Anita's Other Space

Poe's Deadly Daughters

2008-07-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

Hi Chickadees!
I'm enjoying coffee by a lake right now, listening to loons...so yummy.

I've been remiss...I've been interviewed on a lovely web-log with a sinister name. Here it is over at Poe's Deadly Daughters.

Anita's Other Space

2008-07-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me!

My husband wanted me to have a space all my own to write and retreat in, and of course also for the family to enjoy. This lovely wee house is an hour and a half from our front door in the city, and about a 15 minute drive from resort beaches in the Grand Beach area. The boat launch is one block one way, the beach is one block the other way, and neighbours smile and wave. It is lovely and quiet...a place to breath.

The real estate called yesterday to say our offer had been accepted. Woo-hoo!

Symposium wrap and onward

2008-07-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Chickadees!

Wow, there has been so much happening, I'm hanging onto the ledge of it willing strength into finger grips.

First...SFU's Symposium on the Book was beyond fantastic! Each of the six authors--William Deverell, Anne Emery, Dan Kalla, Linda L Richards (she is a riot, by the way--so fun!), Michael Slade, and yours truly--gave chats on a subject related to crime fiction in Canada. Following each chat there was a response from one of the panelists: Margaret Cannon (G & M crime fiction columnist), Dinah Forbes (McClelland and Stewart crime fiction editor), Walter Sinclair (Owner, Dead Write Books). The day was moderated by Mary Jane Maffini, author, and former prez of Crime Writers of Canada.

What a day! The talks and discussion were informative and thought provoking, and gosh, I can't remember a day when I laughed more often, or harder!!! I've said it before--crime writers are a fun bunch!

These pictures are from the Saturday evening cruise (plus following the cruise: a WOW super-cool truck, and window shopping). Five hours along the Vancouver Coast. Fantastic!

Other news...well, I suppose the biggest and best bit is that I will be the new YA editor at Great Plains Publications. Those who have known me for a while will remember that I was once marketing director there. I am so excited to be returning in this capacity!

Poachers in the Pingos!

2008-07-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

The proofs have arrived, hurrah!

In stores everywhere in September :-)

Treasure!

2008-07-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

This came in the mail yesterday. What do you think?

When I saw it I thought, "I really must have this vintage pewter medallion!" And now I do :-) It's a German dancing villager scene. Fun huh? I love old jewelry. I love to put it on, and wonder who has worn it before me. What are their stories?

Another treasure came in the mail yesterday, in the form of a letter. It was from a young woman in Yellowknife. She wanted to let me know how meaningful Spider's Song was to her, and how much she enjoyed it. Wow, what a boost! It means so much that she took the time to write, and share her own story with me :-)

a Musing

2008-07-07T10:40:00.001-07:00

Rain, rain, fall away, let us see in some new way. Wash away clutter, wash away sludge, let us birth something bright in the muck, and the mudge.

Hmmm...I thought I was just musing, and made up a word to suit my (poor) poetic practice, however, according to Google:

Definitions of Mudge on the Web:

* Peiter C. Zatko (better known as Mudge) was a member of the high profile hacker think tank, the L0pht.

And really, that is what I meant. Sometimes a real rain, like the one that falls so generously today in Winnipeg can metaphorically wash away mental and emotional clutter, if we let it. It can help us "hack" into the creative wellspring.

Onward, writers! Let us think, muse, create.

From last weekend's National Post: Symposium on the Book

2008-07-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Vancouver is the scene of the crime for publishing workshop

Six of Canada's top crime writers will join a crime fiction book reviewer, an editor of crime writing and a mystery bookstore owner to discuss the sub-genres of crime writing -- thrillers, mysteries, detective stories and true crime -- and will also engage the audience with a look at the position of crime writing in Canada, asking questions such as "Why has no crime novel ever even been short-listed for the Giller or other major literary awards in Canada?" The authors in crime are Anita Daher, William Deverell, pictured, Anne Emery, Dan Kalla, Linda L. Richards and Michael Slade. The panellists are Margaret Cannon, Dinah Forbes, Walter Sinclair and moderator Mary Jane Maffin. This year's Symposium on the Book is July 12 in Vancouver.

*

I am so looking forward to this! It will be very fun to discuss YA crime fiction in Canada with the panellists, those who attend my talk, and later (during a cruise, hurrah!) with this exceptional collection of fellow authors.

Have you read any memorable YA crime books lately? Other than mine, I mean ;-)

HA! yes, I joke!

Searing pain

2008-07-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Chickadees!

Man, it's been a time and a half...

Wait a sec, I have to put the ice back on my arm...better...I can only write a few words at a time before my skin screams agonies of a thousand hells...I was taking steaks out from under the broiler today, and touched the soft skin of my forearm on the inside of the oven door....oh man, maybe i can type one handed. so I can keep ice on it. anyway, the skin immediately cooked white., and i have a second degree burn.

it hasn't been the best day. at the barn a puppy belonging to the barn owner bounced up to my cousin and tossed her a twig, and bounced, bounced all around. my cousin tossed the twig--of course she did! it made the puppy happy. she tossed it a few more times as the puppy bounced back, until the owner came out and yelled and yelled at us for trying to kill her dog. it was hot. we didn't think. it was in the shade, and really, i would have thought --if i'd been thinking at all--that the dog would have stopped playing if hot.

i took my cousin home, and the owner called again to tell me what an idiot i was. i felt so bad, and i guess i'm not feeling strong today, because i cried. i hate it when i get emotional in front of people...i would so rather save it for books.

and then i burned my arm.

i am usually such a lucky girl. i think i must have done something bad, and the universe is letting me know.

bits of good news...the canadian children's book centre has listed racing for diamonds and spider's song as two of the best books of 2007. also, there were notes about my being one of six best canadian crime writers giving a talk at this year's sfu symposium on the book in last weekend's globe and mail-or maybe it was national post--and the latest issue of chatelaine magazine.

sorry about the somewhat ee cummings style...only because i am not ee cummings.

it's the burn.

New Book profiling MB children's book authors!

2008-06-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

"For the first time ever, a book that will introduce you to the marvelous wealth of children’s book authors right here in the province of Manitoba! A great resource for teachers and parents, Meet Manitoba Children’s Authors has profiles of 37 awesome children’s authors!
Learn how they began their writing careers, what books they personally recommend, and fun facts about each author. Also included are recommended writing exercises, advice for young writers and information about upcoming book releases.
Come out and meet your favourite Manitoba children’s book authors! Confirmed authors in attendance include: France Adams, Rene Ammann, Rae Bridgman, Margaret Buffie, Eleanor Chornoboy, Anita Daher, John Danakas, Deborah Delaronde, Edgar Desjarlais, Gabriele Goldstone, Rob Keough, Joe McLellan, Matrine McLellan, M. D. Meyer, Beatrice Mosionier, Bonnie Murray, KC Oliver, Rachelle Pomfrey, Carol Szuminsky, Hannah Taylor, Duncan Thornton, Larry Verstraete and Angela Narth."

Book Launch, Monday June 31st
7 pm
McNally Robinson Booksellers, Polo Park location
Winnipeg, MB

NorthWords Writers Festival a Success! (News Story)

2008-06-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

From left, featured writers Anita Daher, Lesley Choyce, Pat Braden, Michael Crummey and Jennifer Storm participate in a book signing and barbecue during the Northwords festival. - Alix McNaught/NNSL photo

Northwords festival a success

Alix McNaught
Northern News Services
Published Friday, June 20, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The 2008 Northwords Writers' Festival came to a close last Saturday with the De Beers Canada Reading Gala at NACC.

Featured authors Richard Van Camp, Anita Daher, Michael Crummey, Lesley Choyce, Bernice Morgan, Annelies Pool andJennifer Storm read from their works to cap off the three days of the festival.

Running from June 12 to 14, this was the third annual Northwords Festival, and according to Van Camp, this year's president of the board, it was a great year.

"I think it was a complete success. We packed the Ski Club, we packed Javaroma, and we did great at the NACC. I'm just so proud of everybody," he said.

Authors from Yellowknife, the North and right across Canada attended Northwords, participating in the readings, storytelling, open mics, one-on-one mentorships, panel discussions and workshops.

Van Camp has been participating in the festival every year since it began and has no plans to stop now.

"I'll be back, absolutely. I need the Northwords Literary Festival. I come here to get inspired, I come here to help writers get published, I do everything I can, and it's three days for Northerners," he said.

With regard to inspiration from the other authors, Van Camp said that, for him, the festival serves principally to encourage him to continue doing what he is doing.

"I'm really proud to finally be writing a Fort Smith novel, I have a collection of short stories ready to go, and I'm really always humbled by the support the writing community has when we have a big event like this, because there's so much talent in the Northwest Territories."

Van Camp said the number one issue writers face in the North is accessibility to agents, editors and publishing houses.

"That's what Northwords is about - if we can help you, we will do our very best to help you get published in whatever way possible.

The number one thing we need from writers is for them to finish their projects. We use our influence to the best of our ability to help writers up here get published," he said.

According to Van Camp, Northwords is working towards operating throughout the year.

"We had the Elizabeth Hay event that was sponsored by Northwords, and what we want to do is increase awareness and start bringing up more authors throughout the year to do fundraising, to get into the high schools, cause there's a lot of writers in high schools in Yellowknife that are fantastic, and in the communities as well. There's a lot of talent out there," said Van Camp, adding that it doesn't matter whether it's manga, comic books or movies that youth are interested in.

"We are here for writers, and the storytellers as well. We're very proud of that," he said.

"That's it till next year."

Chandra names names...er, outfits

2008-06-22T09:40:00.001-07:00

The lovely Chandra Mayor, celebrated author and outfit namer works a few days each week at Aqua Books. She also thinks carefully on what she wears, and titles her outfits.

June 20: "Rachelle recalls the sweet burn of lukewarm Bombay in the Flipside bathroom."

An Intimate Evening at Aqua Books

2008-06-19T05:05:00.001-07:00

Last night Aqua Books held a "Writer-In-Residence" welcoming reception for me, and truly, it was a night like no other!

At the back of the stage, behind the podium, there were two lovely chaise lounges. In a blink we decided that we should take "residence" to a whole new level, and that I should read while lounging. We ended up doing away with the podium altogether. Kelly, owner of Aqua Books and "mayor of Winnipeg's cultural city hall" introed me from one lounge, and then I gabbed and read from the other.

It was totally fun. This morning there was a note in my inbasket from my friend and fellow writer Nathalie, who said:

"You and Kelly Hughes should set up some comedy routine."

Who knows? The only thing I do know is that hey, great things happen in the presence of Scmhoo cake.

Oh...did I not mention the cake?

Kelly's lovely wife, Candace, chef and owner of Eat! Bistro located in the new Aqua Books, baked us the most amazing Raspberry Angel Schmoo Cake. Oh...it was DIVINE!

p.s. Thank you to Ariel Gordon for the photos, and for coordinating the whole wonderful evening :-)

Tonight's the night!

2008-06-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Celebrate good times...come on!

Tonight Kelly and Ariel and all the lovely folks at Aqua Books are having an official "Writer-In-residence" type celebration for me, 7:30, at the new Aqua location, 274 Garry Street. There will be writing chat, there will be smiles, there will be readings (new work), and there will be cake! Hurrah! Hope you can join us :-)

Shooby-dooby-doo!

p.s. Here are some photos from the NorthWords Literary Festival held in Yellowknife last week. Pictured: Lesley Choyce, Pat Braden, Jennifer Knowlen, Mindy Willett, Richard Van Camp, Michael Crummey, Bernice Morgan, Jennifer Storm, Ian Drinnan and a shadow angel!

p.p.s The photo above is of Summer and Thyme, two Tennisee Walking horses pulling a wagon (with me on it!) through Yellowknife's sand pit. Thank you Tom and Patricia of North Country Stables!

Hello Gail!

2008-06-14T12:45:00.001-07:00

Glad you visit :-)
a

Do you see the circles?

2008-06-14T04:10:00.001-07:00

It's just after 5 am. I have been awake since just after 2 am.

My wakefulness has nothing to do with the light in Yellowknife, which would stream through windows all night if not for this hotel's thick curtains. I like the light. I've always liked the light. I think it has more with a wakeful mind, and perhaps something which I will walk away from 24 hours from now.

I love this city so much. I have loved my time at the NorthWords Writer's Festival. I have spent time with horses, healers, and friends all under this northern sun and its lovely light.

I mentioned circles. A couple of lovely connections have found me over the past few days.

On Thursday I had a mentoring session with a lovely women I had met once before--or so I'd thought. She was at a workshop I gave in Yellowknife a little over a year ago. During our conversation it came out that she grew up in Baker Lake. "Oh," I said. "I went to school in Baker Lake." it turns out that she is only two years younger than me, and knows the same people I remember, and what became of them. Some of them, anyway. I felt like I'd found a cousin or someone closer. We played on the same playground. Probably, I played floor hockey with her.

Yesterday there was a second "Open Mic" night at JavaRoma, a coffee house. I was so happy to see Mildred, a woman I knew well from my days with the Territorial Writer's Association, but have not seen in several years. We'd known that we had both at one time lived in Sault Ste. Marie--compared memories of restaurants. Last night we learned not only that we'd also both lived in Lynn Lake, MB, but also that we were there at the same time. She was the editor of the newspaper. We know the same people. We played on the same playground, in a manner of speaking. We did not play floor hockey.

It is good for the heart to find these connections, and to see so clearly the circles our lives take in making them. Energizing.

And thus...no sleep.

It's a party!

2008-06-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Aqua Books throws a terrific reception. Please put this on your calendars:

Inaugural Writer-in-Residence Reception and Reading

Wednesday, June 18 7:30pm Aqua Books (Winnipeg, MB)

Award-winning young adult writer Anita Daher is Aqua Books' inaugural writer-in-residence. Anita will be holed up and typing away in one of our new writers' studios through the end of August. (Aqua Books' new location at 274 Garry features two dedicated events rooms and three writers' studios, one of which is permanently reserved for Aqua's Writer-in-Residence.)

Anita Daher has been writing and publishing in Canada for well over a decade, often drawing inspiration from the many places she's been fortunate to spend time in. After being named recipient of the 2007 John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer, she buckled down and wrote three more novels for juveniles and young adults. Two of them, Racing for Diamonds (Orca) and Spider's Song (Penguin/Puffin) were finalists for the 2008 Arthur Ellis Award for best juvenile crime novel. Racing for Diamonds has also been named a finalist for the 2009 Hackmatack East Coast Reader's Choice Award. Anita lives in Winnipeg, and will always accept invitations for dim sum.

Hope to see you! Now...I pack. In a few hours I'm off to the 3rd Annual NorthWords Literary Festival in Yellowknife, NT.

Glorious!

2008-06-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Chickadees!

I finally have a few catch-up moments, but only a few. I'm away to shop in a moment!

I am in Toronto, in a luxurious hotel, and enjoying every feather pillow, down comforter, European made top thread count moment of it. Plus, I smell real nice after my soak in the tub, and slathering on this hotel's aromatherapy lotion--not like Motel Joe's hotel lotion, that's for sure.

Last night the Arthur Ellis Awards were held. My books didn't win, but as each of the other finalists were very deserving, I wasn't expecting to, really--not that one of mine didn't deserve to win, they did (I love them each a lot, and have been told they're purty good reads!), but it could have gone any which way. I am glad for the winner--Shane Peacock, for Eye of the Crow, his brilliant take of Sherlock Holmes as a young boy.

The night was FABULOUS! It was so great to spend the evening with my lovely agent, Marie (who was more nervous for me than I was!), and my dynamic (and extremely fun) Penguin team: Jennifer, editor, and Alina, publicist. And what an exuberant bunch these Crime Writers of Canada are! I have decided to join their organization, and will write with vigor and renewed purpose and see if I can achieve future nominations in more than category. I really would like to take home one of those hangin'man trophies one day!

In any case, I have the several free hours in front of me before I fly home, and so I will shop. The weekend will be horse-busy, and next week I fly to Yellowknife for the NorthWords literary festival. Man, I can almost taste Bullock's Bistro's whitefish now...I wonder whether Renata will ever give up her recipe?

Book promo 101

2008-05-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

Found this over on kc dyer's blog :-)

Honoured

2008-05-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I know life is a series of hills and valleys, but so many good things are happening lately...I am a very lucky ducky.

In order of appearance:

This Saturday I will be speaking at the Professional Writers of Canada National Conference. Sarah Yates and I will be co-presenting on writing for teens

On Saturday evening I will be reading, along with Faith Johnston, at Prairie Fire Magazines annual benefit: Speaking Volumes. From the web site: "Speaking Volumes, our 15th annual benefit banquet. The event is complete with voyageur-style hatchet throwing, interpretive cabins and a truly scrumptious dinner. After dinner, relax by the cozy fireplace and open your mind to readings by award-winning authors Faith Johnston and Anita Daher."

Arthur Ellis Awards dinner, June 5th, Toronto, ON. Both Spider's Song and Racing for Diamonds are finalists (I've been reading the other three, and they are fantastic!). I will be there along with my agent, Marie, my editor, Jen, and my publicist, Alina.

Northwords Writers Festival, June 12-14, Yellowknife, NT. I will present and participate in panels. Also, I have just been asked to MC the gala event. I am honoured :-)

SFU Symposium on the Book, July 12, Vancouver, BC. I will be one of 10 "of Canada's top experts on all aspects of crime writing and publishing" and will "delve deep not only into the techniques and mechanics of writing crime, but into the role and place of 'genre' writing in Canada." I was flabbergasted to have been asked, and so honoured. I will speak on writing YA crime novels. I'm still playing with details, but they will be on the SFU website when confirmed.

And finally...Aqua Books has asked me to extend my stay as their Writer-in-Residence here in Winnipeg to the end of August. I have been able to get so much work done while there. I am so grateful for the space (and the company, and the flipping fantastic chickpea fritters at EAT! Bistro downstairs!).

I am thankful for everything...and taking my vitamins! I've a book just finished and sent to the printer--Poachers in the Pingos will be out in September. It is the second in my Junior Canadian Ranger series for Orca...the next I must begin and finish before the end of the summer! I've two other books on the go as well. Should be a full summer :-)

So nice...

2008-05-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

From Penguin, in celebration of the Arthur Ellis nominations :-)

And this is the display McNally Robinson Polo Park put together for my book signing!

Book signings tomorrow...reading next week

2008-05-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hello chickadees,

In advance of the Arthur Ellis Awards, which are coming up on June 5th, I will be signing my two nominated books, Racing for Diamonds (middle grade adventure), and Spider's Song (teen psychological thriller) tomorrow, Saturday 24th.

12:00 pm: McNally Robinson Grant Park

2:00 pm: McNally Robinson Polo Park

From McNally Robinson Book Sellers:
A signing of Racing for Diamonds and Spider's Song, both shortlisted for the 2008 Arthur Ellis Best Juvenile Crime Award. Racing for Diamonds is a thrilling story that follows the dog-mushing derby trail where Jaz's Junior Canadian Ranger skills are put to a life-or-death test. Spider's Song is a chilling novel where AJ deals with her loneliness by cutting herself and by befriending a strange traveling musician.

If you would like to join me for what looks to be a fabulous and fun evening of a different sort, there will be dining and hatchet throwing at Prairie Fire Magazine's annual fundraiser on Saturday, May 31st.

From Prairie Fire:
Saturday, May 31, 6:00 pm:
Speaking Volumes, our 15th annual benefit banquet. The event is complete with voyageur-style hatchet throwing, interpretive cabins and a truly scrumptious dinner. After dinner, relax by the cozy fireplace and open your mind to readings by award-winning authors Faith Johnston and Anita Daher.
Tickets are $60 each (tax receipt for $20) and can be purchased from our office (423-100 Arthur Street) or over the phone (943-9066). Order soon, as seating is limited!

Also on May 31st, I will be presenting at the PWAC (Professional Writers Association of Canada) annual conference. Details here.

Hope to see you!

I love this! Review by 12-year old

2008-05-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Google Alert brought news of this review for Racing for Diamonds, by a 12-year-old reader in the US, for Amazon.com. very cool :-)

5.0 out of 5 stars A story of intrigue, May 13, 2008
By Reader Views "www.readerviews.com"
Reviewed by Anne Marie Medema (age 12) for Reader Views (4/08)

Anita Daher cleverly weaves a story of intrigue, filled with danger and excitement. In the book "Racing for Diamonds," Daher writes a story with a theme and location she is familiar with. With descriptive vocabulary and flowing phrases, Daher makes the story come alive in the mind of the reader. Daher wrote in a way that causes the reader to anxiously turn each page to the end.

"Racing for Diamonds" begins with our main character Jaz participating in a first-aid course. Jaz is training to compete in a dog sled race in Canada. In the race Jaz is paired with Colly, a master corporal. She and Colly start out in first place in the dog-sled race and go through several checkpoints still in the lead. Soon they meet up with Gunther, a diamond mine cleaner. Gunther pulls the dog team of Jaz and Colly aside. Gunther says he left town abruptly because his little boy named Luka was kidnapped by a Russian who wants all the diamonds. The three of them meet up with the Russian and Luka. It would be a fight, but fortunately the JCR Rangers approach in a helicopter looking for Jaz and Colly. The JCR Rangers rescue Gunther and Luka. The Russian is sent to prison. Colly and Jaz do not win the dog-sled race. But they do win Medals of Honor for rescuing Gunther and Luka. Jaz and Colly are highly praised and commended for their bravery by the JCR Rangers.

I recommend "Racing for Diamonds" by Anita Daher. It is a story targeted for young readers who enjoy adventure and action. I enjoyed the setting of this story as it takes place in a part of North America I have never visited before. Also, it enlightened me about what it is like to participate in a dog-sled race. I liked how the author packed so much adventure into a small easy-read novel. Hitch yourself into "Racing for Diamonds," by Anita Daher, and get swept away into a snow-packed adventure.

We must have done something right...

2008-05-14T07:40:00.001-07:00

Such a glorious day! The sun is shining, my pony appears back to happy-normal, and my top-secret freelance article is in the can. Sarah, my Orca editor got back to me last night with her next to last edits, which I will return to her Monday.

Phee photo courtesy of Sara's friend, Leslie S.

Weathering the drub

2008-05-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had a look at a weather chart, but from the way I'm dragging this morning, southern Manitoba must be under a trough of low pressure. Back during my flight service specialist days when I would chart forecasts for pilots, I noticed that my body took on the weight of the world during such times. I find it interesting...at least I would, if I didn't so desperately need a nap.

While fighting the snooze urge today I am also completing a second set of edits on Poachers in the Pingos, and will send the manuscript back to my editor today, as well as a couple of trusted readers who will spill the beans on any big goofs I might have made re JCRs or Tuktoyaktuk. I'm also working on a top secret freelance project (due Thursday), and a potential new set of novels (which I am adoring!), also top secret for now.

And...I am worrying about my wee horse. On Saturday when I asked her to trot (with me beside her, leading her), she first had a major kick out, as if what I was asking her to do was outrageous, and then, after she settled and we tried again, she buckled at her front knees, and then lowered her back end as if she was going to lie down. it wasn't colic...no digestive or respiratory distress...no sore spots that I could find. It WAS very windy, so i suppose she could have startled at a sound, and stumbled at the same time. Except...she's been a bit off ever since. Kind of dopey, and dozey. Maybe she's a bit sick, with all the temperature changes we've been having. Kurt (the barn owner) is keeping a close eye on her for me. I'll feel a lot better when she does.

On a much more up sorta note...Brenda Schmidt is in town today, dim-summing, and launching her new book (co-launching, actually!)at McNally Robinson, Grant Park:

Brenda Schmidt & Judith Krause (Reading & Signing)
Monday May 12 2008 8:00 pm - Grant Park, in Prairie Ink Restaurant, Winnipeg

Two Saskatchewan poets present their new collections. In Cantos from Wolverine Creek, a book that is both a celebration and a eulogy, Schmidt uses deep reserves of language to explores the nuances of feeling, and the nature of the passage of time. Krause’s Mongrel Love, brings the author’s sharp perception and wit to some of the most enduring subject matter: the living, the dead, and the human events that move us through our time.

A fine cork to a day. Umm...not sure what I mean by that--brain too dull--but I will be there. If you are about, hope to see you too.

I'm cold. Wear a sweater.

Pressed and impressed. WIR stint begins tomorrow

2008-05-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Two stories in the Winnipeg Free Press last week mentioning Spider's Song and Racing for Diamonds making the Arthur Ellis Awards shortlist:

(May 4)Paperchase : Good week for local young adult writers

and

(May 1) Daher nominated for two Ellis Awards

Also, tomorrow morning (Tuesday) I begin my two-month writer-in-residence stint at the new, improved, and relocated into a renovated uber-space, Aqua Books.

I am extremely grateful to Kelly Hughes, proprietor, for making this possible (and to events coordinator, poet, and friend, Ariel Gordon for sorting out details). Does Kelly need a writer-in-residence in his store? No. Heck, he's not even making us (me, and writers-in-residence to follow) work all that hard for the space--only one or two events to be featured in, no daily manuscript evaluations. Truly, I think having a writer-in-residence is Kelly's way of saying, "Hey, here's a free office space for you to use for a couple of months, just to help you out because we think you really need this."

And I DO! For too long I've tapped-tapped at my dining room table, or my kitchen table, or my couch, wherever I could find space and not get in anyone's way. My most difficult battle, however, isn't with space, but with distraction. It is so easy to get lost in the needs of house and family, because, after all, the house and family do need me. But...writing, and having a successful writing career is such a tenuous thing. It's all about self-discipline, and self-motivation, which becomes such a battle when you feel splintered by the expectations of others...expectation which more often than not does not include writing. In this instance home space becomes negative space, which is a near impossible space to create in. For me, anyway.

And then there's the whole Internet thing. Useful for communication and checking facts, yes, but also way too easy to lose valuable time while you "Wiki" this and "Google" that, and muck about with friends on Facebook.

So...tomorrow morning I begin working away in a lovely office, with a door, at Aqua Books. And, Kelly promises he will not give me the password for Internet access.

Perfect :-)