Okay, this is my first blog post ever because I’m a terrible Luddite. But I felt inspired to finally start this as I just returned from my first ever appearance (and I hope not my last) at the International Festival of Authors in Toronto. I was invited because my first young adult novel, “Word Nerd,” was nominated for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. All of the nominees – me, Shane Peacock, Alma Fullerton, Nicola Campbell and her illustrator Kim LaFave, Cary Fagan (his illustrator, Nicola Debon, didn’t attend as he lives in France) – were brought in to do two sessions on Saturday, October 24.
I wish I had photos of my fellow nominees, but I do not. However I really enjoyed meeting them. It’s always fun to meet other people who do what you do (and they were all much more experienced than me). Our reading and panel went well, despite low attendance (it’s the first year they’ve brought in the nominees, and it wasn’t well-advertised – however we were all delighted to be the guinea pigs!). In fact a large part of the audience was comprised of my family and friends. I used to live in Toronto, and toss a divorce and some remarriages into the mix and I have LOTS of family!
That’s me in the middle, with my mom, stepsister, stepsister-in-law, and three of my five beautiful nieces.
Congratulations on starting your very own blog Susin! I am putting it on my favourites list.
Susin, looking forward to your musings.
Luddite!? Says who? I’m not completely sure what that even means, but I can surmise it. Does that mean I get kicked out of the word nerd club? Great book, by the way from an equally great authour. Sorry I missed you during the visit. I’m following your blog now and look forward to whatever you share in the future.
Thanks Joe. I missed you too in Toronto! You and Collette. Till next time.