Well, this is my first official entry. I want to let everyone know that this isn't your typical blog. I won't be inserting mundane facts about everyday life, nor will I ruminate on politics and religion. This is simply a writing blog that will deal specifically with what manuscripts I'm working on, which book will be released when, and dates for appearances. Essential material for anyone interested in my novels.
First I have to announce that Time Meddlers has completed its round of editing and the ARCs will be sent to reviewers soon. Tentative date for release is September, 2006. I have prepared a power point presentation for students in Grade 5 and 6 that discusses the writing process--particularly research--and I have gathered some hands-on paraphernalia from the Algonquin village--Mawandoseg Kitigan Zibi--and the Iroquois 5 Nations village in Kahnawake for students to examine. The excitement of local teachers, who have read the manuscript, has spurred me to make these preparations and I would be happy to do school visits.
At the present time, I am working on my next children's manuscript--'Ghost in the Piano.' I've also finished the first draft of an adult SF novel--'Sinkhole.' There is information about 'Ghost' on my web site, but I don't want to give too much away, because it is a mystery. Sinkhole, a mystery of another sort, takes place in Mexico, far beneath the surface of the earth. Scientists exploring one of the deepest caves in the world become trapped and must rely on a phobic doctor and a revolutionary to come to their rescue. It has the pace of Ice Tomb, but perhaps gives a more in-depth look at the characters--something like 'Lost.' And, of course, the environment is a little on the extreme side beginning with a sinkhole, then sewer pipe crawlways, chambers drenched in snottites--acidic bacterial clusters that develop in sulfur-rich caves--and toxic gas, 36-story pitches, fast-flowing sumps and crystalline cathedrals. Hope you will enjoy reading the novel as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Finally I wanted to let you know where I will be making appearances in the coming months.
February
Feb. 4: Ottawa, Chapters Rideau, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 24: Ottawa, Barrhaven. Indigo, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 25: Ottawa, Chapters Gloucester, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 25: Ottawa, Coles St. Laurent, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
March
Mar. 4: Ottawa, Chapters South Keys, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 11: Ottawa, Chapters Kanata, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
April
April 1st and 2nd - Toronto, Ad Astra Conference.
