We are one month into the New Year and I find myself stuck in the middle of what feels to be a very long prairie winter. It’s not been all bad; we’ve a new puppy named Frank, my kids are healthy and I’m writing up a storm on my current project.

Another highlight was meeting this great group of women a few weeks ago. Can you believe their bookclub has been going strong for 17 years? That's right, 17! Just think how many good books a person could enjoy in seventeen years.

​I also joined my first book club that same year, 2001. Unfortunately it went the way of many clubs: a slow descent from reading club to wine drinking club (that’s not all bad, right?). Before we ended things we’d read a few very good books, some of which I may not have discovered without the bookclub. The following are a few I still think about from time to time. In my opinion that’s a sign of a darn good read.

• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
• Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens
• Atonement by Ian McEwan
• The Brothers K by David James Duncan

​If you’re thinking of starting a bookclub, or find yours is hitting a rough patch, check out these 8 tips from a few ultra experienced bookclubbers.
​
​And for writers: have you gotten that first call inviting you to a bookclub conversation about your book? Don't get too nervous. Visiting with avid readers who’ve read your book and are ready to dish can be great fun! Check out my suggestions for visiting bookclubs as a guest author here.

So this happened.

I’ve passed the one year anniversary of Out of Play. It felt like it took forever to write, revise, publish, and take those first steps into the big ole’ world of books. But then, just like a real baby, the damn thing turned one before I knew it.

To celebrate I’ll be visiting some fabulous book bloggers in November. There will be plenty of author interviews about the writing process, reviews of Out of Play, and tidbits about my current project (which has been so fun to write).

If you’ve read and enjoyed Out of Play, then make sure to check out what other books my host bloggers have enjoyed. This is a great way to find your next favourite read.

I’ll update this post with live links once they are ready, so watch this space. And here, have a piece of cake. It’s time to celebrate!

Lilac Mills Review ~ Novel Gossip Interview ~ Dressed to Read Review and Excerpt ~ Heartale Fix Review ~ Books of all Kinds Review and Excerpt ~ Bite into Books Review ~ He Said Books or Me Guest Post ~ Sunday Sojourns Guest Post

I want to tell you about an amazing event that occurs every summer in Calgary. Before you scream "Yee haw!" and scramble to find your cowboy hat, let me assure you I'm not referring to the Stampede.

From August 11th to the 13th, 750 readers, writers, artists and publishers come together to celebrate the written word. While there is much socializing to be had, a significant portion of the weekend is spent in various learning opportunities. Which, let me nerd out on you for a minute, I LOVE!

If you are attending When Words Collide you can catch me Friday, August 11th on the following panels:

Humour: Anything Goes
Authors who deal in humour discuss the rewards and dangers of publishing humorous fiction.

Social Responsibility and Artists
Not every writer feels compelled towards including social responsibility in their craft, but for some it is a foundational part of their work. Join us as our panel discusses how artists play a role in fostering positive social change and why that role is vitally important.

What's your opinion?
I'm curious what your thoughts are on these two topics.

• Do you have favourite authors who use humour effectively to engage readers and move the storyline forward?
• When does humour, in your opinion, go to far?

•Do you see a role for writers in addressing and bringing attention to social issues?
• Are there authors you particularly admire who do a good job of balancing story and social justice?

​Summer is a great time to read! I always imagine myself outdoors with a cider at my side and a book in my hand. Such a false image as I'm usually chased back indoors by wasps, the heat, or the glare off my screen or page.

In truth, this summer you can likely find me curled up in bed or on the couch. The cider will likely be replaced by Bengal Spice tea or maybe a nice Malbec, and that's okay because I'm sure to be enjoying a fab book or two.

​My reading plans this summer include:

2. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. 'Ove' has been on my To Read list for a long time, but I've now made the commitment as my partner in the Sweeter Reads Goodreads Book Club has suggested it to me. Again, can't wait to read this story which has been super loved by so many. Have you read it? What did you think of it?

​3. The Broken Ones by Danielle L. Jensen. Now come on, who doesn't want to read this prequel? It's being released tomorrow, on my birthday (oh ya, it's a big one that starts with a four and ends with a giant goose egg) and I can't wait to immerse myself back into the world of Trollus.

And how about you? What do you plan to read this summer and please do confess: are you an innie or an outie when it comes to reading? I promise not to judge as long as you don't 😉.

I'll be traveling to Peace River Country later this month, although it won't be in a purple car!

If you happen to be near Prairie Mall in Grande Prairie on Saturday, April 22nd, please stop and say hello! I'll be at the Coles signing books, chatting with readers and generally looking forward to meeting some of my northern neighbours.

I wanted to send a quick shout out to the Calgary Public Library for carrying Out of Play.

There is something absolutely thrilling about knowing my book baby will be sitting alongside thousands of other books, just waiting to be taken home and read. Not only is the library a magical place filled with hidden treasures, you can now drink coffee in there. I know! How great is that? They've not quite gotten around to wine, but a girl can dream :)

​I've borrowed all kinds of print books from the library, but it was just recently our family discovered AUDIO BOOKS! And yes, they are worth 'ALL CAPS' status. If you disagree, then perhaps you've not travelled any great distance with children in your car.

​The best thing about audio books (aside from reduced levels of sibling conflict) was everyone in the car enjoyed them--from ages six to forty. Again, how great is that? Here are three family-friendly audio-treasures we borrowed from the Calgary Public Library, all of which we enjoyed immensely.

​1. Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians
​This was my children's first taste of audio books and I can't say who loved it more: the kids or their dad. It's the first in a series and kept us going on a rather long journey to the west coast and back. Five stars, hands down, for humour, adventure, and interesting characters.

​
​2. Al Capone Does My Shirts
​This is actually the second in a series, and our family listened to them out of order. What is SPECTACULAR about these books is very authentic character development of the main character's sister, Natalie. Natalie is a person with autism, living in 1930s USA. I highly recommend this series for children who enjoy mysteries and for parents who want to explore the themes of inclusion and diversity as a family unit.

​3. An Important Message from the Vinyl Café
​Okay, so fun! The Vinyl Café series is Canadiana storytelling at it's ultimate. Stuart McLean is my hero.

​All of these titles are available in print and audio at the Calgary Public Library and bookstores. Further, they are all series which is great for those who love to follow a set of characters from one story to the next.

​Happy listening!

This Saturday I'll be hanging out at Indigo Signal Hill in Calgary, Alberta. I'll be there for two reasons:

​1. Yes, you guessed right: I'm selling copies of my book, Out of Play. Okay, let's just be honest for a second: Are you one of those people who avoid eye contact and walk by those author tables as quickly as possible? I'll let you in on a secret: that's me sometimes too! So thank goodness I'm there for a second reason, right?

2. I'm collecting funny ideas for future stories and I hope you can help me! As you may have already guessed, Out of Play is about a relationship suffering from a humorous issue layered over something a heck of a lot more serious. The humorous issue: a husband's love of role-play games which involve dressing up as a warrior and battling with friends on the weekends. (Sound fun? I think so, but his wife doesn't). And the serious issue, you ask? You'll need to read Out of Play to find out!

Currently I'm looking for new ideas that might spark relationship drama in future stories. Unfortunately, I'm short something funny and I know one of you must have an experience that would help get the ball rolling.

So if you happen to find yourself near the Signal Hill Indigo on Saturday, drop by and write down a funny anecdote on my story scroll. The winning idea may just show up in a future short story or novel, and you'll receive a lovely little Indigo gift card for your trouble.

On November 27th, exactly one month after the online release of Out of Play, we celebrated my book-baby's birth with family and friends and wine. The Smith was our gracious host, and Owls Nest Books were kind enough to be onsite and sell copies.

Thank you to everyone who could make it, and for those who sent well wishes. You support was appreciated.