Short update February 8, 2012
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings, Tour, Vertigo Reading Series.Tags: poetry, slams, update
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This hot place is living her own life now, on the shelves and in the minds of readers. May she live long! It’s been an absolutely remarkable couple of years for me, touring my baby from coast to coast. She and I still need to get north but I’m convinced that will come, eventually!
For now I have some reading/performance dates upcoming. One is the SCIC Global Justice Poetry Slam tonight in Regina and the other, also in Regina, is at the Vertigo Reading Series where I’ll read with local poet, Ken Fox and Saskatoon poets, Fionncara MacEoin and Caitlin Ward. Music will be provided by Ryan Anderson and (if we can get a practice in this weekend) Jim Mitchell and me!
Details are on the poster at the right and on the Tours page.
Life goes on, post-book. Projects keep calling. I keep writing. If you’re interested in my political work, have a look at thereginamom.com where I’m dogging and blogging the tarsands issue, thanks to Joe Oilver’s screed in the Globe & Mail a few weeks ago.
One more tour. And some news! September 30, 2011
Posted by thishotplace in Awards, Ramblings, Saskatchewan Writers Guild, Tour, young adult fiction.Tags: swg short manuscript awards, ya
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In October, I’ll be making my way to the Maritimes for a couple of readings (details forthcoming), a couple of CD launches and a radio appearance as well as a stop in Ottawa to visit my daughter and give a reading with a group of writers I’ve met through various parts of the writing community, including two of the finest writing schools in the country, the Sage Hill Writing Experience and the Banff Centre.
It’ll be great to finally see eastern Canada as well as to meet and reconnect with singers and writers!
But before I do that, I’ll be celebrating the success of my new work! An unpublished excerpt from the young adult fiction I’ve written has netted me First Place in the Children’s Literature category of the Short Manuscript Awards sponsored by the Saskatchewan Writers Guild.
(Do you know how many entries I’ve sent to that competition over the years?)
To say I’m very excited to receive this recognition is an understatement. When I sat down to write this manuscript, I thought I was going to write a poem about divorce. But the voice of the main character, Chrissy, took over. I knew enough about writing to know that I needed to listen to the work, to let it guide me. And I did. The working title quickly became Crybaby. This work quite literally cried its way out of me. Needless to say, a theme running through Crybaby is the reclamation of crying as a healthy human capacity.
So, yes, of course I cried when I learned the work had placed first. I laughed and squealed and hollered, too. And I jumped up and down!
I feel quite privileged to be both a product and a beneficiary of the programs, services and other assorted offerings of the SWG. I’m thankful the judge, Janet McNaughton, saw fit to single out my work at this time. It’s a great vote of confidence! I’m also very grateful to have the support of the Canada Council for the Arts to work on this manuscript. And, I am truly honoured to be named a winner of a SWG Short Manuscript Award!
It’s been a long time coming!
Who knew?!? September 10, 2011
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings, young adult fiction.Tags: Crybaby
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I’m at the Banff Centre for Continuing Education for just over a week. What an awe-inspiring place this is! I’ve been accepted into the Writing With Style program which means I get to study with Arthur Slade, one of Saskatchewan’s — and Canada’s — best Young Adult fiction writers.
I know, I know, Bernadette’s a Poet, not a fiction writer! But one day four or five years ago as I sat in my back yard determined to write the definitive poem about my parents’ divorce, it happened. I wrote for about 20 minutes, maybe half an hour, nonstop — one of those Natalie Goldberg-style free writing exercises, really. When I stopped writing and read what I had written, I quickly realized it was not a poem. What had come through me was a strong voice, one of a teenaged girl who was trying to tell her story, not through poetry but through fiction!
I was baffled! I’d always said I couldn’t write fiction because I couldn’t think in sentences, but here it was, proof that I’d been lying to myself! I tried to let the work sit for a time, but I found myself coming back to it over and over again until, finally, I decided I had to get the first draft finished. One winter, at the Saskatchewan Writers / Artists Colony (Retreat) at St. Peter’s Abbey, I did just that. My poor neighbour, fellow colonist and writer extraordinaire, Dave Carpenter, expressed concern about me. I did a lot of crying as I wrote.
I guess some would say that writing that first draft was a healing journey for me. The crying bit is how the novel got its working title, Crybaby. I’ve crafted the work a fair bit since then and I’m looking forward to hearing what Art has to say about it!
Gatherings and blessings December 18, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Greetings, Media, Ramblings, Tour.Tags: holiday greeting, update
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I’m gearing up for gatherings of our extended family over the holidays. I’ve been wrapping presents, baking goodies, decorating the house. Tomorrow, friends and family will drop by to welcome my daughter home for the holidays. Tonight, all members of my immediate family will sleep under one roof. I like that. A lot.
My sister-in-law called yesterday to read what had been written about my appearance in Moose Jaw last week. It was a glowing report, from what I gathered, and I was happy to hear that. She promised me a copy and, I believe, it will be online eventually. She also told me that there had been a piece in the Times Herald, so I googled and found it. Not as glowing, not really much at all, but a photo, a blurb and a good headline. I’ll take it!
I have now confirmed two bookings have been confirmed for January. One at the Vertigo Reading Series in Regina on January 23. The other at McVeety School, as mentioned earlier, on January 27. The details are here. And the Louis Riel Trail podcast will likely take place in January, too. We’re trying to find a date that works.
To all who have made this year so very special for me — to Al and Jackie at Thistledown Press, to my fantastic editor, Liz Philips, to Kim Menzies for the beautiful art on my cover, to the incredible organizers of my readings throughout Saskatchewan, western Canada and Ottawa, to the dear friends and family who hosted me, to those who attended the readings and those who bought my book, to the folks at the Saskatchewan Book Awards, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Saskatchewan Writers Guild, the Saskatchewan Writers/Artists Colonies, the Sage Hill Writing Experience — to all of you who played some role in making my dream come true — I wish you a happy holiday and bright blessings for the new year. Peace and love to you and yours.
Summer’s almost over September 1, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings, Tour.add a comment
It was a busy spring and summer for me. I toured, yes, and then I organized and hosted a fundraiser so that I could attend the Sage Hill Writing Experience to work on my next book. I also happened to sell several books while there!
And now it’s grant application time and I’m hoping to secure some funding to make that second book a reality. We shall see how it goes.
I’m also working towards an eastern Canadian tour for October-November. Here’s hoping that works well.
And, finally, I’m organizing another fundraiser, this time for the Literary Committee of the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. More details to come.
Wow! That was fun! June 21, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings, reviews, Tour.Tags: post-tour report, update
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Dear Reader, please accept my apologies for this rather late report on what’s been taking place with This hot place. The “Western Tour” was fantastic, albeit exhausting — and it isn’t quite over yet! I’ve been busy resting in addition to organizing more readings. And selling books! I’m so grateful for all those who have purchased copies of This hot place. Talk about validation!
Last week was my “Alberta Addendum” which saw me in Big River SK and Cold Lake AB. Next weekend I’ll be in Assiniboia SK (details), presuming the highways are not washed out or flooded. Fortunately, everywhere I’ve been has dealt me decent weather. (Well, yes there was that snow in Edmonton a while back, but hey, I’m a prairie girl. The prairies sometimes get snow in May and besides, it was the day *after* my reading.)
And here’s some great news! This hot place has received two good reviews. Thanks to Andrea Ledding for her review for the Sask Publishers Group. Please let me know if you see it in any of the rural weeklies in SK. Thanks also to Bill Robertson for his review of my book in this past weekend’s Saskatoon Star Phoenix. His comparison and contrast of my work to Glenn Sorestad’s is much appreciated!
Til next time, Dear Reader, stay dry!
I’m working up a summer schedule that will see me read at the hall in Lumsden Beach at some point. And a Regina Beach reading might also happen.
Three provinces in one week? May 4, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings, Tour.Tags: this hot place
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What was I thinking? Winnipeg on April 27, Saskatoon on May 2 and Edmonton the next day — I’m exhausted! But it’s a good kind of exhaustion. Every where I go people come to hear my poetry and buy my book! How sweet is that?
The Winnipeg crowd was very receptive! Cousins from my family and my spouse’s were there. Representatives of the Earth Charter Singers, a sister group to my Regina singing group were there, as were some writers and activists and some complete strangers! I sold so many books there it put This hot place on the bestseller list for the week of April 25!
Saskatoon was fantastic, too! Lydia’s Pub was packed, thanks to the fantastic scene Taylor Leedahl has created for Tonight It’s Poetry. And again, cousins from both sides of the family, singers, writers, activists and complete strangers bought my book! I look forward to seeing Saskatonians again in the fall.
Last night was Edmonton. The weather was not good but I was happy with the turnout. Again, cousins appeared, as did friends, poets and activists. I’m so very pleased with the support my varioius communities are providing. And it’s so nice to see folks I haven’t seen for years! The icing on the cake? They buy my book!
Fortunately, I can rest a while before Calgary on May 6! And there’s not much else to do here in Edmonton today. There’s about 6 inches of snow on the ground and I did not pack winter gear! So, I’m lazing about (slept til noon) at my friend’s house, catching up on email, enjoying the quiet. Tomorrow I’ll move along to Calgary to visit family and friends and other writers. I’m really loving this!
Post PA, NB April 26, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings.Tags: post-tour report
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I consider the part of Highway #6 from Regina to, say, about Raymore, to be part of my “stomping grounds,” having grown up near Earl Grey. Needless to say, driving that stretch with Bruce Rice on our way to Prince Albert for our reading flashed snapshots of my past. I spared Bruce most of the details.
We met up with the Prince Albert writing group, sans nom, for a lovely dinner. Not one, but two of Bruce’s cousins are in that group! At dinner we told one of them — the one who’d be introducing us, Lynda Monaghan, that we’d arm-wrestled to see who’d go first when actually, we’d discussed it on the way up.
When Lynda introduced me to the group gathered in the library, she repeated the arm-wrestling bit and then said that I’d won, so I was going first! She got a laugh out of me!
The audience was interested and attentive to both our readings. I felt safe and loved. It was a beautiful experience!
We met for lunch the next day then drove to North Battleford. We arrive a little later than we’d hoped because I didn’t take the secondary highway that would’ve cut off a few miles. The map was at home. The turn didn’t look right. But we did get to our destination via Glaslyn and Cochin. It was a warm sunny day’s drive through the boreal forest.
We managed to catch a quick glimpse of the “Inspired by the land” show at the Allen Sapp gallery in NB. It’s been extended to hang through the summer, so if you’re headed that way, do take it in! Our reading was at the library and I was happy to see more folks than I’d expected. Bruce read first and I think he gave a good reading. Mine felt good, so I think it was — at least the comments were good.
We got back to Regina late Friday afternoon. I had Saturday off to recuperate then traveled to Winnipeg, where I now sit, on a friend’s computer, typing this. Tuesday night at 8:00 pm, I’m reading at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Grant Park. See all you Winnipeggers there!
Back to Earth! April 16, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings.Tags: post-launch, pre-tour
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Well, that was quite an experience — that being the book launches in Regina and Earl Grey! So many family and friends came together to make the events extra special for me. My heartfelt thanks goes out to them — and to all who attended!
It was especially nice to see my 90 year-old aunt and a dear friend from the USA at the Regina launch. As well, it was good to see my cousin-in-law, from Alberta, and her mom, from Texas, at the Earl Grey event.
After all the planning and excitement I guess I should not be surprised by how tired I’ve been this week. I know that sleeping less than four to six hours a night isn’t a good thing for this middle-aging body. But believe me, I’ve been making up for it! Today, I’m finally feeling my feet are back on the ground. Yesterday’s massage helped, I’m sure!
And so I’m now putting the finishing touches on the western tour, connecting with cousins, friends and colleagues in Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, hoping to get in as much visiting as possible for the short times I’ll be there. It’ll be hard to top the recent events but it’ll be nice to have others attend to the detail work!
Finally, sales are going great! More than 135 books have passed through my hands and I’m hoping sales are great at bookstores, too! In Regina, the Book & Brier had copies in stock last I checked. Chapters had it in the system, but not in stock. If it’s not at your bookstore or library, be sure to ask for it!
PS: Launch photos are forthcoming.
It’s here! March 19, 2010
Posted by thishotplace in Ramblings.Tags: update
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Earlier this aft, I was busying myself with whatnot when the doorbell rang. A Canada post delivery person carrying two small boxes stood there. I was disappointed; I’d hoped for books. The box said bookmarks. I thanked him and he told me he had another box for me. When I asked him if it was a box of books, he said, “I think so.” I screamed! Loudly!
He carried the box in and put it into the living room for me. I closed the door behind him and set to opening the box. It was well-taped! When I lifted the flaps I felt a bit of shock and awe. The colour was darker than I’d expected. But oh, I loved her immediately! I took one out, rather gingerly, and gazed at it for a few seconds. I let myself feel the moment, hugged my book to my chest, and cried.
This wasn’t your average weep-for-joy cry. This was a robust, deep, and sobbing cry. It came from the centre of my belly in big waves. My whole body shook and I fell onto the couch, still hugging her close. I sat like that for about five minutes.
I pulled myself together enough to call my hubby who was out running errands. He didn’t answer so I left a message. And then I sobbed some more. He came home just after I’d calmed down and while I was talking to my mom. When he took a twenty dollar bill out of his wallet, grabbed a book and a pen and set them in front of me I lost it again! And then I signed it for him. I signed a book!
After that, I popped a bottle of champagne into the fridge. I’ll pop the cork on that when it’s chilled. And I’ll probably cry some more. I’m entitled. This hot place has been a long time coming!
Ask for it at your local bookstore and library! And check out the tour page to see when I’ll be sharing from it in your neck of the woods.
