Alberta | Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

Wordsmith’s Collective Thursday – A Writers Road Trip

June 8, 2023
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As many of you know I regularly go on road trips with my writer friend, Linda. We are going to Wainwright and Elk Water this trip round. Our essentials for any road trip, whether long or short are as follows:

In-car essentials are:

My road trip book to write down the road numbers, towns and counties we travel through. Linda has her raid atlas to mark out the roads we travel on. Bird and flora identification books, blankets, emergency kit, shovel, trolley, chargers, camera, sunglasses. Also a bag for trash and water bottles. And of course lots of snacks! They are a must for travel energy after all.

Our accommodation requirements are:

A desk (or two) and two comfortable chairs, a nice view, and a kettle! (I need my tea). Comfortable beds, ample lighting, space to spread out our things. Kitchenette, or microwave and fridge, and a good shower.

Our trip essentials are:

Lap tables, laptops, notebooks, pens, current writing projects, reading material, chargers, extension cords and power-bar (there are never enough power points), cell phones, camera, back-up drives.

Comfortable clothes (layering is essential), good socks, jackets, walking shoes/boots, slippers. Insect repellent and sunscreen. Eye glasses and ear plugs, a bottle of wine and easy meal suppers, and tea bags (Okay, I’m English teabags are a must!)

As we take our furry companions too, their essentials include, leashes, car harnesses, towels, beds, bowls, food and treats.

Over the years our routine has evolved into a well oiled machine. We are comfortable in silence and respect each others creativity and time to just create and enjoy the wonders we encounter. Photographs are a must and we share them extensively.

Having time to let our writing Muse gather and cultivate new ideas, allows us to start, progress, or even finish writing projects.

My projects for this trip include trying to complete the editing of my western romance, Willow Tree Tears, decide on the cover image for the Rython series prequel, Malgraf’s Dawning (if the illustrator has images for me!), finish reading my current book and start a new one (I have to keep my Goodreads Challenge going), and most of all enjoy the companionship, exploring, doggie walks, and rest with a good friend.

What are your road trip essentials?

Wordsmith’s Collective Thursday – Writing Conference in Sherwood Park, Alberta 29th April 2023

April 27, 2023
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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.

Wordsmith’s Collective Thursday – Countdown to WFSC Writers Annual Conference

March 30, 2023
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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.

Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – Love a Local Bookstore – Daisy Chain Book Co.

March 8, 2022
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1. How did you start your journey into a bricks & mortar bookstore?

I began by resurrecting and researching an idea that had been brewing in my mind for many years: a mobile used bookshop. In time, and with a lot of work, the book mobile became a reality. I enjoyed connecting with readers, but realized I was leaving them behind when I traveled to other communities. That was the impetus to open a bookstore.

2. What was your motivation for owing a store?

To create a community space where readers can gather, creating a literary hub for the neighborhood

3. Will your book van still be touring at some point?

No, the van was decommissioned just after the store opened – a side effect of the pandemic

4. What is your view of print versus digital books?

There will always be room for both, and there are dedicated readers of both eBooks and tree books. Paper books (or tree books) are still a relaxing respite from screens which we desperately need. eBooks do not support independent bookstores, so I am a biased fan of tree books!

5. You are obviously a reader – do you have favorite genres? If so which ones?

I prefer contemporary fiction, and I especially like books with strong characters that tell a story that makes me FEEL something. A book that makes me cry gets extra points.

6. Do you have a special place to read?

Although I do have a very cushy corner of my sofa, I don’t get to sit there as often as I’d like. So, I guess I don’t really have a favorite place to read. I am on the move a lot and one thing I love is that my books can adjust to wherever I am and make any place I sit down cozy and satisfying.

7. Which book began your reading journey as a child?

The Ringmaster’s Secret by Carolyn Keene

8. What are your plans for the future of the store?

To develop a strong community and always make newcomers curious about their next great read. I have many ideas about future plans, but you’ll have to stay tuned to find out what’s happening next!

9. What makes the Daisy Chain Co unique?

No two indie bookstores are the same, they each reflect the passions and character of its owner. DCBC is very much like me, so it’s hard to answer that without talking about myself. I guess you’d have to ask someone in our reading community this question!

10. Can you tell us about the programs and events you offer?

It’s best to go to our calendar for all the current events.

11. How can book lovers find you?

Social media, website, Google, and walking by. Address: 12525 102 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5N 0M4

12. Is there a message you would like to relay about the store?

Choosing to support your local indie bookstore keeps your community vibrant. I would encourage readers to cease the “Add to Cart” habit and instead choose to get books from a local bookstore that is dedicated to your community and cares about you. There is nothing quite as magical as an indie bookstore, and if we want to keep them around, we have to be supporting them. I am so grateful for the remarkable readers who support us!

Connect with Daisy Chain:

Instagram: daisychainbookco

Facebook: @daisychainbookco

Wordsmith’s Collective Thursday – A Podcast Interview, Itching to Edit & A Writing Retreat

October 7, 2021
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I hope you will be able to enjoy my latest podcast interview with Randy Lacy at Between The Lines. Here: I had a fun time talking story inspiration, books, hobbies, reincarnation and writing. As always I am open to questions, just drop me a line.

Once again thanks to Creative Edge Publicity for arranging this opportunity.

I have been avoiding another edit of book one of my detective trilogy, An Elusive Trail, for a month now. This is not because I have lost interest in it, but so I can ‘distance’ myself from the story a little. This will enable me to process the next editing/revision task better, allowing me to ‘see’ the narrative with fresh eyes. I have been through the draft three times already, but as we all know, there are always some things that are missed. This weekend I will use these ‘fresh eyes’ to do a thorough read through, while on a writing retreat. Unfortunately, this may be one the last retreats of the year – BOO! It all depends on the Albertan weather. So, I will take advantage of the time to write, edit, read and explore new places with Sammie.

I have upcoming Interview dates of 18th October and 6th November – so watch this space!

What are you working on? What is the genre?

Do you have a book launch you would like to share?