An Important Chapter in My Life Closes
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect during my six-month followup appointment with my oncologist last week. As she mentioned during our meeting, these appointments can trigger high anxiety in patients, understandably. Unpleasant memories and renewed fears can’t be brushed aside. My anxiety wasn’t through the roof, but it was there. As it turned out, things went very well. I don’t need to see her anymore as my family doctor will take over twice-yearly breast exams and arrange the annual diagnostic mammogram. So, no more trips to the cancer agency, ever, if I’m lucky. Yay! Oh, and she was impressed with my hair growth. I said I wish it was growing faster. She then reminded me that I’m not a chia pet. So, now I can’t get that image out of my head. I find myself looking in the mirror every morning to see how much my hair’s grown overnight after the previous night’s shower.
Promotional Stuff (Not Mine This Time)
I was invited to write a blurb for a collection of mystery stories, and I’m pleased to announce that the collection is now live. Murder on the Menu is a delightful anthology of cozy mysteries, some with an edge, some with poignancy, others with humor, and all entertaining. Please give these eight terrific stories a try. Edited by Winona Kent and Joanna Vander Vlugt, you can read more about each story at Winona’s site HERE.
Buy the ebook and/or paperback HERE.
What Else I’ve Been Reading
My most recent notable read is Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. There was a fair bit of hype about this book, and I was on my library’s waitlist for months before my turn came up.
When Rowan is washed ashore on the remote island of Shearwater, the Salt family tends to her injuries. She’s come there to find her husband, Hank, who’s been conducting research on Shearwater and recently sent her disturbing texts. The family tells her he left on the last boat, but she wonders if they’re telling the truth. As Rowan attempts to learn more by building their trust, she grows fond of the family. She also learns that Shearwater itself is about to be swallowed by the sea, where an invaluable bank of thousands of seeds is being stored. Rowan is in a race against time to find the truth about Hank and to help the family save what they can of the seeds before it’s too late.
This is a beautifully written story about family dysfunction, healing, and the ecological disasters facing our planet. I found the characters more strange than likable, but they were interesting. I’m not a fan of the ending, but won’t say more as it’d be a spoiler alert. Still, the novel is worth reading.
October 13th would have been my mother’s 92nd birthday. She passed away in June several years ago. My coworkers at that time gave me a rose bush in her memory. We brought it with us when we moved here to Delta, and it’s been flourishing ever since. The photo below doesn’t quite capture its beauty or the extent of its blooms, but every October 13th, the blooms really pop out. Take from that what you will.
A Much Better October Than Last Year
The first full week of October has been lovely and quiet, but next week will be busier. Among Covid/flu shots and dental appointments, I’ll be meeting with my oncologist for my six-month checkup. This is my first since post-surgery last April when she declared me cancer free. I don’t quite know what to expect, but I’m optimistic that all is well. Honestly, one appointment at the cancer agency is far less trouble than going every Tuesday to sit in a chemo chair for 3 or 4 hours. So, I have plenty of things to enjoy and look forward to this month.
My spouse harvested and washed up the last of our potato crop this year. It’s our best crop ever as we enjoyed over double the amount seen in this photo. Sadly, every squash variety he planted was a disappointment. We grew only two little acorn squashes, which my granddaughters happily carried home, along with a couple of green peppers, and many cherry tomatoes.
My Writing Life
I watched a podcast few weeks ago, hosted by Alli (The Alliance of Independent Authors) featuring an author who serialized her novel on Substack to promote her book, and seemed happy with the strategy. She offered a chapter a day for three or four weeks, as I recall. I’ve often thought doing something similar with the first few chapters of my trilogy. Do you think this is a good idea or are their pitfalls I haven’t considered?
If I go ahead, should I post the chapters here or join Substack? Substack looks likes a a viable option for this purpose. I wouldn’t start until the book has just been published, or is days away from publication date. My instinct tells me it’s a good strategy. My chapters are short and I would offer one a day for a period of time, although how long this would be, I don’t know. Anyway, have any of you tried this? I’d love your thoughts.
Promotional Stuff
After writing Knock Knock and The Blade Man, I needed to lighten things up with the next book. Nor did I want to commit to a full-length novel while I was also working on the first of my trilogy. I came up with a novella idea focusing on some of the quirkier people Casey encounters through her transit security work. Although the story is about a young man who is an artist, professional escort, and male stripper, there is no graphic sexual content. Some of you might be disappointed, others relieved, but there you go. For those of you looking for a fun, short read, this might be the ticket. Here’s the blurb:
Transit cop Casey Holland has never met a bus passenger like the charming artist and exotic dancer, Eduardo. When he’s charged with murder and she learns that bus driver, Lily, is involved with him, Casey’s search for answers takes her to a troupe of strippers known as Man Cave. While the men are busy peeling off their clothes, Casey’s peeling back layers of secrets and betrayal.
Amazon Kobo Canada Kobo US Apple Barnes & Noble Google Play
Recommended Reads
I’ve just finished an interesting paranormal mystery called Evening in the Yellow Wood by Laura Kemp. This is the story of twenty-two-year-old journalist Justine Cook who’s never understood why her father up and left her and her mother a decade earlier. When she spots his image in a newspaper photo from Lantern Creek, she quits her job and moves there to find him. Soon after she arrives, strange visions start appearing and two girls who look like her are killed. Thus, begins an eerie journey filled with weirdness, danger, and romance. The story was a bit hard to follow in places, but I figured it out, and the last few chapters were absolute page-turners. Best of all, the ending was completely satisfying.
Although it’s harvest time, the flowers are still blooming. This week, one lovely rose bloomed in the pot on our patio table. I find that encouraging. To all of my Canadian friends, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving weekend! Hard to believe that another one’s here, isn’t it?
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Here in Vancouver, autumn has definitely arrived. There are more clouds, less daylight, and rain in some areas. If you’re needing a bit of brightness in your day, our eight plants have been in full bloom these past couple of weeks.
Before I march headlong into the busy-ness of this season, my daughter and I enjoyed a short mini-vacation at the Whistler Ski Resort earlier this week. Whistler is actually a year-round vacation destination and just as beautiful at this time year as it is in winter, especially with the changing colours. It was my first trip up there in about 25 years, so I was excited to visit it again. The village has expanded a great deal, especially the number of eateries.
My Writing World (and Maybe Yours)
Last weekend, I attended Vancouver’s annual
first Word festival. When I first began attending over 30 years ago, it was a one-day event at the main Vancouver library to celebrate the written word. At that time, it cost about $75 to rent a table. The price is much higher now, the venue has changed, and the festival has grown with many readings and panel discussions over several days. Needless to say, there are far more indie authors selling their books than there used to be. I enjoyed catching up with crime writers I hadn’t seen in quite a while, and I met new writers, so it was well worth the time.
I read an interesting article by Jane Friedman who addresses several of the AI fears that many authors have. She starts off by stating that over time it will be difficult to find any editor, agent, or publisher who isn’t using AI. She believes that many already are, but don’t necessarily say so.
She also addresses the issue of accuracy in AI detection tools that publishers have started to use. It seems that some tools are better than others. The good news is that, generally speaking, a publisher will still accept a manuscript if less than 25% of the text is flagged by these tools. I think I’ve mentioned much before that even the wording on your copyright page can be identified as AI-written. She also refers to a growing number of authors who’ve had their contracts cancelled due to AI issues. You can read about this and other interesting info HERE.
Recommended Books
I’ve been reading a few free ebooks from BookBub offers, but have been a little disappointed lately. So many of them have great plots and characters, but clearly needed another edit.
One interesting read, however, is The Secret Sharers by Qui Xiaolong. This is crime fiction novel that is actually driven by a love story. Set it contemporary Shanghai, it’s an unusual book. Since Inspector Chen is also a poet, each chapter opens with a poem by him and a long-dead poet. Political oppression runs throughout the novel and ties in with the 1989 Tian’anmen Square disaster. The author has a unique form of storytelling, which made this an intriguing read.
Meanwhile, one more sunflower, while they still last.
September’s Fresh Start
It’s been many years since I got my kids ready for a new school year, yet to this day I still think of September as a fresh start. The days are still sunny and reasonably warm in my part of the world, but it’s getting dark earlier and is colder in the mornings. My eldest granddaughter started grade one this week and she’s incredibly excited. My youngest, who is a little more introverted, is not quite as excited, but still comfortable with the idea of starting her final year of daycare.
We hosted a family barbeque on Labor Day to mark the end of a summer that went by too fast. I loved every minute of July and August. We were lucky not to have too much wildfire smoke in our area, nor was there a heat dome to contend with. It was a time of relaxing, reading, writing, and walking.
This time last year, I was meeting with cancer specialists and undergoing one test after another as I prepared for my first chemo/immunotherapy treatment on Sept. 30. This month, it’s just one physiotherapy appointment and a few non-cancer related appointments. I signed up for a tai chi class at the seniors centre nearby, and am looking forward to learning something new.
I also do hour-long online cardio and strength workouts twice a week. These are designed for cancer patients through a program called Inspirehealth.ca, which my physiotherapist recommended. Based on articles I’ve read and comments from nurses and doctors, one of the best ways to stay healthy and mobile is to keep moving. It makes sense, right?
Writing Stuff
I’ve contacted an editor with regard to the first book in my urban fantasy trilogy. After eleven drafts, chapter-by-chapter critiquing sessions, beta readers, and numerous changes, this is an important step I need to take. Right now, I’m fully immersed in second draft edits for the third book in the trilogy. It’s slow because the edits are major, but I’m getting there.
Promotional Stuff
This month, I’m offering my sixth Casey Holland mystery/thriller on sale for $.99. The Blade Man is a story about attacks on bus drivers and addresses the mental health issues of so many people on Vancouver streets and in other cities. I interviewed a driver for this book who’d been attacked three times and has since left the job to pursue a new life. Here’s a quick blurb:
Who is the Blade Man and why has he been attacking Mainland Public Transport bus drivers? And who is trying to burn MPT down? The company’s president orders security officer Casey Holland to launch an internal investigation or face termination. Convinced she’s being set up to fail and with her wedding only weeks away, Casey desperately needs answers. Forced to take deeper risks, how far can she go before someone dies?
Available on: Amazon Kobo Apple Barnes & Noble Google Play
What I’ve Been Reading
I won a book at a draw Black Bond Books held earlier this spring. This historical biography, The Sea Captain’s Wife by Tilar J. Mazzeo, is the story of Mary Ann Patten who, in 1856, was the first woman to command a merchant vessel as captain, but not by choice. Her husband, the captain, was deathly ill, the traitorous first mate locked up, and they were heading for the mother of all storms at the bottom of the world. It’s incredible that she was only 19 years old and pregnant at the time she did this. It’s a great story that provides an excellent portrayal of the importance of the shipping industry in New York and Boston during a time when disease and rough seas were a regular part of a seaman’s risky life.
So, onward and upward into fall. Our sunflowers have finally come out. This photo of the bees enjoying our sunflower was taken by my spouse. He’s much better at photography than I am.
We’ve also had other beautiful flowers blooming.
Enjoy the fall!
Summer Reflection, Book Reviews, and AI Info
Two weeks ago, I mentioned the wildfire situation in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, and in particular the 20,000+ people and animals forced to evacuate the city of Summerland and surrounding area. I’m happy to say that the evacuees have been able to return to their homes. Although the fire is still ongoing, it’s moving away from the city. Unfortunately, there are over 160 wildfires still burning in this province as I write this, and it’s likely to go on for some time. Too much of the province has been living with air quality warnings for weeks.
Writing Stuff (Personal and More AI Info)
After a year-long absence, I was thrilled to be selling my books at a farmer’s market and craft fair these past two weekends. It was great fun to catch up with fellow vendors and regular customers I hadn’t seen in a while. I always buy stuff from other vendors when I can. Last Sunday at Township 7 Winery, it was a birthday gift for my daughter and the most amazing walnut/cranberry sourdough loaf from the vendor next to me. I love this event, as it’s also a fundraiser for the Osteoporosis Society and we’re always given tickets for a free glass of wine.
Yesterday, I attend a Draft2Digital virtual workshop entitled Indie Author Training in the Age of AI, which I found informative. The workshop wasn’t a how-to session but more of a conversation about the different ways authors are using AI these days. The workshop given by Chelle Honiker of Indie Author Magazine left me with a couple of takeaways.
First, according to Chelle, authors have begun to move on from the question of using AI and into how to build with AI. AI can now take many mundane tasks off your plate like creating your website, setting up Shopify on your site, or engaging with social media on your behalf.
If you’re still worried about your book being copied for training purposes, don’t be. Chelle says that AI has pretty much garnered all the training it needs. What’s happening now is what she referred to as indexing. This means that as soon as you publish a new book, AI knows about it and will start indexing it on live databases and elsewhere. She didn’t go into detail about how we can prevent this if we wish to. On the other hand, it might well improve our book’s discoverability.
The purpose of AI, she says, is to take the mundane tasks off your plate so you can spend more time writing. But it’s a double-edged sword, isn’t it? If we rely too heavily on AI to do these things, how will we learn to do it ourselves? Shouldn’t indie authors have a basic understanding of the tasks we need to do before handing it over to AI? If you’d like to learn more about Indie Author Training, you can find it at https://indieauthortraining.com
What I’ve Been Reading
I’ve read only two novels over the past 4 weeks because one was over 600 pages and the other was 500 pages. But they were both quite good.
The first is The Tapestry of Fate by Shannon Chakraborty. This fantasy is the story of former pirate and current artifact retriever, Amina al-Sirafi, who’s been assigned to find a mystical spindle that can change one’s future. The artifact is believed to be possessed by a powerful sorceress on a fabled island that is nearly impossible to find. Amina soon learns that the island is filled with deceit, danger, and people who seem more Zombie-like than human.
The story moves along well until it’s stopped by intermittent chapters called Interludes, told by an unidentified narrator. Unfortunately, there are at least nine of them and the first few didn’t make any sense until I figured out what was going on. Having said that, I still enjoyed this imaginative story.
The second book is science fiction novel, Seek The Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth. In this story, the ideologies of the people of Cedrae and Talusar are fundamentally different, so the two worlds have long been enemies. Elegy Ahn Rosyk is Cedrae and her Talusar rival Rava Vidar are resourceful, intelligent fighters, but according to the prophecy, one is destined to destroy the other’s world. How this happens is unclear to the augurs who cast the prophecy. Thus begins a series of attacks, tragedies, betrayal, and battles that cost Elegy dearly.
This complex and compelling story immediately drew me in and did not let go. The two worlds are interesting, the romantic angle unique, and the characters are fully rounded, for the most part. What’s interesting, and somewhat baffling, is that this author also broke up the main narrative by inserting chapters she called ‘Before’. Again, it took me a while to figure out who the narrator was. These chapters read like mini prologues that seemingly have no bearing on the story. I’m not sure if this is a trend, a new trope, or a storytelling hiccup that will end soon. Both books were only recently published, so it will be interesting to see if others are doing the same. Have any of you noticed this trend in your reading material?
So, summer is nearly over. It’s been a productive, creative two months, and fun family time for me. September 2 will mark my one year since my doctor told me that I had cancer and that she was referring me right away to an oncologist. It’s certainly a time to reflect on these past twelve months and to appreciate how far I’ve come…to simply appreciate life. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to this autumn with renewed vigour. One sign I always associate with the approaching change of season is the lantern plant growing in our front yard. Ours started blooming days ago, but it always reminds me of autumn and how beautiful it can be
The Best and Worst of Summer
Our province is burning. Parts of it have been for days. But last Friday evening, a fire practically exploded not far from the town of Summerland in the Okanagan Valley. Over 20,000 people were evacuated to nearby Penticton and West Kelowna. British Columbia’s premier declared a state of emergency. Homes and animals have been lost. One senior is confirmed dead as I write this.
Friends living in Penticton reported ash falling onto their property over the weekend. The air was rated hazardous, so they had to stay indoors. There is no forecast for rain and that area is often windy. I feel terrible for all those impacted by this nightmare, including the firefighters, emergency workers, and volunteers. If you wish to read more, you can find one of the many articles HERE.
I know that Spokane and other areas in Canada, the US and Europe, are also having a tough time with wildfires. I fear this will be more common every year. Once again, Mother Nature is teaching us a lesson the powers that be seem unwilling to learn, and we’re all paying a dear price for that.
Now for the best of summer. August means a plethora of birthday parties in our family. My granddaughters turned 4 and 6. Each had their own party for friends and then a third family party. My spouse also celebrated a birthday and my son-in-law celebrates his later this month.
You’ll see photos of 3 different cakes, one for each girl’s friends party and the third for family. My daughter made two of them. 🙂
Writing Stuff
I’m nearly finished another draft of book one in my urban fantasy trilogy, which is exciting. I also came across another opportunity to submit the book to a division of Penguin Canada, which is accepting unagented manuscripts. They’re cutting off submissions once they receive 1,000 entries, so I figure it won’t take long. Since they asked only for the first 20 pages and I already had my synopsis prepared, it wasn’t time-consuming. Honestly, I’m still conflicted about whether to self-publish or try a traditional publisher, so at the moment I’m simply exploring options and gathering information.
Promotion Stuff
This month, I’m offering the 5th installment in my Casey Holland mystery series, Knock Knock, for $.99. This story was inspired by real-life home invasions targeting seniors several years ago. Just a reminder that the books can be read in any order. Here’s a quick blurb:
When a home invasion kills senior Elsie Englehart, security officer Casey Holland is devastated. She’s supposed to be watching over elderly bus riders in an area frequently targeted by thugs. Determined to keep others safe, Casey escorts a senior to his home, only to come under attack by an armed intruder. Hospitalized and frustrated, Casey struggles to regain control of her life, despite interference from family and colleagues, and attempts to prepare for her upcoming wedding. Another home invasion compels Casey to take action, but at what cost to her health and her relationships?
Amazon Kobo Apple Barnes & Noble Google Play
With all that’s going on in the world, I hope you take time to enjoy a little cake, or any treat, for yourself.
Summer Wonders and Disturbing AI News
We’re not travelling anywhere this summer, so my spouse and I decided to indulge in some staycation activities. A couple of weeks ago, we visited a bird sanctuary on Westham Island here in Delta, BC, which is only about fifteen minutes from our home. It was mid-week, so few people were around. The walking trails gave us plenty of exercise, although we had to dodge dozens of ducks and Canada geese at the beginning of the hike. They definitely owned the trail. As you can see from the photo below, this little one and its mother weren’t bothered by us at all. The sanctuary sells seeds and these guys are used to being fed by humans. It’s a beautiful peaceful place and home to a variety of birds.
Speaking of wildlife, to my daughter’s surprise, she discovered a bird’s nest in the tree right outside one of her windows about three weeks ago. She sent this photo, but when I saw the nest in person it was small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. Two days ago, she discovered two tiny heads peeping out! The mama bird didn’t seem fussed that the family parks their car right next to the tree and that two noisy little girls are often getting in and out of the vehicle.
I could send a dozen photos of all the flowers in our garden, but the purple one caught my attention because it was literally pressed against the glass of my office window as if peering at me last week.
The orchid bloomed a few days ago, which is a wonder to us because we brought it from our previous home when we moved here over three years ago and there’d been no blooms at all. And now there is.
Writing Stuff (the good and the horrible)
I’ve been hearing some buzz on social media (Threads) about a new imprint of Simon & Schuster UK, called Simon Stream. Apparently, it’s actively looking for manuscripts from self-published authors. An article from Publishers Weekly provides some information, but not enough to tell me much more. You can read the article HERE
I Googled Simon Stream and got a link and a submission form. It’s hard to tell if this is legitimate or just another cleverly disguised vanity press. I’m close to finishing yet another draft of book one in my fantasy series, so I might submit as an experiment, but we’ll see. They’re looking for manuscripts in a variety of genres. Have any of you heard about this company?
There’s a new AI horror story in our book world. Various news sources have reported that AI companies have been buying up rare and older books, downloading all the content, and then destroying the physical book. Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, this quest for old physical books is to avoid having to pay out more settlements like the $1.5 billion Anthropic’s been ordered to pay. Of course, there are likely digital copies of these books around, but their original format is lost, and to say I’m ticked would be an understatement. You can read more about what’s going on HERE.
What I’ve Been Reading
I was gifted a really interesting book a few weeks ago called Marry Your Muse by Jan Phillips. It’s an inspiring compilation of essays, quotations, and personal stories from artists of all stripes, about creativity, commitment, and navigating the hard times. Although published in 1997, it’s more relevant today than ever. The book’s expensive, though, and even Amazon’s secondhand editions seem pricey, but if you struggle with your creativity, this book could help. The chapters are very short and it can be referenced any time you need a boost.
Sharpe’s Rifle Bernard Cornwell is a historical war adventure that I picked up from my local bookstore back in April. I don’t often read this type of fiction, but the paperback was only $5.00 and it sounded interesting. Set in January 1809 at a time when the French were invading Spain, young Lieutenant Richard Sharpe is recruited by the Spanish to help deliver an invaluable strongbox to Santiago de Compostela. Richard has been trying to meet up with his British regiment, but things have gone badly. His men are starving, half-frozen, and angry with him, so he agrees in exchange for food. Needless to say, a lot happens on the journey. This is book six of what is now 24 installments, so fans of this time period will enjoy lots of great reading.
I think that’s enough for now! Until next time, enjoy your summer wonders.
From my friend and awesome children’s author, Darlene Foster
What’s Going On in My World
Gosh, I’m enjoying this summer. The weather’s been great here in Metro Vancouver. The FIFA games played in our city went off without a hitch, and overall the city had a great time partying. And, as you’ll see below, we had a visitor to our front yard, which is the first time I’ve noticed a hummingbird visit.
Writing Stuff
I took a brief hiatus on the subject of AI, because really, who doesn’t need a break from it, now and then? On my June 4th blog, I mentioned the importance of reading the terms and conditions of various platforms. At that time, I also came across something that might be beneficial to Canadian writers. It’s the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Rights Clause.
As stated on their AI page, the TWUC works in partnership with the US Authors Guild and the UK Society for Authors, so the model clause provided coincides with those countries. There’s quite a bit of good information on this page. Any author working with a traditional or hybrid publisher would be wise to ensure this clause (or a suitable variation) is in their contract. You can find the link to the AI page HERE. Scroll up the page to read the info provided.
Promotional Stuff
For the next two weeks, I’m offering a $.99 sale on my 4th Casey Holland novel, The Deep End. Please note that the books can be read in any order. Of all my novels, this one is the most autobiographical. When I was studying criminology in my early 20s, I volunteered for one year at a youth detention centre and kept notes. Many years later, I dug them up and used some of the material as the basis for this story. Here’s a quick blurb:
Transit officer Casey Holland’s first volunteer shift at a youth detention center turns deadly when its director dies from heart failure. But all is not as it seems. There are rumors that his death was no accident. As more people die, the center is about to implode, but who is an ally and who is an enemy? Casey must find the answers before the killer stops her from learning the truth.
Amazon Kobo Apple Barnes & Noble Google Play
Some of you might also know that Smashwords is hosting its semi-annual sale and most of my books are listed at discounted for 75% off till the end of July. If this is your preferred method of book shopping, here’s the list:
What I’ve Been Reading
Those of you who’ve been reading my blogs awhile know I have eclectic tastes, so these latest recommendations might not surprise you. One is a collection of stories and the other is a non-fiction work about pathogens.
Dora Dueck’s Like a River Divides the Earth is a beautifully written collection of five stories, many of which are set in the early half of the twentieth century. Dora lived in Manitoba for many years, but she now lives near me. Each story focuses on death and change. Sometimes, death is the main event. Other times, the story focuses on the changes that occur as a result of death, but not necessarily in the literal sense.
Published in 2023, Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Jonathan Kennedy is a fascinating read that places pandemics within the context of social, political, economic, and environmental events in different eras. It starts with the Paleolithic period, then Neolithic, ancient, medieval, colonial, industrial, and our current “plagues of poverty”. The information has made me less frightened of pathogens on some levels but, as the author states, we’re in for another pandemic likely sooner rather than later.
On a more cheerful note, here’s another photo of our new friend:
