OPEN MIC AFTERNOON NOV 9 2017

Well, the final spoken word open mic for 2017 at Covernotes Tea and Coffee is over. We had a great selection of readers and a full coffee shop of listeners. The genres covered to were; children’s fiction, general fiction, mystery, and sci-fi/fantasy.

We’re taking a break in December, but the Writers’ Community of York Region (WCYR) will be holding a pot luck in Dec and we’ll have an open mic there. We’ll pick up the monthly coffee-shop readings again in January. We’ll be announcing the dates and time with a special announcement some time in December. Meanwhile, here’s a slideshow of what you missed if you weren’t with us. In no particular order, I present: Erika Willaert, Susan Charney, Sheila Horne, Dianne Gemmell, Rob Rinne, MJ Moores, Paul Teledi, and me (Nanci Pattenden).

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Advertisements

DAY OUT IN FERGUS

I spent a good chunk of the day Friday in lovely Fergus, Ontario with my friend MJ and her son Jaden.  Lingered in the library, which is gorgeous, for a few hours. Originally built in the very early 1800s, it’s been expanded, but it’s something else.

   

We grabbed lunch, then went to Roxanne’s Reflections, where we left our books on consignment.

Then we had a quick look at the river before heading home. All in all, a nice day out, despite the chill in the air.

 

BOUCHERCON 2017

This past weekend was a huge mystery/crime/thriller conference – Bouchercon. It was my first time attending. I met up with some writers I already knew, met several people I only knew by name online.

The panels were made up fabulous authors from all around the world, including two of my favs, Maureen Jennings and Kathy Reichs.

I came away with new acquaintances, new books, and a list of at least two and a half dozen new author’s names whose books I want to check out. Oh, and I rejoined Crime Writers of Canada after a year away.

Historical Novel Society Conference

Just got back on Sunday from my first HNS Conference. What a blast. Great people and great speakers. It’s on the east coast next time, so I guess I’ll start saving up.

I brought home 4 autographed books and will be looking into some of the e-books by others. Only so much goes in the carry-on. 🙂

Congrats to the organizers. You did a fabulous job.

LONG OVERDUE

I see I’ve been a little lax posting. Will have to do something about that. I finished my Novel Writing II course and have registered for the Final Project. Just waiting to see who my instructor will be. We have to send a list in order of preference. I went through the instructors listed on the site and picked four.  I may not even get one of them. Guess I’ll find out eventually.

Have finished the first revision on my first draft of Generation Witch. Using that for my Final Project. Need to get book three in my Hodgins series started. I’m trying to base each book on an actual event, and I may have found one to use. Haven’t read through the newspaper reports yet, so it might not fit what I have in mind, but I can always use it later.

This Saturday (May 13) the Writers’ Community of York Region is holding the 2nd annual Bookshelf Bookfair. I’m one of the organizers as well as a seller.

Will try to post more often going forward.

 

Almost over

I’m part way through my 2nd last course in my Creative Writing program at the University of Toronto. Currently taking Novel Writing – Master Class. In May I’ll be registering for The Final Project. Wooooo

Whatever will I do with my time once that’s done? I’m sure I’ll find something to take.

Valentine’s Day

February 14 first became associated with romantic love thanks to Chaucer, but according to legend, when Saint Valentine was in prison, he healed the daughter of his jailer, and before he was executed, Saint Valentine sent the girl a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell.

For some, February 14 is better known as the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. In 1929 seven men were gunned down by Al Capone’s gang in an attempt to rub out  “Bugs” Moran.

Now Valentine’s Day is a day for giving and receiving cards and chocolates and having romantic dinners. So what are you planning on doing today? Plan something romantic? Write a poem? Maybe visit 2122 North Clark Street, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago’s North Side and see where Capone’s gang spread a little red?