September is a busy month for book events and I am looking forward to them after such a long a break. The first is Words on the Street in Lethbridge on 17th September.
It will be great to see the local authors I know there and meet new ones. There is always so much to do and enjoy centered around literature and writing.
The second event is more local, Words in the Park, in Sherwood Park. The event will be celebrating 15 years, which is a fantastic milestone! With local authors, artisans and musicians showcasing their creativity, the event is part of Alberta Culture Days and there is something for all the family.
If you are a writer, author, or reader this is the event you must attend. The pdf form to apply for a table is on this page – just scroll down. Link:
Invite your friends, family and colleagues and discover local talent.
I so enjoy this annual event not just because I am involved with the organization of it (I’m secretary of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County) but that so many local authors attend – some are regular to the event but every year new authors join us. Part of Alberta Culture Days, the event hosted it’s 12th year with 50 tables of authors and artisans.
As may of you know, I am rather an obsessed planner, so had practiced my table displays before hand. With eight published books in multiple genres, it takes some planning! With two tables, I could split the children’s and YA books from the adult books by way of different coloured tablecloths. I also, again, used summary & review pages (backed with linking coloured card to the book background colour – see obsessive!) for each book. This engages the visitors and gives them an idea of the story and what other readers thought of it. I also have merchandise, hats and T-shirts, related to a couple of the books, which are always fun.
This year was the launch of the sequel to The Rython Kindom, which was reader driven (they nagged until I wrote it – a nice thing for an author to experience). Rython Legacy follows the trials of the original sorceress’ grand-daughter.
This is the second book fair in September, a week earlier I was at Word on the Street in Lethbridge, and each time it is the connection to local authors that makes the events so special. I do have several other book events up until the end of the year to attend.
November 23, 2019 in Josephburg at Moyer Rec Centre. 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday, November 24th 12-3 pm Bremner Mansion – Arts and heritage activities, vintage tractors, Indigenous traditions – dance, story telling, music and more. 12-3 pm 53452, Range Road 225 780-464-8095
Christmas Craft Sale
Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Cooking Lake Hall.
It is Board meeting week for me. Firstly tomorrow with my writing group’s foundation, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County and then Wednesday with the Arts & Culture Council. Our main focus in both meetings will be the co-hosted event, which is part of Alberta Culture Days – writers: Words in the Park and arts – Culture Days. With authors and artisans, food, music, dance, interactive sessions & more it will require careful organization. The venue is a stunning art gallery, Spark Gallery, 2257 Premier Way, Sherwood Park. 10 am – 4 pm free admission.
What events do you have coming up? Care to share?
Other events:
Norma Dunning “Annie Muktuk and other Stories” Book Launch
Audreys Books, Edmonton – Wednesday 13th September at 19:00–21:00
Jim Sellers “A Death of Cold” Book Launch
Audreys Books, Edmonton – Thursday 14th September at 19:00–21:00
Daniel Coleman “Yardwork” Book Launch
Audreys Books, Edmonton – Friday 15th September at 19:00–21:00
September 14, 2017: The Book Publishers Association of Alberta Annual General Meeting and Conference
Please join us for the annual Book Publishers Association of Alberta Annual General Meeting and Conference from September 14-16, 2017. This year the event is being held in Edmonton at the Delta South. Conference registration is now open. The 2017 Book Publishers Association of Alberta Conference and Annual General Meeting provides an opportunity for Alberta
September 15, 2017: Alberta Book Publishing Awards Gala
Each year we celebrate the best of Alberta book publishing with the Alberta Book Publishing Awards. This year we are excited to be presenting eleven publishing awards, as well as honouring one exceptional individual with a lifetime achievement award and celebrating the life of another well-known Canadian publisher by dedicating an award to them. The 2017
This week I have my writing group sharing meeting on Tuesday. I always look forward to this monthly meeting, as you never know who will attend – sometimes a few, sometimes a lot! The meeting begins with announcements on upcoming events and then a call for submissions for our Muse newsletter and our special newspaper page, Never Been Better which is aimed at the 55+ demographic.
We then have a writing prompt of some sort to energize the writing muse and then share our responses. It is always intriguing to hear how other writers respond to the same prompt – it is how our minds work I suppose. Discussions on the responses follows and then we share part of our current work for constructive critique.
What format does your writing group meeting take?
Planning for our Words in the Park event is still in progress. We had to close registrations as we are full. A floor plan has to be devised so all the registrations have a space to display. A plethora of authors are attending but as we co-host with the Arts and Culture Council we also have artisans and performers. With a clown and children’s activities, interactive sessions and food it will be a fantastic day. Event at: Spark Gallery, 2257 Premier Way, Sherwood Park. 10 am – 4 pm Free admission. The event is also a ‘pop up’ event for Alberta Culture Days.
My group will also be launching their Canada 150 book project, Postcards from Canada at the event so doubling exciting. It is an anthology of short stories, poetry and images celebrating Canada.
Other events:
Jaspreet Singh “November” Book Launch
Tuesday 5th September at 19:00–21:00 Audrey’s Books
Kat Trimarco “Self Approved” book signing
Wednesday 6th September at 12:00–13:00 Audrey’s Books
My weekend was certainly not writing related but a reptile bonanza. I accompanied my daughter to the Edmonton Reptile and Amphibian Society’s spring show. She took her own reptiles to show and educate visitors, something she has done for a good number of years.
There were many incredible and fascinating reptiles to discover and hold, which I enjoyed a lot. However, as a writer the ‘people watching’ gave me a wealth of inspiration. Reptile owners and hobbyists come from all walks of life and are passionate about their particular interest. I discovered a type of gecko I had not known existed – Rhacodactylus leachianus = large geckos! They are fabulous and you certainly know you are holding one as they are quite heavy. For comparison those are my hands! Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhacodactylus_leachianus
I did take my ‘animal’ related books with me just in case – Clickety Click’s front cover got a few looks and Ockleberries was browsed.
This week I have my writer’s group Board meeting which will include a review of our conference and the start of planning for our annual Words in the Park event which will be held on 30th September as part of Alberta Culture Days.
My second Board meeting will be for the Arts & Culture Council on Wednesday, where we are reviewing the Heritage Day plans. This event will be held on 11th June and has a multitude of artisans and cultural associations attending.
Obviously I am on countdown for the writing retreat, which starts on 18th May through to 22nd May. I have decided on completing the revisions to The Twesome Loop and will have a final read through for Life in Slake Patch. Then I feel confident they can go to the publisher. I may have time to write more for my newest children’s book set on another planet.
The lodge is set in acres of woodland with a creek running through it so there is plenty of outdoor space to clear the head, refresh the body and be inspired. To be immersed completely in writing for days on end and have three delicious meals cooked for you is blissful. I never want to leave. (A lottery win would mean I wouldn’t have to of course!)
So what are you up to this week?
Care to share your writing goals, plans or events?
Other events:
May 11, 2017: U of A Press reception in honour of Linda Cameron
The U of A Press is holding a reception for it’s departing director, Linda Cameron, on May 11 in the Saskatchewan room of the Faculty Club (Saskatchewan Drive and 116 Street) from 3-6 with a program at 4:30. Ms Cameron has been with the U of A Press since 2001, and is retiring on August
The Atlantic Books Festival runs May 11–May 18 with events in all four maritime provinces. http://atlanticbookawards.ca/
The Ontario Library Association’s Festival of Trees takes place throughout May, with events in Toronto, London, and Sault Ste. Marie. http://forestfestivaloftrees.ca/
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 