James McCann

New Blog Location

2008-12-29T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have chosen to change my blog location in an attempt to have more control over the images and writing on my blog.

Please visit the new blog here , and remember to change your RSS.

Merry Christmas to Whedon fans and, well, to everyone else as well!

2008-12-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to kc dyer for pointing me in the direction of this video, and also thanks to Alanna Torres, whoever you are, for creating it!

I hope all of your Christmases are full of joy and peace and a lots of good food.

Vancouver In the Snow!

2008-12-21T13:52:00.001-08:00

Triple Author Event Happens ... Sun, Rain or Snow!

2008-12-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

A reminder that kc dyer, Lee Edward Fodi and myself will be appearing for a reading and general candy-cane gorge-a-thon at the new bookshop in Vancouver called Once Upon A Huckleberry Bush.

If you'd like to see the poster again, just click here.

Store details:
Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush
4387 Main Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V5V 3R1

Phone: (604)876–4010

Triple Author Event runs from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, TODAY, Sunday December 14th.

Don't forget the free candy canes -- we promise to ruin your dinner AND sign any books you buy for free!

CBC's Living Vancouver

2008-12-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

The episode aired today, and you can watch it here.

There is also a contest over at CBC, and if you win you can get a free copy of Pyre! Enter here! (Hint - you have to watch the episode to find out the secret word.)

Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush

2008-12-08T16:05:00.001-08:00

(Click on image to enlarge.)

We All Deserve to Stay Dry and Warm

2008-12-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

While living in Vancouver, I attended a Church called "The Open House," which is a nondenominational Christian community that does its best to live its faith. This Christmas season, TOH is involved in a community outreach that I think is really worthwhile - and one that is easy to try and ignore. If you can help out, time or money wise, please consider it. You don't have to be a Christian to lend a hand, nor would you feel out of place in this warm community of people. Or, if you do decide to help out in the purchase of blankets, this is an organization that really does put 100% of donations to those in need.

Original post can be seen by clicking here.

Tune in to CBC on December 11th (If you're in Vancouver, BC...)

2008-11-26T16:06:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered whether you could write and publish a children’s book? It might seem like child’s play but as local author James McCann knows it’s actually a lot of hard work. Watch Living Vancouver on Thursday, December 11th at 3pm, CBC, cable 3, for some great advice on how to get started on your literary masterpiece!
If you can’t watch us live you can check us out online anytime at cbc.ca/livingvancouver

If you aren't in Vancouver (or Canada), you can still catch the episode online at the website above!

Mark Your Calendars!

2008-11-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

In an interview from the North Pole, a jolly man in a red suit was quoted as saying, "My elves may not get toys made in time for Christmas. They are too busy reading." This holiday season, why not follow the elves' example by giving the gift of storytelling?
Together for the first time, three of BC's most popular children's authors are promoting adventure, history and magic for all ages at:

Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush
4387 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Sunday, December 14th (11:30am-1:30pm)

Known as the "Wizard of Words" or simply as "Mr. Wiz," Lee Edward Födi has been writing and illustrating stories for middle readers about magic, monsters, and mystery for as long as he can remember. When he is not chronicling, he spends his time teaching creative writing workshops to kids or travelling the world to explore castles, mazes, tombs, and other places hidden between the cracks of here and there. (www.leefodi.com)

kc dyer is the author o f a number of books for young adults that are published in North America and the UK and enjoys sharing some of the greatest grotesque moments in history with large groups of high school students. Most days she can be found sitting at her desk, surfing the time-space continuum, looking for the perfect word. (www.kcdyer.com)

Growing up on the icy plains of Manitoba, James McCann spent most of his time as a teen reading comics and playing Dungeons and Dragons. He is the author of the YA sensation Rancour (first released in 2005 with a second edition due in 2009), Pyre (2007), and Dawn (Summer 2009). Unlike the creatures of the night of which he writes, he lives peacefully in the daylight with his Shih Tzu, Conan. (www.jamesmccann.info)

West Is Calling

2008-11-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow evening (Thursday), my sometimes co-worker, Leslie Buffam, will be launching her first picture book, West is Calling, that she co-wrote with Orca Books editor Sarah Harvey. (Illustrated by Dianna Bonder.)

This will take place at Kidsbooks, 3083 West Broadway in Vancouver, at 7-9 pm.

I'll be there, and I hope to see all of you there, too!

Jen Miller Music

2008-11-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

If you've seen the video I made for rancour, chances are you've fallen in love with the background music. That's my pal Jen Miller, who is a talented singer/songwriter. Do pay her a visit here.

You can also hear her music here, in her new video:

Bite of the Mango

2008-11-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed today. I went to hear an author speak, and it was one of the most inspiring talks I'd ever heard. The book is called "Bite of the Mango," and is the true story of Mariatu Kamara, a girl born in Sierra Leone. She was raised in a war over diamonds, one that cost her both her innocence as a child and her hands - after which she was left for dead. You can find out more about this book here.

The words that inspired me the most was when she said, "God took away my hands, so I could touch people with my heart."

Believe me. She has.

Buffy Between the Lines

2008-11-12T00:14:00.000-08:00

I use a fancy program called "Stat Counter" to track how often my site is viewed. Now, while I cannot tell exactly who anyone is (nor, to be honest, do I want to), I can discover where people are from and also from which sites they have come.

Twice now I've had hits from a site called "Buffy Between the Lines." Now, they don't stay very long when they surf over, so I figured I'd write a little promo piece in hopes they stick around a bit.

If you follow my blog you probably know that I'm a bit of a Whedon nut. (If you don't know what I mean by "Whedon," you clearly need to go here.) It was on this site where I discovered "Buffy Between the Lines," an independent podcast of Buffy fanfic. While it does take awhile to get used to the different voices, the stories are quite well done and they maintain very Whedon-esque-ish standards. I've become quite a fan, myself.

I will also admit that my secret dream is to audition for a role on Buffy Between the Lines, which would be as close to a Buffy career that I could now muster. (Partly because the show is over, partly because it was filmed in L.A.) So, I'm anxiously waiting for their next casting call - having made sure to purchase the required equipment to do so.

Now, who would I play, you might ask? While I see myself visually as an Angel or, perhaps, a Spike, I do realize that my body image, while healthy, is probably more fantasy than realistic. Now, Principal Snyder ... there's a voice I could do. And yes, every now and then, I even practice him on my own students...

Dessert at Joey Beenz

2008-11-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

In case anyone was wondering, I did break down and got myself a lemon meringue tart. It was shockingly awful, with uncooked filling and soggy pastry. I have a good mind to call Chef Ramsey on them.

Procrastinating

2008-11-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

This has been a good day for rewrites. Getting Dawn more polished after a set of comments from my publisher, so that I can send it on to my editor. To do so I've left the house, braved the awful weather, and holed myself up in my local coffee shop. Just now it has completely cleared out and I'm thinking they may be getting ready to close - I haven't yet received the "is he still here" glare. (Okay, just asked, and they close at six p.m.. No worries.)

So, I'm procrastinating after working for an hour straight. Why not? Last night while I couldn't sleep I started looking into the possibility of going to Comic Con next year. I've never gone, and it's something I've always wanted to experience. The question to ask myself is, what would I expect to get from it?

This year I've done more travelling than I have in the last five years combined. Korea, Williams Lake, and my summer C&C tour. All of them were writing-related, and not exactly vacations by any sense of the word. (Although, I must point out, that as far as "jobs" go mine is the BEST.) My point is, that I really haven't taken a vacation just for the sake of vacation in five years.

Of course, one could argue that Comic Con is really writing-related and industry-related and so cannot constitute a "vacation." Yeesh. The woes of making your hobby your career is that it leaves you very little wriggle room to do things that cannot be defined as work-related.

Yeah, I know, my life is rough. (You know, side-tangent here, but this place has lemon meringue tarts...)

Rather than over-think it, I am just going to make plans to go. Why not? I can geek it out like no one's business, and, if at the end of the day I wind up with career advice or inspiration, then that's really not my fault. Comic Con 2009 ... under consideration ...

My "Work"

2008-11-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

As I sat in Joey Beenz yesterday, with my notebook in hand and a whole lot of scribbled-on-looseleaf scattered about, I came to a realization. I always refer to my writing as "my work," and I now believe that I am doing it a disservice by doing so. I was certainly engaged, even lost in the words, but the one thing I was not doing was "working."

When I was in high school the one thing that drove my teachers nuts (well, one of the things...) was when I'd drift into a daydream. They hated it. I'd stop paying attention to their lesson, tune out their voice, and venture into another world of my own making. In this world, chances are, I was some sort of ninja or spy - and I had to save the school (to be honest, my latest crush) from some sort of terrorist attack. In my dreams, I was even more awesome than James Bond. Thing is, sooner or later I had to be snapped back to the real world. That's when my teacher would ask, "What are you going to do after you graduate? Are you going to daydream for a career?"

Who knew. Really, the only difference between my daydreams as a teen and those as an adult is that I tend to take myself out of the equation. I now daydream about what would happen if Person X was placed in Situation A (X+A), to see what outcome Y might be. (X+A=Y) See, I paid some attention in algebra...

The disservice that I pay my daydreams now is that I call them work. Yuck! Who wants to force themselves to go to work, when they could be sleeping, or watching TV, or reading a book, or, well, daydreaming.

From now on I will no longer call my writing work but instead refer to it as "play". Because, to be honest, that's what it is. It's my time to escape my reality - and spend some time in another world playing.

Wrap Up

2008-11-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

To say I'm high on sugar would be an understatement. In anticipation of hordes of costumed children threatening tricks if I didn't treat, I purchased enough candy to warrant its own cupboard. What happened? Only two children, the very two who interrupted me at 4:30 in the afternoon as I wrote my previous post. The result? I have enough candy to last me until next Halloween (but I guarantee won't make it to the end of the month).

Tomorrow, I have some special plans. The past few days I've been getting caught up with my student's writings, and making sure that my classes are all on track. Also getting ready for a possible new course in comic book creation, using Comic Life as our tool. I'll know by Wednesday if this course goes through...

So, tomorrow, I'm dedicating to myself. I plan to wake up, walk the dog, eat breakfast, and then lose myself in my writing. There will be no email, no Facebook, and no telephone (I never answer my telephone anyway - not sure why I even have one). My only responsibility will be putting words on a page in a way that tells a story. This is not a promise to work - don't get me wrong. This is my promise to myself that I'm allowed to play. I'm allowed to have fun, and do something that requires solitude and the selfishness of tuning out the rest of the world.

This is a promise that I plan to make to myself more often than I have been lately - and not caring what the rest of the world thinks of me for doing so.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:17:00.001-07:00

Today is, without a doubt, my favourite holiday. This is the one day a year when we get to shed our everyday selves, and delve deep into our alter egos. We get to be not what we are, but what we are not.

It's a day of creating character. I can't help when I don a costume but to consider who the person is that I am pretending to be. What's his back story? Where is he going? What has brought him into our world? For me, this day is a lot of fun.

Just as much fun is to watch the children as they go door to door. This will be the first year in over six years that I'll have kids come looking for candy. Up until this year I lived in an apartment with drug dealers, meth addicts and a guy with a really loud drum living around me. Who would, in their right mind, send their children into that war zone? (You may be asking yourself now why I stayed there for as long as I did - simply put, Vancouver apartments don't allow pets.)

Some of my most cherished memories are:
(1) Grade 1: The Han Solo costume that no one could see in the dark, so I got yelled at by a cranky old woman for not wearing a costume.
(2) Grade 2: The Snow Beast from Return of the Jedi costume that was made out of old underwear.
(3) Grade 3: The Zorro costume that was, I will say, up to par and just awesome. (Mom felt badly about me getting called "underwear man" the year before. Truth is, I thought the snow beast costume was awesome...)
(4) Grade 12: The Robin Hood costume that I still have today - and find at least two uses for throughout the year.
(5) Last year's Reaver costume that had half the party asking what I was, and the other half screaming, "I love Firefly!" I won some award ... I believe it was most original.

I'm prepared for several hundred costumed tikes to come screaming, "Halloween Apples!" (They're arriving as I type - must be starting on their way home from school?) I've bought bite-sized candy bars, as well as sour treats and those yummy raspberry gummy thing-a-ma-bobs. My plan is to start with the candy I hate most - but got stuck with in the package deal I went for. Get rid of the peach sours, and then the Arrow bars. Next I'll move onto the Mars Bars, Snickers ... and hopefully I can stop there. If not, I'll give up the Reese Peanut Butter Cups, the Reese's Pieces, and, yes, the Twix Bars. If I have to I'll hand out the regular sours, the raspberry gummys and the Oh Henry's. (I ate all the Coffee Crisp, Smarties and Kit Kats long ago.)

Yup. Best time of year.

Returned From the SiWC

2008-10-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

What an absolutely incredible weekend.

It started off Wednesday evening when I arrived at the Sheridan for the conference with buddy and fellow author, Lee Fodi. We had a Master Class to prepare for on Thursday at 1pm, so it was time to get settled in and relax a little.

The funny thing about this conference was that it was only a 20-minute drive from where I live ... yet it felt as though I had stepped through a magical door and found myself in a strange world. Rather than this world being inhabited by elves, dwarfs and other nocturnal birds (private joke), it was filled with publishers, editors, and agents. There were also some incredible authors there from Eric Walters to Meg Tilly to CC Humphreys to Jack Whyte to Diana Gabaldon ... I could go on.

The conference began for me as I waited at the elevator on Wednesday evening. A woman walked up beside me, I commented on how slow the elevators were and she pressed the button - apparently I hadn't done that. She then gave me a scrutinizing look and asked, "Are you James McCann? My daughter loved your books!"

This is what the rest of the weekend would be for me. As I taught my master class with Lee, then sat on panels, taught my own workshop and had one-on-one appointments with writers struggling to break into the market, I would constantly be approached as the "nice guy" of SiWC. "I was told you were very approachable," another woman had said to me during dinner on Friday evening. In my head I thought, "It's just as much a thrill for me to meet all of you," as others around me stated the same thing.

My favourite activity wound up being the very thing that I was most apprehensive of - the Blue Pencil. These were the appointments that writers could book with agents, publishers, editors and authors to get inside info on the biz as well as a one-on-one critique of their books. I wondered if anyone would sign up to talk to me - what if they didn't? What if I wound up sitting at a table, all alone, the only one in the room with no one wanting his advice?

So there I sat, waiting to see if I'd have a first appointment on Friday afternoon, when a young lady came and sat in the chair on the other side of the table. Her long blond hair had fallen over her face, and she was clutching her book bag tightly to her chest. As she loosened her grip to rifle through for her manuscript, I could see her hands shaking. She was scared - nervous of what I might tell her - I'll bet she had doubts in her mind about her talent and had convinced herself that I would confirm those doubts.

What she didn't know was how nervous I was. What if I couldn't evaluate her manuscript? What if I wasn't of any help? My mind, the Censor, had convinced me that she would be the one to confirm all of the doubts I had of myself. Then she realized she had left her manuscript on the chair outside, so she stood and ran to go get it. Finally, it was on the table before us. I started to read.

What happened was magical. It suddenly became two peers discussing a story - characters, plots, pacing - and I started getting excited about the tale she had weaved. My excitement drifted across the table, infecting her, and suddenly nervousness suffocated away. A love for creativity will do that to those negative forces in our lives. Then the next appointment came, and the same thing happened. It was one author after the next, regardless of where they were in their craft, finding something valuable in their work. Most importantly I think, they found the same thing I rediscovered that weekend - the thrill of creating a tale that enthralls the reader. I could have done a whole weekend of just Blue Pencils.

But if I had I would have missed out on so much. SiWC attracts some high calibre talent in the publishing industry, and more often than not I felt as a fan and not as an author. I often retreated into my humour as a way to relax - a humour that is so dry that recipients don't always know if I'm joking around. Though when I stood at the podium during the award ceremony on Friday night, a podium that was so high I could barely see over it, I got many laughs as I jumped up and stated, "I feel like I'm in an episode of Wizard of Oz." Perhaps even more telling of my jovial personality was when I showed up at the masquerade dressed as a Hobbit.

This was a weekend that reminded me foremost how grateful I am that I get to do what my dreams inspired me to achieve. Secondly, it inspired me to continue on - and to do it with gladness in my heart. Writing isn't something to take up if it fills you with angst, it's something to cherish and do so with childlike delight. This weekend, I found the child in me - and he's feeling awesome.

SiWC

2008-10-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight I head off to Surrey to enjoy one of Canada's best writer's conferences - located right in my own backyard! (Not literally, of course - though that, too, would be tres cool...)

This will be a weekend of sharing experiences; mine with those who are struggling to get to where I am, and other's with me as I struggle to get where they are. I'm teaching two workshops, one master class with good friend and fellow author Lee Fodi, and one on my own about visualizing your story onto paper. I'll also be sitting on two panels, one on sci-fi and another on kid lit. Lastly, I'll be offering my advice in the Blue Pencil discussions - hopefully I can find helpful things to say in a very short time.

Here's a teaser of my workshop, as I introduce myself and talk about what was important to me as a teenager.

I used Comic Life to create this little slide show, and will be giving away 10 copies of the program at the conference - courtesy of the creators, Plasq. Do check it out, it's an incredibly easy to use program (and very cost effective, too).

Hopefully there'll be Internet access at the hotel, as well as time (and energy) for me to blog. I'll be seeing quite a few familiar faces, and some famous faces whom I'll be meeting for the first time. I'll do my best to take you all there with me!

Dawn

2008-10-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't mentioned Dawn in quite awhile as I've been waiting for the first set of edits to happen. I got them today, which means I'll be very busy over the next few months. While the comments weren't as numerous as I thought they'd be, there was one big one - mainly rewrite the entire ending.

(This is not the cover - it's one of my student's drawings with the background from Rancour - done by Matsoureff.)

This means it's time to see the story with fresh eyes, and leave the "artist" at home. It's now product, and it needs to be tweaked so that other readers, not just myself, can understand and enjoy it. If all goes well, Dawn will be cast out into the world August 2009 - alongside a new, improved Rancour.

New Home

2008-10-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

It's been almost two months since I've been in my new home. Conan and I have settled in quite nicely, and I think we've explored most of the area. Thankfully, I'm walking distance to an Internet cafe, an inkjet refill store, a baker, a butcher (but no candlestick maker - unless you include the knickknack shop, which has lots of candles).

That's all fine and dandy, but what about Conan? Yes, we are walking distance (though when your legs are three inches long it's a pretty long trek) to a pet supply shop and a dog groomer. So today, Conan and I visited Something to Bark About so Conan could get a haircut. He was getting scraggy and dirty, so it was definitely time. His after shot is probably one of my favourites of him:

Launch of Diane Haynes' GAIA WILD!

2008-10-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take a moment to tell everyone about Diane Haynes' new book that's coming out! I've been to her launches before, and they are spectacularly fun.

Launch of GAIA WILD!
Today at 3:27pm

Diane Haynes and Whitecap Books Ltd. invite you and a guest to the launch of
GAIA WILD the third book in Jane Ray's Wildlife Rescue Series!

DETAILS
When: Tuesday, October 28th
Where: The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Studio 103 (click here for directions -- parking is free)
Doors: 7 pm
Presentations: 7:30 pm by Diane Haynes and special guest Rob Laidlaw (Zoocheck Canada , one of the organizations that helped rescue Tina the elephant in 2003)

SNEAK PREVIEW
Read a sneak preview of GAIA WILD!

RSVP
RSVP Required by October 23
Reply to janeraybooks (at) gmail.com with your name + number of guests.

TEACHERS
Teachers: Students are welcome so long as they RSVP to janeraybooks(at)gmail.com and are accompanied by an adult.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Conan

2008-09-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is a special thanks to author kc dyer, who gave conan a very special toy. It's a plush skunk minus the stuffing, but with two easy-to-use squeakers!

As you can see, Conan is loving his new toy!

A Little Late...

2008-09-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

80s TV Shows

2008-09-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

If you ever needed proof that the 80s really did have the best TV shows, you only need to take a look at all the remakes being done on both the small and big screen. 90210 (although I find myself screaming at Spelling - dude, Kelly is in her late 30s - not a big deal that she's a single mom with past relationships!!!), Transformers (even if they didn't use the Kick Axe songs from the original soundtrack), and Degrassi the Next Gen (had a crush on Caitlin as a teen, still do now).

The latest of these is Knight Rider, the series premiering next week. Tonight I watched the movie - expecting a cheesy, awful laughable show - and found myself completely mesmerized. Granted it did upset me that new KITT wasn't a Trans Am (a Mustang? Really?), but I soon found myself completely engaged in the same way I was as a preteen/teen. (Do keep in mind that I'm very forgiving when a show involves fast cars and great chase scenes. I still stand by that the Fast and the Furious was awesome.)

As a writer, I find it interesting what choices the script writers make in keeping the new series connected to the successful predecessors. 90210 has Kelly and Nat, though they have been written into the plot in a sad, awful way. The Transformers used famous lines from the original - "There's more to you than meets the eye" - and then mocks them - "What a stupid line!" Degrassi continued on with Spike's daughter, with Snake as a teacher and Joey as a used car salesman. And now Knight Rider, sorry for the spoiler, continues with the original Michael Knight's son - who was quite unaware of his dad's extracurricular car-driving activities.

If this trend should continue, I hope they remake an old 80s TV show Werewolf. It only had a dozen or so episodes, but it was a great spooky show made well before its time.

Gnod

2008-09-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Please help me out by visiting this site: http://www.gnooks.com/vote.php and suggesting me as an author.

A Reminder of a New Children's Bookstore in Vancouver

2008-09-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush, a new Vancouver independent children’s book store, is having its grand opening on Saturday, September 13th, 2008.

Come by at 11 a.m for party games and gifts and to meet local authors:
12:30 - 1:30 Tiffany Stone, Floyd the Flamingo and his flock of friends
1:30 - 2:30 Chris Tougas, Art’s Supplies
2:30 - 3:30 Kit Pearson, A Perfect Gentle Knight
3:30 - 4:40 Sarah Ellis, Dear Canada Series-Days of Toil and Tears

The store is located at 4387 Main Street (@ 28th Ave), Vancouver, BC.

I'm Back

2008-09-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

I've had somewhat of an absence lately, as I've moved to another city. I am, glad to say, still in the Metro Vancouver area, just in a slightly quieter part of it.

It's been a week of unpacking and setting things up. I scaled down my "stuff" by probably 30%, as I got rid of anything that I hadn't used in 6 months or longer. It feels good to send those things either to be recycled or reused - rather than have them collect dust in the back of a closet.

This is Conan as he gets used to his new surroundings. He says, "As long as I've got my apple and my belly gets rubbed..." We can learn a lot from the simple nature of dogs. Namely, how to be happy with what we have.

Now it's time to get back to work and continue on with writing. I do need to find another cafe nearby, but that shouldn't be too difficult. I also wanted to let everyone know that CWILL is having a Fall Book Harvest event at the Vancouver Public Library on October 5th (see poster). While I won't be presenting, I will be working the Kidsbooks table if you'd like to come by and say hello.

Huckleberry Children's Books Opens Soon In Vancouver!

2008-08-27T11:28:00.001-07:00

There's a new bookstore opening in Vancouver!

In this day and age where bookstores are closing due to "American" book-pricing (anyone else notice that as book prices come down for Canadians, that production is moving to China and Korea? That's the true cost of American prices in Canada - bye bye Canadian jobs), big box store sales and the general cost of running a business, it's refreshing to see someone taking the chance.

The official opening is September 13th, and Huckleberry Books, unofficially open now, is located at Main @ 28th. While you're there, I strongly suggest trying the cuisine over at the Cottage Bistro. (What the Cottage lacks in service, they make up for in flavour. Bring your patience.)

So, save the date, keep it free, and come down to check out Vancouver's newest children's bookstore.

Sheena Grobb

2008-08-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Today I was introduced to an indie artist, Sheena Grobb. She's giving away a free download of one of her songs - get it here - in hopes that it will expand her fan base.

One of the benefits I've found with the Internet is an introduction to indie artists who I never would have found otherwise. Others that I've become fans of would include:

Katelynn Dawn

Cori Yarkin (Personal fav. Reminds me of Lee Aaron.)

Jen Miller (OKay, I met her through Church. But she's on the "Net! You can hear her voice on my Rancour video.)

Ashley Pitre (Yeah, also through Church, but again...)

If you're looking for some great new music, purchase these CDs and/or MP3s. You won't be disappointed!

8 More Days

2008-08-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Almost time to move. Of course, in trying to get all my utilities switched there was bound to be a snag or two. One of my snags, however, turned out to be a blessing.

I discovered that my newly renovated suite has no telephone jacks. As well, there isn't any wire left for a telephone - as it's all been ripped out. So I phoned Telus to see what that would mean. As it turned out, they were already planning on charging me a $100 move fee that I wasn't aware of - and now they wanted to charge me $20/hour for installation (approx. one hour).

Yeah, right. So I looked into Shaw phone and Internet and discovered that the monthly price would be the same, but there would be a $25 install fee and, as a new customer, I would get an intro price for the first six months. Sounded like a no brainer.

I phoned Telus to tell them goodbye, and they suggested I speak to a "loyalty rep" first. So I did. First, he tried to convince me that having an Internet phone was just plain bad.

Rep: If your power goes out, so does your phone!

Me: Dude, it's the 21st century. I have a cell phone.

When that didn't work, he tried to explain to me about regulations.

Rep: Shaw isn't regulated like we are by the CRTC. That means they can raise their prices on any whim.

Me: I doubt that would happen.

Rep: Why?

Me: Because of competition. And, just like today, when the prices are too high I can just take my business elsewhere.

We had a moment of pause, where I told him that it was time to transfer me to whoever I needed to speak to about discontinuing service. He lead me about half-way through the process, and then started throwing deals at me.

Rep: What if I give you phone and Internet for $60/month?

Me: That would still be $20 a month more than Shaw, plus there's the $100 move fee and installation.

Rep: It isn't $20 a month more...

Me: I'm on Shaw's website right now. Basic phone and Internet Lite is $42 a month. Do you want the link?

Rep: Oh. Uh, no, that's okay. Well ... we'd give you high speed....

Me: I've had lite before, and now I have high speed. For my purposes, lite is fine. I'd feel silly paying for something that I don't really need, wouldn't you agree?

Rep: Yeah, I guess...

It went on like that for a while longer. Still, they threw deals at me. Then they threw one that stuck. I did ask for it in writing, as I don't want to suddenly get my bill and have them claim they'd *never* do a deal such as the one I claim I got.

My advice: if you are with Telus and not under contract, it's time to phone and negotiate what you are paying. The deal they gave me is less than their "intro" deals on the web, and that'll be my permanent price for the next two years.

SiWF - Caught on Tape!

2008-08-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

At the Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival, Dale, SiWF webmaster extraordinaire, caught me on tape. Except for a minor wardrobe malfunction (a hat, not my shirt), and an oblivious person who walks back and forth in front of the camera (actually looking directly into the lens without a clue), the video turned out excellently!

SiWC - The Soapbox

2008-08-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Getting back to things that are writing...

During the Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival, kc dyer interviewed me for the Surrey International Writers' Conference (where I'll be teaching workshops and a master class with Lee Fodi).

You can hear the interview here, and be assured that this is the first interview that I have ever done in a tree!

Conan is Okay

2008-08-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

After a long, extensive discussion with another vet, I have decided not to go ahead with surgery on Conan.

This is a hard decision to make, as it puts faith into the diagnosis of the opinion that I would rather hear. My reasons were simple: this vet took the time to hear my concerns, and he explained them in a way that I could fully understand what is happening to my dog. Unfortunately, the reason for the lumps are from a cause that is incurable: old age.

My question to this vet was simple: "Do I get my dog surgery every time I feel a little lump? Is this something that my dog, as he gets even older, is going to survive?" He shook his head and said no. Putting a dog through surgery is a final resort, and these lumps are not in a position that should send off any alarm bells. While they have grown larger since the last vet visit, they have not done so in a way that is indicative of cancer. They have reacted as fat cells.

I considered getting him a needle biopsy, but this vet said the same as the last. That the needle biopsies are only 50% accurate, and a negative result doesn't necessarily mean anything. It would just be a lot of discomfort for Conan, for something that can be diagnosed without it.

So, I have opted out of the surgery. Hopefully, I have made the right choice that is best for the boy.

Summer As A Writer

2008-08-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

I figure I should post a little on the art of living as a writer - and what my goals are for the next couple of months.

First, I'm getting ready to move. My current address is getting to be too much of a party place, and it's making it hard to do things such as sleep and write. There's no such thing as peace and quiet in a building where one neighbour blasts his subwoofers and the other bangs away on a drum set. Yeesh.

This is a photo of what my new place looks like right now. It is currently under renovations, and will be in fantastic shape when I move in. My landlord will be author/editor Tiffany Stone.

As I'm cleaning up, I'm trying to decide what I want to keep and what I want to get rid of. I wouldn't exactly call myself a pack rat, but I definitely have hoarding tendencies. (Though I will also state that after packing up my books and writing supplies there was very little left to pack - further proof that I need another hobby!) I've been coming across some old photos and odds and ends that I'd packed away when I'd moved into my current place seven years ago.

One thing I keep getting asked for is a photo of me from high school. During most of my high school career I had a buzz cut, but there was that final year when I grew my hair long into a mullet. This is one of those rare photos of me and my mullet. To be honest, I have no idea when or where this photo was taken. I don't know what was on my mind, though I don't look all that happy. (No doubt I was going through some angsty-type of stuff.) But here it is, for all of you who have been asking for a photo from my teen years. When I find more, I'll post the less embarrassing ones.

I'm also working on filling up a journal full of writings. I plan to have at least one book written by the end of the summer (my summer ends in October - not September), and to do so I found (actually, it was a gift to me) an awesome journal that makes me want to write in it.

Inside of these pages are the scribblings of my mind to my pen to the paper. This is how I work. I don't create on the computer - I find it distracting and impersonal. I write on paper, with the scent of the ink and the crispness of the journal making me feel as though I am in another place and another time. I'll keep you posted how my writing progresses.

Postponed

2008-08-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is an update to the lumps that have appeared in Conan. Thanks to everyone who emailed to their good thoughts to my little pal. He and I both appreciate it!

I phoned another vet to make an appointment to get a second opinion. To be honest, I'm treating this the same way I would if it were me diagnosed with possible cancer - and that's actual experience, not just imaginary. The vet asked me one question: Did they take any tests? Nope. They did not.

This is what was bugging me. No doctor would open me up in an operation without taking some sort of noninvasive test first. Blood, X-ray, something ... the operation would be a last resort. My dog is at an age where fat deposits will be common, a neighbour informed me that his dog now has sixteen. Do I stay with a vet that will want to open up my dog every time he gets a fat deposit? Can Conan survive such a vet?

The problem with vets is the same problem that one has with mechanics. While there are a few honest ones, many are out for the biggest buck at any cost to the consumer. I'm not saying it's that way with my current vet - but it wasn't my current vet that Conan saw last week. It was a temporary vet who could have come from anywhere - maybe even one of the many clinics that I've personally banned from touching my dog. (I've walked out of vet clinics for their "upsale.")

There were many questions I should have asked, had I not been stunned with worry for my buddy. Now, after a few days, I'm a little more clear-headed and ready for a second opinion. Once again, I'll keep you informed.

Chest Lumps

2008-07-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I took Conan to the vet because I felt a little lump in his chest. He also had one on his side, but neither lump was large enough that a sample could be taken. Over the last few weeks, I've noticed these lumps growing and, probably due to my own experience with cancer, I grew concerned.

The vet could no longer say that it was nothing. It is definitely worth investigating, although it could wind up just being fat cells. Not only that, but there are three lumps that need removal. Actually, there were three options: a needle biopsy where, while Conan is awake, they freeze the area, hold him down, and remove a piece of the area with a needle. #2: They biopsy the area while he is under by taking a portion out - meaning a second operation if it turns out to be cancer. #3: Complete removal of the lumps - the only 100% guarantee since, if it is cancer, it is a form that doesn't spread to muscles or bones.

In discussions with the vet, there was the question all pet owners hate to ask: What is this going to cost? I'm thankful that I live in a country where I don't have to put a monetary value on my health, but, of course, dogs don't have that luxury. (Yes, there is pet insurance, but if you put that $50+ a month away into a bank savings account, you'll have a small fortune saved by the time you need it.) As I waited for the doctor to tell me the estimate, I tried to come up with a dollar figure that I wouldn't pay or borrow to ensure that I would have my companion by my side for at least another ten years. My mind went blank.

I chose the third option, to have the lumps completely removed. Thankfully, it was an estimate that fits in with my budget. It will mean tightening things up over the next few months, and not taking as many weeks off this summer as I'd hoped to do. (Though I will be able to spend a week at home with him while he recovers.) It means not taking my Alaskan cruise, and it means not buying the new couch I was hoping for. But these are sacrifices I'm willing to make for the health and comfort and companionship of my little buddy.

His operation is a week and a half away. I'll keep you all informed of his progress.

Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival 2008

2008-07-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Check out Pandora's Collective for more information.

Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival

2008-07-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

I realize that this is an old photo, but I wanted to use it because it's a great showcase for my hat. You see, tomorrow is the Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival put on by Pandora's Collective. It's on Saturday, July 26th, from noon until 8pm in Stanley Park, Vancouver, at the Lumberman's Arch.

Along with many other talents, I'll be performing at the children's tent. My time is from 3:15pm until 3:45pm. My plan is to talk about inspiration - from maps to hats - and even to model a few of my more creative ways to amuse myself as a writer.

If you're around, feel free to stop on by and say hello!

Mom's Vacation Day 6 - As A Comic!

2008-07-25T10:29:00.001-07:00

Mom's Vacation Day 4

2008-07-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

Today I took my Mom to Tojo's for lunch so she could meet Lee Fodi and his girlfriend Gabriella. We had a great meal and a fun time ... even if I did misjudge the distance from my home to the restaurant and convinced my mom to walk. Sometimes I forget that not everyone enjoys as long a walk as I do, and this may have been one of those times. As always, my mom was a good sport about it.

After that, we picked up Conan and took him to Kits beach. Once there, we stopped off at Starbucks for fraps and then found a comfy bench with a great view. Conan had a blast, as is evidenced by his collapse into deep sleep by 9pm tonight.

After yesterday's blog, it seems people are surprised that I cooked for my mom. Yes, there are a few dishes that I can do, and I can do them well. One of those dishes was tonight's meal.

I BBQ'd spare ribs, and french fries. We also had Greek salad as our vegetable. (Oh, okay! The fries and salad were leftover from our take-out yesterday ... but the ribs were all done by me!)

Feeding Mom

2008-07-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

just in case you are worried that I'm not feeding my mom while she's visiting, I thought I'd share a photo of one of our meals. This was a meal of wings and things that I cooked up on a hot summer day.

Along with the chicken, I had salad greens, pea pods, hummus, french bread and cottage cheese. Most of that (not the cottage cheese or bread) came from SPUD, the great online food delivery service I use to get great, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Summer Vacation Day 2

2008-07-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

On Friday, right after seeing the new Bat Man movie (it was AWESOME), I scooted down to the airport and picked up my Mom. She'll be visiting from Winnipeg for 10 days, so I can show her around my city and take her to the Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival this coming Saturday.

Yesterday was a blazing 26C, so we headed down to the water at Steveston Village. It's a great little place in Richmond where one can buy fish right off the boat. Mom and I picked up shrimp and prawns, right after a great lunch of salmon and Caesar salad.

The shrimp and prawns we took back to my place where I BBQ'd them. Nothing quite like a meal of fresh seafood, along with skewered vegetables.

Today we went to Fort Langley(the woman in the sun hat who is looking directly at the camera is my Mom). This is a cool little place with a neat little fort (we didn't go in - due to the $20 admission fee). For lunch we went to Wendel's, and then we wandered up and down the streets looking at all the cool shops. Much of this place has been recreated to look like a town from the 1800s.

I found a cool little shop that sells amazing costumes and Goth ware. (Yes, there is Goth ware.) It's called Hallowville Manor and you can check it out here. While I was there I found a very cool dragon candle holder as well as a dragon wall ornament. (Both are very Goth-looking.) Tomorrow after I unpack them I'll snap photos. I also discovered that there is going to be a Renaissance festival at Fort Langley from August 29th until the 31st. You can check that out here. (Lee Fodi and I have plans to go - kc wants to, but she'll be sending her daughter off to university that weekend.)

Tomorrow, we'll be taking it easy, as our only committed plan is to have lunch with cousin Bob. In the future: Burnaby Mountain (thanks Jacquie!), Ikea, Kits Beach and Bowen Island.

Talks and Vacations

2008-07-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with Susan Juby's class on sci fi, fantasy and spec fic. I told them my very strange story on how I got published, and then shared with them some of my most influential novels. (I Am Legend, Druid's Tune, Everworld and the Belgariad. What, you were expecting Moby Dick and Handmaid's Tale? No thanks.)

Then today I got to see Bat Man. No spoilers here, except to say IT WAS AWESOME. Yep. Heath Ledger was to Bat Man what Brandon Lee was to the Crow. Absolutely incredible.

I also picked up my mom from the airport, and will have her stay with me for a couple of weeks. May not blog much in that time, but we'll see. Big plans: go see Steveston Village, Whistler, water taxi to Granville Island, and other touristy stuff. Any ideas? Feel free to share them with me!

For now, I leave you with this link. I'll file it under: "People With Too Much Time."

Checking In

2008-07-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been several days since I returned home from the Chocolate and Chat Rocky Mountain Road Tour, so I figure it's time to blog again. Whew! I was beat! It's amazing how tiring driving and talking and eating chocolate can be. All in all, it was an awesome trip and I had the time of my life. This is mostly due to my awesome writing-buddy, kc dyer. Do check out her blog here.

Now, it's back to regular life. This summer I plan on finishing a few works in project that have been haunting my hard drive for several years. They are ghosts that need to be set free, and I'm a little excited to do so. They are quite different from what I usually write. One is historical fiction, another is high fantasy, and the final is a middle grade contemporary novel. No vampyres, no werewulves. No old-English spelling for words.

Of course, there's more work than that ahead. I still have an online CWC course to teach throughout the summer, a contest to judge and, tomorrow, a presentation to give for Susan Juby's UBC class. The last time I presented at Susan's class I'll admit I felt terribly inadequate, but now I'm feeling rather excited. Things have changed for me, quite drastically, over the last couple of years. I now look at presentations as the chance to connect with other writers who also have a love of Teen Lit.

Sounds like a summer full of work, you say? No worries. My mother is coming this week from Winnipeg for a visit, and we'll both be tourists in my adopted home-town. A visit to Whistler, Fort Langley, Granville Island (via the water taxi!) and whatever else we can think of, will fill my days for the next two weeks. That'll be my "play" time. Then, it'll be back to the pen and paper for me.

One of the problems (not that it's a huge problem, or a terrible one,) of becoming an author, is that my hobby (writing) has become my job. So while I have eight weeks set aside for nothing more than finishing off my projects, don't feel sorry for me. I'm not so much a workaholic as I am a very lucky guy who gets paid for doing what he does for fun.

Bella's Reading List

2008-07-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

Nearly forgot to mention, for all you Twilight fans, that Pyre was on the table of Bella's reading list at the Chapters in Kelowna! So, while you are waiting for Breaking Dawn to come out, why not check out another vampire novel. It's just the right length to tide you over...

Final Day of C&C Rocky Mountain Road Tour

2008-07-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

This was the final day in the Chocolate and Chat Rocky Mountain Road Tour. Whew! After seven days we did nine venues - seven bookstores and two libraries. Sometimes we had great turnouts, and sometimes we had modest turnouts. (Yes, at one stop we even outnumbered the audience.) Yet, no matter what the outcome, this was a tour worth taking. We met some great people along the way, were introduced to some very nice bookstore staff, had a fun lunch with the children's librarians in Red Deer, got to meet Terrence in Cochrane (one of the nicest fellows I've ever met!) and, best of all, kc and I had a chance to get to know one another even better.

Big thanks to Comic Life for sponsoring us with awesome giveaways that everyone was so excited to receive. Just so everyone knows, that's the program I've been using to blog our trip. Head on over to their website and check it out!

Rather than recap what kc has already blogged, I'm leaving my farewell with the comics. For a more in depth read of our travels over the last few days head on over to kc dyer's blog.

Chocolate & Chat Tour - Day 6?

2008-07-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

I think it's day 6 today ... but this will be a quick note to say I'll post my comic/blog tomorrow when I am more fresh. Right now we are in Kelowna, and tomorrow we have our last C&C day!

Chocolate and Chat Tour - Day Four

2008-07-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

So far, this has been a whirlwind tour where every stop is different than the last. I must admit that last night when kc and I arrived at our "home," (kc's sister was nice enough to give us a roof over our heads,) I was so exhausted that I just went to sleep.

So, what was our day like yesterday that I was so tired?

The day began with a drive from Calgary to Red Deer on the #2 Highway. To say the drivers on this highway are CRAZY would be an understatement of the extreme. Most of the trip was stormy with hail seen on the side of the road. There were even sightings of tornadoes in the area (of which kc and I were both unaware). The speed limit was 110 kms/hr, and I was driving pretty close to it.

Other drivers, even giant semis hauling cement cylinders that could crush two or three cars with a single slip, were doing about 140. My favourite was the guy on the cell phone who, when driving in front of me, insisted on doing 10-20 kms slower than I was going, but, whenever I attempted to pass, sped up to 150.

Thankfully, we made it to the Red Deer Public Library alive! Jen Waters was there to greet us, as well as to take us out to lunch with the other children's librarians. Jen is a very special librarian to me, because she and I met seven years ago while working at Vancouver Kidsbooks. We bonded over the International Film Festival, and have been great friends ever since. To do an event in a library where she works, for me, is a dream come true. To have such a great turnout and see such wonderful enthusiasm with those kids is a testament to Jen's ability as a librarian to inspire young readers/writers!

After Red Deer, we immediately left for Cochrane, where we were to speak at the Nan Booth Memorial Library. We were greeted there by Terrance who runs the events at the library. He had advertised the program well, though we had but a modest turnout. Truthfully, kc and I were beat tired by this point and were grateful for the chance to sit by a fireplace with a few writers and chat about publishing. This group had some great questions, and, as always with these events, I got to learn a little more about kc. We left that library feeling very positive about our Chocolate and Chat Tour!

Chocolate and Chat Day Three

2008-07-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Also be sure to check out the tour over at kc dyer's blog.

Chocolate & Chat Rocky Mountain Tour - Day 2

2008-07-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Chocolate and Chat - Day One

2008-07-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Our goal was to leave at 9 AM this morning. Unfortunately, as will always happen with best-laid plans, I was running quite late. It was already 8:30, and I still had dishes to get washed, a bag of trash to put out, and breakfast to gobble down. The good news: the partner I chose for this trip, kc dyer, has much the same personality as I do. Just as I was running behind, so was she. We got on the road at about 10:30 (after a stop at Starbucks for "breakfast").

So we hit the road to drive from Vancouver to Kamloops, with our first stop on the Chocolate and Chat Rocky Mountain Tour at Kamloops Chapters at 6pm. Plenty of time! kc drove until Merrit, where we finally stopped for lunch. Along the way (guided by my brand new GPS system - that's SUPPOSED to speak like Darth Vader but is staying quite silent,) we entertained each other with chit chat about life, writing and hopes for the future. You'd think with all the time kc and I spend together that we'd run out of things to talk about - but that's the way it is with good friends - you never get tired of hearing each other's stories.

After a brief lunch at Boston Pizza in Merrit (and one of the best steak sandwiches I've had in awhile), we hit the road once again! This time it was my turn to drive, and -don't ask why- I immediately took a wrong turn. You may recall that I mentioned a brand new GPS system guiding us. You may be asking yourself, "Why didn't you follow the GPS system?" My answer is simple: because I am a directional idiot. The GPS was very clearly telling me to turn around. It was very clearly indicating that I was going the wrong way. (Of course, in my defense, the voice isn't working so there is no Darth Vader telling me that the force is weak in me and that I need to go the other way.) Once I did a short drive by the Merrit airport, we were back on the right course (GPS and crew were all very celebratory), and headed for Kamloops.

The Chapters was quite easy to find. We also found a nice Super 8 motel nearby (nice in looks - the guy in the room next door is watching TV at what must be full blast. I'm wishing I'd brought ear plugs now). First thing we did was to geek out and check out email. Once that was accomplished we readied for the event - our first in a series of nine stops. Our plan was to do a short talk on publishing, and then host an informal chat with the public. Again, as all best-laid plans go, we had to be ready for a change. People were in and out, and there was never a large crowd that gathered at our table. One mom and daughter had read about us in Kamloops Weekly, and made a special point of coming to meet us. The look of excitement on their faces could only be matched by the equal look of excitement on our faces that someone would be so keen to do that. Another highlight was the family from Williams Lake that stopped to chat - and then returned later that evening to buy our books. A personal highlight for me was a couple of young ladies who I saw at the "If you enjoyed Twilight, you should also read..." table and coaxed over to us. We chatted for a good hour on writing, publishing, favourite authors, and, yes, vampires.

Another part of this trip is that Comic Life is along for the ride, and has given us 2 copies of CL Deluxe and 1 copy of CL Magiq to give away at every stop. I'm glad to say that one of the young ladies that stayed to chat with us for so long was also one of the winners in that draw! I hope she has a blast with it!

Well, it's been a full day and I am beat. Will blog tomorrow, when we appear at Banff Indigo! We're even hoping to get in a little video blog...

Review of P.S., I Love You

2008-07-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

P.S., I was bored to tears.

CWC Canada Summer Camp 2008

2008-07-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

On Monday I left with Lee Edward Fodi and Dan Bar-El to meet up with Kari Winters, Lori Sherrit and Kallie George at the CWC Canadian Camp 2008. This year it was held at Trinity Western University, which is a beautiful campus in Langley, BC very near Fort Langley (and the awesome Wedel's Bookstore!).

On arrival, Lee and Kallie raced around their student's rooms planting secret objects while Dan and I just tried to get our bearings. The theme for this camp was ADVENTURE, and I was partnered with Lori Sherrit of the TICKLE TRUNK PLAYERS. What I noticed most on arrival was the energy the students had - and there was a range from grade 4 up to grade 8 - as they met their roommates and saw the campus.

Lori and I had decided on the theme of "dungeon," with me leading the writing and Lori the drama. In my class, students learned the terminology of dungeons such as the LORE and TRAPS and CODES or GUARDIANS. I showed them movie clips that reinforced my lecture, and then they began to write.

First they wrote the legend, or lore, of how their dungeon came to be. Then they drew maps, and wrote in secret passageways, guardians of the treasure, and traps to keep would-be adventurers out (or in!). Then they had Lori, who taught them to write a play - everything from story to character. Finally, Lori and I took what they did in both our classes and had them create a comic book that can be seen here.

What I'll take away from this camp most of all won't be the classes or the lessons, but the time spent with these awesome students. During free periods, Lee and I spent our time outside working on our own projects. While Lee drew, I wrote. And while we did this, there was always a group of students that came out to join us and watch.

One boy commented to Lee that he had thought Lee's drawings just came from the computer, and this was the first time he really understood the work put behind each illustration. Another one of the boys told me that he enjoyed writing fantasy, because he could just make things up without any research. When I showed him the amount of research I put into writing my werewolf lore, he was very interested. It was moments such as those, when students got a chance to see working authors and illustrators in action, that they learned the most.

Of course, the camp was not all work. There was a treasure hunt with riddles and codes that had to be broken in order to figure out the course. Everyone had a great time running from point to point, working in groups to be the first to break the codes. It was awesome to see this group of students, many of whom were strangers when they met, working so well together.

The hardest part of the camp is the same as any camp - having to say goodbye and return back to Regular Life. There's something very special about sharing meals with fellow writers - adult and student - that makes life just feel awesome. Suddenly being at home, typing away on a laptop without anyone knocking on your door to ask a question or slipping a coded message under your door as a prank, that feels a little too quiet. Of course, there's always CWC camp next year...

James McCann Fan Page on Facebook

2008-07-04T10:03:00.001-07:00

Later on today I'll take a moment to post about the CWC writer's camp that I taught at these past four days.

For now, I wanted to mention that there is a fan page on Facebook for anyone who wants to keep appraised of upcoming events.

This Is What I Do To Inspire Myself

2008-06-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

Just a Moment to Catch Up

2008-06-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. Last Saturday, two of my CWC classes came to an end. The Junior and the Senior novel teams finished - the former after 15 weeks, and the latter after 9 months. Both teams wrote novels and entered into contests - many of my students got a taste of how it feels to be published! Then on Monday, my final "real-world" CWC class came to a close. (I still have one on-line class that continues until the end of August.)

Now my summer goes into full-swing! First, I have a CWC Canada camp next week for four days. At it I will be teaching my unique perspective on dungeons. (I use the word "unique" only because it is far more polite - and probably less acurate than - "bizarre.")

A few days after that, I begin the first (of what will hopefully become an) annual Chocolate and Chat Western Canada Tour - sponsored in part by Comic Life - with kc dyer. We have 9 stops confirmed:

July 7th - Kamloops - Chapters @ 6-9pm

July 8th - Banff - Indigospirit - Cascade Plaza – 6-9pm

July 9th – Calgary - Monkey Shines – 1-4pm

Owl's Nest Books - 7-9pm

July 10th - RED DEER PUBLIC LIBRARY - DOWNTOWN BRANCH – 2-5pm

Cochrane - Nan Boothby Memorial Library - 7-9pm

July 11th - Calgary - Pages on Kensington - 7-9pm

July 12th - Salmon Arm - Spirit Quest Books - 3-5pm

July 13th - Kelowna - Chapters - 6-9pm

At each location we will have a draw for *free* copies of Comic Life and Comic Life Magiq, the very easy to use program that I used to make the Rancour video to the left (with iMovie).

Road Trips

2008-06-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

I'm certainly no stranger to the road trip. In 1997 (still can't believe it was 11 years ago), I took a road trip in a '68 Beetle from Vancouver to Kelowna, then over to Banff, up to Jasper, across to Edmonton, then down to Calgary through Drumheller, and over to Winnipeg.

The entire way I slept in a tent, and ate food that I cooked over an open fire. (I had a Coleman stove, but couldn't ever get it to work.) It was the best time I ever had, and probably the most adventurous thing I'd ever done.

Back then, my goal was to inspire myself as a budding writer. I wanted to find my creative spark, and to get in touch with my creativity so that I could one day be an author. Though my friends and family thought that was a little far-fetched, I did it anyway.

Here I am, 11 years later, with three books published - one that's going into reprint and a fourth due out this Christmas. Life is pretty awesome. The best part - I'm planning another road trip! Granted, there will be some changes this time around. First, I won't be going on it alone. kc dyer, friend and fellow scribe, will be sharing the experience with me! Second, I won't be sleeping on the hard ground in a tent. Comfort all the way!

The best part of this trip is that we have destinations planned. Stops in Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Banff, Cochrane, Calgary and Red Deer. We may even have one more to completely fill our itinerary.

Another difference from that first trip is that Comic Life will be along for the ride! kc dyer and I will be blogging our trip through comic, using this easy and fantastic program. (It's what I used to create my book video, and many of my past posts.) Comic Life has agreed to let us give away a copy of its program to each of our stops - not a bad value for those who come out to our events! Hear two popular authors, eat some chocolate, and be in a draw to leave with a free copy of Comic Life!

My Cheers

2008-06-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I may be living the strangest life ever. At the moment I'm in a cafe, and I've been left alone to watch things while the staff hangs out outside. Yep. The staff is outside, chatting and laughing, while I'm alone inside.

It reminds me of the Cheers episode where Norm is in the back just as Sam is locking up. When Norm realizes that he's about to be locked in, he dashes for the door. But when he realizes that he'll be stuck inside, all night, with the beer, he stops and allows it to happen.

This is me, but with my beverage of choice: coffee. All alone, in a cafe, with no one to watch me. Everyone unconcerned with the strange guy (I am a regular) who often sits in the corner, once in awhile makes a sarcastic comment, and sips his coffee while typing away on his computer.

The funny thing is, I do want a refill. My current cup has gone cold, and now ... hold on, someone just returned ... okay, I'm getting a mocha.

Chocolate & Chat Tour Itinerary

2008-06-19T00:56:00.001-07:00

It's filling up!

Super Heroes

2008-06-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I would look like if I had a super power...

Walter Moberly Elementary

2008-06-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

I had what can only be described as a stellar day. In a last minute booking, I was called to Walter Moberly Elementary where I was greeted by 200 students grades 4-6.

What I liked most about this event was that my host, librarian Gwen Ingham, was someone I had met when I worked full-time at Kidsbooks. She was always pleasant, and very eager to talk books and hear about new releases. While she at that time had the chance to see me selling something I loved (books), now she got to see me doing something I love (performing).

Yes, writing books is great fun, too. But there's this part of me that will always want to be up on stage, giving a performance to an eager audience. I had one today, where, for a whole hour, I got to tell the story of how I evolved from someone who hated reading to someone who loves it. I also had the chance to show them how my books evolved from idea to paper, including me acting out a small scene of what made Jon become "Pyre."

This is one of the things that I have enjoyed most about being a writer of YA fiction: the part where I get to give back a little. To encourage a group of students to read, or to write, may very well change their lives - perhaps not to make them a writer, but to give them courage to follow their own dreams. The best part of all is when one of those students returns that respect back to you...

One of my regular students at CWC (Creative Writing for Children Society), Heejae (who is in my junior novel team), took a photo of me at the Spring Book Hatching and then played with it. Tonight she emailed it to me, and, yeah, it made me smile. Now I'll share it with you ... and maybe it'll make you smile, too!

Spring Book Hatching 2008

2008-06-14T20:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes pictures speak louder than words.

Click here and here.

Chocolate and Chat Tour 2008

2008-06-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

This July, kc dyer and myself are taking our chocolate and our chat and we're hitting the road! We're driving from July 7th until the 15th, visiting bookstores and libraries from Vancouver to Red Deer. So far, we have six places booked with three more tentatively considering.

Here's something I've designed to help you get excited about the trip as well!

Just for Fun

2008-06-11T03:03:00.000-07:00

Made this with Comic Life from my Korea trip pictures.

This Is Your Reminder!

2008-06-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE
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Come Celebrate Children’s Literature at the Second Annual

Just in time for summer reading, the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC (CWILL BC) is pleased to announce the second annual Spring Book Hatching, a special event to celebrate the release of the latest books by local authors and artists.

Spring Book Hatching will be held June 14, 2008, from 1-3 pm in the Peter Kaye room and lower level at the Vancouver Public Library.

This free event promises to have something for every young reader, with picture books, juvenile fiction, and young adult books all being showcased. The afternoon will feature live presentations, free autographs, displays, door prizes, a book sale and—best of all—the chance for lovers of children’s literature to meet their favourite BC author or illustrator.

“We have some incredible, award-winning authors and illustrators in this province,” says CWILL BC president James McCann. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to gather so much of our local talent together in one room. Last year, this event was an incredible success, and we can’t wait to show the public what we’ve all been up to since last year.”

To date, the following authors and illustrators are scheduled to appear at Spring Book Hatching:

Caroline Adderson, Sue Ann Alderson, Ann Alma, Dan Bar-el, Lillian Boracks-Nemetz, Julie Burtinshaw, Kristin Butcher, Izabel Bzymek, Norma Charles, kc dyer, Lee Edward Födi, Patricia Godwin, James Heneghan, Shelley Hrdlitschka, Vi Hughes, Melanie Jackson, Katarina Jovanovik, Shar Levine, Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Laura Langston, Meomi, James Mccann, Gina Mcmurchy-Barber, Michelle Mulder, Rachel Dunstan Muller, Maxwell Newhouse, Jacqueline Pearce, Robin Stevenson, Crystal Stranaghan, Joan Betty Stuchner, Nikki Tate, Meg Tilly, Kirsti Anne Wakelin, Irene Watts, John Wilson, Kari-Lynn Winters, and Pam Withers.

CWILL BC is a lively group of published writers and illustrators for children. With close to 150 members across British Columbia, we exchange information about creating literary works for young people, we support one another and we help promote our books. Our volunteer, cooperative organization also communicates with other arts groups, schools and libraries in BC and Canada. Spring Book Hatching is hosted by CWILL BC, Pandora’s Collective, and the Vancouver Public Library.
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The poster can be downloaded here (letter size) and here (tabloid size)

Last CWC Senior Class Today

2008-06-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today I had to say goodbye to my class of 9 teen seniors, as we held our final class today. I spoke a little on the realities of publishing, showing them both my rejection letters and my edited manuscript that is now Pyre. Then we played one final game of Werewolves of Miller's Hollow, and it was time to celebrate.

Sometimes students offer their mentors gifts from Starbucks, or bookstores, or some other gift certificate. To me, these presents are fleeting and often disappear quickly (especially those from Starbucks!). This group of students presented me with something that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.

After we had our "show" for the parents, where each student read their work, two of my students mentioned that they had something for me. Packaged in a ribboned stack of papers, they handed me their final thoughts saved forever in their writings. This was the kindest thing that anyone could have given me.

Gladstone Secondary

2008-06-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a visit to Gladstone Secondary, where I met with two classes. One was a class of grade tens, and the other was a class of grade eights. I went through the usual - how to tell stories from maps. This time around, I added a bit on how else I find inspiration.

I have props - though some are not appropriate to bring into a classroom, such as my Spartan's short sword that I would wield as though I were Kane while writing Dawn. But I do have one very cool prop that I brought with me, one that I am going to keep secret for now. Want to know what it is? You'll have to come to its unveiling at CWILL's Spring Book Hatching!

For now, I am going to leave you with these photos taken of some of the maps made at Gladstone Secondary, and one very creative story written by Manvir. (Sorry Manvir, but privacy laws forbid me from using your last name.)

The Amazing Penguin Journey.
Created by Manvir

Hi my name is Pengy, I am a Penguin from Musowalo. I have been captured by enemy hostiles, and got dumped into this forbidden continent with no civilizations. Well, that’s what I thought; this Forbidden land had mountains, desserts, cities, villages, and an igloo with an evil Eskimo. My goal was to live the rest of my life at ease, so I wanted to take over the Eskimo’s Igloo.

First thing I saw when I awoke from my unconsciousness was a lion that wanted to be my friend. But since he’s a lion and cannot be trusted I ran away. I soon encountered a desert, and personally I couldn’t handle the heat, because I am a penguin. But on the corner of my eye, I could see a “No Trespassing” sign. I immediately thought, I need to tear it down, and use it as a boat to get down the river. So I grabbed a rock, and broke the sign, I busted out laughing, because it was easier than I thought.

As I was flowing down the River, smoothly and swiftly, I see cats that want to eat me, so I pretend nothing is wrong, and I keep floating down the river, and nothing is wrong, but fortunately, cats are afraid of water.

I’m getting closer to my destination, and as I get off the sign, and land ashore, the sign keeps going down the river, as there is no stopping for it. I look up; I am in the Village of Onslaught, the home of the famous Polar bear. I could see the Polar bear in pain, people, looking at it, while it’s in a cage, and Polar bears and Penguins have connections, with Animal speak. He is saying. “rooor rooor roooooor rooor” Which in English means, “I want to be free, please help me.”

I am thinking of a plan, and it hit me, literally, a stick hit me, I used it to open the polar bear cage, and he is free, and the people ran away, Horrified. He thanks me, and I say, do you know how to get to the Eskimos, house from here? He says, follow the trail, and when in doubt always take right turns. I thanked him, and hurried along.

I was almost there, I could smell, the rotten tar, and fish the Eskimo was eating, and I was outside his igloo, thinking of diversions to use to get him out, and as I am talking to myself he screams, “GET OUT OF HERE, OR ELSE I’LL KILL YOU MUHAHAHAH” I think to myself, what a loser.

I said, “LOOK, a tray of FREE FISH!!” He comes out with no breath, as I am hiding behind the door, “Where?!?!” I quickly sneak in and shut the door, and I sit down in his chair, and start watching Happy Feet on his 60 inch HD TV.

The end.

Tomorrow's Journey

2008-06-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

The Third CWC group

2008-06-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

This is the comic creation from the third Saturday CWC group!

Rancour Chronicles Book Trailer

2008-06-01T18:05:00.001-07:00

If you'd like to view it in a higher quality (and full screen), visit the Youtube site by clicking the video twice.

Another CWC Graphic Novel Masterpiece

2008-06-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

CWC and Graphic Novels

2008-05-31T19:03:00.001-07:00

Today in my morning class we discussed the graphic novel (pretentious way of saying "comic book for those of you not in the know...) and then they scripted a first page to one of their own. After they scripted it, we sat down together at my Mac and began creating it.

"How did you do that?" you ask?

Cynthia Nugent had told me about a fancy program for crafting comics called "Comic Life" by Plasq. This sounded like a program that was right up my alley (being a comic book fiend and all), so I downloaded the trial version. There are three variations of the program: Comic Life, Comic Life Deluxe, and Comic Life Magiq. The latter one seemed to work best for me, so that's the one I've been playing with.

At first I was scared of the program. It looked way too difficult for someone of my (ahem) limited artistic ability, but I delved in bravely anyway. In reward, as is everything with a Mac, the program responded with ease and I was on my way to designing comic creations within minutes. This is one of my first creations:

The ease with which you can manipulate photos is fantastic. With a few clicks you can extract people from backgrounds, add cool text, add a filter to make a photo look like a painting (or drawing) and place bubbles and captions to tell the story.

My only problem was trying to make templates, as I didn't fully grasp how that worked. I emailed Cynthia about it, and she suggested that I email the fine folks at plasq and ask them. So I did, not expecting a response for several days if not weeks. To my surprise, the response came within a few hours. They were helpful and quite pleasant to deal with.

In short, Comic Life is a program that has transformed my life. Seriously! As someone who is trying to write graphic novels, it helps me to decide what it working and what isn't. I can test out my ideas and tweak wherever necessary. As well, as an instructor, it has given me a fun way to introduce a writing topic that is extremely challenging to students who don't have any drawing ability. All they need is a digital photo, they can take pictures of themselves acting out the scenes, and ... voila! ... they have a graphic novel!

Here is one of the graphic novels from my class:

Joss Whedon - Too Cool

2008-05-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

I remember back in the mid-90s when I was looking at what movie to rent, and I saw one with the title, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I shook my head and thought, "You gotta be kidding me."

I figured it was a new low in cinematic slop. Valley Girl Meets Fright Night? Yeesh. Then I saw that Rutger Hauer had a role in it, as the vampire no less. As a fan of Rutger (after seeing Ladyhawke, how could you not be?) I plucked it off the shelf and forgave its evident disappointment.

What I discovered was one of the funniest movies I had ever seen. I watched it alone, as I was too embarrassed to invite (and thus have to admit to renting it) any friends over. In a conversation with another friend a couple years later, I suggested that he watch it too. It turned out that this other friend of mine was a Rutger Hauer fan, and so I convinced him to watch. He did. He loved it. The two of us repeated lines of dialogue for months after.

Then the TV series came on. Again, this was a show that I watched in secret as I was too embarrassed to admit to anyone that I was a fan. Well, anyone except the aforementioned pal. He and I, even after I moved several provinces away, kept in touch and reminisced over episodes of Buffy. He was convinced that Oz was modelled after me in high school.

It was soon after that I put a name to the show. As a writer myself, I'm always interested in what else someone has done - and this was no exception. What I discovered was a long list of Whedon shows, and every one of them was brilliant.

This fall Whedon returns to the small screen, with a show that looks just as brilliant. It has some familiar faces, and a familiar theme. (Strong female lead with crazy powers.) I can't wait to see how this one turns out!

Spring Book Hatching and Banana Cream Pie

2008-05-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

I was going to post something about the Spring Book Hatching meeting that kc dyer and I held with some awesome CWILLers this past Sunday, but after reading kc's post on her blog I realize that I couldn't do it justice.

For those of you who frequent this blog regularly, just click here. You may gain a whole new perspective of me.

SPRING BOOK HATCHING 2008

2008-05-22T10:01:00.001-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE
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Come Celebrate Children’s Literature at the Second Annual

Just Life In General

2008-05-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

Some of you who frequent my blog may recall back in April when I was treated rather poorly by an upscale clothier simply because I had chosen to shop while looking rather shabby. My choice not to shave that morning prompted some overzealous employee to suggest I shop somewhere else. I sent them an email yesterday, and, should they choose to respond, I will let you know how they reacted to my complaint.

As well, as of late, I've started having my produce delivered. This is courtesy of SPUD, a local Vancouver company. Today I got my bin, everything intact and in order. Now my fridge is filled with fresh carrots, green onions, fruits, and milk. My cupboards are brimming with oatmeal cookies, bran muffins, waffle mix (can't wait for breakfast!) and breakfast oatmeal. The only thing I forgot was potatoes, as I polished off the last of the sweet potatoes yesterday at lunch.

I should also mention that I've just arrived home from a midnight screening of the new Indiana Jones movie. (No worries - I'm not about to give anything away!)

There were people dressed up in fedoras, and, sadly, I hadn't brought mine. Regretted not doing so immediately. As well, when Indiana stepped out on the screen there were many cheers. The movie while fun and worth seeing, did disappoint me in the end. That's all I'll say.

Big Big Sky

2008-05-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

UPDATE ON SPUD: Fully reimbursed for bad product, no questions asked. That gives them top marks! I placed my second order tonight, and can expect fresh fruit and veggies this Wednesday. Added to my order are oatmeal cookies, cereal, and milk.

In other news...

Received in the mail a new book from blogging friend Kristyn Dunnion (author of Mosh Pit!). Her new book, a scifi apocalyptic world where teens have slain all the adults, is titled, "Big, Big, Sky."

I will give a full report when I finish, but I must say that even a chapter into it and I am hooked! You can check out Kristyn here.

This Spud's for You!

2008-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

When I got back from Korea, as many of you know, I was horribly sick. Probably caused by a combination of travel-stress, change in diet, different air and jet-lag. Whatvever the cause, I got sick. Unfortunately for me, when I got home I had no groceries. Being that I was too sick to go and get some, I took to researching if there was some way of ordering them on-line. (Yes, a friend offered to do a run for me, but I felt too sheepish to take him up on it. In retrospect, I should have put pride aside.)

While I never wound up getting my groceries delivered, I did find a place on-line called "SPUD;" Small Potatoes Urban Grocery. Since then I've been toying with the idea of setting up a weekly delivery for fresh, organic produce.

I blame it on the fact that I'm single, but in order for food not to spoil in my fridge I have to buy in small quantities. This means many trips to the grocery store, and I'll be first to admit that I have a hard time picking out veggies and fruits. It would be so much easier to just tell someone basically what I like, and get that delivered on an as-needed basis.

Last week I decided to give SPUD a try. I found their site easy to use, and their product was substantial. I made up an order for what I wanted, and then waited a couple days for my delivery. It came in two big plastic blue bins in the mid-afternoon. Their was a quick rap on my door, and when I opened it there it was: my grocery shopping for the week.

Inside there were sweet potatoes, strawberries, beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes (more on them later), cereal, orange juice, banana muffins and much more. This has been a great week for all this produce, as the weather has been wonderful for BBQing.

Now my mornings are full of fresh fruit, OJ and organic cereal. My evenings are meat, potatoes and fresh veggies (yeah, I'm from the prairies). My only complaint with SPUD were the tomatoes, which were delivered to me in a container that was moldy. I've sent them a refund request, and I'll be sure to blog their response. I have no doubt that they'll stand by their product!

Twilight Movie Trailer by Stephanie Meyer

2008-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a teaser to the Twilight movie, based on the uber popular series by Stephanie Meyer.

When an author of teen vamp fiction makes it that big, it's bodes well for all of us who write that kind of fiction. Way to go, Stephanie!

Publishing Panel Tonight!

2008-05-07T10:14:00.001-07:00

Williams Lake Writers Conference May 5th

2008-05-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

We'd been preparing for the William's Lake Writer's Conference since October. Needless to say that Kari Winters, Diane Haynes and myself were pretty darn excited. We knew that there were three other authors from the Lower mainland coming, but we had never met them.

Prior to our flight, I checked out the CMA website to see what kind of plane we'd be flying in. A propeller 20-seater, it seemed. How fun! I suggested to Diane that we dress up, look as though we were from the 1940s and really have fun with this. Diane was game!

So we dressed up in our vintage suits and headed out to the airport. There we met Kari, and we were introduced to Max Tel. Although we knew there were two others there in our group, we had no idea what they looked like or what there names were. (To be honest, I still don't remember their names...) Diane and I approached the airline and asked if we could have our photo taken in front of the plane on the runway. We figured probably not, but it was worth a shot to ask. They said yes!

We sat around the airport chatting when we heard the preboard call. Kari and I stood up, and Diane told us to sit. "It'll be ages before we're called," she said. a few minutes later, Kari heard one of the attendants say into her radio, "I don't know. We're still waiting on four passengers." We counted our party ... one, two, three, four ... yep, we were holding up the plane!

So there we were, already holding up the plane, when the attendant asks, "Where's your camera for the photo?" I quickly hand her my camera and we get our shot taken!

(I should point out that I cropped out Kari and Max, only to keep the vintage 1940s look of the photo. To see the full photo and many more, visit this link.)

The plane trip was short and uneventful. Kari, Diane, Max and myself were all so excited that we chatted the entire flight.

When we landed, we were met by Amar, the amazing coordinator of the event, and her husband who carted us off to the hotel.

Each of us had our own hotel rooms in the Sandman Inn. Since we were flown out on Sunday afternoon and the conference wasn't until the next day, Diane Kari and myself all went for a walk. While all the shops were closed, we did find a beautiful park where we relaxed for a bit.

For now, these are all the photos I have and all I shall post on the conference until more photos arrive.

General Gordon School

2008-05-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to do three map making workshops with the grades 4 to 6s at General Gordon School. This was a lively bunch of students who were all very interested in discussing fantasy and map making. They spent 20 minutes creating their own maps in groups, and 10 minutes writing pen pal letters as though they really did live in those creations.

The interesting thing for me that day was to learn that General Gordon School uses my map making technique as a part of their curriculum! I had taught a course at the Vancouver School Board on teaching creative writing through cartography, and a teacher from GG who had seen my course then taught all of his teachers. Now it is a part of their general program!

Click here to see the creations of the General Gordon students.

Norma Charles and Lillian Boraks Nemetz Launch Their 2008 Books!

2008-05-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Ronsdale Press cordially invites you to the launch
of a new young adult novel by Norma Charles,
The Girl in the Backseat,
and the new edition of Lillian Boraks Nemetz's
The Old Brown Suitcase

Victoria Day, Monday, May 19th, 2–4 p.m.
1844 Acadia Road, Vancouver

Refreshments will be served

RSVP to Norma: normacharles@telus.net

Just One More Book

2008-04-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite places to visit when I need a literary fix is Just One More Book. It's a daily podcast of interviews with various authors, and sometimes a reader submitted review. I must admit to having a secret desire to one day be one of those reader submitted review ... but not until I get the podcasting thing down pat. (In other words, when I can go 15 seconds without saying, "Uhmmmmm...")

Just recently JOMB was the subject of an interview in the Ottawa Citizen. I'd like to invite you all to check out the interview, and then suggest that you head on over to visit Mark Blevis and Andrea Ross at their podcast site. If you love kid lit, you are guaranteed to find a favourite author.

Just click on the bookmark above.

Creativity Through Map Making

2008-04-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I went to Myrtle Philips Community School up in Whistler to do a workshop at a literacy day. My job was to entertain the grades 7-10, while in the adjoining room Ellen Schwartz worked with the younger students.

The day was beautiful. We had mostly sunny skies with a light, cool breeze. There was not a trace of rain. The drive up on the Sea to Sky Highway is spectacular, with views of the ocean and islands. The driving itself left something to be desired, with all of the construction to prepare for the 2010 Olympics. (OOps...am I allowed to use the word "olympics" without the committee's permission?)

At the school, I did what I normally do. I used power point to explain my journey from reader to writer, and then I took the students through a creative process starting with maps. In teams of 4-5, they each drew their own maps and created their own worlds. I took some photos of the pieces of art, just so you can see how different each group saw their environment.

After the students created their worlds, I then had each of them explain as a group how their world worked. As they did so, you could see the different stories as they developed. They would explain what kind of environment they had - such as the world that was made of ice. (The one directly above this paragraph.) The people who lived in this world had to get around on skates!

In the end, most students found it easier to write from a map than they would have if they had just been given a block of time. It was a meeting of the left brain and the right brain, after a good session of drawing and colouring combined with imagination and ingenuity! Judging from their responses after, I'd say they had a fun time while learning a new way to write.

Is This Discrimination?

2008-04-26T00:25:00.001-07:00

I remember as a teen when I had my short style box cut, I'd always get asked by store employees to open my bags to prove that I hadn't stolen anything. It got worse when I grew my hair long, especially when I started driving. Every time a cop passed my vehicle, I'd get pulled over and have my ID checked.

As an adult, those incidences stopped. No one ever asks to search my bags, and I've never been pulled over by a cop. In fact, when I recall those days as a teen, the memories seem distant and strange. Sort of as though I'm remembering someone else's life.

Then I have a day like today. I won't name the store, as I do plan on writing a letter to their head office to express my disgust and outrage.

Tomorrow (actually, tonight), is the BC Book Prizes Gala, which is a fancy event with authors, publishers, and book people. I have several friends up for awards, and I'm excited to go and support them. In fact, I was so looking forward to it that I thought it was time to get a new outfit and look a little fancy myself. It isn't often that I buy new clothes, so when I do I usually pull all the stops.

Granted, when I left the house this morning I didn't bother to shave. I put on a raggedy pair of jeans, and an old T-shirt. My boots, though Blundestones, are looking pretty worn. I did have my nice black sheepskin jacket, so I didn't think I was, in any way, disheveled.

I walked into ___________ , a high-end clothier for men, and started looking around. I knew I'd need help, as my sense of fashion is, well, nonexistent, but I wanted the chance to see if anything stood out for me first. As usual in this type of establishment, a salesperson approached me and asked if I needed help. I politely told him that I'd rather look myself first, but, yes, I would need help soon.
"It's just that I'd rather not see you waste your time here," he told me in a very gruff tone.
"Excuse me?" I asked, unsure where he was going with this. For a moment I felt sixteen again, with the jerk cashier at the corner store asking me to open my bags.
"I don't think we have anything you're looking for here," he said.
I stared at him for a moment, and then said, very politely, "How about if I look around first, and then if I need you I'll ask for help."
"Why don't you tell me what it is that you would want."
I've dealt with pushy sales people, and so I know when someone is just being overzealous in hitting their sales targets. This was more of a, "We have nothing you could possibly afford here, so please don't waste my time." Unfortunately, I also know his type all too well.
"How about if I just leave and shop somewhere else," I said with an edge to my voice. "You've made it clear you have nothing here I'd want."

He even watched me exit.

The problem with being a male and wanting a new outfit is that we don't have a whole lot of choice of where to shop. Luckily, I did find a great place that took very good care of me. If you are in Metrotown, I do recommend Grafton & Co. Their sales associate took extremely good care of me, and made sure I left satisfied.

However, I simply could not believe that because of the way I was dressed I was sized-up and judged as being someone who did not have a right to be in __________________. It made me feel sixteen again - that helpless feeling when I believed the world did have the right to take away my dignity simply because of the way I looked.

BC Book Prize Soiree

2008-04-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the annual BC Book prize Soiree, which is a free gathering for the literary community to honor this year's nominees. I'm very proud of two of my friends who have been nominated, Meg Tilly and Kari Winters. Both of these fine writers are getting a lot of attention with their new books, and this is attention that is well-deserved. They are talented, driven, and, best of all, two of the nicest people a person could hope to meet.

You can even follow them along on their BC Book Prize tour here.

Or, check out their books and treat yourself to a fantastic read! Meg Tilly is the author of Porcupine, and Kari Winters is the author of Jeffrey and Sloth.

I was also there with two up and coming graphic designers, Trisha and Andrea. (Andrea, on the right, designed my Pyre poster that can be seen here.)

Kidsbook Sejong Korea

2008-04-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Although this was almost two months ago, I finally have some pictures and audio of the bookstore event in Korea. Enjoy!

This is a podcast of Joon Park, director of CWC, introducing us in Korean. It is approximately 10 minutes long.

One of the biggest differences that Lee and I noticed between the Korean culture and the North American culture was in the audience response. In North America, Lee and I are used to getting the audience engaged with the presentation, while in Korea they are very quiet out of respect for the speaker.

This is a podcast of my presentation (in english). It is approximately 20 minutes long.

This is a podcast of Lee's presentation (in english). It is approximately 20 minutes long.

Click here for more photos

Rancour Hard to Find?

2008-04-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Having trouble finding Rancour?

Rancour has nearly sold out of its first print run! This is extremely good news, and I'd like to take a moment to thank all my readers for making this happen.

The bad news: new copies of Rancour won't be available until the fall. Just so you know, you can read Pyre without having read Rancour and not be lost in the story. They stand on their own.

The good news: this isn't official yet, but the publisher is considering a new edition of Rancour with some story/plot changes. Over the years as I've finished the series, I've wanted to make some tweaks to Rancour - and now I may have my chance. I'll keep you posted!

On Comics

2008-04-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I said I would start writing my graphic novel in April and I have. Tonight I wrote the first chapter - and I'll admit that it's harder than one would think. I'm finding that I really have to imagine what the scene would look like - and ask myself if the story is being told in the action of the picture.

Yeah, there are thought bubbles guiding the reader along. But I'm a fan of comics, and I know how irritating those can be when they are overused. The story must be told in the pictures, the reader must be guided along by what is happening on the page, and most importantly the reader must connect with a character whose thoughts and emotions are unspoken.

So I have written the first chapter. Yet, I have not written the first chapter to the graphic novel of Rancour. There's another story that's been bubbling inside me for several years, and it's demanding that it be told. What am I to do? I'm telling it. I'm getting it out there, discovering who these characters are, and finding out what it is that they wish to say.

So far, I think these are characters that I won't mind getting to know better.

A Great Place to Eat in Vancouver

2008-04-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get sick of pizza ... and, yeah, maybe cooking for myself would be an option too, but there are those days when you just feel like eating out.

Or, in my case, eating in.

I received a menu in my mailbox for a restaurant in Vancouver called Wing Nuts. I'll admit that I love wings, and when I read that they cook fresh in trans fat free 100% pure, non-hydrogenated canola oil, I figured I had to give them a try. What really sold me (I'll admit) was that they have deep fried Mars and Snickers bars.

Yup. That's right. DEEP FRIED Mars and Snickers bars. Think of a melted chocolate bar wrapped in donut goodness.

So far I've ordered from them three times. The people who answer the phone are courteous and fast, the delivery drivers are speedy and friendly, and the menu itself is completely different than most places that deliver. You can get wings, steak sandwiches, fish, poutine, and much more. Oh yeah, they even have monster portioned salads that taste as though they were picked this morning.

So if you're looking for something a little different, give them a try. Just click here.

Zelda Movie?

2008-04-02T18:14:00.001-07:00

I think this was the best April Fool's Day joke I've ever seen. Probably the most expensive as well! Click here to be taken to it.

Panel Discussion on Writing for Children and Teens

2008-04-01T22:13:00.001-07:00

From the Canadian Authors Association Website:

Date: May 7, 2008 – please note date change
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Place: Alliance for the Arts & Culture, Suite 100, 938 Howe St., Vancouver.
Cost: CAA Members free; Non-members $5 ; Students (with student ID) $2

Our panel includes three authors who write for children and teens. There will also be a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables.

Born in Calgary, kc dyer now lives with her children (and other animals) north of Vancouver BC where she works as a freelance writer, speaker and conference coordinator for the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. The author of a number of books for young adults published in North America and the UK, kc has a secret fondness for inducing nausea in teens and can often be found sharing some of the greatest grotesque moments in history with large groups of high school students. Unable to see the folly of her ways, kc continues to write and most days can be found sitting at her desk, searching for the perfect word… Website www.kcdyer.com.

James McCann is the author of Rancour, Pyre, and the upcoming third book in the series, Dawn. Growing up on the icy plains of Manitoba, he spent most of his time as a teen reading comics and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Both of his hobbies taught him his storytelling tools that he now uses as an author and creative writing instructor. Unlike the creatures of the night of which he writes, McCann lives peacefully in the daylight with his Shih Tzu, Conan. He is currently working on his fourth novel, Kane.

Meg Tilly is the author of two adult novels: Singing Songs and Gemma. Her first YA novel, Porcupine, was released by Tundra in Sept. 2007. Porcupine is shortlisted for the Shelia Egoff Children's Literature award and was chosen as a "The Top Ten Best Bets, 2008" for middle grade readers by the Ontario Libraries Association. Tilly is also known for her work in her former career as a film actress. Some of her better known films include The Big Chill and Agnes of God, for which she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. At present she is working on her second YA, Try and Stop. She lives in Vancouver BC with her family. Website: www.officialmegtilly.com

For more information see the Canadian Authors Association Website.

Earth Hour - A Cynic's Perspective

2008-03-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm, Earth Hour. How can I not blog about this worldwide event?

I'll admit outright that I did not participate in it. It wasn't out of protest, nor was it because I wanted to trash the efforts of the well-meaning, but because I just don't see it having long-lasting effects. This seemed to me to be one of those tiny moments people take out of their lives to feel good, and then go on back to their consumption lifestyle as though nothing has changed.

I know I could be more energy conscious than I am. I'll also point out that I am much more energy conscious than I have been in the past. I use low-energy light bulbs, I turn out lights when I'm not in the room, I recycle, and when it comes to getting rid of things in my home I try and donate them to people who I know will reuse them.

(Once upon a time I even joined a car co-op, and took the bus or skytrain as many places as possible. A year ago, however, that stopped as I needed a vehicle to get to my classes and, I'll be honest, I was sick of the lack of customer service I experienced on busses. I don't pay anyone to verbally abuse me with their bad attitudes - we all have hard jobs.)

As for plane travel, well, David Suzuki takes more planes in a year than I'll take in my lifetime. So on that one, I figure I'm doing well. All in all, if it had been called, "Earth Lifetime," I probably would have paid more attention to it. "Earth Lifetime - Starting With This One Hour." Yeah, I like that.

What really hit home for me was when I read a blog from a young teen (it was a private blog so I'll respect his privacy and not repost it here) who commented that, while he believed in the idea of Earth Hour, he didn't see the long-lasting possibilities that it might have. He likened it to the 30-hour famine, which is an event that participants think about for 30 hours and then promptly forget.

What he said that I really appreciated was how the media pays more attention to Bono than they did to Mother Teresa. Unlike Mother Teresa, Bono is doing what he does for the environment while still staying a millionaire. He also commented on the line of "green" products, and how companies sell their products with the promise of donating to a good cause. "Wear our product and show everyone how you help this cause!" We've become a society that doesn't give anything up without getting something in return.

"But Earth Hour, I got nothing in return for that," you say? I think we all did. When we do good for the world, or someone else, while patting ourselves on the back and congratulating the good job we did, we have found our reward. Perhaps next year we'll see "Earth Hour Parties", where large groups of people get together to celebrate each other's attempt to save the world. It will become a fad, an "in thing" and the message will be lost.

I know I'm being a cynic, and you may think I'm being one without actually offering any solutions, but I am offering at least one solution. Practice Earth Lifetime. Turn off your lights when you don't need them. Walk when you can, and leave the car (and the bus) for another day. Recycle because it's the right thing to do. Say no to plastic bags. And when you see some celebrity on TV talking about what they are doing to save the environment, turn off the TV and read a book. When you finish that book, pass it on to someone else (or donate it to a library).

I hope I'm wrong. I do hope that Earth Hour will create a buzz that has long-lasting effects. I hope that people's lives are transformed by that one hour in the dark, because I do believe that when we sit in silence we can have epiphanies. I'd love to hear your stories, positive or negative, of how Earth Hour affected you.

New Projects

2008-03-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Next month I have set myself the lofty goal of beginning to work on my graphic novel version of Rancour. In a way I am very excited about it - it's a new venture into a territory that I don't have a lot of experience in. While I've been a fan of the graphic novel since I was a kid, I haven't ever tried to write one. That leads me into the fear part.

Yeah, I'm a little nervous about it. I'm worried that I won't be able to do it. No matter how many people over the years have expressed to me that the book itself is visual enough to be a comic, I just can't get that feeling out of my head that I am simply not the right writer for the job.

For those of you familiar with the Artist's Way, you'll know that this is the Censor come to hold me back. It's nothing more than the culmination of all those people in my life who laughed, scoffed, or told me I simply don't have the talent for ____________. These are normally people who wished they could be doing what I am doing, and rather than put in the work to do it they find it easier to tear down those like me who succeed.

Whether or not I suck at writing graphic novels can't be revealed without at least trying to write one.

Many Changes

2008-03-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Probably the biggest change that has come over my household was my move from PC to Mac. This is a bigger deal than you might first think. You see, ever since I was a teenager playing video games on my Commodore 64, it's been drilled into me not to trust Mac. Of course, back then we referred to them as "Apple."

I still recall the arguments between me and my cousin Dion, and my swearing that I would *never* buy an Apple computer. Even IBM (now known as "PC") was far inferior to the Commodore machines. One of my fondest memories as a teenager was trading in my 64 for the Commodore Amiga, a computer far ahead of its time. (Much of Mac OS, in my opinion, copies what Commodore Amiga was doing in the 80s.)

Unfortunately, Commodore went bankrupt and I had to make the choice between PC and Mac. In the 90s, there really wasn't a choice. Software and support just wasn't there yet for the Mac, and all my friends had PCs. So, to the PC I went.

I've never been impressed by how difficult it is to maintain a PC. The constant software updates, the security glitches, and the viruses drove me nuts. I've lost entire hard drives to viruses, or to software glitches, and lets just say when my PC died recently I made what I consider a bold decision.

First, let me tell you a few reasons why I made this decision. At every CWC camp I've gone to where I've shared a room with Lee Fodi, I've had the chance to directly compare his Mac to my PC. Windows takes forever to load, and every program, because they have to go through the virus checker first, takes forever to run. The hard drive is loud, having to load drivers when you install new hardware is annoying, and Windows crashes constantly. Then there was Lee's Mac, that would load up, connect to the Internet, and allow him to answer emails just as my PC was finishing loading Windows. I kid you not.

After our trip to Korea, where my PC let me know it was going to die and die soon, I decided that it was time to replace it with a Mac.

I went Mac. It's been an easy switch, and I think it may be due to my teenage years with my Amiga-500. The Mac feels like the Amiga, and it even acts like one. It's user friendly, simple, and a powerful little machine. I do have some Windows only programs that I can't do without, as well as a near brand new version of Office 2007 for which I paid a lot of money. So rather than invest in Mac Office 2008, I bought VM Ware and Windows XP to run on the Mac. Now I have two computers in one - and let me just say that Windows, so far, runs more efficiently on my Mac than it ever did on my PC.

To make the switch even more fun, fellow writer and friend kc dyer has also gone Mac. There's nothing more fun than sitting in a cafe, Mac to Macbook, discussing the cool new things you've learned.

Good times ahead!

And a Happy Easter to you all!

2008-03-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Almost forgot to wish everyone a very happy Easter! This is a very special day of celebration for Christians, as it's the day that a prophecy was fulfilled and our saviour rose to usher in a new world.

Today we should all remember forgiveness, tolerance and brotherly (or sisterly) love.

I'm Back!

2008-03-23T10:52:00.001-07:00

It's been a long while since I've blogged, but here I am once again back in the saddle. My cold is gone, and what a doozy it was! I won't disgust you with all the gross details.

Here's a podcast that Lee and I did when we were in L.A. (about 5 minutes):

On our way back from Korea, we stopped off in LA for two days. The first thing we did was find comfort food: Starbucks and a restaraunt that served steak and potatoes with LOTS of gravy.

The second thing we did was to rent a car and head off to spend the day at Disneyland. We had a blast, and couldn't believe how much fun Disneyland is even for adults! My advice to anyone who may be going: Go see the Jedi Training Academy (if you are of age, which Lee and I were not, you may even want to take a class). Not only do the kids get to learn how to wield a lightsaber, but they also get to save the day when Darth Vader shows up on scene to take over the academy.
I would also recommend checking out the Raider's of the Lost Ark exibit. Though the line up is
long, there is much to see along
the way and I highly recommend it.

Then that night we went to the Medieval Times Restaraunt for dinner.

More pictures to come...