Monthly Archives: November 2012

Nov30

Buy Local for Christmas Reads

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Buy Local for Christmas Reads

X'mas photo-1

If you’re looking for a X’mas special on some humorous family reads over the holiday season (Middle Grade Novels -Grade 5-8), please consider the FRENCHIE SERIES (Books 1&2) on sale locally in NANAIMO’S CHAPTERS (local author section)and at the X’mas Bazaar at the Nanoose Bay Library on Saturday, Dec.8th between 10:00 -3:00.

Parents/Grandparents are choosing this humorous Frenchie Series (Books 1 &2) as a contemporary fiction choice with characters that all can relate to:

  • Ethan, the 13 year old who is “gaga” over French Bulldogs and determined to own one of his own
  • Grandma Sis,  the quirkiest, most eccentric and devious grandma,
  • Mel, an overwhelmed, single working mom who has no interest in adding a pet
… Read the rest
Nov23

10 Reasons why MG and YA Authors Must Read: Writing Irresistible KIDLIT by Mary Kole

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10 Reasons why MG and YA Authors Must Read: Writing Irresistible KIDLIT by Mary Kole

Having recently wrapped up my third MG novel of my Frenchie series, Writer’s Digest’s promotion of Mary Kole’s book, “Writing Irresistible KIDLIT –The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers” caught my attention.  All authors are interested in perfecting their skill set and craft.  It’s an invaluable aid challenging authors to go back into one’s manuscript, ask the hard questions, and revise, revise, revise!

10 reasons KIDLIT  writers should read Mary Kole’s guide:

1.  Mary Kole is well educated, knowledgeable, experienced and a published author herself. She has credence as a Senior Literary Manager, someone who teaches webinars on all aspects of children’s book craft and she blogs at kidlit.com.

2.  She … Read the rest

Nov15

Canadian Patriotism Event (Inheritance Reduction Plan)

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Canadian Patriotism Event (Inheritance Reduction Plan)

Last spring, our friends, Alison Wright and Donald (Mucker) Munroe hatched a plan to celebrate Mucker’s sixtieth year as a Canadian citizen.  He immigrated from Scotland at the age of twenty-three and wanted to party with his community and family.

Our Mucker is a character who enjoys a big splash.  Three years ago, for his eightieth birthday party, he had a huge gathering representing a cross section of his life (former staff members from schools that he had led as principal, past students, sailing buddies, family, neighbors, and an eclectic array of friends) for a garden party.  But before the birthday festivities began, he led a parade through his neighborhood with pipers and, of course, fully decked out in his … Read the rest

Nov4

The Drama of Today’s Weddings!

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The Drama of Today’s Weddings!

Phew! I’m done, so done!  The last son/step-son is married.  How stressful can it be to just show up at one’s adult children’s weddings you ask?  Well, let me give you just a glint of insight into this wedding “gig”, contending with families consisting of step-moms, step-dads, ex-girlfriends, ex-boyfriends, step-brothers, step-sisters, half brothers and half sisters, OMG! What other family combinations can there possibly be?  Favorite aunts and uncles aren’t even a consideration after the extended families have been invited!

Consider the configurations of the guest lists and the insane task of trying to make each parent/step-parent comfortable with the wedding arrangements. Today when almost every parent of the bride and groom have new partners or are single and … Read the rest