Announcing a reading in St. Albert...

The reading at Redwood House on Friday was great. Approx 50 people came out for it and we started at 7
pm and didn't finish up until well after ten. Thanks everyone! By the way, we're going to schedule another one just like it at Redwood House for The Silver Compass next year. And when we do, on top of draws for free books, we'll also be giving away a few silver compasses, so make sure you join us
if you weren't part of this year's crowd.

Note to Northern Albertans...
If you live in or near Edmonton or St. Albert, please join us for a reading this Wednesday, May 16th, at 7:00 pm at the St. Albert Chapters book store located at 445 St. Albert Road.

Time for a reading for Southern Albertans...

If you live near Calgary, Alberta and can make it out, join us for a reading from The Penny Tree, (followed by an open Q&A about writing & publishing) this Friday. Here are the details:

Where -- Redwood House (Wolf Willow Room)
Redwood Meadows, Alberta

When -- Friday, May 11th @ 7:00 pm

Redwood Meadows is approx 15 mins west of Calgary, near the beautiful hamlet of Bragg Creek, known as the Gateway to Kananaskis. Take the 2nd marked entrance into Redwood Meadows off of Highway 22 and you'll find Redwood House on your right, next to the fire hall.

Snacks & refreshments will be served and there will also be a few fun giveaways as well. Those in attendance could win an autographed copy of The Penny Tree, a first edition hardcover of The Tin Box, or a limited edition tin box with the paperback edition of The Tin Box inside.

Oh, and this last photo?

If you go too far and drive past Redwood Meadows to Elbow Falls, you might stumble across this great little spot. If so, please turn around and come back to the reading. I know it'll be hard to drag yourself away, but you can always flag it as one of your favorite places (as I have) and return another day.

Great writing spot, huh?

Making a quick trip to Winnipeg ...

This Wednesday, I'm flying to Winnipeg to do a reading for The Penny Tree. On one hand, it'll be great, because I'll get to see a lot of people I haven't seen for ages. On the other, it's a short trip, which means I won't get to spend a lot of time with anyone.

My husband will watch our boys while I'm gone, and then when my plane lands back home the morning of the 4th, his will be simultaneously lifting off to take him to California, where he's running his 2nd marathon called the Avenue of the Giants.

As I got this post ready, I looked at some pictures of Winnipeg and got choked up. It's hard not to. I lived there for 15 years. I was married there. My boys were born there. And, hands-down, Assiniboine Park is my favorite park in the world, even compared to central park in New York. Also, interestingly enough, the duck pond (a landmark for those who live there) proved to be the inspiration for one of my future novels, which will be titled The Keeper of the Pond. I could go on and on about The Forks, Fort Whyte, the Leo Mol garden, the Zoo, Winnipeg's unbelievable community spirit... but to keep this brief, if you live there, and you're able to join us for the reading, please do.
I'd love to see you.

Location: McNally Robinson
Grant Park location (Travel Alcove)

Date: Thursday, May 3rd

Time: 7:00 pm