My first in-person event of the year happens this Sunday, March 24. I’ll be signing books at the Union Bay Spring Craft Fair, Luncheon, and Plant Sale, which takes place from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Union Bay Community Club, 5401 South Island Highway, Union Bay, BC. If you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by and say hello. It’s always a lively event with quality vendors and yummy food. It looks like it might be a sunny day! And if you ever want to check my schedule, you can do so here.
Denman News
The herring are back! When the herring spawn, it turns the waters a milky turquoise colour. The annual event attracts massive numbers of seagulls, eagles, herons, sea lions, seals, and orcas. It’s quite the rambunctious show. This is a drone shot, and two other photos taken from the deck.
What I’ve Been Watching
I just binged a new Netflix series called The Gentlemen, which I loved. It’s about a British aristocrat who comes into an unexpected inheritance and learns that his family estate is now home to an extensive underground weed production facility. The 2024 series is a spinoff of a 2019 film by the same name, which I haven’t seen. Both were created by Guy Ritchie, and though I can’t say for the movie, the series is a bit gory, so fair warning.
The reason I mention the series is because the male lead is exactly who I picture in my mind when I’m writing the role of the male warlock in the new book. The actor’s name is Theo James. You can check out his IMBd profile here.
Speaking of the new book, it’s still very early in the process, but I’m loving how it’s shaping up. This stage of writing is one of my favourites. I can let my imagination run wild because there are no restrictions in place yet. The characters’ ages, occupations, circumstances, etc., are all changeable. The plot is still fluid. Everything’s possible, and I’m excited about it.
Internet News
At long last, I am beyond happy to say that we’re finally connected to fibre optic. I’ve tested it twice now on Zoom with zero freeze-ups and no “unstable internet” warnings. I’ve yet to test it with StreamYard or Skype, but I don’t expect any problems. Moments ago, I did a speed test by Ookla, and it shows that we’re getting 510 Mbps (megabytes per second) download, and 462 Mbps upload, which is a vast improvement.
This is a game changer for me for online events. If you’ve watched any of my previous interviews or live events, you’ll likely have seen me “freeze” on screen. There were times I had to shut off the video entirely to get the audio to come through. This new connection will help me tremendously going forward with publicity events.
What I’m Reading
On the recommendation of Barbara, The Book Club Mom, I read An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good, by Helene Tursten, (translated by Marlaine Delargy). It’s a series of short stories, and a quick read in total. Tursten turns the sweet little old lady trope on its head. Very entertaining.
Between now and Sunday’s first in-person event of the year, I’ll be dividing my time between audio books, tax prep, and cleaning up the garden beds after their winter snooze.
If you’re interested in receiving free short stories, personal notes, and insider scoop on my writing, join my mailing list right here.
Until next time . . .
XO
Jo-Anne
So you beat Covid!? Nothing can get YOU down! Good luck and success and lots of sales!
John and I both had it, but we’re on the mend. Thanks for stopping by. Your comments always make me smile. XO
WOW! Those are great photos of the herring run this year!! It’s always an exciting show and to me, a sign of better weather to come! Have a great time in Union Bay this weekend!
Thanks, Sally. The herring are like fish tv right outside the door.
March seems like a good time to start the year’s in-person events. I’ll be at Bookfest 2024 in Coquitlam on the 23rd, as will many writing colleagues. Best of luck with your event, and it’s great that you’ve got a better internet connection!
Thank you! Have a great time at Bookfest. I hope to hear all about it in your next blog post.
How lovely, JP! Have a great time.
Thanks for stopping by. Always good to hear from you. Cheers!