold virus be sent electronically?) I also had to reschedule my appearance on The Power Lunch and will be on the show this coming Wednesday, July 3rd. Anyhow, I'm taking the long weekend to finish my edits but really don't have too much left to do.

I also have to write a post for 7 Criminal Minds blog for Monday, Canada Day, so check in and see what I come up with. The question concerns my business skills so should be an imaginative answer since I'm sadly lacking in this department.

My last bit of news for the week is that R.J. Harlick and I are booked in for a joint signing at Chapters Kanata on Saturday, June 27 between 1l:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. We signed together once before and had a great time so looking forward to spending some time catching up

When Ted's and my daughters were younger, we headed up to Parliament Hill to watch the fireworks a few times but now I'm content to watch the festivities on tv, get together with a few friends and have a barbecue, drink wine and eat strawberry shortcake - I go berry picking in the morning. Very Canadiana! We're supposed to have a hot sunny day this year so should be a great way to celebrate our country's birthday.

Have a great weekend, everyone and a special Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian peeps near and far.

Ahh Summer

Summer solstice yesterday was a beautiful day that marked the first day of summer. The rainy week before made the gardens lush with some spring flowers blooming later than usual and the summer bloomers opening too. We whiled the evening away on a friend's veranda until the sun set so a lovely way to see out spring and welcome in summer.

My past few days and the week to come, in contrast, are being spent in front of my computer reviewing the first round of edits for Closing Time done by by Dundurn editor Shannon Whibbs. I have a June 28 deadline so will have to buckle down. A working weekend ahead.

It was a great signing at Coles Carlingwood last Saturday with some friends stopping by for a copy of Turning Secrets and several strangers who stopped to chat and ended up buying Cold Mourning. It was such a good day that we sold out of both books! One woman even drove in from Stittsville to get a signed copy of the latest. Some days, this writing gig feels pretty darn good. One other happening while I was signing was a couple of guys filming for a mall commercial and they took some footage of me and my books - let's see if this makes the cut :-)

I will be at Perfect Books (258 Elgin) on Saturday, June 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. so another chance to come by if you'd like a signed copy.

I'll also be back on 1310 News The Power Lunch this Wednesday (June 26) to talk about the news of the day with host Mark Sutcliffe and another guest. I never know who the other guest is until the day and have met some very interesting people - never the same person twice. You can listen in from noon to 12:30 or watch on Rogers Cable 22 or online at 1310 News Facebook live.

Looking like another lovely day ahead but it's time for me to get the day underway and prepare for that editing. I'm sure I'll be taking breaks to be outside though ... it would be crazy not to enjoy the stretch of summer weather predicted for the week ahead.

Raptors, Fathers Day and Summer on the Way!

Happy Saturday.

I'll be at Coles Carlingwood today (Saturday) from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. signing copies of the Stonechild series, including the latest Turning Secrets. Come by and say hello if you get the chance.

In addition, I'll be signing at Perfect Books on Elgin on Saturday, June 29 between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. so another chance to meet up if the downtown is more convenient.

Also this week, Dundurn revealed the cover for Closing Time, last in the series, which comes out May 2020. I worked on the back cover text this week and await the first round of edits from my editor Shannon Whibbs. This is the cover - I love the ominous vibe ...

I spent most of the week alternating between working on my latest manuscript and researching for my workshop at the Women Killing It festival in Picton on the Labour Day long weekend. Registration is now open and this poster has the link to the site with all the information. I'm pleased to be part of this cast of up and coming and established Canadian crime fiction writers.

So an eventful week with the Toronto Raptors winning the NBA championship on Thursday and Fathers Day tomorrow. It's good to have events to celebrate that unite the country. We Canadians also are united by our obsession over the weather and looks like we're turning the corner into summer-like conditions in the Ottawa Valley. Barbecues, drinks on the back deck, bike rides, working in the garden, and long lazy days are on the horizon. Good days ahead, starting with our celebration of all the men in our lives tomorrow.

Happy Fathers Day all you dads out there :-)

Columbine in my garden.

Scenes from a Launch

Well, another terrific book launch wrapped up and it went beautifully. For those of you who are familiar with Ottawa, you'll be aware that Elgin Street is undergoing a major overhaul with the street dug up from one end to the other, but this, along with the rain, didn't stop people from venturing to The Cross pub to raise a glass with me. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success.

A special thank you to my daughter Lisa Weagle who gave such a moving introduction. We were also fortunate to have The Haughian Brothers Band entertain us - Thank you Bernie (who came all the way from Collingwood to play), Bob, Misch, Len and Bob. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Perfect Books and Cortez and Kaleigh for selling books on site; Fred Taylor who took all the lovely photos below; and Danny at The Cross for hosting and making such delicious finger food.

One more book in the series to come! Closing Time will be out next May and the band has already committed to one last party. Dundurn is going to reveal the cover this Tuesday so watch for it on social media - I'm extremely happy with the design.

If you missed the launch and live in the area, I will be at Coles in the Carlingwood mall next Saturday, June 15 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. so come by and say hi.

Spent a lot of time signing - always a good thing!

With my good friend & launch photographer Fred Taylor

 Turning Secrets - book 6 in the Stonechild and Rouleau series

 From my curling family - Pat, Cathy and Joyce - love this photo

 Summer reading!

 Lisa make such a wonderful introduction

 The hand over

 Listening from the third level balcony

 The Haughian Brothers Band with lead singer Bernie

Seeing friends is the best part of launching a book

With my daughter Julia

Lisa and Me

Book Launch Day Sunday, June 2!

Tomorrow is Ottawa book launch day! Everything is set and I expect a sizeable crowd - lots of friends and family coming out to raise a glass; purchase a book; and listen to The Haughian Brothers Band with lead singer Bernie, coming all the way from Collingwood. My daughter Lisa Weagle will make the introductions, Fred Taylor will take photos for posterity and The Cross will put out some mighty fine finger food. In the seventies, one would say: 'be there or be square' ... an old chestnut that I think still has legs. Okay, here's the final posting of the invitation!

And for those square people who can't make the event, I'll also be at Coles Carlingwood with copies on Saturday, June 15 between 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Work has already started on the final Stonechild and Rouleau book entitled Closing Time. The designer is creating the cover and the editor is going through the manuscript for the first time. This one is scheduled for release at the end of May next year ... closing off the series might warrant another party :-)