Keeping Busy

Have you noticed lately how fast the weeks speed by? I'm not ready for autumn...pretty sure we missed a chunk of summer. All of a sudden, it's dark when I get up for work in the morning - it was just a few weeks ago that I was putting on my sunglasses before heading out to catch the bus at quarter to seven. Soon I'll need a flashlight.

I was thinking this week how great it is to get unexpected e-mails from people - some friends and some strangers - who've read one of my books and have taken the time to let me know what they thought. Some insights and some touching remarks. I appreciate every one.

I've been writing this week, getting back into the mindset of writing in my spare minutes. I'm still very much on the opening few chapters of this new story and working ideas around in my head. It's taking that germ of an idea and working scenarios. I think I'm getting the engine into gear.

I heard from Pam, my Grass Roots editor. She's giving the just submitted manuscript a going over and will send her suggestions to me soon. I think the title has been accepted so will share it. The fourth Anna Sweet is called A Model Death. And yes, that is a double entendre I've got going on there. Pam sent some very positive feedback about the storyline as did the publisher so this one should work.

I've been in contact with an American publicist who has offered to take on Butterfly Kills. I saw her on a panel in Monterey in th spring and liked what she had to say about marketing. My publisher sent an arc of the manuscript to her and she read it before saying she would like to work with me. This could get me some publicity in the U.S. book market - not cheap though. Ted says to go for it. So, I'll let you know how this progresses!

I have two very different events coming up in October. Wednesday, October 15, I'll be taking part in an Ottawa International Writers Festival - an interview and reading at the Grounded Coffeehouse and Kitchen, 100 Gloucester Street.  I'll be appearing with Mary Jane Maffini and Barbara Fradkin with Mike Martin as our interviewer. The evening runs from 6:30 to 9:30 and will be open to the public.

Then Saturday, October 25, I'll be part of the Ottawa Public Library Kids' Lit Cafe at the Greensboro Branch - I'll be talking to a group of teens about writing. I always enjoy that!

So, another busy Saturday. Enjoy your weekend, everyone.