Archive for September, 2010

A weekend of readings

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

So I’ve finally caught up on my sleep and can give you the details on this past weekend’s events. And man, what a weekend. I was surrounded by friends and family and book lovers of all ages. Who could want for more?

Friday marked the “official” launch of my new novel, The Lost Souls of Island X, and the party took place at Christianne’s Lyceum, the perfect, comfy venue for a book launch. Rob from Tinker’s Hatch bakery provided the gorgeous pirate cookies (see photos below), and the Lyceum got us all in the spirit crafting ara pins. SUCH. FUN. Huge thanks to all who came out to celebrate the new book.

After that, I had a day’s rest (or rather, a day to hang out with out-of-town guests) before Vancouver’s Word on the Street festival. If you live in the area and didn’t make it out to this grand festival of books and authors, well, shame on you. But do come next year. It’s a fantastic event. My stint in the kids tent was great fun, and I got to check out other excellent authors as well, like the talented Bren Simmers, whose new book of poetry, Night Gears, is gorgeous and delightful.

Here are a few photos from the weekend! Enjoy!


Pirate fans!

Pirate cookies from Tinker's Hatch

Signing books

Reading at WOTS Vancouver

WOTS book signing

Mockingjay review

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

A while back I wrote a post on book reviews and my new approach to writing them. Well, I’m delighted to announce that my latest review/article has just been published in today’s Globe and Mail book section. To learn a bit about The Hunger Games and the long-awaited launch of Mockingjay, check this out.

Also, an enormous thank you to all the folks who made my book launch last night such a fabulous success. Photos and details to come.

Next stop, YEG!

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

Attention Edmontonians! Everyone’s favourite indie bookstore, Greenwoods Bookshoppe, will soon be hosting a special event to celebrate The Lost Souls of Island X! If you’re in the area, please join us for a fun night of reading, book signing, and talking like pirates on October 7th at 7 pm.

Read more about the good times to come here.

September events

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

When it rains, it pours. The last weekend in September is looking like it’ll be a busy one. Here are some places I’ll be reading and signing books. If you’re in the area, drop by and say hello!

Friday September 24th – THE LOST SOULS OF ISLAND X BOOK LAUNCH

7 pm at Christianne’s Lyceum.

For details, see this post.

Saturday September 25th – TRI-CITIES FAMILY LITERACY CELEBRATION

10 am – 1 pm at Spirit Square, Coquitlam

This event will feature several great BC authors reading from their work. Good times!

Sunday September 26th – WORD ON THE STREET VANCOUVER

1:40 pm in the Kids Tent

WOTS Vancouver. The most fun event of the year for those who love books. And magazines. And poems…

Find out more here.

Fall courses

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Interested in taking a writing course? This fall, I’ll be teaching a few classes for adults. Perhaps you’d like to register? I’m known for bringing cookies…

Details:

THE PERSONAL NARRATIVE

The personal narrative is drawn from a writer’s personal experiences and interests. Participants will work towards creating a short non-fiction piece and sharing it for peer review and in-class critique. Through discussing the art of non fiction and the personal narrative, students will learn how to avoid common mistakes and create writing that tells their story.

Where: Vancouver Community College, downtown campus

When: Six Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm beginning September 21

For more info, click here.


WRITING FICTION FOR YOUNG READERS

Ever wanted to write middle-grade or young adult fiction? In this course, you’ll explore concepts such as plot, setting, character, and style, and find out what makes a great novel or short story for young readers. In-class and take-home writing activities will help you gain confidence and find your voice.

Where: Capilano University (North Vancouver)

When: Six Wednesdays, 7 – 9:30 pm beginning October 20th

For more info, click here.