Margaret Atwood’s visit to Denman Island was a huge success. Not only did she lend her name to a charity fundraising cocktail party that benefited many Denman charities, but she was generous with her time and attention, chatting with many of us, and allowing her photo to be taken with anyone who asked. She's small in stature, so I scooched down for this photo.

She told me she’d visited our local bookshop, Abraxas, and had been keen to learn about what locals call Denman’s Green Cemetery, though it's official name is Denman Island Natural Burial Cemetery.

The following day, she attended two events. In the morning, she read a short story from her latest release, Old Babes in the Wood: Stories, after which she took audience questions. Her answers were thoughtful and often included humourous or poignant anecdotes from her life.

And in the evening, she and Des Kennedy—a cherished local author and seasoned interviewer—sat down to talk about her life and work. Again, she answered audience questions and often had the audience in stitches—she’s got a great sense of humour and has lived an interesting life.

Upcoming In-person Events

Comox Valley Makers' Market

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, I’ll be at the Comox Valley Makers’ Market at the Old Farm Market, 660 England Ave, Courtenay, BC (across from the courthouse). I’ll have my newest release with me, along with all my other books. Stop by and say hello.

Denman Island Saturday Market

On Saturday, June 29, 2024 (July 1st long weekend), from: 9:30-12:30 pm, I’ll be at the Denman Saturday Market at the Marcus Isbister Old School Site, 5901 Denman Road, Denman Island, BC. I’ll have all my books along and fingers crossed, it won’t rain.

Upcoming Social Media Changes

I’ve written previously about how many hats I wear as an indie author in the publishing business. As much as I love it, it’s been a struggle to keep up. My writing and personal life are falling off the edge of my desk. So, I’m making some changes that I hope will free up a little more time for the things I love most.

Over the coming months, I’ll be transitioning this blog into a much shorter news and upcoming events post. If you wish to continue getting my author-life updates and behind-the-scenes scoop, then please sign up for my monthly VIP Reader Newsletter. I’ll never sell or trade your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Over the coming months, I’ll also be streamlining my Facebook accounts. I currently have two pages, a personal page, and a business page. The dual effort to maintain both pages, when the business page gets minimal traffic, is not a productive use of my time.

If you’ve “liked” or are “following” me on my business page, please consider “friending” me on my personal page instead. I’ll post my intent on Facebook, but most of the people who have liked or followed me there won’t likely see that post.

Until next month . . .

XO

Jo-Anne