May 11, 2023
This event is all about inclusion and is available online. Check it out.
LiterASIAN is a spotlight on Asian Canadian literature, history, and culture. Readings, workshops, panel discussions, and book fair.
I will be at a slightly smaller event in Bruderheim on Saturday. Come and say Hi. Bunnies and books what more could you want?
May 2, 2023
There are several celebratory days this week! So let’s get started.
2nd May – Harry Potter Day (May 2 was the day of the Battle of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series) This series is a global phenomenon not only with the books but the movies as well.
4th – 10th May – Children’s Book Week (also celebrated in November) You might know I have written a couple of children’s books.
4th May – Intergalactic Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth be with you.”) Once again these movies are of global recognition and there are numerous memes celebrating the Fourth.
My favourite is Darth Vader – you might say bad boy vibes!
Whose is your favourite character in the movies?
6th May – Free Comic Book Day
I was not allowed comics when I was young, so I would always grab my friends comics when I was playing at their houses. They were a novelty for me.
Today there are multiple movies highlighting many of the characters first created in comics. And there doesn’t seem to be an end to them either.
In today’s market good quality issues can fetch remarkable amounts of money! Such as Amazing Fantasy (1961) No 15 is valued at $355,000. So, if you hoarded old comics best go and look now.
Did you have a favourite comic book?
April 27, 2023
There is always a lot of organization and planning behind any writing conference, and this weekend’s conference is no exception. A committed voluntary Board has secured elite presenters for this Saturday’s conference in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
From initial concept to title and theme, to the booking of a venue, and finding presenters and then promotion, there is a lot of time spent creating the event.
Any writer, or author, is welcome to gain valuable information, and network.
You can register at https://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com/annual-writers-conference OR even register at the venue at 8:30 am
Conference Title – Expanding Your Writing
We can always learn more within our respective writing careers.
This year’s presenters are: Katherin Koller, Jennifer Quist, Lief Gregerson and Brenda Hennig.
The topics are: Publish Your Fan-fiction, Grant Writing, Play-writing – Focus on Dialogue, and Magazine Writing.
Date and Time: 29th April 2023 First session 9:00 am
Conference ends at 4:00 pm
Venue: Room 2, Community Centre, 401, Festival Lane, Sherwood Park, Alberta.
There is parking under the centre.
See you there.
April 18, 2023
This week we have some literary worthy celebrations to honour. Firstly, it is National Library Week – 19th-25th April. I am most fortunate to have the most impressive library where I live. I this in the central hub of the town. The library’s first location was opened in 1977, then a purpose built library was opened in 2010. It is a modern, bright and welcoming space. I host the monthly Writers Circle there and have spent many hours writing and researching my novels there too.
What is your local library like?
I, of course, have to celebrate National Tea Day (in England) on 21st April, as life without tea is unthinkable. Not matter the mood, crisis, or weather, tea is the answer! It will be the first celebration since Her Majesty’s departure and also, coincidentally her birthday. The Queen loved a good cup of tea. Here’s to a good cuppa!
23rd April – Shakespeare’s birthday – all around the globe we celebrate the Bard himself. His stories are timeless and retold year upon year. You may not know but he died on his birthday – not may people do that!
William Shakespeare was a renowned English poet, playwright, and actor born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His birthday is most commonly celebrated on 23 April, which is also believed to be the date he died in 1616.
Shakespeare was a prolific writer during the Elizabethan and Jacobean ages of British theater (sometimes called the English Renaissance or the Early Modern Period). Shakespeare’s plays are perhaps his most enduring legacy, but they are not all he wrote. Shakespeare’s poems also remain popular to this day.
Do you have a favorite Shakespeare play or poem?
March 30, 2023
The countdown is on for the annual writers conference hosted by the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. This year they are exploring several facets of the writing life, which will aid writers in all stages in their writing career.
The conference title is Expanding Your Writing
They have secured three incredible presenters.
Leif Gregerson – Magazine Writing
Katherine Koller – Dialogue in Play Writing
Brenda Hennig – Alberta Foundation for the Arts – Grant writing
Dr. Jenna Butler – unable to attend – new presenter to be advised
Each session will give expert information on how you can expand your writing, your career and your knowledge of the art of writing.
Whether you are a novice, or a well seasoned writer, this conference is open to all. It will aid you in exploring new aspects of writing, opportunities available and new avenues to prospect.
You can register here:
https://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com/annual-writers-conference
Venue: Community Room 2, Community Center, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Time: Registration 8:30 am Sessions 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Authors: there is also an opportunity to promote your books.
Want to get your book promotion included on their Facebook Page on the day of the conference? Send them your short book write-up–think ‘book blurb’– front cover jpeg image, and a link to where it can be purchased.
Your book promotion will be posted for $15 during the conference.
Have a book trailer or video? Promote your book for $25 for the day.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 