This contest is over. Congratulations to Katherine Melnyk (and the original winner who couldn't wait and bought herself a copy, Jade Winters)! Everyone else, just buy the book. You know you want to! You all know what a fan I am of Eileen Cook, both as a writer and as...

I got a framed print of this for my cabin for Christmas, but it seems an appropriate to post today, too. The written word...you can't beat it.* *See how I tied this post into writing? Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Remember how at New Year's I picked three words and "water" was one of them? Well, to help me get my eight glasses a day, I put these eight coloured bands near the bottom of my glass every morning. Each time I drink a glass of water, I move a band up to the top. So...

Last night's forecast was for clear skies with lots of stars. I'm thinking that's the last time they leave that particular intern in charge over the weekend.  I have to say I was pleased by the mistake. Lovely thing to wake up to if you live here because this is all...

I've just come home from the hardware store where I witnessed a wonderful little scene. A very young mom was shopping for nightlights with her son, who appeared to be about three...maybe four. While she was looking, he came up to her holding a small package of rope...

In 2013, I chose three words to focus on rather than make resolutions. They were Canada, Friendship, and Conversation. Throughout the year, I tried to explore what these words meant to me, and experience new things related to them. They led me in interesting...

I usually do a Fave Fifteen of YA and MG at the end of each year, but this year I read wider so here are some books from many genres, in no particular order, that really floated my boat. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh - hadn't read it since I was a kid and it was...

Just like the ones I never knew.... According to the forecast, this is supposed to be rain. Lovely, isn't it?

Silly? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlKEaOeoCTE&feature=youtu.be Happy Holidays!  

I was looking over my Goodreads entries for the last two years, and there is a lot of FLUFF. I mean, it's seriously startling how many romance and chicklit novels I've read considering that until a couple of years ago, I'd never read a romance. Not even one! And while...

I've done a fair amount of traveling in February. I know if I really want to become a Canadian, I should spell it "travelling" but that double L is the one Canadian spelling I can't make myself do. The thing is, if I spell the word color with a "u", everyone just...

As I point out in the video below, I am a trained actress with very little Shakespeare training, which just makes me dangerous. But oh, that language! So when Andrew Karre at Carolrhoda Lab offered up a chance to win free books by simply making a video of yourself...

I had an excellent trip to Whistler, BC this week, where I got to meet with some young writers at their high school, and then do an event for the public. So much fun! And boy do they treat you well there. Great events, nice hotel, excellent food. And for the...

On Tuesday, 12 February, I'll be at the Whistler Public Library doing an author talk from 4-5pm. Here's all the info from their site. If you're in the area, I hope to see you there! Isn't it a great looking building?! Galiano Literary Festival Friday, 22 February @...

They are doing the greatest thing at my local library. The librarian, Suzanne, heard about it from a librarian in the US and I want to give her credit, but I've forgotten her blog, so if any of you know, be sure to leave it in the comments or email me. See this book?...

In 2012, I read 130 books. I also started a dozen or so that I gave up on. Here are my favourite fifteen of 2012. What are yours? In a random order: Not Much Just Chillin': The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers Perlstein, Linda Seriously...I'm Kidding DeGeneres, Ellen...

I like this picture because I'm basking in the winter sunshine...a rare thing in these parts. It reminds me to live in the moment. You might not actually see me online much in the coming year. As far as I know, I don't have a book coming out in 2013, so I'm not sure...

Yes, it's true. Santa brought me a rock. No, not a pet rock, a garlic rock. Carefully selected from the beach, this rock will sit in my kitchen, handy for pounding garlic. Thanks, Santa, you rock! As for Marley, she's happy with the wrapping paper.    Sophie? Did...