Thursday, February 18, 2010
Auroras!
I am THRILLED to say that my second children's novel, The Amulet of Amon-Ra, will be on the voting ballot for this year's Prix Aurora Awards for best long-form work in English. These are Canadian awards for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror, etc). I am in good company, with Robert J Sawyer (Wake), Edward Willett (Terra Insegura), Barb Galler-Smith and Josh Langston (Druids), and Hayden Trenholm (Steel Whispers). Competition will be fierce! I think it's really cool just to be nominated.
The rest of the short-lists will be available as soon as possible. Information can be found here:
http://www.prix-aurora-awards.ca/
Cliff Samuels, who is on the committee this year, called last night while I was out. I could not figure out why, until about two hours later, when I went, "OH!" Then I wondered if he might be calling, as a friend, to commiserate with bad news (i.e., that I hadn't quite made it). It seemed unlikely, but possible. I had a nightmare, in which the "bad news" arrived with my morning oatmeal. Literally. It was in my oatmeal. But then I woke up and realized I had been dreaming. So I guess I was more concerned about it than I had thought!
But he called again this morning, asking if I would accept the nomination, to which I said, "Of course!" So. There we have it. I've been smiling all day.
The rest of the short-lists will be available as soon as possible. Information can be found here:
http://www.prix-aurora-awards.ca/
Cliff Samuels, who is on the committee this year, called last night while I was out. I could not figure out why, until about two hours later, when I went, "OH!" Then I wondered if he might be calling, as a friend, to commiserate with bad news (i.e., that I hadn't quite made it). It seemed unlikely, but possible. I had a nightmare, in which the "bad news" arrived with my morning oatmeal. Literally. It was in my oatmeal. But then I woke up and realized I had been dreaming. So I guess I was more concerned about it than I had thought!
But he called again this morning, asking if I would accept the nomination, to which I said, "Of course!" So. There we have it. I've been smiling all day.
Labels: Druids, Prix Aurora, Steel Whispers, Terra Insegura, The Amulet of Amon-Ra, Wake
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
February
For the past few years, I have been taking February "off." That means I don't write plays for 28 days, and the theory is that I use the time for writing other pieces. Currently, I'm working on a third kids' book, a YA novel this time. I've already had one false start with it. It's complete -- but I'm starting over. Not sure I like the new beginning, but I'm going to keep going. I'm sure it will work itself out.
I'll be working on it over the long (loooong -- it includes Teachers' Convention and the Monday) weekend, and will hopefully get a lot done then. How far will I get in 28 days?
I'm also reading lots of YA books, for inspiration. Just finished The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, and am impatiently waiting for the third book. I've also read the Governor General's Award winners (text) from the past ten years -- they are all excellent books.
On Feb 6 and 7, the Calgary Public Library is hosting a Writers' Weekend. Saturday will be a time to meet and talk with members of genre writing groups (I and others will be representing IFWA), and Sunday will feature a Blue Pencil Cafe. All of us volunteers will spend 20 minutes with several participants, giving them critiques. I am looking forward to this, but with a little trepidation, since although I've done hundreds of critiques, I've never done this type. Wish me -- and the writers -- luck!
I'll be working on it over the long (loooong -- it includes Teachers' Convention and the Monday) weekend, and will hopefully get a lot done then. How far will I get in 28 days?
I'm also reading lots of YA books, for inspiration. Just finished The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, and am impatiently waiting for the third book. I've also read the Governor General's Award winners (text) from the past ten years -- they are all excellent books.
On Feb 6 and 7, the Calgary Public Library is hosting a Writers' Weekend. Saturday will be a time to meet and talk with members of genre writing groups (I and others will be representing IFWA), and Sunday will feature a Blue Pencil Cafe. All of us volunteers will spend 20 minutes with several participants, giving them critiques. I am looking forward to this, but with a little trepidation, since although I've done hundreds of critiques, I've never done this type. Wish me -- and the writers -- luck!
Labels: Calgary Public Library, Governor General's Awards, writing books
