2018: My List of Accomplishments by Leanne Dyck

I began 2018 with two goals in mind. I wanted the right publisher to find me and I wanted to finish writing my middle-grade novel. I've made progress but... Still, as the last days of 2018 fly by, I'm smiling.

Here's why...

My list of 2018 accomplishments

Writing...

for children...

In 2018, I wrote 17 stories for children--including picture books, a board book, an early reader book and a chapter book for a total of 53 picture book manuscripts.

I'm currently working on 4 picture book manuscripts.

for adults...

In 2018, I worked on 4 short story collections and 5 short novels

In total, including my YA novel, I have 63 manuscripts waiting for the right publisher.

Networking...

As of today, there are 24,000 members in my online community

(Linked In, Facebook, Google +, Twitter)

Blogging...

As of today, this blog has received 330,000 page views

Most popular posts...

Wanderlust (438 page views)
Inspired by an online writing prompt

Moving to an Island (310 page views)
Inspired by my move to a small island

Making Writing Pay (256 page views)
Inspired by my change of attitude--from caring for children in daycare centres to my work as a writer.

This month...

This blog has been added to the Top 100 Canadian Book Blogger list. (In 2019, I plan to visit most--if not all--of the blogs listed. I invite you to too.)

Happy New Year!! 

Thank you for your continued support. Looking forward to sharing

2019 with you. (And there's lots to look forward to like short stories, book reviews and--at least one--guest post.)

Something like this...is what I was aiming for, but...

Knitting Project Update...

Guest Post: Stream of Consciousness Writing, Have You Tried It? by Melissa Chan

Stream of Consciousness Writing, Have You Tried It?

As someone who has tried and not yet succeeded at writing a book, stream of consciousness writing is a narrative style that I attempted a few times. What is stream of consciousness? Every author characterized under this style is different and unique, but in general, it is writing in a continuous flow of thoughts with first-person narration.

available from Literary Book Gifts

When I think of stream of consciousness books, I always think of James Joyce, and in particular his seminal novel Ulysses. Marcel Proust has been said to have pioneered this style in some of his work including In Search of Lost Time.

available from Literary Book Gifts

A more contemporary novel is that of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. It's one of my favorite books and the one that made me aware of this way of writing. The book itself is short, powerful, and showcases this unique narration technique and what it is capable of. Creating an honest and simple dialogue between author and reader, the protagonist Holden Caulfield paints us an illustrative picture of his life. His thought processes, the things he questions, and how he interprets situations are shown to us as directly as he experiences them. It's as if we can see directly into his mind. It's hard to image J.D. Salinger writing this book or Holden's character in any other way.

As someone who hopes to one day be an author, I have tried on multiple occasions to get my thoughts down on paper in a cohesive way. With little rhyme or reason to my planning, ideas would find their way onto scraps of paper, digital notes, or the odd sketch on the back of a napkin. Plot, characters, setting, all a disjointed mess that has never really come together. Occasionally I sit down and try my best to 'just get started.' Because of the ease of reading stream of consciousness books, I thought it would be worth my while to give it a try. Unfortunately, I've never gotten far with this, a couple of thousand words at best. I'll talk about a couple of my thoughts about this experience.

Stream of consciousness writing looks easy but is not

The Catcher in the Rye appears as simple as a narrator speaking in a colloquial tone. At face value he is just talking, just like I might talk to someone else. So, in theory, I might be able to just write down what is happening and the story could just emerge from that. I understand now that this is wholly untrue, and for my own writing, stories don't just come about from nothing. Trying to write as quickly as I could think was not making anything easier, only harder. Thoughts become increasingly jumbled, and without direction, the ideas would stop altogether.

I am not sure how authors like J.D. Salinger or James Joyce wrote. Perhaps the chapters were carefully planned or there was at least a simple outline to follow. Maybe there was no outline but they knew the characters and story they were trying to tell so well that the writing followed with ease.

Writing style should go with what is being written

I like to think that authors are able to craft stories that tie in well with their particular style of writing. While trying to write I realized that this was not necessarily the case. I was free to write anything in any way that I chose. The Catcher in the Rye reads well because of its story is the perfect match with this type of narration. The characters, plot, setting, themes, and every other aspect of the novel is completely in tune with the style. This is no doubt one of the many reasons why it is considered by so many as such a masterpiece of contemporary literature.

One day I hope to write, maybe it will be in stream of consciousness, or maybe not. Until then I will continue to read and build my knowledge of books and writing in general.

Written by Melissa Chan, creator of Literary Book Gifts, gift shop for writers, readers, and storytellers. In the store there is a wide selection of book covers on t-shirts and tote bags to help spark some conversation between authors and readers alike.

Book review: Motherhood by Sheila Heti (autofiction)

I highly recommend Motherhood by Sheila Heti to all women--especially those 20 to 40 years of age. Women at this age face many challenging questions, such as--should I continue to focus on my career or shift my focus to family? Should I get married? Have a child?

Published by Penguin Random House UK

Published in 2018

I ordered my copy from Amazon. You can buy your copy from Galiano Island Book on Galiano Island in BC. If you can't find it on the shelf, they will order it for you. And they are hiring--so you could get a book and a job.

Some authors use setting--description--to invite readers into their stories. Others use characters--action, dialogue. Sheila Heti uses a game--flipping a coin--to not only invite us into the story but also into the mind of her protagonist, and this is where we remain. Motherhood is an exploration of ideas rather than a flight of fantasy. 

I like unique books that make me think. I loved Motherhood.

Favourite quotes...

'Happiness and joy are feeling like you belong to the world, are at home in the world, at the level of nature, humanity and time.' (p. 79)

'[L]ife is a beautiful and incredibly rare gift whose debt I will forever be in--and...I must spend my days paying back this debt.' (p. 119)

'A book lives in every person who reads it.' (p. 200) 

More...

For a good definition of autofiction, read this article:  
Fact, Fiction or Autofiction? 

Next Post...

Published on Sunday, December 23
at approximately 5 PM PT

Guest post 
Stream of Consciousness Writing, Have You Tried It?
by Melissa Chan (Literary Book Gifts)

Sharing my author journey...

As a picture book author, the time to develop patience is when

Book Review: The Birth House by Ami McKay (historical fiction)

A sturdy square oak rocking chair with a padded seat and back took pride of place in my grandparents' living room. The plaque, engraved in Icelandic, held words of thanks from a grateful community to its midwife--my great grandmother. 
In 2007, when I traveled to Iceland, I learned that my great grandmother had studied--much like a doctor or nurse- the healing science in Akureyri (a seaside city in northern Iceland) before she immigrated to Lundar, Mantioba, Canada in the late 1887.

Buy this book

I purchased my copy from my local bookstore--Books on Mayne

Published by Vintage Canada, a division of Random House of Canada

Published in 2006

Set on Canada's east coast, The Birth House chronicles the life of Dora Rare. Dora comes of age, tagging after her brothers, during the First World War. Marie Babineau--Miss B--admires Dora's strength of character and teaches her the ancient healing science of midwifery. 

There is much to admire about this well-crafted book:  the poetic language, the captivating plot, the immersive historical backdrop, the characters that breath on the page, the...

'The Birth House also includes many design elements within the text of the book, including advertisements, invitations, old news clippings and an herbal notebook--all circa World War I.' -Ami McKay

Letters also help to bring the story to life. Unfortunately, one letter is dated 'August 11, 1918' (p. 307) and the reply is dated 'August 12, 1918' (p. 308) It would have taken more than a day for this exchange--especially in 1918.

Favourite quote... 

'I know him, have always known him. Same as I know he doesn't like too much sugar, not in his coffee, not in a girl... Same as I know that tonight at midnight or half past one or whenever he sees that the rest of the Bay is asleep, [he] will make his way up the road to Spider Hill and lay his body next to mine again.' (p. 355)

More...

Behind the scenes:  The Birth House (scroll to the bottom of the page)

Ami McKay writes about 'strong women doing remarkable things.' Please visit McKay's website.

Next post...

Sunday, December 16
5 PM PT (approximately)
Book Review:  Motherhood by Sheila Heti

What to read after reading The Birth House? 
Motherhood by Sheila Heti seemed the logical choice. Both books explore the role of women in society, both share a common theme--motherhood, both step outside the norm of the conventional book, both conclude... Ah, but to tell you more would spoil the suspense of waiting for my review.

Sharon's Secret (short story) by Leanne Dyck

photo by ldyck

I went to university with a woman named Sharon. Sharon had an amazing work ethic. If we were asked to do one thing, Sharon always did one thing more--always. She outshone us all. I--and I'm sure I wasn't alone--wondered why she pushed herself so hard. Our course load was heavy enough without any additional pressure--it was a two-year course crammed into eighteen months. Never-the-less, Sharon continued to excel--charged by a never depleting battery. When we graduated, we all crossed our fingers and hoped we would get a job. We all did--except Sharon. Employers pursued her. They crossed their fingers and hoped she would pick them. 

When I choose writing as my career, I followed Sharon's example. And I think I may have learned Sharon's secret. When the rest of us were begrudging the effort we had to put in to make it through the course, I think Sharon fell in love with the struggle.



Next post...

Sunday, December 9 
5 PM PT (approximately)
Book Review:  The Birth House by Ami McKay
Set in Canada's east coast, The Birth House chronicles the life of Dora Rae. Dora comes of age, tagging after her brothers, during the First World War...

Sharing my author journey...

November in writing

Courting (short story) by Leanne Dyck

 I published Courting in my short story collection Novelty Yarn (2006). It was inspired by historical romance such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Recently I polished this short story so I could share it with you.

I-cord worked on two double pointed needles photo by ldyck

Courting

The old man nods at the clock. “Not particularly keen, eh. He’s just not the marrying kind.” His cronies--seated in leather chairs, smoking cigars--chuckle as he baits the hook. 

The fish can't resist. “Oh, Father, how could you?” Clutching her knitting she flees from the parlour. Tripping on her hem in haste, she hurries up the stairs to her bedroom sanctuary. Dark images of her future race through her head: there she is an old maid encircled by a large pride. They purr while she clicks her needles. Overcome by doom, she swoons into darkness.

But wait, a gentle knock upon her door recalls her sensibility.

“Excuse me, Miss.” It is Bridget the dutiful housemaid. “A young gentleman has called to enquire if you are at home, Miss?”

“The gull! He makes me wait and then when he appears I should run to him? The gull!” she mutters. To Bridget, “Oh is he?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Well, tell him I am out.”

“If you wish, Miss.”

“I do wish.”

“The young gentleman will be most disappointed, Miss.”

“I care not.”

“The young gentleman said he wishes to discuss an important matter, Miss.”

“Fine, show him to the conservatory. I will be down presently.”

She sits in front of the mirror, tidies her mussed strawberry blonde pompadour and squeezes her pale cheeks. Nerves somewhat calmed she gracefully floats down the staircase to attend to her visitor. With all the strength she can muster, she enters the conservatory.

Bridget silently follows. Wordlessly, she waits in the corner of the room, a witness to her mistress's retained purity.

“Miss Whiting.” Mr. Beaumont bows reaching for his love's hand and kisses it gallantly. “Sweets for the sweet, m’lady.” He hands her a box of chocolates.

Emily hands the box to Bridget. “Mr. Beaumont, please join me by the fire.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Two would-be lovers sit by the fire. His hands are securely draped by a skein of yarn, and she busies herself winding.

“I am told you have something of importance to discuss.”

“And so I have. Your father has given his consent and now—.”

“How nice for you both.”

“Emily, your beauty has captivated me. Your grace has enchanted me.” He carefully lays the skein on the arm of his chair. “Each night, images of you wake me.” He reaches for her hand. “I cannot live without you.” He kneels. “Please do me the honour of joining your heart with mine in holy matrimony.”

The ball of yarn dances across the floor as they embrace.

photo by ldyck

***

Alone, Emily knits and reflects on the events of the day. Realizing that her father must have known of Mr. Beaumont's intent all along, she chuckles at the sport he made of her.

forms a button photo by ldyck

More...

Jane Austen, the secret Radical by Nava Atlas

'Abby playing in snow' photo by ldyck (2017)

December on this blog...

an essay, reviews, and something special for Christmas

Sunday, December 2

Overachieving (an essay on work ethics)

Sunday, December 9

Book review: The Birth House by Ami McKay

(historical fiction)

Sunday, December 16

Book review:  Motherhood by Sheila Heti

(autofiction) 

(this book was shortlisted for the Giller Prize)

Sunday, December 23

Something special for Yule...

Sunday, December 30

2018 in review

My Top Secret Knitting Project

The Lure of Yarn (short story) by Leanne Dyck

I published (2006) The Lure of Yarn in the collection Novelty Yarn (audiobook). Recently, I revised it.

'knitting one of my first sweaters"

photo by a niece 

The Lure of Yarn

A friend taught me to cast on. I knit a scarf--just a scarf. But, oh... The feel of the yarn as it slipped through my fingers... The soothing repetitive movements... The singing of the needles... I knit another and another and another.

"Knitting is so relaxing," I said when people asked about my hobby--even when they didn't. "You should try it." I forced yarn and needles at them. Some of them walked away. Others ran.

All I wanted to do was knit. I couldn't stop myself. I wasn't myself. Something else had taken over.

Then came the hard stuff--intarsia, lacework, cables:  stitch after stitch, row after row.

"Let's go to a movie," my boyfriend said. "Dancing? To the art gallery?" There was a note of desperation in his voice. "To the ballet?"

"Wish I could but I have to work late." That was a lie. I snuck off to my local yarn shop where I bought yarn--more and more yarn. I hid it in every closet in my tiny apartment and under the bed--thank goodness it's king-size.

It's too late for me. I'm lost to the click, click, click. But you, my friend, there's hope for you. No, don't touch those needles. Stay away from that yarn. Listen to me:  Never cast on.

Next post:  Sunday, November 25 (approximately 5 PM PST)
Courting (short story) Jane Austin inspired historical romance

My Top Secret Christmas Knitting Project...

A WWII veteran remembers

After my dad's death (on December 11, 1999), I searched for his writing. I found one speech and carefully tucked it away in a journal. Last year, I was hunting for something else and found my dad's words--and I knew I had to share them with you. He delivered this speech on November 11, 1996, to veterans, members of the legion and guests.

(This is a re-posting from last year. I couldn't think of a better way to remember.)

My dad wrote...

(my dad giving a speech--circa the 1980s)

The closing words of every legion meeting.

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning we will

Remember them.

We will remember them--for they were our schoolmates. They were the kids we played with--the people we worked with.

After fifty years we remember them and the debt we owe.

We remember not only those who gave their lives but those who came home broken, wounded, scarred--both on the inside and the outside.

We remember our comrades and the price they paid for us and for Canada--

And we remember the thousands and thousands of others who paid--

The mothers and babies

The little kids

The young people

Mothers and fathers

And the old people

the grandparents

All those who died because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They paid--they paid the price for us. They bought our freedom.

Don't think about the horrible price they paid--it's too awful, too terrible.

But remember them we must--and in our remembering let our hate and revulsion for war grow stronger and stronger until we join with all the people of the world to end this terrible curse of war--until that great day dawns may we ever pray

Lord God of Hosts

Be with us yet

Lest we Forget, Lest we Forget

(the radar base in northern Newfoundland where my dad served during WWII)

More...

Please click this link...

Remembering Them on Remembrance Day

to read my Remembrance Day inspired short story as well as more of my dad's writing.

"knitting one of my first sweaters"

photo by a niece

Next post:  Back to my knitting...
The Lure of Yarn (short story) a cautionary tale of how easy it is to cast on. 

Shared Passion (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Like-minded women meet in the forest to engage in their shared passion.

photo by ldyck

Shared passion

A black blanket envelopes the earth. All is quiet…and still I am drawn by a wordless call. I am careful to wake no one as I leave my slumber. I wrap my shawl around my night-gowned shoulders, grab my purse. Slipping into the night, I leave the familiar and travel deep into the forest. My footfalls are quick and sure. I come to a

natural clearing in the woods. Here they wait. Their skin tone ranges from milk to butter to cinnamon. Some faces have been touched by the graceful brush of age. Other faces time has yet to alter. All are my sisters. I join the circle.

Our craft is ancient. Our magic is strong. We draw from our purses that which unites us. We begin to chant faintly at first and then louder and louder until our words echo from the treetops.

I pledge my knitting for social action,

My yarn for greater warmth,

I knit for the neglected, abandoned and abused.

I knit for those with no voice, no home, no one.

I knit for those with greatest need.

Suddenly from the sky travels a streak of light. It flies from sister to sister briefly touching each knitting needle. Enlivened by the light our needles dance. Sweaters, gloves, scarves, toques, blankets fall from our needles. As quickly as they appear they vanish. Our love sends them to those in need. All too quickly that which drew us bids

us part. Exchanging a smile with my sisters, I slip from the circle back to my bed. The sanctity of this place remains deep within my heart.

More...

Knitting for charities

What groups or individuals would benefit from your stitches?

Ask your friend, coworkers, family members, local hospitals, doctor's office, public health nurse, shelters, transition houses, hospice, local nursing homes, day care centres, police officers, victim assistance programs, social worker, places of worship, food distribution centres, local government officials

Snuggles Project:  Knit blankets for homeless animals
This is a United States-based charity
Contact your local animal shelter to volunteer to knit for them. 

Project Linus:  Knit blankets for seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0 to 17
This is a Canadian based charity
Do an online search for a Project Linus in your area.

Blankets for Canada Knit blankets for Canadians who need warmth

Where can you find free or inexpensive yarn?

Ask your knitting friends, thrift shops, yarn shops

What kind of yarn should you use?

When knitting items such as toques, mitts, gloves or socks choose a yarn that is durable and easy care. When knitting blankets or baby clothes choose a yarn that is soft.

I found Shared Passion while sorting through computer files and thought you might like it. It was written in the early 2000s (possibly 2005)--and included in my self-published audiobook. I recently polished it, slightly.

my dad circa 1940s

Next Post:  Sunday, November 11 (approximately 5 PM PST)
My dad's Remembrance Day speech
(I couldn't think of a better way to remember than to re-post my dad's speech from last year)


My Top Secret Christmas Knitting Project

Book review: Super! by Jennifer Chen (MG)

Buy this book

(I received my copy from the publisher)

Publisher:  Insomniac Press

Publishing date:  2018

What's it like to have a gifted friend?
Exciting.
Fun.
Yes, but there's also the matter of jealousy. Especially when your own mother compares you to your friend and you come up lacking. Especially when everyone expects you to be gifted.
That's what twelve-year-old Beata faces--in spades. Her friend Gwen is a "polypower" super-hero and her great-grandmother was the world's first super-hero. And worse, Beata suspects that she may be a Dud-- a descendant of a super-hero, with no super-hero powers.

There's so much about this book that I like...
-the strong female and ethnically diverse characters
-the plot that has as many twists and turns as a super-hero in mid melee.

But...
-the Prologue and Epilogue could easily have been woven into chapters.
-long chapters--especially considering the target reader
-the book would benefit with one more edit as I found passages that could have been made clearer or stronger.

Two examples...

'I nod wordlessly.' (p. 116)

Can you nod with words?

'They amass around me like bees.' (p. 337)

Bees swarm.


Favourite quotes...

'"All anyone can ever ask is for you to do the best with what you have."' (p.117)

 'Before, I could only see Frances Fantastic, the Original Super. Now, I see more. Beyond the fame, she was just a girl.' (p.391)

Thank you, Jennifer Chen, for this action-packed story.  

an island friend kindly indulging me, photo by ldyck

November, on this blog, will be a month for remembrance and knitting-themed fiction.

Sunday, November 4:  Shared Passion (short story)
This piece of magical realism celebrates knitting for charities.

Sunday, November11:  I couldn't think of a better way to remember than to share (again) my dad's words--the words of a veteran from World War II.

Sunday, November 18:  The Lure of Yarn (short story)
A cautionary tale told in jest.

Sunday, November 25:  Courting (short story)
Jane Austen inspired historical romance

on Mayne Island, photo by ldyck

Sharing my author journey...

This October I...

Art Class (short story) by Leanne Dyck

'multi-artist mural on Mayne Island' photo by ldyck

In the past students like me would be sent to sit in a corner with a dunce cap on their heads. I've seen pictures. Or maybe into the hall to teach themselves what the teachers couldn't. I've heard stories. But it's the 70s, today they just...

"Kim, are you listening?" The teacher glares at me. "Earth to Kim." She thinks she's so funny. Maybe she is. The class is laughing.

Am I listening? How do I answer that? Do I tell her the truth?

I was thinking.

That would tick her off. Like I was being disrespectful. Like the only thoughts I'm allowed to have are the ones she gives me.

I say, "Hmm. Ah. Uh."

More laughter.

I'm so funny. I should sit in the back with the class clowns that get A's without trying. Instead of sitting up here struggling to get a C.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Mackie. I'll try harder."

I am sorry. Sorry to her; sorry for me.

Does she even hear me?

The bell rings, I leave that classroom and head to my locker. I keep my head down, my arms by my sides. Sharks swim in these waters. If they smell a weak dolphin they'll bite. I dump my books into my locker and get my stuff for art class.

Mr. Tremblay may look airy-fairy to some but not to me. He dances around with a smile on his face, humming. The walls of his classroom are covered with his students' work--my work.

He says things like, "You took an interesting perspective in this drawing. Good technique." He asks questions like, "Can you tell me where the light is coming from in this picture?" Easy questions. I'm usually the first to answer. I could stay in his classroom all day. But the bell rings again.

School was okay until I turned twelve until I entered the sixth grade. Now it's like all the other kids are racing ahead but I'm...but I'm stuck. 

Next Post
Sunday, October 28 (at approximately 5 PM)
Book Review:  Super! by Jennifer Chew
middle-grade magical realism
What's it like to have a gifted friend?

Canada's Best Books--adult and children (list)

For readers of books by Canadian authors, October and November are very exciting months. It's award season:  a celebration of the best books in Canada.

The Man Booker
Congratulations to Anna Burns  (from Northern Ireland) 
and her novel Milkman

Canadian book short-listed...
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

TD Canadian Children's Literature Award


Dragonfly Song
Wendy Orr
Published by Pajama Press
Ages:  9-13
buy this book

Picture the Sky
Barbara Reid
Published by North Winds Press/Scholastic Canda
Ages:  3-8
buy this book

Speaking Our Truth:  A Journey of Reconciliation
Monique Gray Smith
Published by Orca Book Publishers
Age:  9-13
buy this book

Town is by the Sea
Written by Joanne Schwartz
Illustrated by Sydney Smith
Published by Groundwood Books
Age:  5-9
buy this book

Congratulations to award winner...
When the Moon Comes
Written by Paul Hardbridge
Illustrated by Matt James
Published by Tundra Books
Age:  4-8
buy this book


TD Fan Choice Award
for young readers
website

Congratulations to award winner...
Picture the Sky
Barbara Reid
Published by Scholastic Canada
buy this book

Governor General's Literary Award
Awarded on October 30
website

'The prizes, administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, are awarded in seven English-language categories:  fiction, non-fiction, poetry, young people's literature--text, young people's literature--illustration, dram and translation. Seven French-language awards are also given out in the same categories.' -CBC books

Fiction

Women Talking
Miriam Toews
Published by Penguin Random House Canada
buy this book

Zolitude (short story collection)
Paige Cooper
Published by Biblioasis
buy this book

Beirut Hellfire Society
Rawi Hage
Published by Penguin Random House Canada
buy this book

Congratulation to award winner...
The Red Word
Sarah Henstra
Published by ECW Press
buy this book

Johnny Appleseed
Joshua Whitehead
Published by Arsenal Pulp Press
buy this book

Young People's Literature --text

Congratulations to award winner...
Sweep:  The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
Jonathan Auxier
Published by Tundra Books
buy this book

The Journey of Little Charlie
Christopher Paul Curtis
Published by Scholastic Canada
buy this book

Learning to Breathe
Janice Lynn Mather
Published by Simon & Schuster Canada
buy this book

Winnie's Great War
Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Published by HarperCollins Canada
buy this book

Ebb & Flow
Heather Smith
Published by Kids Can Press
buy this book

Young People's Literature --illustration

Ocean Meets Sky
Eric Fan & Terry Fan
Published by Simon & Schuster Canada
buy this book

Africville
Shauntay Grant
Illustrated by Eva Campbell
Published by Groundwood Press
buy this book

Go Show the World
Wab Kinew
Illustrated by Joe Morse
Published by Tundra Books
buy this book

Congratulations to award winner...
They Say Blue
Jillian Tamaki
Published by Groundwood Press
buy this book

At the Pond
Werner Zimmerman
Published by Scholastic Canada
buy this book


Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize
Awarded on November 7
website

The Saturday Night Ghost Club
Craig Davidson
Published by Penguin Random House
'Balancing a fine line between childhood wonder and adult understanding.'
buy this book

Washington Black
Esi Edugyan
Published by HarperCollins
'A young hero's awakening amidst overwhelming obstacles.'
buy this book

Beirut Hellfire Society
Rawi Hage
Published by Penguin Random House
'A powerful investigation of the nature of death and what comes next.'
buy this book

Land Mammals and Sea Creatures
Jen Neale
Published by ECW Press
'A story of fish guts and human frailties.'
buy this book

Congratulations to award winner...
Dear Evelyn
Kathy Page
Published by Biblioasis
'A startling tale of time's impact on love and family.'
buy this book

Scotiabank Giller Prize
Awarded on November 19
website

French Exit
Patrick deWitt
published by House of Anansi Press
buy this book

Songs for the Cold of Heart
Eric Dupont
translated by Peter McCambridge
published by QC Fiction, an imprint of Baraka Books
buy this book

Congratulations to award winner...
Washington Black
Esi Edugyan
published by Patrick Crean Editions, 
an imprint of HarperCollins Canada
buy this book

Motherhood
Sheila Heti
published by Knopf Canada
buy this book

An Ocean of Minutes
Thea Lim
published by Viking Canada
buy this book

'The 2018 Scotiabank Giller Prize shortlisted books are available in accessible format for print-disabled Canadians through the National Network for Equittable Library Service NNELS (nnels.ca) and the Centre for Equittable Library Access CELA (celalibrary.ca).'

This is so cool! And I'd like to thank these library services and Scotiabank Giller for making these books available for people like me.

More...

The Largest Award of Its Kind Celebrates the Best in Canadian Children's Literature

It's an Honour Just to be Nominated, Probably

2019 Forest of Reading Nominated Titles Announced

'multi-artist mural on Mayne Island' photo by ldyck

Next Post:  Sunday, October 21 (at approximately 5 PM)
Art Class (short story)
Follow a twelve-year-old undiagnosed learning challenged girl from class to class.