Today I guest post on the BWL Insider Blog about how my short story “When a Warm Wind Blows Over the Mountains” was turned into a book-as-art. Here’s Sylvia’s description of how she decided to incorporate the words into her work:
I contemplated for many hours on how to include the written words in my Print(ed) Word book. It wasn’t plausible to hand write the entire book, so I wrote only the lines that inspired the images. The words are written on delicate hand ripped Kinwashi rice paper. Although tricky to write on, I love the beautiful texture and how the words frame a ghost of the print that shows through from the next page.
My publisher, BWL, is always looking for new ways to promote our books. From now until December 17th, you can purchase an ebook of Ten Days in Summer through Smashwords for $2.99 USD using the coupon code RX82T.
C-train from downtown enters from this end of Calgary's new central library
Last Sunday, Will and I took a tour of Calgary’s new downtown central library, which is on target to open Fall 2018. Our guide told us that, rare in today’s world, the project is under budget.
The building’s inside, still under construction, isn’t open to the public yet. The young guide walked us around the building exterior, sharing information along the way.
We learned the building design was chosen, in part, for its rounded style, which is more interesting than the usual square. My first impression is that the structure resembles a ship. I had assumed there would be a C-train station with direct access to the library. The city opted against this for several reasons, including cost and a desire to connect the building to the adjacent East Village’s tradition of walking. Library patrons will have a short walk across the street from the existing C-train station. Attractive pedestrian routes will also lead them west to City Hall and Stephen Avenue.
An interesting architectural feature of the building is the façade made of white panes. Many of these are one way glass, allowing library users privacy while looking outdoors.
Inside will feature multi-levels for different uses. Zones for children and teenagers, a café with patio, an old fashioned reading room and, of course, a high tech area. Our guide told us the library is designed to last 100 years.
It looks like it will be a great place to hang out for Calgarians with a variety of interests.
Lively East Village square a few steps from the library
Outside the south end of the library there will be a space for concerts.
No, Will and I aren’t reporting on local hikes or being interviewed about my books on Global News. We toured the studio during Doors Open YYC last Saturday. I found it fascinating to get an inside look at news broadcasting. In another life, I could see myself pursuing this career.
Today’s my day to post on my publisher’s author Insider blog. This month I talk about my preparations for this October’s Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in Toronto.
Ruth, Susan, Pam & SherryWhat a busy and fun weekend at Calgary’s When Words Collide Festival for Readers and Writers. A highlight was the Saturday evening banquet. My friends and I got into the mood, with our flapper costumes for the event’s Roaring Twenties theme.
Sherry kicked up her legs to dance the Charleston.
Pam posed provocatively.
Pam
Two ladies grabbed me for a photo of ‘three women in red. ‘
Women in Red
But WWC wasn’t all about frivolity.
I sat on a number of panels, spent a few hours guarding the Writers Guild of Alberta information table, learned things about writing and promotion, and sold a few books.
I’m already thinking of ideas for next year — after a needed return to normal.
Nancy Bell & Jude Pittman at the BWL table in the Merchants CornerPanel on Fragility & Mental Illness Within Story
I’m gearing up for this year’s Whe Word’s Collide Festival for Readers and Writers, which takes place Aug 11-13 at the Delta Calgary South. This year I’ll be on six panels, all of them in the hotel’s Tower building:
Beyond Traditional and Self-Publishing, Fri 3 pm, Fireside room
Aging Series Characters, Sat 10 am, Parkland room
The Mystery of Mysteries, Sat 12 pm, Bonavista room
Absolute Mystery Basics, Sat 3 pm, Willow Park room
Fragility & Mental Illness Within Story, Sun 2 pm, Bonavista room
The Thrill of the Smoking Gun, Sun 3 pm, Parkland room
I’ll also be doing a shift or two at the Books We Love authors table in the Merchants’ Corner and attending the Mass Autograph Session (Sat 8-10 pm) and Roaring Twenties themed banquet.
It’s shaping up to be a fun and hectic weekend. Hope to see you there!
