authors, writing

Too Many Books to Write

I'm not the only writer with 18 books in progress, am I? I love a story when it's still in the bud and bursting with potential. I most often write picture books, which are very short and take up little file space. A few of my PBs-in-progress are first drafts, but most are mere outlines and premises, some with research notes or character sketches,… Continue reading Too Many Books to Write

authors, books

Other People’s Book Signings

Children's books have brought me some great times this month. Sure, I've had fun with my own, Walking Backward--which received another notable mention this past weekend in the National Post's children's book round-up. But I've had much more fun with other people's.  Mid-month, I went to the launch of Dunces Anonymous by Kate Jaimet. This is a great book… Continue reading Other People’s Book Signings

authors, books, writing

Wonderful Book Review

I know I said I wasn't going to read any more Walking Backward book reviews, but fellow author Kate Jaimet sent me an email this weekend congratulating me on my review in the Globe & Mail, so I just had to check it out. (I was wary of opening the page, but Kate's congratulations spurred me on.)… Continue reading Wonderful Book Review

authors, books, writing

New Discouragements and New Motivations

A friend of a friend has gone into the same large bookstore three times to request my book, without any luck. The store had two copies in October--each store in the chain seemed to receive two copies of my book--but when those were quickly sold, they didn't order more. The clerk who received this woman's third request for Walking Backward responded with,… Continue reading New Discouragements and New Motivations

authors, books, writing

Book Launching Afterword

Now that I've had my first book launch--which everyone tells me went very well, though I was so nervous it's a bit of a blank--I thought I'd pass on three bits of advice for future launchers. First, you need more set-up helpers than you think. Bank on unforeseen delays. (It took me half an hour to cart everything from my car… Continue reading Book Launching Afterword