tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50858390873842312962024-03-05T21:20:47.624-05:00Brenda ChapmanBrenda Chapman is an Ottawa mystery author for adults and young adults.
Titles include Trail of secrets, Running scared, Hiding in hawk's creek, Where trouble leads, The second wife and In winter's grip.7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.comBlogger502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-5767019733675222452019-10-05T08:33:00.005-04:002019-10-05T08:33:43.276-04:00Settling Into OctoberGood Saturday morning.<br />
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It was a busy week. I got in a bit of writing but am taking my time writing the ending to the manuscript, doing a bit of research, pondering how to pull everything together. All this to say, I still have some work to do before the first draft is finished but I believe it's heading in a good direction.<br />
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The new website construction has taken up a lot of time. I've been pulling more stuff together, tracking down reviews and photos, and writing the odd bit. The site isn't ready yet so you'll have to wait a little longer to give it a look although not much longer. Web designer Kim Hadley and I have a call scheduled for Monday to finalize the last details. You can have a look at the <a href="http://www.brendachapman.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">current site</span></a> and compare the changes next week!<br />
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A few years ago, a book club invited me to visit one of their homes to discuss <i>Cold Mourning</i>. I hosted them on Thursday as they've now read the series and tell me they are my fan club:-) We had a great discussion about my books and other books since they are all avid readers. I have to say that meeting these lovely, interesting women has been one of the wonderful things about writing the books. They have already lined up a get together for next year to discuss <i>Closing Time</i>, which will be released in May 2020.<br />
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Lynn from the book club at the Turning Secrets launch</div>
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I was in my local Coles Carlingwood last week to buy a gift certificate and found my books above one of my favourite authors. Coles has Ann Cleeves latest <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Long-Call-Two-Rivers/dp/1509889566/ref=asc_df_1509889566/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335540236507&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11933692417516052154&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000677&hvtargid=pla-811999534960&psc=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Long Call</span></a></i>, which marks the beginning of her new series featuring British cop Michael Venn. I bought a copy and am looking forward to the read. The series has already been optioned for television.</div>
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So, another Saturday morning as we move deeper into October. Temperatures are dropping and we've had to turn on the furnace and haul out the warmer jackets. This is good weather for writing and I plan to do some this weekend. I also have to put the garden to bed - a task I do not look forward to, but one that I'll be happy I did come spring. And the Canadian Thanksgiving is just around the corner, .... soon time to put on the winter tires. Yikes.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-62643710921940306792019-09-28T08:07:00.001-04:002019-09-28T08:07:16.666-04:00A Busy End to SeptemberLast week of September and my curling leagues start up this week. Looks like there's no more denying that summer is over. It's the bittersweet season - a month of beauty before the snow and cold.<br />
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A few things this week. The Dundurn editor sent along three pages of questions for me to respond to for <i>Closing Time</i> and that took an entire afternoon to go through. I spent another afternoon answering a Q & A for Dietrich Kalteis's blog <i><a href="http://dietrichkalteis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Off the Cuff</span></a></i>, a blog that introduces you to established and up-and-coming mystery authors. Worth checking out!<br />
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I've also hired a web designer to revamp my website and gathering stuff together took another half day. In addition, it was my Monday to blog on 7 Criminal Minds. (You can<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-taxing-work-staying-organized.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">read my process</span></a></span> for preparing for tax time.) And I also made a <a href="https://www.1310news.com/2019/09/26/power-lunch-september-26/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">return visit </span></a>to 1310 News The Power Lunch on Thursday and had an interesting discussion with the other guest about climate change and stories in the news - safe to say, we don't see eye to eye, but the point of the show is to get various opinions. You can give a listen at the link above and see where you stand.<br />
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As a result of all these time-consumers, work on my manuscript slowed to a halt, but I attempted to get back writing yesterday with limited success. It's hard to get the momentum going again but needs must. I'm entering the last chapters but the hard work is still ahead, editing, rewriting, pulling the plot line together. So, in the spirit of procrastination, I spent the second half of the afternoon watching the final three episodes of season two of <i>Mindhunter </i>on Netflix. If you haven't watched the series, it's really well done and follows the FBI unit that started looking at the psychology of serial killers to help solve cases. Not light by any means but fascinating. I think I'll watch some comedy next :-)<br />
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The week ahead will include working on the Dundurn publicity grid and the new website, which I hope to unveil in October so stay tuned. I'm also aiming to have draft one of my latest manuscript finished. I'm meeting with a book club on Thursday to discuss <i>Tumbled Graves - </i>they had me visit a few years ago to discuss <i>Cold Mourning </i>and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.<br />
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Should be a good week!<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-56761482486773476672019-09-21T09:01:00.001-04:002019-09-21T09:01:52.529-04:00Moving into AutumnSuch a beautiful September weekend we're having here in the Ottawa Valley. It's almost a shame to be inside with this summery weather. I've spent most of my days writing at my desk but pack up late afternoon to work in the garden and to sit in the backyard with a glass of wine. If only this could last another month!<br />
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And the writing has been going great guns. I was aiming to have the first draft of my latest manuscript written by the end of October but I'm thinking now that it will be done within the next couple of weeks. Then, I'll go back, pull scenes together and flesh some out more. After a couple of reviews, I've got a few people lined up to give it a read since this is essentially a new genre for me and I want to make sure the storyline holds water with a good build up of suspense.<br />
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So this past week, I had my head down for the most part, writing or thinking about the plot. I've yet to complete a few publicity tasks but will get to them this week. I also appeared on 1310 News The Power Lunch on Monday, getting a request from the producer to appear Sunday. During the first part of our half hour discussion, Mark Sutcliffe asked me about being the mom of an Olympian curler and how a child achieves such a level - you can listen to my responses at <a href="https://www.1310news.com/2019/09/16/ottawa-today-power-lunch-september-16-1200-100/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this link</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span><br />
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With The Power Lunch host Mark Sutcliffe</div>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">I'll be writing a blog post for this Monday's<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds blogspot</span></a></span> which you can check out on the day. We are actually 10 authors from Canada, the U.S. and Britain who answer a weekly question so you get a variety of perspectives if you follow the blog each day (with the exception of weekends).</span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Another writing workweek ahead although I'll also try to get outside as much as I can since the weather forecast is for continuing warmth with some rain early in the week. This is such a beautiful time of year - I hope you are also able to enjoy some time outdoors enjoying the season. </span>7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-64724825280600022662019-09-14T06:45:00.000-04:002019-09-14T06:45:28.878-04:00Busy TimesGreetings.<br />
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I'm currently in Cornwall watching my daughter Lisa curl in the Shorty Jenkins annual spiel. There are many of the top teams here, both men's and women's so an exciting event to start off the season. Needless to say, I won't be getting much writing in this weekend.<br />
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I was on 1310 News Radio The Power Lunch on September 3 and the first segment is about my writing and curling, including the Shorty if you have time to give<a href="https://www.1310news.com/2019/09/12/power-lunch-september-3-2019/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: blue;">a listen</span></a>.<br />
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I managed to settle back into the writing groove over the past week in addition to working on the publicity tasks on my to-do list. Dundurn asked for a blog post about ending the series that I wrote and submitted on Wednesday. I also completed a form required for every book to help with marketing, leaving one more big document to complete. I've also got a Q and A interview to do for Dietrich Kalteis's blog, named <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://dietrichkalteis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Off the Cuff</span></a>,</span> due in October. I see Dietrich's September 1 post is an interview with Frank Zafiro, who will be interviewing me on his podcast later in the year. Frank is a most interesting guy so check out Dietrich's blog. Dietrich is a talented West Coast author whom I met a few years ago at Prose in the Park where we were on a panel together. Here we are with Ian Hamilton who is taking the mic from me - I appear to be ribbing him about something.<br />
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This week also saw the arrival of my copies of my last two Anna Sweet novellas. It's hard to believe the series has come to an end. I've been writing the Anna Sweet books as long as I've been writing the Stonechild and Rouleau series, alternating between the two. So both are coming to a close at the same time - rather fitting really.<br />
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I also have to thank a couple of reviewers for their posts about <i>Turning Secrets. </i>Author and reviewer <a href="https://www.ottawareviewofbooks.com/single-post/2019/09/02/Turning-Secrets-by-Brenda-Chapman?fbclid=IwAR0K2EvkNtdFL5vfBlHx74s9axIh6ZBEFHfUmhcBS4Pr-LooesXPk43SLpw" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Jim Napier's review</span> </a>is in The <i>Ottawa Review of Books</i>, in which he says, "Y<span style="font-family: , , , serif; font-size: 16px;">et another fine novel from this talented and insightful author". </span><a href="https://www.jamesdaterryauthor.com/?p=1185&fbclid=IwAR1KMDWmyaXfYY9h6y_XbX08mVH63ufSSYc8YJfftRPN8gcvxfT-sv8SJ5s" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The second review</span></a> is from James D. A. Terry, who also writes under the name Solomon Knight, another author/reviewer who calls <i>Tur</i><i>ning Secrets </i>"a <span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px;">brilliantly written, suspense filled and multifaceted police procedural</span>".<br />
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Well, I'm off to the curling club to watch more first-class, top-notch curling. The organizers will have the coffee on to kick start another nail-biting day at the rink. It's sure to be an exciting weekend!<br />
<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-36936560234024860952019-09-07T07:38:00.000-04:002019-09-07T07:42:13.909-04:00Holiday Over!The past two months have gone incredibly fast. As promised I'm back to blogging Saturday mornings after a busy summer, work-wise, and a pretty lazy few months otherwise.<br />
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Since I last wrote, I've been through next year's manuscript <i>Closing Time</i> two (or was it three) more times and sent in my last changes to the proofs yesterday. As true to form, I'm not as fond of the story as I was at the start of the process because I've lost perspective looking at it so often. However, I liked it well enough before the fifth and sixth edits so I'll hang onto this memory and believe the book is a fitting conclusion to the series. I've also been sent some publicity requests that involved writing a cover letter to reviewers, writing the cover synopsis and submitting a full chapter breakdown for those doing the marketing. Now I have to turn my attention to the publicity and media questionnaire and chart and a blog post for Dundurn. Lots of fun to come :-)<br />
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Release date: May 2020</div>
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This week also saw the release of the last two Anna Sweet novellas for Grassroots Press called <i>Killer Heat </i>and <i>Too Close to Home</i>. These are terrific little reads written for adult literacy but also good for those wanting a quick read. The challenge was writing a book any adult would enjoy but at a simpler reading level. The series is available in soft cover from the <a href="https://www.grassrootsbooks.net/ca/chapter/anna-sweet-mysteries/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">publisher's site</span></a> or as downloads from Amazon.<br />
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I took part in a few events this summer. A couple of bookstore signings ...</div>
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With R.J. Harlick at Chapters Kanata in July</div>
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... and The Women Killing It book festival in Picton Labour Day weekend. The festival included seven other Canadian women crime fiction authors: Joy Fielding, Vicki Delany, Hannah Mary McKinnon, Ginger Bolton, Ausma Zehanat Khan, Iona Whishaw and S.M. Hurley. You can read about the event in <a href="http://www.countylive.ca/female-crime-spree-focuses-on-murder-motives-and-mos/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this article</span></a>. One highlight was the panel at the Glenwood Cemetery chapel on Saturday evening with Ausma, Hannah and Joy. A spooky setting to discuss crime fiction. The next morning, I taught a workshop on point of view before catching my (very delayed) train home.<br />
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Joy Fielding and me</div>
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Back row l to r: Janet Kellough, Vicki Delany, Ginger Bolton, Iona Whishaw, S.M. Hurley</div>
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Front row l to r: Ausma Zehanat Khan, Joy Fielding, me, Hannah Mary McKinnon</div>
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I've also been plugging away at my latest manuscript, which so far has the generic title <i>Thriller</i>. I'm about 60,000 words in and starting to get to the heart of the mystery. It's been a departure from the other two series that I've been writing over the past six years, but refreshing to tackle a new challenge.<br />
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So, no real travel this summer but lots of work in my garden, many evenings drinking wine on the veranda with the neighbours and lots of family time. I hope you enjoyed the oh-too-brief-summer and your tan will take you into the dark days of November. We still have a lovely autumn to look forward to so no need to light the fires yet.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-12795569018239974862019-07-06T07:19:00.001-04:002019-07-06T07:19:18.292-04:00On VacationGone Fishing! I'm taking the rest of the summer off this blog but will be back at the end of August.<br />
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Enjoy the summer, everyone.<br />
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Brenda<br />
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<span id="goog_1375669901"></span><span id="goog_1375669902"></span><br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-51574880485530879792019-06-29T08:32:00.002-04:002019-06-29T08:32:22.027-04:00Oh Canada!To get this Canada Day weekend started, I'll be at <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://perfectbooks.ca/wp/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Perfect Books</span></a>, </span><span style="color: blue;">258 Elgin Street<span style="color: blue;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">, </span></span></span>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.<br />
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My plan this week had been to finish reviewing the edits for <i>Closing Time</i> 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 <i><a href="https://www.1310news.com/audio/ottawa-today/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Power Lunch</span></a></i> 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.<br />
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I also have to write a post for <a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds blog</span></a> 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.<br />
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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<br />
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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.<br />
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Have a great weekend, everyone and a special Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian peeps near and far.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-52172793728627387652019-06-22T09:30:00.002-04:002019-06-22T09:30:37.564-04:00Ahh SummerSummer 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.<br />
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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 <i>Closing Time </i>done by by Dundurn editor Shannon Whibbs. I have a June 28 deadline so will have to buckle down. A working weekend ahead.<br />
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It was a great signing at Coles Carlingwood last Saturday with some friends stopping by for a copy of <i>Turning Secrets</i> and several strangers who stopped to chat and ended up buying <i>Cold Mourning. I</i>t 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 :-)<br />
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I will be at <a href="http://perfectbooks.ca/wp/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Perfect Books</span></a> (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.<br />
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I'll also be back on 1310 News <i><a href="https://www.1310news.com/audio/ottawa-today/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Power Lunch</span></a></i> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-18572837231066311752019-06-15T08:11:00.000-04:002019-06-15T08:11:06.679-04:00Raptors, Fathers Day and Summer on the Way!Happy Saturday.<br />
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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 <i>Turning Secrets</i>. Come by and say hello if you get the chance.<br />
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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.<br />
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Also this week, Dundurn revealed the cover for <i>Closing Time</i>, 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 ...<br />
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I spent most of the week alternating between working on my latest manuscript and researching for my workshop at the <i>Women Killing It</i> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Happy Fathers Day all you dads out there :-)<br />
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Columbine in my garden.</div>
7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-50196335903281265032019-06-08T07:33:00.000-04:002019-06-08T07:33:55.132-04:00Scenes from a LaunchWell, 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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One more book in the series to come! <i>Closing Time</i> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Spent a lot of time signing - always a good thing!</div>
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With my good friend & launch photographer Fred Taylor</div>
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Turning Secrets - book 6 in the Stonechild and Rouleau series</div>
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From my curling family - Pat, Cathy and Joyce - love this photo</div>
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Summer reading!</div>
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Lisa make such a wonderful introduction</div>
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The hand over</div>
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Listening from the third level balcony</div>
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The Haughian Brothers Band with lead singer Bernie</div>
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Seeing friends is the best part of launching a book</div>
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With my daughter Julia</div>
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Lisa and Me</div>
7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-75606160530704792452019-06-01T09:39:00.000-04:002019-06-01T09:39:01.019-04:00Book 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!<br />
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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.<br />
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Work has already started on the final Stonechild and Rouleau book entitled <i>Closing Time</i>. 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 :-)<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-22553001258951818962019-05-25T09:06:00.004-04:002019-05-25T09:06:32.115-04:00Spring DaysStarting to feel as if we're heading into some better weather although overall we've had a rainy, cool month of May. We're all longing for a stretch of hotter weather ... not sure what this summer has in store but fingers crossed.<br />
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On the <a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds blog</span></a>, five authors this week were tasked with recommending books for that dad or husband on your Fathers Day list. The posts are all very different, but you might find some new books and authors to check out. Five different authors will be blogging with their choices in the upcoming week, so more recommendations to come.<br />
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My week alternated between writing work and gardening. Several trips to gardening centres and then planting what I bought kept me away from my computer, but I wrote in the evenings and met my word count goals. I also had a final review of the <i>Too Close to Home</i> Anna Sweet novella and we finalized a cover photo. And on Wednesday, I appeared on 1310 News <a href="https://www.1310news.com/audio/ottawa-today/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Power Lunch</span></a> with host Mark Sutcliffe to talk about the news of the day. They've asked me back on Thursday this week so you can share part of your lunch hour with us if you have the time.<br />
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One week to the Ottawa launch of <i>Turning Secrets</i>! The band is ready to go and the food is ordered. Perfect Books will be on hand with books for sale. Ive heard from lots of people that they plan to attend so we should have a good party. My daughter Lisa will be making introductions and my friend Fred Taylor is returning to take photos so I'll post some the following week. All systems ready to go.<br />
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I received several lovely emails from readers this week and reviews posted on social media. Many thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts about the series. One more to come! It's so satisfying to know that people are eager for the release of each book and connecting with my characters. I've felt the same about many series I've read over the years and know the same anticipation.<br />
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A short post this week. Time to get back into the garden before the rain moves in later today. Another changeable spring day in Ottawa.7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-68882747609532433932019-05-18T08:09:00.001-04:002019-05-18T08:15:15.839-04:00May Goings OnThe count down is on - fifteen days until the Ottawa launch of <i>Turning Secrets</i>! The annual party is but days away :-)<br />
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A good writing week this week as I slip back into the groove. I have to say that writing a thriller is ... wait for it ... thrilling. It's more like the Hitchcock pacing that I love. Lots of tension with the suspense building from a warm pot to a whistling tea kettle. I spent the first part of the week making chapter notes and tuning up the first chapters and am now into the second quarter. (Kind of like a basketball game - go Raptors) (That cheer's for you Robin) Anyhow, my protagonist is in all kinds of trouble and only just beginning to realize it ... how much fun am I having?!<br />
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My editor Shannon was in touch end of day yesterday with a tentative schedule for the last Stonechild book called <i>Closing Time</i>. We'll be working through June so another period that I'll have to set aside my latest project to focus on editing the last one. I also will be teaching a writing workshop in August and have to turn my mind to that. Finally, I'll be writing a blogpost for <a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds</span></a> for this Monday with my book recommendations for Fathers Day. Should be a good few weeks to check in to find out what other authors recommend as well.<br />
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I'll be on 1310 News's <i><a href="https://www.1310news.com/audio/ottawa-today/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Power Lunch</span></a></i> this week on Wednesday at noon if anyone is near their computer. The half hour show is also on Rogers Cable 22 and 1310 News Facebook live so I can't show up in my sweats. I try to stay up on the news especially as the date of my guest spot approaches in order to have an informed opinion. There is lots of craziness going on in the world these days I have to say.<br />
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Some of you have been asking me about the books being optioned for television and what's going on with that. I'm sad to report that the L.A. screenwriter who optioned the books for the past two years and change suffered a terrible heart attack almost two months ago and was in an induced coma for a few weeks. Happily, he's recovering and home as of a few days ago but the project is on ice. He had a producer interested before he became ill, but I'm not sure if anything will come of this moving forward.<br />
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Well, the sun is out and the garden centres are open so time to get a bit of planting done. I'm gambling on the end of the frost (after checking the long range forecast) but who really knows? I still have the snow tires on so hedging my bets ....<br />
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Last year's tulips at Dow's Lake - they're less eager to open this year and I can't blame them.</div>
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-60898456554938653312019-05-11T08:22:00.003-04:002019-05-11T08:22:26.789-04:00May DaysWell I'm ready for some better weather ... as are most Canadians. Although I saw a video of a man somewhere in the southern climes ring a doorbell and a snake lurched from wherever it had crawled up the door and bit him in the face, so maybe I'm okay with this northern climate after all.<br />
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I visited a morning coffee group at St. Luke's Church on Tuesday and met some lovely women. I talked about writing and my books and there were a lot of good questions about the writing business. The woman organizing the guest speakers saw my name on the poster for the library event with Barbara Fradkin and Giacomo Panico so one thing can lead to another.<br />
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I've managed to settle back into writing the latest manuscript as I await the next round of editing for <i>Closing Time</i>, the last Stonechild book. The stopping and starting is hard but necessary, and I know that I'm extremely fortunate to be even editing a book for publication. It's probably much the same for actors who have to promote a film they made a few years back with a new project on the go that's now their focus.<br />
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It was also my week to post on 7 Criminal Minds blog and the question concerns what I do to prevent sitting at my desk for long periods of time writing. You'll see that my problem actually goes in the other direction. Read <a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2019/05/no-grass-growing-here-by-brenda-chapman.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">my musings</span></a> as well as those of my fellow bloggers, most of whom appear to suffer from the same restless affliction.<br />
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<i>Turning Secrets</i> is available now and is receiving some lovely reviews from readers and bloggers such as <a href="https://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2019/05/08/9303/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this one</span></a>, posted this week. Only a few weeks until June 2 and the Ottawa launch at The Cross on Elgin. I'm so pleased to have The Haughian Brothers band playing, especially since the lead singer Bernie is returning from his new home in Collingwood to play. I'm really looking forward to seeing Bernie and his wife Darlene as I haven't seen them since their move last year. Perfect Books will also be at the launch with books for sale and I'll be providing some finger food so should be a good party! All are welcome so please come by if you're able.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-9381308502187593432019-05-04T08:38:00.000-04:002019-05-04T08:38:12.907-04:00Early May DaysSo, this arrived on Monday.<br />
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New book day! Always a thrill to hold that book in my hands for the first time. The book is due on the shelves May 10 but I suspect it might already be available from the online stores. Strangely enough, Dundurn started working on the seventh this week, which is called <i>Closing Time</i>. It will be the last in the series. I'll be working with editor Shannon Whibbs once again (yay!) and she's started the first round of edits this weekend. I also spent three days this week working on a detailed outline of the plot for marketing. And so it begins ...<br />
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I completed the chapter questions for Grass Roots Press early in the week and that ends my work on the Anna Sweet mystery series. I've been writing these novellas over the last eight years so it's somewhat bittersweet to have the books draw to a close. The last two will be out this fall and their titles are <i>Killer Heat</i> and <i>Too Close to Home</i>.<br />
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I'm going to speak to a ladies' morning coffee group on Tuesday morning at St. Luke's Church. I'm told to expect twenty to thirty people who are interested in hearing about my writing and books. I'll need to spend a bit of time this weekend outlining what I'm going to say. I also want to get back writing - I put my latest manuscript on hold this week while I worked on the other tasks.<br />
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Also got invited back on 1310 News and The Power Lunch and my day is May 22 from noon to 12:30 I'm beginning to think I'm a regular :-) You might have noticed if you've followed my blog for a while that I steer away from politics, religion, anything controversial ... the same goes for my social media. The Power Lunch is the one public forum where I give my opinion on the news of the day.<br />
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Well, we're finally getting a nice weekend with sun and predicted temps between seventeen and twenty degrees. Hopefully all the flood waters around the city and region will start to recede and people can soon get their lives back to normal. A lot of people have been under so much stress trying to save their homes.<br />
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Have a good week, everyone.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-76612450925774721132019-04-27T08:09:00.000-04:002019-04-27T08:09:08.959-04:00Murder in the HoodAre these weeks picking up speed or what?<br />
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We had a full house at the Carlingwood Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Thursday evening when CBC Radio host Giacomo Panico interviewed Barbara Fradkin and me about our crime fiction writing. The event was entitled 'Murder in the Hood' since we all live in Kitchissippi Ward.<br />
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A big thank you to librarian Paula Copeland who organized and advertised our visit and to the Carlingwood Library for hosting us. Giacomo kept the evening light-hearted and it was a pleasure to spend the hour with him and Barbara. We might have surprised Giacomo with our tales of seeking out good murder sites in and around the city and our interest in ways to bump people off (all for fictional purposes of course) but this is the reality of life as a mystery writer. I can't deny these are odd pursuits, but they're necessary for story accuracy and make for some interesting field trips :-)<br />
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You can catch Giacomo Panico weekly on <i>In Town and Out </i>on CBC Radio One, Saturday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m.<br />
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Giacomo, me and Barbara</div>
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Giacomo and my floating head :-)</div>
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I had a productive writing week and kept to my daily word count, sometimes exceeding my 500 a day word minimum, now clocking in at over 15,000 words. So far, I'm having a heck of a good time with this one. I hope what is keeping me entertained will also entertain you eventually if the manuscript ever gets a publisher's seal of approval. I also started on some chapter questions for the last Anna Sweet novella that I need to get finished this week. I have an open week ahead so will have lots of time to write and tidy up stuff. I also have a phone meeting planned with my new Dundurn publicist named Saba, and look forward to setting things in motion for <i>Turning Secrets</i>, due out in a few weeks. The Ottawa launch, of course, is Sunday, June 2! Getting close ...<br />
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Finally, we're having a great deal of spring flooding around Ottawa and Gatineau and it is a terrible time for thousands of people trying to save their homes. The city has declared a state of emergency and the army has been called in to help. My thoughts are with all those affected and I hope this situation soon improves and people can get back in their homes.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-15316597822072674502019-04-20T09:20:00.003-04:002019-04-20T09:20:44.798-04:00Into the Easter WeekendGood Saturday morning and Happy Easter. Hope the bunny shows up at your house with some chocolate and jelly beans.<br />
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I'm excited this week to have an event with Barbara Fradkin and CBC Radio host Giacomo Panico at the Carlingwood Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. The day is Thursday, April 25 and the time is 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. We all live in Kitchissippi ward and the title of the event is <i><b>Murder in the Hood</b></i>. All are welcome to this free hour with no pre-registration required.<br />
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This past Wednesday, I participated in the Arthur Ellis shortlist evening at Chapters Rideau. Mary Jane Maffini adeptly MC'd the evening and interviewed five authors about our writing. There were similar events taking place across the country with the shortlists announced at precisely eight o'clock. Not many on the lists from the Ottawa area, but I know several of the authors and send my congrats to all, particularly to Vicki Delany who was awarded the Derrick Murdoch award by Crime Writers of Canada for all her contributions to the crime fiction community in Canada. Bravo!<br />
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The crew: Madona Skaff, Paulette McCarthy, Jim Napier, Linda Wiken, me & Mary Jane Maffini</div>
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Linda Wiken, me & Mary Jane Maffini</div>
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Madona Skaff, Paulette McCarthy and Jim Napier</div>
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So <i>Turning Secrets</i> will be on the shelves in a few weeks and Dundurn marketing is gearing up. They sent along these images, which they'll be using in publicity. Kind of cool.<br />
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I've been getting in quite a bit of writing this week and am back on schedule. I'm having fun on this first draft, not sure if it's any good, but enjoying myself nonetheless. I've also been tidying up some loose ends with my Anna Sweet publisher and have some chapter questions to write for the last book. We're still waiting for the designer to come up with some cover image choices but expect to receive them soon.<br />
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And still getting the word out about the upcoming Ottawa launch ...<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-28771926223122725542019-04-13T08:56:00.003-04:002019-04-13T08:56:53.192-04:00Springing Up All OverA lovely morning out there - spring has arrived! I curled my last club game this week and have hung up my broom for the season ... time to break out the deck chairs.<br />
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I've been plugging away on my latest manuscript. I also wrote a cover blurb for the last Anna Sweet entitled <i>Too Close to Home</i> and gave some ideas for the cover, which is now with the designer. The other thing occupying my week has been sending out book launch invitations although please know you are welcome even if you do not receive the invite individually. The Haughian Brothers Band will entertain and Perfect Books will be on hand and snacks will be provided. Going to be a party...<br />
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Date: June 3, 2019<br />
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.<br />
Location: The Cross, 360 Elgin Street, Ottawa<br />
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lead singer Bernie Haughian from last year's launch</div>
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This week, I'm taking part in the Arthur Ellis shortlist event at Chapters Rideau from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mary Jane Maffini is MC and other Ottawa authors participating include Linda Wiken, Jim Napier, Madona Skaff and Paulette McCarthy. Other AE events are going on simultaneously across the country and again all are welcome.<br />
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Also to put on your calendars, Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., join me, Barbara Fradkin and interviewer (and CBC Radio host) Giacomo Panico at the Carlingwood Branch of the Ottawa Public Library for Murder in the Hood - a discussion of crime writing with a local focus. This event is free and no need to pre-register.<br />
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And if you can't make the launch, I'm lined up for a signing at Coles Carlingwood on Saturday, June 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - a bit in the future, but as I've discovered, the future arrives quicker than one would think.<br />
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Two other items this week. I was on the <i>Power Lunch</i> on <a href="https://www.1310news.com/audio/ottawa-today/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tuesday at noon</span></a> with host Mark Sutcliffe and guest Danny Kingsbury, who turns out is the dad of Adam Kingsbury. Adam coached Lisa and Team Homan and we saw him at many events over the past few years. Small world. Anyhow, we had a most entertaining half hour.<br />
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I also blogged at 7 Criminal Minds and you can read my post on what I've changed since I started being published at <a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2019/04/zeroing-in-by-brenda-chapman.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this link</span></a>.<br />
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Time to get in gear and get outside to enjoy the day. I wish you a lovely weekend and good week ahead.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-33757510462870163912019-04-06T10:36:00.008-04:002019-04-06T10:46:04.363-04:00Left Coast Crime Wrap UpMade it home from Left Coast Crime going at going on three a.m. after a flight delay. I was more than happy to crawl into bed and close my eyes. It was hard to go from spring flowers, sun and 14 degrees back to snow and temps hovering around zero. This photo taken by Madona Skaff is from our last walk to the Vancouver waterfront before heading to the airport - Vicki Delany, Barbara Fradkin and me.<br />
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After my blog post last Saturday, I did my stint on the Crime Writers of Canada booth where I met some interesting Canadian crime writers, including my booth-mate Madeleine Callway and B.C. writer Bernadette Calonego. Some of the authors from my other blog gig, <a href="http://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds</span></a>, (for which I'll be blogging this coming Monday) gathered for a photo at the end of my session on the desk, and a few of us went for lunch in the hotel restaurant. I enjoyed meeting them and spending some time.<br />
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(l to r) Susan Shea, Terry Shames, James Ziskin, Cathy Ace, me, Catriona McPherson & Danny Gardner</div>
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I went from there to do a short reading following Jeffrey Siger (who lives on a Greek island and writes thrillers), whom I was on a panel with at my last Left Coast Crime, and Dundurn author Kim Moritsugu, author of <i>The Showrunner</i>. This turned into a nice break in the day and a chance to meet and connect with Kim. I also sat in on a few panels, including one on editing, and another on publicity and marketing. Saturday night was the banquet and I sat at a table hosted by authors Dave Butler and Iona Whishaw. So lots of networking, eating and glasses of wine throughout the weekend.<br />
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With Kim Moritsugu and Ken MacQueen, writer & former journalist with McLeans magazine</div>
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Back in Ottawa, I spent a good part of the week going over the edits from my Grass Roots editor Pam as we finessed my last Anna Sweet novella, now called <i>Too Close to Home</i>. The edits were not actually that onerous and we wrapped everything up on Thursday. Next, the designer has to come up with a cover. I also managed a few thousand words on my latest manuscript. Not sure if I'm going in a good direction yet, but I'm enjoying trying out a new writing style in the thriller genre.<br />
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So I have a few events on the horizon. The first is an interview at the Carlingwood Library on Thursday, April 25 from 7-8 p.m. CBC Radio's Jiacomo Panico will interview Barbara Fradkin and me - we all live in Kitchissippi ward and the title of the event is <i>Murder in the Hood.</i> All are welcome. It's free and no need to pre-register.<br />
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CBC Radio host of Intown and Out: Giacomo Panico</div>
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Settling back into the routine ....<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-41814628950142341062019-03-30T12:11:00.001-04:002019-03-30T12:11:20.941-04:00Live from Left Coast Crime!Good Saturday morning from beautiful downtown Vancouver. I'm at Left Coast Crime and this is the first time the conference has been held in Canada. As its name suggests, the event takes place in cities up and down the west part of the United States, primarily in cities along the coast. Once, the conference moved across the pond to Great Britain and I hear that was a spectacularly good time. There are a lot of American authors and readers here and they far outnumber the Canadian participants.<br />
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I arrived on Wednesday, early morning Vancouver time, and Barbara Fradkin and I went out hiking through Stanley Park for the afternoon, covering 12.3 km as we explored the seawall trail. It's easy to forget all the snow still on the ground in Ottawa.<br />
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Thursday morning, I took part in the speed dating. I was paired with J.D. Allen from South Carolina and she kindly mentored me through the process as she's done the speed dating a few times before. There were 20 tables set up around the room, each with readers and two authors who made two-minute book pitches to every table in the room. This took two hours so you an imagine how exhausting it was toward the end. A great way to introduce your work to prospective new readers.<br />
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Yesterday, was my panel on police in modern crime fiction. We met the evening before in the hotel pub so were quite relaxed when it came time to present. We had a fair-sized audience and they appeared to enjoy our discussion led by a very adept Corey Lynn Fayman who hails from San Diego. I couldn't have asked for a better group of writers to share the mic with! Barbara Nickless is from Colorado and Catherine Maiorisi hails from New York City.<br />
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So lots of time spent mingling, chatting and making connections. Today, I am manning the Crime Writers of Canada table for an hour before meeting some of the 7 Criminal Minds blog authors for lunch. Then, I plan to attend the tribute to the late Sue Grafton with her daughter here on her behalf and then I have a brief reading (5 minutes) to round out my obligations. Tonight is the banquet so some more fun ahead.<br />
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I hear there's a snow/ice storm going on in Ottawa today. Kind of glad to be missing that :-)<br />
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A few spring scenes outside the hotel to end my post.<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-17389993250363876212019-03-23T08:32:00.001-04:002019-03-23T08:33:17.794-04:00Out From Under<i>I'm leaving on a jet plane</i> ... early, early Wednesday morning. Direct flight to Vancouver and the Left Coast Crime conference at the Hyatt-Regency. Pretty sure it isn't actually a jet plane but I know what it definitely is not - one of the Boeing grounded planes, thank goodness.<br />
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I received unhappy news on Wednesday that my roommate Katherine Prairie is under the weather and won't be able to attend unless the antibiotics kick in and she's deemed fit to travel. My fingers are crossed. Otherwise, all the plans are in place. My panel will take place on Friday from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. and the title is 'Police in Modern Crime Fiction'. I'm the only Canadian writer and the others include moderator <a href="http://www.coreylynnfayman.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Corey Lynn Fayman</span></a> and panelists <a href="http://www.catherinemaiorisi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Catherine Maiorisi</span></a>, <a href="https://www.barbaranickless.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Barbara Nickless</span></a> and <a href="http://www.gregorycrandall.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Greg Randall</span></a>. I've linked to their sites so you can get to know them - some most interesting mysteries and thrillers to check out.<br />
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Kirkus <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brenda-chapman/turning-secrets/?fbclid=IwAR2aZG0ipJCXCLNgG5HmE9P_FsYKDDnD21s-Tx8RfRJSs7e7Y6MBFR2yxY4" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">reviewed </span></a><i><a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brenda-chapman/turning-secrets/?fbclid=IwAR2aZG0ipJCXCLNgG5HmE9P_FsYKDDnD21s-Tx8RfRJSs7e7Y6MBFR2yxY4" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Turning Secrets</span></a> </i></span>- the first time they've reviewed any of my books! For maximum enjoyment, I think this book, of all the books in the series, is best read after the others since it builds on what has gone before. For those of you who've asked me if this book will feature Dawn's father Fisher Dumont, the answer is a resounding yes :-) I'm excited for you to read this next-to-last book.<br />
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On the writing/work front, I completed my review of my editor's edits for the last Anna Sweet novella and await her return edits. This is like a tennis match - she volleys and I volley back, each of us putting our own spin on the text. I've also been working on my latest manuscript, hitting the 4000 word mark. I'm liking the story so far but have lots to work through in regards to plot. It's refreshing to be starting a completely new project even if a bit like flinging yourself off a cliff and aiming at the water.<br />
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I have another blog post to write this weekend for <a href="http://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds</span></a>. The question asks what the main benefit of a publisher has been for my writing career so you can check out my thoughts on the matter this coming Monday.<br />
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I'm proud to say that I steered clear of mentioning the overnight dusting of snow because that would just be too depressing to talk about. (This is the first spring that Ted has shown interest in making a trip south next year around this time.) We've had a few days of rain, but the snowbanks are still several feet tall ... but I won't talk about that since I'm staying away from the depressing talk.<br />
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Weather reports say it's going to be warm and sunny in Vancouver next week.<br />
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Don't toy with me, Mother Nature!<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-67691426852918179912019-03-16T10:38:00.001-04:002019-03-16T10:38:23.133-04:00The Weekly Round UpGood Saturday morning.<br />
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A few things to report this week. I'm going to be taking part in the Ottawa Arthur Ellis announcement evening on April 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rideau Chapters with Mary Jane Maffini moderating. Simultaneous events are being held across the country with local other crime writers leading up to the shortlist announcements at the end of the evening. All are welcome to come out. Below is the event poster with the Ottawa entries for best crime novel - these are just a few of the entries from across Canada.<br />
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I received an invitation to speak to a woman's group in May about my writing. They meet in my neighbourhood so I was happy to accept. My dance card is filling up :-)<br />
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Also this week, my last Anna Sweet novella came back with the editor's suggestions. I started going through the manuscript yesterday and am about half way through. I figure this will take me well into next week. I've also been writing off and on, trying to organize my thoughts and the plot line. It's been a few years since I started a brand new project so I'm feeling my way.<br />
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Another week and a bit before I fly to Left Coast Crime in Vancouver. My flights do not seem to be affected by the recent grounding of the Boeing planes. I am happy that they're not flying until whatever malfunction(s) in the system is sorted out. There has been too much tragedy already.<br />
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The conference is being held at the Hyatt-Regency so a lovely setting not too far from the waterfront. I've only been to Vancouver once before and look forward to seeing more of the city. One event that I'll be taking part in is called the author-reader connection, which I mentioned in passing in a previous blog post. Mary Jane Maffini, Barbara Fradkin and I are hosting four readers for an hour at a pub overlooking the harbour on Friday late afternoon. Our event was listed on the website and already we have four readers signed up. This will be a fun opportunity to introduce our work over a glass of wine.<br />
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And here's <a href="http://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2019/03/connecting-with-audience-brenda-chapman.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">the link</span></a> to my latest <i>7 Criminal Minds</i> blog from this past Monday in case you missed it first time around.<br />
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Enjoy the week ahead everyone!7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-56603292511584017982019-03-09T08:01:00.002-05:002019-03-09T08:17:00.790-05:00In the Land of Ice and SnowCan the cold weather finally be lifting? I've seen cardinals this past week darting through the trees and take this as a good sign. Not much longer before we'll be drinking coffee on the back deck and pulling the shorts out of the closet. A girl can dream.<br />
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Yesterday, I appeared on 1310 News - <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.1310news.com/audio/ottawa-today/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Power Lunch</span></a> </span>with host Mark Sutcliffe. Another guest and I receive five topics with multiple choice answers in the morning in an email. We have a couple of hours to research the topics if we're not familiar with the issues, then we chat with Mark about our choices from noon to 12:30. When I know that I'm going to be on, I make certain to watch a lot of news that week to familiarize myself with major stories. It's sure keeping me on top of what's going on in the world!<br />
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When I returned home from the radio station, I had an email request from my local Coles to do another signing as well as an email from my Grass Roots editor with her initial thoughts on the Anna Sweet manuscript, which is book eight and entitled <i>Close to Home. </i>She commented on the bittersweet feel for this book as it will be the last in the series. I've spent the past eight years working on this series and the Stonechild series. I'm feeling oddly rudderless but know I'll get into a new project soon once I finish getting my tax information together. Maybe I'll get some house cleaning done too. Open up some of the cupboards and do a cleansing. Within the realm of possibility ...<br />
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So this weekend, I'll be writing another blog post for <a href="http://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">7 Criminal Minds blogspot</span></a>, which you can read on Monday. This week's question asks about how I felt the first time I read from my work in public. I'll have to dig around in my brain to come up with that memory. Check in to see how I do :-)<br />
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And final plans and information are coming from the Left Coast Crime planning committee. Only a few weeks before I'm off to Vancouver. Barbara Fradkin is on the same morning flight and Katherine Prairie, my roommate for the conference, will be arriving later that day. It's going to be a busy weekend and I'll try to update you on the goings-on.<br />
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Clocks are springing forward tonight, another sign that spring is waiting in the wings. I'm off to watch my daughter Julia curl in mixed play downs this morning so not embracing the season change just yet. Time to slow down and enjoy the moment ... even if I'm still wearing my parka and trying to see past the snowbank at the end of the driveway when I ease the car onto the road.7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-71323644754168372362019-03-02T08:36:00.001-05:002019-03-02T17:45:39.097-05:00March MorningI spent last week at the Scotties in Sydney, Nova Scotia - Cape Breton to be exact. We had a lot of highs and a couple of lows but Team Homan captured silver in this national championship, which is not too shabby by any standard. It was a gruelling week for all the teams and tough on the families and fans, but these are the memorable moments that make up a lifetime. Here is a photo of me with the six-time Scotties champion, two-time world champion skip Colleen Jones. Another memorable moment :-)<br />
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Needless to say, I didn't get much writing in this week although I've spent the last two days working on chapter questions for one of the adult literacy novellas that will be coming out this fall. I'll soon be working with an editor on the last book in the series and will wait to write the chapter questions for that one. Bittersweet to think it will be my last time writing about Anna Sweet - would be great to have her come to life in a tv series!<br />
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I worked with my interim publicist on the bookmarks for <i>Turning Secrets</i>, which Dundurn will release in May. I'm pushing to have them before I leave for Left Coast Crime in Vancouver. My schedule at the conference is starting to shape up. Thursday morning, I'll spend two hours in speed-dating with my partner Katherine Prairie. We'll do two-minute pitches for our books to tables of readers for two hours. (speaking of gruelling :-) Friday is my panel with the topic police procedurals, followed by an author-reader connection at a pub with Mary Jane Maffini, Barbara Fradkin and four readers. Saturday is light with a reading and banquet.<br />
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And don't forget the two other events on the horizon as <i>Turning Secrets</i> makes its debut.<br />
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The first is Thursday evening, April 25 at the Carlingwood Library. Barbara Fradkin and I will be interviewed by CBC Radio's Giacomo Panico from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free admittance and no need to pre-register. We all live in Kitchissippi ward and Barbara and I set some books in Ottawa so the we'll discuss 'Murder in the Hood' among other topics.<br />
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And I'm pleased to let you know that my daughter Lisa Weagle will be making the introduction at the book launch slated for Sunday, June 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Cross on Elgin. She's mentioned the word 'roast' a few times so could be entertaining :-) Perfect Books will be on hand with books for purchase and The Haughian Brothers Band will be playing ... make sure to put this on your calendar! (I'm still awaiting the electronic invitation from Dundurn and will be sending that out once I have it.)<br />
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So my 12-year old computer has been faltering as of late and I took it into Staples for the third time. "How long does a computer last?" I asked. Tech guy Glenn answered, "Four maybe five years. Seven is unusual. Twelve is heroic." All this to say, I now have a new computer but cannot find half my files, including photos and downloads. Looks like another trip to Staples. I'm on a first-name basis with the tech staff and at this rate, they're going to make it onto my Christmas card list.<br />
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Until next week ....<br />
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<br />7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085839087384231296.post-84661850667683368542019-02-16T09:04:00.003-05:002019-02-16T09:04:54.925-05:00RegroupingDid you hear my champagne cork pop this past Tuesday? I finished my novella manuscript and sent it off to the publisher Grass Roots Press. I now await their feedback. Such a lovely feeling when you think <i>this is enough tinkering</i> and send the book on its way. This one is tentatively called <i>Close to Home.</i> I like this story and how the series ends and am hopeful that it will be well received. I've now got the last two books done and they'll be published together in the fall. Grass Roots plans a marketing promotion for the new books and the entire series.<br />
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Not much else new this week to report. I've been taking it easy since Tuesday. Regrouping. I have made notes about my next project and mulling ideas over in my mind. I even began an opening chapter last night but only to set up the story. It's hard to stay away from the keyboard :-)<br />
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It was my Monday to post on 7 Criminal Minds blogspot and the topic concerned the sacrifices we make for our writing. You can read my thoughts on the subject <a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2019/02/worth-sacrifice.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. This week, we have a new blogger named Abir Mukherjee who posted<a href="https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-wee-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: blue;">on Friday</span></a>. Abir lives in Great Britain so very cool to have him join the blogging team from the U.S. and Canada. His books sound interesting too so check out his post and you'll have a new author to put on your reading list!<br />
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So, my Ottawa friends are probably surprised I didn't lead with the weather update since we just lived through snowmageddon - about 30 cm of snow in one day that shut down the city on Wednesday. Strong winds and frigid temperatures added to the misery. We were worried about a power outage and so prepared as best we could. Happily, that didn't happen. You can live without lights but no heat would have been a problem. Well, a better week coming up if predictions hold true. Even a few days of sunshine which will be a change.<br />
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The <a href="http://teamhoman.com/blog/2019/2/11/the-scotties-in-sydney" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Scotties round robin</span></a> starts today with Lisa and Team Homan's first game on TSN today at 1:30 EST. This is a great week to have my writing hiatus as I'll be plunked in front of the television for the weekend.<br />
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Good week ahead, everyone!7 Criminal Mindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06060496735767676472noreply@blogger.com0