New York Thoughts...

I had planned to fly to New York City this week to research a new book but with the news of the impending storm, decided it was better to stay put.

I will reschedule my trip for another time and try to do some research from way over here on the west coast.

As New York braces for the big hit, I'm thinking about the city's residents and those of other eastern USA/Canada areas.

Here's hoping that everyone stays safe and dry. Hold on to your hats!

It's Here!

I'm happy to announce that today is the publication date for my new book. Hooray! It's been a long time coming.

Thank you to Tundra Books (a division of Random House Canada) for publishing the book, and to my editors, Kelly Jones, Kathryn Cole and Tara Walker, for their support and help.

And a huge and heartfelt thank you to the book's contributors who so generously shared their personal stories and photographs. Their memories, quotes and beautiful art bring this book to life.

If you'd like to learn more about Rescuing the Children: The Story of the Kindertransport, please go here or here. And, if you feel so inclined, you can check out details of Tundra's book giveaway here.

Cheers!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a beautiful weekend it's been here on the west coast. Sunshine and blue sky! When I was on my walk this morning, I snapped some photos of trees in lovely fall colours. I am lucky to live in a neighbourhood that is full of giant leafy trees.

It is a fitting weekend to feel grateful. And I do.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Patience is a Virtue...

As every children's author knows, it takes a long time for a book to come out — generally one to two years after you've turned in the final manuscript. Being an author often requires a generous dollop of patience.

I am glad to say that my most recent stint of patience is drawing to a close and that on Tuesday, October 9, my new book will be released. Hooray!

The book is called Rescuing the Children: The Story of the Kindertransport and it is a project I have been working on for the last couple of years. I am excited and nervous. Will anyone review it? Will anyone like it?

The wait is almost over... Wish me luck!

Slipping Into September...

Our west coast weather is changing and fall is definitely in the air. We have had an extended summer with lovely warm temperatures for almost the entire month of September.

I wonder if the summer-like temperatures made it more difficult to blog? That is my excuse, anyway. :-)

In spite of slacking off on blogging, I am pleased to report I have been hard at work on a new manuscript. It seems to be shaping up into something I will be able to deliver to a publisher and I am happy about that — although it may be another month before it is ready to go.

In the meantime, I hope your September is a good one. If you have returned to work or school after a summer break, I hope it is going well!

Cheers!

Back to School!

To all the teachers and students who head back to the classroom today: Good luck!

I am thinking of you and sending my best wishes for a wonderful year of learning, friendship and fun.

Cheers!

May the Muse Be With You!

If you are a writer participating in the 3 Day Novel contest this weekend, I wish you the best of luck! I am so impressed with people who are willing to forgo the last rays of summer sunshine to hunker down in their respective offices hunched over a keyboard. I am pleased to say that my Dad is one of those writers.

They call the contest the World's Most Notorious Literary Marathon and writers from around the world are engaged right now in creating their wonderful stories.

Little sleep, lots of coffee, determination and talent — are the main ingredients for a successful writing weekend.

To all of you writing: May the Muse be with you!!!