3 Day Novel Weekend

It's time again for the annual 3 Day Novel Contest, and I can hear pencils being sharpened all around the world in anticipation of its midnight start time tonight. (Or, I can envision the finger calisthenics that writers everywhere are using to limber up their digits for intense keyboard time.)

I'm proud to say that my dad, a most excellent writer, will be taking part in what I think is his 8th year of the contest.

It's a marathon, sleep deprived, crazy writing exercise and if anyone can do it, my dad can.

Pencils sharpened? Coffee on?

On your mark, get set... GO!

And may the Muse be with you.

West Coast Inspiration!

I'm just back from a wonderful trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island, where my family and I go each summer.

I like to say I get my annual dose of writing inspiration there. In fact, last summer's visit led to the writing of a new book for children about the Pacific west coast. It won't be out for awhile, but the writing is done and the art will begin soon.

Maybe there will be another book springing from this year's trip. I have a few ideas percolating...

For your viewing pleasure, here are a couple of photos of the ocean vista (day and night view), snapped from the deck of the cabin we stay in, and another photo showing the treasures of a beach walk.

I hope your summer is going well, and that you have many good books to read.

Thank you for stopping by.

Cheers!

Stamps for Stella!

I stopped by the post office to mail a package this week and was excited to see brand new stamps featuring the art of my colleague, Marie-Louise Gay. What an honour for her! Imagine having your work on a Canadian stamp!

The illustration is from Marie-Louise's award-winning children's book series that feature charming stories of a sister and brother, named Stella and Sam.

If you'd like to read more about Marie-Louise and her work, check this article from the National Post or her website.

Congratulations, Marie-Louise!

E-books!

I'm pleased to announce that three books in my Who Lives Here? series were released as e-books today. It's great to see them get a second life! If you are interested in the e-book version, they are available at iBookstore, Kobo, B&N Nook and Amazon. And if you'd like to read more about the series, please go here.

Happy Summer! I hope yours is going well.

Summer Approaches...

I packed away my presentation materials a few days ago, after finishing my last talk of the school year.

My final audience may have been the most challenging to date — 3 and 4 year olds at a preschool that the young children in my family attend. But it might have also been the most fun! :-)

And with presentations over until September, I will turn my mind to various book projects: the revision of one manuscript and the beginning of another. Summer is a good time for writing.

As the year winds down, I'm remembering all the wonderful students, teachers and librarians I met this year. Thank you to everyone who invited me to visit their school.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Back from the Badlands!

I've just returned from the Badlands of Alberta — a fascinating place where the dinosaurs roamed!

The geography is so interesting, with sedimentary layers of the past millions of years exposed on the hillsides. You could almost feel the dinosaurs lurking there.

We visited the Royal Tyrell Museum to see the huge dinosaur skeletons and models on display. It was amazing!

I feel a book brewing...

Who Lives Here? in China!

Look what came in the mail!

It's my new book from China, called Who Lives Here? (in English) and is a compilation of the six little books from the earlier series of the same name.

I wish I could read Chinese, but in spite of my shortcomings, I can tell that the publisher, Shanghai Xiron Media Company, has done a lovely job. I'm thrilled that kids in China will be reading my book!

To see the original books in the Who Lives Here? series, please go here.

Cheers!