The Launch

The launch was phenomenal. It was a night that was as close to perfect as we ever get in this world. I can't even begin to say what was so good about it - I've never been to one before, so I have nothing to compare it with, and it was well run, smooth, even paced and crowded.

Lots of people -my daughter and son were there to support me, lots of my friends came out, especially some very close and dear one who've been through the entire trip to this point with me. So that was important. But more than that, it was a recognition of what I've been working toward for the last 30 years.

Thursday night's launch, for me, was the public recognition that I'm 'really' a writer. Not a wanna be. Not a niche writer whose work will be known only be a few who support that niche (as excellent as that niche is). For 30 years I've wanted to be published in Canadian Children's Lit, and by Orca Press. I am now. The entire evening recognized that fact publicly. To echo Charlie, on Lost: this is definitely one of my top five Greatest Hits.

Here are some photos of the evening, there will be more later. Of course, as normal in our family, nobody brought the camera, so I have to wait until more people send me theirs. These are from Don Tolson, who, along with his wife Monica, were some of those who've been through the entire journey with me:


Andrew Woolridge, in the background of the above photo - he's co-publisher at Orca Book Publishers, edits and is a great emcee. I was talking about how Feral came to be written - not sure what I'm saying at this point.


I can't remember a thing that I said while I was at the mike, so I have no idea what point I was making with my hands up like that.

The dark-haired woman in the background, to your left is Sarah, my editor, who did say some really nice things about both Feral and my work habits. I can't remember what, exactly, although I do remember the words "quintessential writer" going by when she talked about the revisions we did. I also remember her saying that I exploded her expectations of the book, that she thought it was going to be a cutsey, sweet type of thing, and she wasn't looking forward to that. Snicker, snicker. Blew those ideas right out of the water. I love doing that!

More later, as more photos come in. But definitely a wonderful experience. I may never have another launch, just to preserve this memory in its purity!

Featured Author

Seems that Orca is really treating me right - which I appreciate. They feature an author each month on their website, and this month it's me!

If you click on the link, it will take you to the page, and you can read the fun I had answering the questions, and doing up the bios.

Link to a great bit of promotion

My electronic Aussie friend, Margot Finke, an awesome writer in her own right, has done a lovely promo job on her blog about Feral.

Check it out, and also check out the rest of her blog, and her website, it's worth a look, especially if you're a children's writer. She's got loads of advice and tips for both beginning writers and for more experienced ones as well.

And she's a great and supportive friend!

Here it is

So, on the Orca blog, I promised pictures of the cats, but I can't find anything except this one. These were taken back when Gidget was still living in NewYork, with my brother in law.




This is still while she was living in the subway station, just before my bil brought her home.









And here she is, safe & sound.
















And completely at home.

I'm busy!

I'm very busy this week, and next weekend. This week, I'm guest blogger on Orca Book Publisher's blog, which is gong to be fun. I'm gonna let my imagination run riot. So check in with both places, every day and I'll try to have something fun up on both blogs.

And, as well, on March 14, I'm blue pencilling at the Pacific Festival of the Book, held at Victoria Arts connection, location information here. The Blue Pencil runs from 9 to 5 on Saturday, March 15, at the VAC location. Hope we'll see you there!

Life Imitates Art imitates Life

Okay, so I wrote Feral because my brother-in-law found this cat living in the subway station in Brooklyn NY. And Orca liked it and is publishing it. So, yesterday, the reclusive luddite finds this newspaper story:

Runaway kitten found after spending 25 days in New York City subway tunnels
Published: Sunday, February 17, 2008 | 11:21 AM ET
Canadian Press: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK - A skittish kitten that scampered out of its carrier on a New York City subway platform has been found after 25 days in the underground tunnels.

Transit workers tracked down 6-month old Georgia under midtown Manhattan Saturday. Police reunited her with owner Ashley Phillips, a 24-year-old Bronx librarian.

After hearing that the black cat might have been spotted below Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street, track workers Mark Dalessio and Efrain LaPorte went through the area making "meow" sounds.

Georgia responded, and they found her cowering in a drain between two tracks.
Georgia had lost some weight and scratched her nose but was otherwise unhurt. She had disappeared while Phillips was bringing her home from a veterinarian visit last month.

It's here! It's done, the proofs are in!

"A street kid and a small cat experience fear, hunger and pain in a dangerous subterranean world."

This is the cover of Feral, published by Orca Book Publishers, being released April 2008. When they're printed, the eyes will glint, but for now, this is it! Cool n'est pas? And the interior is just as good. Orca's art director is incredible. Now that it's almost all over (except for the launch), I can say that it's been a wonderful process. Sarah is a terrific editor, the art director is an inspired genius, the staff have been marvellous and professional and friendly. I love working with Orca.

And there will be a launch - invitations will be going out soon.