My Time Machine Trip (part two) by Leanne Dyck

'Real friends...[are t]he ones who go into the forest to find you and bring you home.'  -Mindy Kaling

Jasen, Angie, Shelia (our group leader), Sandi, Jerry, Michel (tour guide), Tim, Denis, Me

our first group house

1984

I joined the government-run youth group Katimavik. As a self-described loner, I joined to see and serve Canada. I also had trouble taking my next step after high school and thought Katimavik could open more doors for me. As a participant, I lived communally while volunteering in three Canadian provinces—Newfoundland, Ontario, and Quebec. 

In the final months of Katimavik, all the participants in my group contributed to a book of memories. As most of the group was from English Canada, all but three (or more accurately two and a half) contributions were written in English.

2011

I began writing a memoir about my experiences as a Katimavik participant.

2022

I asked my friend Manon to translate the French contributions in the Katimavik book. 

Manon supplied me with the translations and suggested I get back in touch with my group.

I immediately rejected that idea. They don't want to see me again, I told myself.

Manon said something like, "I've gotten to know Brigitte through her writing, and I'd like to get to know her better."

I promised Manon that I would try to find Brigitte. It didn't take much online digging to unearth Brigitte's email address. 

Manon contacted Brigitte and "CC"ed me. So Brigitte replied to Manon and me. In her reply, Brigitte told me that our group had a Facebook page and invited me to join. I thought about doing that for two seconds but put it on the back burner. Before I knew what was happening, Brigitte had reunited me with the group. And... and reunion plans began to be set in motion. 

2024

Southern Ontario

Linda and I took a Flair plane from Winnipeg to Toronto. Linda became my travel buddy throughout this part of the trip. If you have travel anxiety... If you have dyslexia... I highly recommend a travel buddy. Being a travel buddy has its challenges, but Linda was a master. In Toronto, we claimed our bags and—. I discovered that I no longer had my purse. Huh? No sunglasses. No cellphone. No wallet. No ID. Oops. 

Okay, so... How did that happen?

Well...my purse was tiny, and I had planned to wear it on board, but the flight attendant insisted that I stow it under the seat. I had two options—put it in my cloth bag or on my backpack. I put my tiny purse on top of my backpack but told myself that I had put it in my cloth bag. And so when I went to disembark, I grabbed my cloth bag and backpack, and my tiny purse tumbled farther under the seat. It lay there, unseen by all—except, thankfully, by another passenger. He brought it to Flair's Lost and Found. The passenger found Linda and me and told us what he had done. So all Linda and I had to do was pick the tiny purse up from Flair's Lost and Found. All...? Yeah, right. The trouble was that Flair's Lost and Found was only open when they had a plane in the air. No plane was in the air, so the Lost and Found was closed. Linda and I raced around the airport from Information to the Flair check-in and back. We even divided to try to conquer. All, the time I'm telling myself happy tales like I'll never see the purse again and even if a miracle happens and I do retrieve it nothing Nothing of value will be inside. But unbeknownst to Linda and me, a flight attendant was working very hard to solve a mystery—where exactly is Leanne Dyck? She found my cellphone and used it to phone my recent contacts. My recent contacts also phoned me. Everyone was working hard to solve the mystery. And yet I thought I was alone. Finally, the flight attendant phoned Linda and... The mystery was solved. The flight attendant gave me back my sunglasses, cellphone, wallet, ID, and everything of value that I had put in the purse, and she gave me back my purse. I gave her a smile that stretched from ear to ear. And Linda even had the presence of mind to offer her money, but the hard-working flight attendant refused to accept it—all in a day's work.

Relieved, Linda and I continued our journey. This time we took a train (it would have been called a Skytrain in BC) to terminal one. Eventually, the Flexbus arrived and took us to London, Ontario. Linda and I were charmed by the picturesque small (population of 10,000) city. We were charmed by the city and pampered by the luxurious Park Hotel. And...

photo by ldyck

Jack Astor's 

While in London, Ontario, my friend Linda and I ate at Jack Astor's. Rooftop dining offered picturesque views of the charming city. Mandy, our server, gave prompt, fun, responsive service. The food was delicious! I highly recommend Jack Astor. 

In our room at the Park Hotel, I finally had a chance to review my cellphone messages. And I'm still very sorry I put you through all that, Jerry.

We spent the day sightseeing in beautiful London. A highlight was visiting beautiful Eldon House—the oldest house in London, Ontario.

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

Linda and I ate supper at Jack Astor's, and then at 6 PM my friend Jerry drove us to Walden Place (a walking distance from Grand Bend).

photo by Linda

Jerry (our volunteer driver) and Me

photo by ldyck

Jerry got this Katimavik sign specially made for the reunion.

If I could have I would have stuffed it into my suitcase. 

(Note: bring a bigger suitcase)

The Reunion

May 23 to 27

photo by Denis

Group house in Whalen Place, Ontario

photo by Jerry

Linda, Fani, and Me

photo by Brigitte (I think)

Back row: Lorrie, Rich (Angie's husband), Angie, me, Sandi, Denis, Brigitte, Jerry

Front row: Lise, Fani (Tim's wife), Tim, Linda (my travel buddy)

I'm finding it hard to summarize the reunion, but Angie (see above) wrote a beautiful summary...

'A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.' -Thomas Mann

Angela Giacomelli wrote...

We had an incredibly good time. We never starved, and we laughed from sunrise to sundown! We learned that distance and time have no interference between the bond of a group of kids from across our beloved country, Canada. Our time spent together after 40 years apart was truly magical and a testament to our enduring friendship now and always. We all still agree how much we loved the Katimavik program and how it helped make way for our futures!

photo by Angie

Me, Jerry and Sandi

Keep partying, my Katimavik family

Until next time...

Travel Tips...

-take a graphic novel. I was given Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. It made the perfect travel companion.

-for those who are dyslexic and, or have travel anxiety, I recommend a travel buddy (someone to travel with)

-pack all liquids in checked baggage

-take a neck pillow and a butt cushion

-pack light--all of your clothes should easily fit in your suitcase with room leftover. You will no doubt acquire more items.

-celebrate the end of your trip by taking yourself to a day spa

Next Sunday...

My Time Machine Trip (part 1) by Leanne Dyck

Manitoba

May 14, 2024

I woke early (5:15 am) to set out for points east. I dubbed this my time machine trip. It allowed me to reconnect with people and revisit places that shaped me.

photo by ldyck

My plane landed, and Linda was there to meet me. 

In 1985, my friendship with Linda began when we enrolled in the University of Winnipeg's Child Care Worker Training Program. The program crammed two years of study into eighteen months. It combined theory with hands-on experience. Linda and I have been friends ever since.

While in Winnipeg, I planned to stay with Linda, her husband, their cat Sassy, and their dog Finn. I arrived at Linda's a bundle of excitement and nerves. Finn met me with his own bundle. The two bundles exploded, and Finn told me I would have to find somewhere else to stay. I respected his opinion and set to work to find a solution to my problem. 

photo by Marjorie

Marjorie and me

Marjorie—my aunt by marriage—generously opened her doors and welcomed me into her guest bedroom. By the time the dust had settled and I laid my exhausted body down and closed my eyes, it was midnight. There was little of May 14 that I hadn't experienced.

May 15

Susan was my best friend in elementary school. We've lost touch and reconnected periodically throughout our lives. When had we last chatted face-to-face? I couldn't remember, but Susan did—in 1994, Susan and I had visited in her mom's living room. Recently, we reconnected again. Thanks to Facebook. Winnipeg's Stella's restaurant was the setting for our long overdue face-to-face chat. We invited Linda to join us, and the three of us shared laughter and memories for six hours. Six hours. Yes, we had a lot to catch up on. 

photo by ldyck

Susan and Linda

May 16

I treated Linda and myself to a slice each of vegan Oreo chocolate cake at Baked Expectations—a bakeshop in Osborne Village. 

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

Linda

Osborne Village holds cherished memories for me. In 1990, as a new couple, Byron and I moved into a second-floor apartment there. We lived in that apartment building (River Crescent Gardens) for about three years, and our love thrived in that artsy, funky neighbourhood. 

May 17

My middle brother Randy drove me to Eriksdale, Manitoba. 

photo by Val

photo by Val

I was born in Eriksdale's first hospital. My dad was born in Eriksdale as well. My grandfather was one of the first settlers. Two of my three brothers still live there. Simply put, I have deep roots in Eriksdale. 

While in Eriksdale, I stayed on my oldest brother Rick's and my sister-in-law Val's farm.

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

Val and Rick, and my cousin John

Highlights of my time in Eriksdale include helping Rick feed lambs, spending time with family pets, going for long walks with Val, chatting with my niece Darlene, attending a kitchen table party, touring the Eriksdale museum, and...

photo by Val

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

having ice cream at Havakeen Lunch. I pay tribute to Havakeen in this short story...

photo by ldyck

Rainbow Ice Cream

My mom let me go. I'm not sure I would have had I been the mother. I was so young crossing that road--a major highway, semis sped down. But Mom let me go knowing it was a child's rite of passage. I never remember her taking me. I do remember her calling, "Be careful crossing the road."

I headed to a white building with a sign that read:  'Hav-A-Keen Lunch'. Keen was like cool, back then. The business--a mom and pop truck stop--was shared by the Havards and the Keens, hence the name.

A bell rang when the screen door slammed shut behind me.

Sometimes she popped out of the back, where she lived. Sometimes she was wiping the counter. She always greeted me with a smile.

"Hi, Mrs. Havakeen."

Maybe she tried to correct me. Maybe she said, "Just call me Mrs. Keen." Maybe she added a dear to show me she wasn't mad. I don't remember. I do remember her asking, "What'll you have?"

I dumped a handful of coins on the counter--pennies, dimes, nickels, and a quarter. "What will this buy?"

"A chocolate bar, pop, an ice cream cone..."

"A rainbow ice cream cone, please," I said spring, summer, fall--never winter, the road was too slippery.

Mrs. Keen dipped the spoon in a bucket of water and then into the pail. A large box with a child holding a triple scoop cone hung on the wall. She pulled a cone from the box, filled it with ice cream and handed it to me.

Rainbow ice cream:  swirls of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and mint. Why choose one favour when you can have them all? Rainbow. It was like eating a better tomorrow.

I always made it home safe and sound. Sometimes with rainbow ice cream dripping down my arm--melting under the hot sun.

Did Mrs. Keen know how important she was to me? Did she know how special she made me feel? I like to think she did.

May 20

Rick, Val and I spent most of the day in the car. We drove to St. Rose du Lac (north of Eriksdale). I treated everyone to breakfast. We came back by way of Portage la Prairie. The landscape changed during our drive from rocks and swamps to Lake Manitoba's great expanse to rolling hills and fertile land. 

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

St. Rose du Lac Grotto

That tour reminded me of car rides through Eriksdale's backroads with my parents after church. 

photo by ldyck

Next Sunday, my adventure continues in Southern Ontario

Book Review: Dirty Birds (adventure, humour) by Morgan Murray

If your taste in literature is twisted like mine, do yourself a favour and read Dirty Birds by Morgan Murray. You'll laugh your tail feathers off.

Dirty Birds

Morgan Murray

Breakwater Books

2020

Twenty-three-year-old Milton Ontario wants to become a poet like his hero, Leonard Cohen. So, in the fall of 2007, he leaves his basement apartment in his parents' house in Bellybutton, Saskatchewan. The bus he jumps onto takes him to Montreal--the most romantic city in Canada, or is it?

Milton is ridiculously unprepared to live in Montreal. He has no job prospects. He has barely a basic understanding of French. Fortunately, thanks to Craiglist, he does have a place to stay--or does he?

Dirty Birds is a dirty book with foul language and risque scenes. Shocking! I loved every page. In fact, I laughed at the beginning, the middle, and the end. And yet Dirty Birds is not fluff. Author Morgan Murray addresses some weighty questions--what is love and what is the meaning of life?

Will Ferguson describes Morgan Murray as Canada's Vonnegut. I've never read Vonnegut. (My husband thinks this is a crime.) I have read Tom Robbins. So I'd describe Morgan Murray as Canada's Tom Robbins or maybe he's Canada's Morgan Murray.

How did I find Dirty Birds?

It was on Canada Reads long-list.

Where did I get this book?

From the publisher Breakwater Books. You can buy it here and here and here.

What attracted me to this book?

I was born and raised in rural Manitoba. In my early twenties, I left to live--for nine months--in eastern Canada (Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec). The people I met and the adventures I had rocked my world--much like Milton's world was rocked.

More about Dirty Birds...

Interviewed with Morgan Murray

Wednesday, March 10

Online Author Reading

Annie

Written and read by Leanne Dyck

What would you do to make a dream reality?

Sunday, March 14

Short Story

Catch It

Written by Leanne Dyck

a silly little story to make you giggle--or scratch your head

Preparing for Canada Reads

A series of 11 podcasts

How to tune in

This week I've enjoyed an entertaining and informative podcast...

On the Road with Penguin Classics

There's a collection of seven episodes in the first series and there's is a promise of more.

...And there's also...

Penguin Podcast

Interview with authors

photo by ldyck

Join me in celebrating International Women's Day...

The Call of the Wild by Jack London (adventure)

Update:  Read this review and then go see the movie--release date February 21 (Canada). Yeah, the movie. I know... I just found out about it. 

Or... 

Read Roger Ebert's review and buy the book.

The Call of the Wild is about weathering through life transitions and learning how to be the master of your own destiny.

Buy the Book

serialized in the summer of 1903 by The Saturday Evening Post

later that year the manuscript was purchased by MacMillan Publishers

my copy was published in 1964 by The MacMillan Company of Canada

The MacMillan Company of Canada was founded in 1905 and ceased to exist in 2002

Set in Yukon, Canada in 1897, The Call of the Wild is a story about a dog. Buck is a four-year-old St. Bernard Collie cross. (Buck was inspired by a real dog) Though other dogs live on Judge Miller's estate in Santa Clara Valley--two lap dogs and a pack of fox terriers--Buck is the king 'over all creeping, crawling, flying things..., humans included.' (p. 3)

Buck would have lived out his days as a pampered pup--as his father and mother had done--had it not been for a gambling debt. To pay the debt, Buck is sold to a dog breaker.

'The almost perpetually frozen roads necessitated the use of dog-teams and sleighs for travel, and with the rush of gold came a demand for dogs that the native Alaskan huskies could not fill. The practice of importing dogs from the south to fill this ever-growing demand was resorted to--hence the fate that befell poor Buck.'

-Linton D. Read, Vice-Principal Moira Secondary School, Belleville, Ontario

The Call of the Wild is about a southerner managing to survive and thrive in the north-- the harsh, unforgiving north. Due to Buck's determination and self-respect, we fall in love with him. Though others may doubt him, though others may bully him, Buck knows what he is capable of.

'His muscles became hard as iron and he grew calloous to all ordinary pain... He could eat anything, and [extract]...the last least particle of nutriment [from it to build]...it into the toughest and stoutest of tissues. Sight and scent became remarkably keen, while his hearing developed such acuteness that in his sleep he heard the faintest sound and knew whether it heralded peace or peril...

And not only did he learn by experience, but instincts long dead became alive again.' (p. 23-24)

The Call of the Wild is, at times, an in-your-face brutal story and the writing is dated in the treatment of minorities and women, but, in spite of these deficiencies, this short novel (108 pages) is an entertaining and inspiring read.

More...

About the Author...

John Griffith London was famous for writing 'romantic, exciting adventures with vividly realistic 

Guest Post: author Pam Withers

Pam Withers and I have been friends and writer group members for about three years. I've benefitted from her skill as an editor and been motivated by her endless encouragement. It's my pleasure to introduce Pam to you.

Pam Withers writes best-selling "extreme sports" adventure books --which are particularly popular with boys. They're riveting; so is their author as a speaker. What else would you expect of a former journalist and editor who was also an outdoor guide?

How/why did you start to write?

My parents were both avid readers. I have fond memories of my mother reading the classics to my five siblings and me. My grandma gave my family the Wizard of Oz collection (15 books).
When I was seven-years-old I told my grandma that I wanted to be a writer. 
She said, "That's nice, dear. What will you do to make a living?"
My father suggested I become a journalist. I was 40 years old before I became a fiction writer.

How did you become an author?

I was unemployed for a year and decided to write a novel to keep out of trouble. I wrote a lot in hockey rinks while I watched my son practice. I finished the book. It took 3 years to place after I received 9 rejections.  

A friend of a friend connected me with an agent. After reading Raging River, the agent decided to take me on as a client. The agent found my publisher -- Whitecap Books in North Vancouver. Raging River was published 19 years ago. 

I had an idea for the series before I started to write Raging River.

Reflect on your writing process

I imagine the climax and work backwards from there asking why questions:  why did the kayak go over the waterfall?

I don't start writing until the plot points are plotted out. Then I start imagining the characters.

Was your career in journalism an asset to your writing? How?

Yes, definitely. It taught me discipline, how to conduct research and how to gather information from experts.

What inspires you?

My twisted imagination.

Adventure authors FarleyMowat and Willard Price.

Why did you decide to write for pre-teen and teen boys?

I enjoy writing about adventure because I was involved in outdoor sports. I imagined that what I was writing would only be of interest to boys. I have later learned that girls enjoy reading my books, as well.

This is your 17th novel, any tips for continuing to write through back and arm pain, through good times and bad?

If your passion is writing you can't not write.

Most recently, I saw a magazine article regarding canyoneering and said, "That's going to be the topic of my next story."

The photographer/author of the article became one of the experts who helped me with the story--Tracker's Canyon.

Buy this book on Amazon.ca

Buy this book on Indigo

When Tristan's dad disappears, Tristan puts his tracking skills to the test to find him -- but will Tristan's talents save him if it turns out to be a trap?

Thanks to his dad's coaching, sixteen-year-old Tristan is one of the best climbers and trackers in his community. He can read footprints and bushes like they're security-camera footage, and fearlessly descend rock faces and waterfalls. But when his father disappears, leaving his mother too grief-stricken to function, the young canyoneer's life goes into freefall.

Left in the hands of a well-meaning but incompetent uncle and a space-cadet housekeeper, Tristan's life is a struggle no matter how hard he works. Finding himself near the end of his rope at home, the teen decides to set off into Swallow Canyon to search for his father -- only to realize that someone seems to be out to get him. Now the question is who's stalking whom, and are Tristan's skills up to the dangerous game playing out iin the deep, shadowy ravine?

Christmas with Family (2 of 3) by Leanne Dyck

Christmas is not always merry. If you are--for whatever reason--separated from loved ones, it can be depressing and lonely. But you don't have to be a victim of these feelings. You can save your Christmas. This is a true story of how I--with help--saved mine.

Link to Christmas with Family (1 of 3)

(Snow 12/09/16)

Christmas with Family (2 of 3)

Weeks later, I was at the breakfast table listening to the radio.

“We’re guaranteed to have a white Christmas this year,” the weatherman predicted.

“What does he know? It's all guesswork.”

Byron waved his hand to silence me.

“Tons of snow will make traveling hazardous,” the weatherman concluded.

“I think we should postpone our trip to Salt Spring. Our sports car isn’t equipped for driving up snow-covered hills. We can always visit Susan later when the weather’s better,” Byron said.

“No, we have to…” My voice choked. “It’s Christmas. We need to be with family.”

He patted my hand. “We’ll try.”

Days before it was necessary, I made reservations with the ferry that would take us from the Mainland to Salt Spring. Time trickled by until finally, the day came.

I eased out of bed, crept over to the window, breathed out slowly, crossed my fingers and pushed back the curtains. A light dusting of snow covered the ground. Large, fluffy snowflakes continued to fall. It looks so pretty, just like C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s... No! We have to...

Byron rolled over and faced me. “How's it look?”

I pulled the curtains together. “Fine. Just fine.”

He crawled out of bed and pushed back the curtains. “I think we should phone Susan and cancel.”

“No, we can’t. It’s Christmas. It’ll ease up. I know it will.”

He snorted. “So now you're a weather forecaster?”

“Please, we have to try.”

Grumbling, Byron loaded our luggage into our car and drove us to the ferry.

A short line of cars lead to the ticket booth. The BC Ferry worker slid back the window. “Are you sure you—”

“Yes, we're sure.” We can't be alone. It's Christmas. We need to be with family.

Another BC Ferry worker directed us onto the ferry, but not before saying, “Are you sure you—”

I cut him off too.

We boarded the ferry. A routine two-hour trip ended up taking eight hours as we were diverted and re-diverted. But eventually, we docked at Salt Spring Island.

Next post:  (Could be a few days earlier--depending on weather conditions) Sunday, December 18th around 5 PM PST
The conclusion of Christmas with Family

Picture Books in Canada

Tundra Books

'Tundra Books is one of Canada’s premier publishers of children’s books and is renowned for its innovations.'

About Tundra Books including how to submit your picture book manuscript.

Sharing my author journey...

Lessons from my largest writing project to-date:  a novel for young adult readers...

Christmas with Family (1 of 3) by Leanne Dyck

I'm proud to write that this short story is included in the anthology In the Moment. To order copies, please email:  Gary Doi (garydoi@telus.net) Book proceeds donated to Children's Wish. 

(My husband and me at the time of the story--
before we moved to Mayne Island

photo taken by a friend)

Christmas with Family (1 of 3) 

November wasn't even over and already the rush had begun. My neighbourhood mall was packed. Everyone had a shopping bag. Some carried two. I sped past shop after shop escorted by Christmas tunes. Deck the halls with lots of presents. Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. Now's the time to be shopping. Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.. The music was supposed to make me happy, but all I felt was blue.

I pictured my extended family's Christmas Eve celebration. Year after year, we gathered to talk, laugh, exchange gifts and enjoy delicious food. This year, they would—I wouldn't, not any longer. My husband and I had moved from Manitoba three provinces away to British Columbia.

I entered the food court, searched and found my husband, Byron, sitting at a table, flipping through a magazine. “I'm sorry I'm late,” I said. Byron doesn't like to wait.

He shrugged off my apology.

The thought of spending Christmas here in BC—the two of us alone in our lonely apartment—made me want to cry.

“I want us to go home for Christmas,” I said trying to steady my voice.

“We are home,” he replied.

“No, I mean—”

“Manitoba? Freezing cold. Snow. No, thanks.”

But we have to be with family for Christmas. That thought haunted me all the way back to our apartment. I know, I'll phone my cousin Susan. After all she's alone too.

“Why don't you and Byron come and have Christmas here on Salt Spring?” Susan suggested.

I was so happy I wanted to sing, dance, but all I did was thank my cousin for saving my Christmas.  

Next post: Monday, December 19th
The continuation of Christmas with Family
Of course you know it won't be that easy. Stay tuned for the complications.

Picture Books in Canada

Pjama Press

Submissions page

Sharing my author journey...

Congratulations to the Iceland Writers Retreat winners and finalists.

Wishing you an information-rich, fun-packed retreat. 

Feeling Groovy (short story) 3 of 3 by Leanne Dyck

Summarizing parts 1 and 2:  A bunny leads over-stressed Mara into an exotic world -- a bear plays a guitar, a cow plays a cow bell and birds sing 'feeling groovy' while flower children dance. And even though Mara is really shy, she dances too.

Photo by Leanne Dyck

The next day I pushed back the covers before my alarm clock rang. 

"Feeling Groovy," I sang as I followed a rich aroma to my first mug of coffee. One tasted so good it lead to another. Gazing out the kitchen window, I mulled over my adventure. Did that really happen or... The clock on the microwave screamed at me. I need to move or I'll be late. I flew through the house throwing on clothing, brushing my hair and teeth. The bus raced me to the stop, but I won and climbed on.

"Good morning," the driver said.

"Good? It's magical," I told him.

Halfway through the morning a customer called to thank me for being so patient with her.

"Feeling," I sang in the stall of the woman's washroom.

"Groovy," someone sang n reply.

Whoever it was, I knew they were laughing at me. I fought my desire to hide in the stall for the rest of my shift and forced the door open. My...boss...stood at the sink. "So, you're a Simon and Garfunkel fan, too, eh?" She dried her hands. "I heard that a customer called to thank you. Keep up the good work." She smiled...at...me.

Life was finally pretty sweet on my side of the wall.

More...

'I've seen [magical realism] confused with light fantasy and paranormal and even urban fantasy.'

Understanding Magical Realism by Susan Bishop Crispell 

What you don't know about my story Feeling Groovy...

Feeling Groovy is the abbreviated version of a novelette. I've recently combined this novelette with three other stories and am currently looking for a publisher for this collection. 

Photo by Leanne Dyck

Next post:  Published on Sunday, September 25th (around 5 p.m. PST) 

Word Vancouver 'is Western Canada's largest celebration of literacy and reading' This festival starts on Wednesday, September 21 and runs for five days--until Sunday, September 25. It offers workshops, panel discussions, blue pencil sessions and a publishers (books and magazines) exhibition -- plus. This year I'm excited to attend Jami Macarty's Get It Out:  A writer's guide to submissions of literary work. I look forward to sharing with you what I've learned. 

Photo by Leanne Dyck

Picture Books in Canada

Popular Canadian picture book author Kyo Maclear

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Saanich Centennial Branch

Greater Victoria Public Library

3110 Tillicum Road (by Pearkes Arena)

Photo by Leanne Dyck

Sharing my author journey...

Be careful, don't sped. When you drive and when you are preparing a submission package. I wish I had...