SBH+CWC=CBD*

*Crazy Busy Day, of course.







I accidentally double-booked myself for the day, and had planned to bring my Creative Writing for Children (CWC) class to Spring Book Hatching (SBH -- at last, all acronyms explained!), but alas -- it didn't work out.

As I was bolting from the library after helping with the SBH decorating, en route to Port Coquitlam to teach the class, I happened to glance up. (I nearly caught a rope in the face, otherwise, it would have been a bee-line straight for the car.)

The rope was attached to the folks in the picture. Apparantly this rappel-dance is in celebration of the cultural Olympiad. It was pretty darned astonishing, I can tell you that.

I managed to shoot a couple more pictures (on my iPhone, so the quality is not the best, I'm afraid) and you can see them HERE on my Flickr photostream under the category of Nothing But Cool).

And speaking of nothing but cool, here's a peek at Shelley McDonald's CWC class today -- a very cool group of reading and writing experts.


Good taste in books, eh?

Thanks for making me so welcome, gang!

~kc

Spring Book Hatching, 2009

This Saturday, Vancouver Public Library Downtown, 1-3 pm. Tons of authors, loads of new books, lots of fun!


~kc

One thing at a time...

I'm actually so tired that I just typed 'One thong at a time' for my title, and then had to pause a moment to think about how just one letter made such a difference -- AND a better blog entry title. Perhaps another day...

Really, the title is a reference to my little over-commitment problem, but instead of harping, I think I'll just get down to it.

Friday the 13th turned out to be a pretty auspicious night this month, as we had our 'pass the baton' party for CWILL BC.


James McCann and I bid our respective positions as Prez and VP of CWILL good-bye, and we welcomed the new leadership in the form of Pam Withers and Crystal Stranaghan. A good time was had by all.





After the official event, a few of us hied off to a local establishment to finish off the evening in style. Lee Fodi, Kirsti Wakelin, Crystal Stranaghan, James McCann and self joined Kari-Lynn Winters (who took this shot) for some girding of the loins in preparation for Spring Book Hatching, 2008, which was to begin bright and early the following morning.








SBH 2008 took place on an uncharacteristically sunny Vancouver day, but the weather, somehow, didn't keep the crowds from out of the downtown branch of the Vancouver Public Library.








The place was packed, and as befit the setting, was filled with all kinds of wild and wonderful creatures,











including a crazed fairy in drag, (aka Dan Bar-El, author of SUCH A PRINCE).











With the SPCA in attendance as a sponsor, even the dogs wanted to come and be a part of the celebration. (Please note: This is a GOOD dog, who came to the event, behaved like an angel and was a total asset to the procedings. This public service announcement is intended as a break from all the usual BAD dog posts you'll find around this joint.)



And we didn't stop there for animal kingdom contributions -- we also had a couple of cute chicks on hand to help direct the crowds...












All in all it was a huge success, and a happy way for James and me to hand over the reins of CWILL to Pam and Crystal. That incredibly organized duo will spearhead the Fall Book Harvest sometime in September. As always, keep an eye on this space -- you'll read all about it here first.

Enough for tonight, I think, except to say...


Make sure to check out the latest SiWC blog post here -- a big shout-out to the dear and delightful Janet Reid, who said some mighty fine things in her blog this weekend.

CWILL BC Executive Farewell

I have been VP of the Children's Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia for two years. During that time I have worked with a hugely energetic and enthusiastic group of people and it's been a lot of fun.





Next month, I shall retire back into the shadows to allow the new members of the executive to take over. The main reason I've stuck with the job over the past couple of years, however, is the persuasive power of this man:



This is James McCann. Nice smile, eh? He's the president of CWILL, and the guy that talked me into taking the job of VP. I like to think I've brought a little vice into the workplace over the past couple of years, but I'm not the only one.

One of the reasons James and I get along so well is that we really agree on food. First of all, we both love to eat. And I may be a vegetarian to his unrepentant carnivore, but we both know what we like.

As a result, almost all of the meetings we hold involve food. We've eaten sushi all over the city, drunk hot chocolate and coffee in endless cafes and never turn down a trip to Granville Island that involves lunch.

But closest to our hearts has to be...this place.



True Confections. A dessert-lovers dream.



This particular location is in Kitsilano, on the corner of Broadway and Alma.




On the days we meet here for lunch, we don't actually eat lunch. As a matter of fact, I don't eat breakfast on those days, either.

My love is the mile-high chocolate cake. NOT quite as good as the espresso chocolate cake, of the late lamented Capers in West Van. But close.

Very close.

One piece of chocolate cake can provide more than enough calories to compensate for two, perhaps nutritionally more sound, but infinitely less fun meals.

James, (remember him?) however, lives not for chocolate cake.

His love is the pie -- banana cream, to be exact.

So, just yesterday, James and I hauled all the folks helping to organize the upcoming Spring Book Hatching down to True Confections for our final planning meeting.



Look at how keen this group is...intensely discussing their plans. Kirsti Wakelin, Jacquie Pearce, Kathie Shoemaker, Lee Fodi, Joan Stuchner. Hardworking authors and illustrators, giving up their Sunday afternoon in the sun to meet with us.





But wait! Who is that on the end?








And what is that in sitting on the table front of him?






Remember that nice smile from the beginning of this post? Let's take a closer look, shall we?



Just look at the glint in those eyes.

He might be smiling, but it is the smile of the cat about to pounce on the canary....

The smile of the pirhana, gliding above the plump perch....


The smile of the cannibal, poised above the fleshy foot of the unwary tourist...

...wouldn't you say?

(Please note decorus bottle of Diet Coke, which does NOT belong to the banana-cream-pie-devouring maniac, but to the sedate chocolate-cake-eating vegetarian. What? You see an incongruity in Diet Coke and chocolate cake? I can't think what you mean...)







Back to more important things.



Let's just take a closer peek at that slab o' pie, shall we?




That is one BIG piece of pie.







(For those who earlier objected to the Diet Coke, please note the extra-large Root Beer float that is being consumed along with the banana cream pie. Technically the float was Lee Fodi's fault, but James managed to choke it down, all the same.)



In all fairness, everybody ate something. Jacquie enjoyed a berry crumble, and Lee ate some huge confection, too, along with his own root beer float.

I think Kathie had tea.

Kathie is the _class_ of the organization.

But nonetheless, we got all the loose ends for Spring Book Hatching tied up, did a little planning for the video shoot that was to take place a bit later in the day, and...



James finished his pie.




This may have been our last executive meeting at True Confections, but since James and I are about to storm the Western provinces with our (aptly named) Chocolate & Chat tour this summer...

I think True Confections hasn't seen the last of us.

~kc

A Whole Lotta Shakin...

Board meeting in Surrey today to further the progress of this year's SiWC conference. The website is looking incredible, and will be available for public viewing (in all likelihood) within the next week. The text for the brochure is coming together and soon, soon, soon I'll be able to lift the curtain on the names of the presenters for this year.

***

Meanwhile...here is the press release for Spring Book Hatching, 2008:

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, Dayle Campbell Gaetz, 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, Cynthia Nugent, 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.

-30-

***

And not only that...

Fellow Compuserve Books & Writers Forum denizens will know the names of Carol Spradling and Jennifer Hendren. Carol has a new book coming out this month (it's called COST OF FREEDOM, and is being released digitally by Wild Rose Press), and Jennifer is celebrating with a book give-away on her blog. Check it out!

~kc

Spring Book Hatching, 2008

Spent much of the day emailing presenters who will be attending this year's astounding Surrey International Writers' Conference. Will soon be able to go public with the roster and some of the plans for the conference...but not yet.

I can say it will be held a week later than usual, October 24 -26, 2008, with (a stupendous selection, but you didn't hear it from me, of) Master Classes on Thursday, October 23, just to lead things off.

One other endeavour I am working on right now is the compilation of a list of authors and illustrators for this year's Spring Book Hatching. Featured books will have been published in 2007 and 2008, and will be put on display in a wildly enjoyable afternoon June 14, 2008. The event takes place at the downtown branch of the Vancouver Public Library -- exact location within said library to be announced shortly.

As soon as I have a complete list of participants, I'll be sure to post them here.

And to finish -- just because I can...




Have you ever seen a blonde sausage?

Check out the one on the right.



























Okay, maybe you have. But have you ever seen a sausage yawn?























~kc

SBH Revisited

A short note only tonight, as I am feeling the effects of a late night Lions Bay celebration of Ms. Zephyr's Notebook last evening...

(Watch this space for exciting news of upcoming launches, as Ms. Z and her Notebook make it out into the world.)

To the subject at hand:

Had a splendid meeting today with the planning committee of the illustrious and successful CWILL BC Spring Book Hatching. We had a look at the things that worked and the things that can be done better and came up with some fabulous ideas for the next event.

The best news for those of you who may have missed our June event is that you don't have to wait another year. We are doing it again this fall!

More info on the Fall Book Harvest as things develop.

Writing Tip of the Day:

It's hard to get much writing done when one's dog chases the local bandit into the nearest maple tree. One's dog, in fact, delerious with a combination of joy and frustration, insists on a vocal celebration/war chant that minimizes the concentration required for writing to a most remarkable degree.

Nevertheless, the bright eyes shining from the tree somehow make it all worth while.

~kc

Back from Toronto...

...and with much to catch up on.

To begin -- a quick look back at the Spring Book Hatching. We had a pearly grey morning which dissolved into full rain by the time the event began, but for some reason still ended up with a full house and many happy people.

The Alice MacKay room of the Vancouver Public Library was full to overflowing with authors, illustrators, kids, parents, teachers and book lovers of all shapes and sizes. The place looked great thanks to Kathie Shoemaker and her helpers. Blackberry Books reported brisk sales, countless autographs were signed, dozens of Cobs cinnamon buns consumed and tons of book prizes were given out to joyful recipients.

Cynthia Nugent, who was celebrating the launch of two new books, dashed around taking pictures, and can be given full credit for the shots displayed here. At the top of the page, we have huckster Dan Bar-El, demonstrating a great book-selling pitch along with extraordinary sartorial flair. To the left is CWILL BC President James McCann, in deep consultation with brilliant emcee (and Pandora's Collective founder) Sita Carboni.

Here is Maggie deVries in possession of a Really Big Fish, (with a preternaturally calm Ainslie Manson seated nearby).

And finally, a shot of a Most Relieved CWILL BC vice president (standing beside her equally pleased colleague), enjoying the evidence of a good time being had by all.

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make the inaugural Spring Book Hatching such a success, and to all who came out to enjoy. We may have to just do this again sometime!

~kc

Book Expo Canada

Am blogging in the shadow of the CN Tower after a full day in Toronto. (My hotel is the tiny little brown building to the right of the base of the tower in the picture.) Got in this morning at 2:30 am and after a few hours sleep, hit the ground running. It's been a GREAT day, with lots of excitement in the works -- more details when I can. I shared the stage today for a brief while with a number of other authors as the Canadian Children's Book Centre sponsored a reading of some of their 'Our Choice' authors from last year. SHADES OF RED was an 'Our Choice' selection, and I had a lot of fun listening to the other authors speak about their work. Plan to chase down several to get them to sign their books for me!

Met with my wonderful agent, Carolyn Swayze, for a non-coffee chat after she'd been to the Christie Blatchford breakfast. It was great fun to see her, particularly since we both had to travel 3000 km to do so.

Ran into Eric Walters and was able to thank him in person for the great blurb he wrote for Ms. Z. I caught him signing at at least three booths today. Prolific man --and _really_ nice guy.

Many celebs from the CanLit world to be seen wandering around today, not to mention a Stockwell Day sighting in the airport. How could my day be any more complete?

Dinner with a goodly percentage of the CompuServe Writer's Forum KidCrit crew. I met several of the group for the first time in the flesh and it was great fun. Anita Daher is here celebrating SPIDER'S SONG and RACING FOR DIAMONDS. Marsha Skrypuch is celebrating the impending arrival of her DEAR CANADA book about the Spirit Lake internment camp. Marina Cohen was signing at the Vanwell booth. Helaine Becker was signing today for Maple Tree Press and tomorrow will be back to sign some of her many titles for Scholastic. Mahtab was celebrating her very first book --THE THIRD EYE, with Dundurn. Nancy, Helene and Deborah made the evening complete.

The Spring Book Hatching went off yesterday without a hitch. (Well -- the coffee arrived a little late. But that was it. So no hitches that couldn't be bourne....)

Will have SBH pictures and more detail soon. I have once again run out of day.

~kc

DEADLINE Approaches

Worked all day today (with the exception of a couple of hours spent viewing a boy's lacrosse game from atop an eliptical trainer, thereby killing two birds with one treadmill) on meeting the DEADLINE deadline, which is, in fact, tomorrow.

I am touching wood as I type this (which makes typing darned difficult, I have to say) but I think I may finish this thing tomorrow. Not finish--finish, but finish. (I could articulate this more succinctly, but the writers among you know what I mean, and the non-writers must know by now that the writers are nuts anyway, so there we are.)



Got the absolutely marvellous news yesterday that MS. ZEPHYR'S NOTEBOOK will be delivered on Tuesday to Dundurn. Much planning of launches and readying for this week's Spring Book Hatching, trip to Toronto, CCBC event at Book Expo Canada, Dundurn signing at same and meeting of many friends and compatriots throughout next weekend. (The image of the book tower, left, is courtesy of the Book Expo Canada website...)

All of this predicated on achieving above DEADLINE deadline -- so in order to facilitate same, this is it for now. (Forgot to mention that whilst watching the lacrosse match and pedalling rapidly nowhere, I also read the latest David Sedaris story in the New Yorker. The undisputed highlight of the day.)

~kc

Long Weekend

And so it has been, most of it spent with my assets stuck in this chair, working on SiWC workshop planning. However, the end is in sight, the board meeting is Wednesday and after that, the material should be making its way to the website.

Thanks to advice from illustrator extraordinaire Kirsti Wakelin, I've just established a flickr account, to better manage my photographs in this blog, so here is a little test...

...which, in fact, did not work. I tried loading from Flickr, but instead had to load the picture from my archive. (Puppy Seamus, almost two years ago.)

So much to learn, so little time...

In the meantime, watch this space for launch details regarding the imminent arrival of MS. ZEPHYR'S NOTEBOOK.

Plans are in the works for a co-launch with James McCann, who will be launching his latest novel, PYRE.

Tomorrow, James and I and a bunch of other CWILLites will descend on the Vancouver Public Library to scope out the Alice McKay room, prior to our Spring Book Hatching.

Much is unfolding -- hope it all means I can soon remove my now more substantial assets from this chair...

~kc

Spring Book Hatching

...a bit of an update for those interested in new books and the authors that write them.

Saturday, June 9th, between 1 and 3, hie yourself off to the Alice McKay room in the downtown branch of the Vancouver Public Library.

There you will find all the new material you need for a summer of wonderful reading. More than 30 authors and illustrators will be presenting their latest works. Blackberry books will be on site, so you can pick up a new book or six from your favourite BC authors and illustrators.

These will include: Alison Acheson, Dan Bar-El, Diana Bonder, Vivien Bowers, Della Burford, Kristen Butcher, Linda DeMeulemeester, Maggie deVries, kc dyer, Lee Edward Fodi, Dennis Foon, Diane Haynes, James Heneghan, Melanie Jackson, Heather Kellerhals-Stewart, Cora Lee, Shar Levine, Ainslie Manson, Adrienne Mason, James McCann, Victoria Miles, Max Newhouse, Cynthia Nugent, Jacquie Pearce, Louise Phillips, Ellen Schwartz, Sima Elizabeth Shefrin, Shannon Stewart, Tiffany Stone, Joan Betty Stuchner, Diane Tullson, Kari-Lynn Winters & Pam Withers.

This event is sponsored by CWILL BC, Blackberry Books, The Vancouver Public Library and Pandora's Collective, with support from ING and Purdy's Chocolate.

Each author or illustrator will have a table -- so come out and meet your favourites! There will be treats and activities galore.

There will also be a PASSPORT table, where all attendees can collect a passport. If collect autographs from ten or more presenters around the room, you can tear off a tab at the bottom of the passport and be eligible for a PRIZE! (Plus you get to keep the autographs...)

Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni of Pandora's Collective have graciously offered to help by emceeing this event. Each author and illustrator will get a brief chance to showcase his or her latest books.

There will be three presentation 'sets' – one for each age group: Picture Books, Middle Grade/Chapter books, Young Adult/Teen books. In between sets, activity will take place at the tables, books can be bought, autographs can be obtained. Activities around the room will resume between the presentations, giving the authors a chance to sign their books etc.

Come and join us for a couple of hours of great book collecting fun -- June 9th at the Vancouver Public Library.

~kc

Spring Book Hatching Approacheth

Met today with CWILL BC president James McCann and the most wonderful ladies of Pandora's Collective. Bonnie and Sita will be helping us with the Spring Book Hatching as the star emcees for the event AND I think I may have sold them on the wonders of blogging, as well!

Here's a copy of the poster for the event -- designed from the artwork of Kari-Lynn Winters and Jacqueline Pearce by Kirsti-Anne Wakelin, artist extraordinaire!

James and I may end up launching our books together. We both write for young adults and our books should be arriving within a few weeks of each other. Stay tuned for more information!

~kc