Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Review of Words in the Park 2019 & Upcoming Books Events

October 3, 2019
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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.

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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.

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Saturday, 5 October 2019 from 10:00-16:00
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Christmas Fair
November 23, 2019 in Josephburg at Moyer Rec Centre. 10 am – 4 pm

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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

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Christmas Craft Sale

Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Cooking Lake Hall.

As you can see it will be a busy end to 2019.

 

Ask a Question Thursday

September 12, 2019
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How do you prepare for a book event? Can you share tips/knowledge/experience?

I happen to have two book events this month, which is exciting. The first one is Word on the Street in Lethbridge 21st September.

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I have attended this event several times before and accompany my publisher, Dream Write Publishing. It is an outside event so there is the added preparation for any weather condition – wet, cold or hot. We have experienced all of them at this event, unsurprisingly as September weather in Alberta can be changeable to say the least. As always given the opportunity we have extended our weekend to four days so we can explore the area – back roads and hamlets missed by the highway A to B drivers.

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The second event is Words in the Park, Sherwood Park, which is my official launch date for the anxiously awaited, Rython Legacy – the sequel to The Rython Kingdom. I have two tables at this event as I now have eight books to display plus promotional items. It was difficult last year so I will have to do mock-up’s of the full display and take photos so I can get it all set up with looking too cluttered. As I write in three genre’s I am thinking the display will be grouped in age sections. I have summaries of each book, which helps buyer’s to peruse the story lines. Each section will have different coloured table cloth – which worked well last year. I’m still planning obviously. I have found multiple tiered stands are a great way to increase the amount of room I have to display.

Below is last’s year’s display.

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I would love to see how you arrange your book event display’s – please share in the comments after clicking on the headline.

Upcoming Writing Events- Add Yours for your Location…

October 16, 2017
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Apart from my regular meeting with a freelance client this week and continuing with the writing involved, I will hopefully have time to relax after last week’s insane round of events. Downtime is important for us all to refresh and center our minds.

What have you got on your calendar for this week?

Other events:

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The NOOK CAFE, 10153-97 Street, Edmonton 19:00 pm – 21:00 pm

Please come out and share your words at Nook Cafe! We are here every Tuesday from 7PM to 9PM. Poets may sign up to read at the start of the night with the host. Newcomers encouraged and welcome!

Ottawa International Writers Fest

Ottawa’s Writers’ Festival takes place October 19–24, with Lee Maracle, Bev Sellars, Martha Baillie, Eden Robinson, Eliza Robertson, Linden MacIntyre, Alison Pick, David Chariandy, and many others.

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Toronto’s International Festival of Authors kicks off from October 19–29, with Canadian authors including André Alexis, Lee Maracle, Anne Michaels, Heather O’Neill, Carol Off, Eden Robinson, Seth, and lots more.

Bookfest Windsor

This year Bookfest Windsor takes place October 20–22 in Windsor, ON, with featured authors including James Bartleman, Eva Crocker, Elise Levine, Rebecca Rosenblum, and Armand Garnet Ruffo.

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The Stratford Writers Festival returns to Stratford, ON, on October 22, with Ron Sexsmith, Eden Robinson, Scacchi Koul, Candy Palmater, Glenn Dixon, Alice Zorn, Rebecca Rosenblum, and lots more.

What local events do you have coming up this week?

Upcoming Writing Events- Add Yours for your Location…

October 9, 2017
mandyevebarnett


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My upcoming events are numerous this week.
Tuesday is my Writers Foundation AGM – so as secretary I am compiling the agenda, and will take the minutes.
Wednesday I am excited to join several other great authors for a book signing and reading. Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 3J5  Please come down for hot & spicy and romantic readings and lots of treats!
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Thursday evening I will have my President hat on for the Arts & Culture Council Board meeting and on Friday another meeting with my freelance client for the ghost writing project.
In all a super busy week but fun all the same.
What are you up to this week?
Other events:
Logo Wordfest

In Calgary, AB, Wordfest takes place from October 9–15, with Canadian authors including Michael Redhill, Linda Spalding, Nick Cutter, Lindan MacIntyre, Claire Cameron, Heather O’Neill, Ron Sexsmith, and many others.

Logo Knowlton Literary Festival

The Knowlton Literary Festival runs October 12–15 in Brome Lake in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, with featured authors including Douglas Gibson, Ian Hamilton, Donna Morrissey, Heather O’Neill, and Kathy Stinson.

Whistler Writers Fest

The Whistler Writers Festival runs October 12–15 in Whistler, BC, with Caroline Anderson, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Gurjinder Basran, David Chariandy, Barbara Gowdy, Jane Eaton Hamilton, Teva Harrison, Helen Humphreys, Lee Maracle, Suzette Mayr, Lenore Rowntree, Doug Saunders, Michael Redhill, and more.

Logo Litfest

October 12–22, the non-fiction festival Litfest takes over Edmonton, AB, with Janice MacDonald, Kit Dobson, Merilyn Simonds, Scaachi Koul, Britt Wray, Chris Turner, Kamal Al-Solaylee, Jen Agg, Jessica Kluthe, and more.

Logo Celebrating Stories

Family festival Celebrating Stories is back in Milton, ON, on October 15, with Sharon Jennings, Patricia Storms, and Vikki VanSickle.

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

July 19, 2017
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I enjoyed continuing to write my newest #YA story, Bubble the Gruggle over the weekend. With an increased word count by 1494 – I am over 12K in total. The narrative has some way to go so I’m not sure if it will be a novella or longer. I will see where the story takes me. The narrative is set on another world, where a fierce intruder is discovered. It’s DNA is unlike that of the inhabitants, making it almost impossible to track it. My protagonist and her three friends decide to capture it in the hope their heroic deed will ensure their place on the security force, a prestigious assignment.

As I was dog sitting all weekend I enjoyed numerous walking breaks, which helped take out the ‘writers cramp’ and clear my head. My companion was more than happy to stay by my side while I wrote.

Cassie

I have made a decision on whom I am dedicating my newest novel, The Twesome Loop  (launch date 30th September) but have to keep it a secret so as not to spoil the surprise! The book club questions have been written and submitted to the publisher as well as an updated bio and author photo. So now I wait on the cover. The initial image is impressive.

With my ghost writing project on hold due to my client’s changed circumstances, I am free to accept new clients. Feel free to contact me at: https://tailoredthemedtosuit.wordpress.com/

The Long Walk by Stephen King- I only have a couple of chapters to go now on this incredible study of character under immense physical and emotional pressure. The interaction between the walkers and their environment is superbly done.

The Long Walk

I’ve decided this is my sequence for my TBR pile. (Subject to change of course!)

The Mermaid Garden

Mind of the Phoenix

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A Desperate Fortune

What are you reading at the moment? What’s next?

Writing Tips:

57 senses

This is such a comprehensive list. Writing great characterization means using all the senses.

Did you realize how many there were?

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