Posts Tagged ‘Albany Books’
A Decade of Book Launches
Posted on: April 19, 2020
- In: Books | Dreams | Events
- 91 Comments
My publisher reminded me that it has been ten years since we published my first book, Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask. Ten years!!
It made me think back to my first book launch at Albany Books in Tsawwassen, BC. I was so excited and so scared. What if no one came? What if no one bought my book? What if no one liked it? How many times had I gone to a book launch or book signing and dreamt of one day having my own? Thanks to Central Avenue Publishing my life-long dream came true.
I was over the moon with happiness. I had to pinch myself, to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
And the following year I had another book launch for Amanda in Spain: The Girl in the Painting.
Even more people came, the bookstore was packed and I sold more books.
So I wrote another book, Amanda in England: The Missing Novel, and launched it at Albany Books. No one could even tell I had a broken ankle.
I launched the next book, Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone, wearing the appropriate hat.
Then I moved to Spain and wrote Amanda on the Danube: The Sounds of Music, but returned to Albany Books for the launch.
Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind followed with another fun launch.
And then there was my recent launch of Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action. Well attended in spite of a rainy Vancouver day.
Thank you to everyone who has attended my book launches over the past ten years, for buying my books and for spreading the word about them.
Thank you to Albany Books for hosting my book launches. Even though in lockdown, they are open for phone-in and online orders, with local curbside delivery and mail delivery otherwise. Please support your local bookstores at this time. https://www.albanybooks.com/
Thank you to Michelle Halket of Central Avenue Publishing for believing in me and my Amanda Travels series.
And thank you for coming along with me down memory lane. I wonder what the next ten years will bring. Stay strong, stay safe and stay home!
A Happy Traveler
Posted on: November 9, 2019
- In: Books | Family | Travel
- 97 Comments
I was missing in action for the last month as I went to Canada to promote the latest Amanda Travels book as well as visit friends and family. It was a very successful trip, although a bit tiring. Here’s a sample of what I was up to.
I visited four schools in Alberta and BC, consisting of a variety of class sizes and students. All delightful with many questions and comments. My favourite part of being a published author is visiting schools and reading to the children. When I walked into one class, a young boy shouted, “She´s here! She´s here! I can´t believe she´s here!” For a moment I felt like a rock star.
Amanda Travels fans in Okotoks, Alberta
“Any questions?” Look at all those hands in Airdrie, Alberta
Reading to students in the comfy chair in Sunrise Ridge, BC. It doesn´t get any better.
Eager students in Stirling, Alberta
I launched my latest book, Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action, at Albany Books in Tsawwassen, BC, a community I lived in for fifteen years. I love this friendly, locally-owned, independant bookstore that has supported my books since the start.
With my amazing publisher at Albany Books
I also held a book signing at Chapters Indigo in Coquitlam, on the other side of the city, which was also well attended. Chapters is a large Canadian chain, with each store run like a local independent store. The staff and atmosphere at Pine Tree Village couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming.
I also had a table at the Surrey International Writer’s Conference where I sold books and met other wonderful writers including Diana Gabaldon, the creator of the Outlander series. I love her books and her.
In Medicine Hat, my home town, I held a reading and signing at the charming Inspire Art Cafe. It was awesome to see so many folks come out and support my writing. I had a sweet young helper too.
It wasn’t all about books though. I spent wonderful times with family and friends.
I visited my great aunt and great uncle in their new home. My great aunt is the last of my grandparents’ siblings and doing very well in spite of breaking her hip earlier this year at ninety-five years old.
And later I met their great-grandaughter, Anika, at a library presentation in Calgary.
I stopped in to have a cup of tea with my Aunt Peggy and she made an apple pie, from scratch, just for me!
Of course, I spent some good times with mom and my son and his family
I took a floatplane to Gabriola Island to spend three glorious days with my potter daughter
I watched her make horsehair raku pottery. Fascinating.
There were many visits with other family members and friends, shared meals, coffees, and sleepovers. Everyone had pets so I had lots of fur babies to cuddle. I may share those pictures on another post.
I encountered rain, snow, sunshine, strong winds and more rain, sometimes all on the same day! I traveled by plane, train, car, bus, truck, taxi, floatplane, and rowboat. It was a busy time with never a dull moment but I loved every minute!
Fun Book Tour Events
Posted on: October 15, 2017
- In: Books | Events
- 47 Comments
As you could see from my previous posts, I had a wonderful time back in Canada visiting family and friends. But the trip was also to promote my books, more specifically my latest release, Amanda in New Mexico – Ghosts in the Wind. I had a lot of fun at the pre-planned events and thought I would share them with you.
I was invited by the Vancouver Public Library to be a workshop leader at their annual one week Writers and Book Camp held at the main branch, downtown Vancouver. This is my favourite library and I was honoured to be able to share some of my writing knowledge with the eager participants. These 9 to 13-year olds were serious writers. I created a workshop called Writing – It’s More Than What You See. We discussed how using all the senses makes writing more effective. I also spoke about how I use photographs to inspire my writing and gave them examples. I showed them one of my pictures and had them write for fifteen minutes, using as many senses as possible. Then they shared their work. I was amazed at what they produced in such a short time. The participants said they enjoyed the workshop and learned a lot. I had so much fun delivering it.
The Vancouver Public Library, an amazing building built to look like the Colosseum
A ‘place of books and learning
All set up and ready for the eager students
I then went on to Calgary where I did a presentation and book signing at the Shawnessy Branch of the Calgary Public Library. The event was well attended and I sold all the books I brought along! The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Another great experience.
Display at a Calgary Library
Some attentive listeners at the presentation
Some of the attendees were cousins. So great to see them.
Next stop was Coles Indigo Bookstore in my hometown, Medicine Hat. I saw so many folks I hadn’t seen for a long time, former neighbours, childhood friends, relatives and even my first landlady from fifty years ago. I sold out of books!
As you can see, I had help.
Back to BC where I held my book launch at Albany Books in Tsawwassen. This bookstore has been so supportive of me and other local authors over the years. The staff are fantastic. Even though it was a sunny Saturday, the last long weekend of the summer, many people came out to chat and buy books.
With my amazing publisher, Michelle. She is like a fairy godmother and makes all this happen!
Book launch for Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind
I was invited to do a presentation at a BC Association of Travel Writers MeetUp where I spoke about How to Turn Your Travels into a Series of Travel Adventure Books to a sold-out crowd. Everyone enjoyed the PowerPoint presentation and many great questions were asked. Great to see many travel writer friends and meet new people.
Since I was leaving after the first week of school, I was only able to visit one school this time. It was my sixth time to do a presentation at Holly Elementary in Surrey. The students there are huge Amanda Travels fans and some of the grade sevens even dropped in as they wanted to hear what Amanda was up to. I enjoy visiting this school with students from diverse cultures. They loved the theme of the latest book and when I showed them the trailer for Amanda in New Mexico, they stood up and clapped!
Presenting to a captive audience of about 100 at Holly Elementary School
As always, they asked many good questions.
My last event was a book signing at Indigo-Chapters on Granville Street in Vancouver, the largest bookstore in BC. It was a dream come true to hold an event at this bookstore. Many people stopped by my table to chat and buy books. There are many new Amanda fans now. I sold all but two of the books in stock. Happy days.
A friend helping out at the book signing
Signing books at Indigo-Chapters, another dream come true.
A fabulous sign in Indigo Chapters
I got to spend time in libraries, bookstores and schools, my favourite places, as well as meet some amazing people. It was a lot of work but well worth it.
Don´t forget to enter the giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4e6fad2120/?
- In: Books | Dreams | Family
- 71 Comments
When I went back to Canada at the end of last year, I was pleased to be able to spend time at my favourite places – schools, libraries and bookstores, where I read from my latest book and spoke about my writing. It was a busy time but also a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures of my events and presentations.
I held the launch of Amanda on the Danube – The Sounds of Music at Albany Books in Tsawwassen, BC. Ruth and the staff at this cosy, well-stocked bookstore have been so supportive of my books over the years. I was pleased to be back and to see so many of Amanda´s fans attend.
My daughter at the book launch as well as a dear friend.
Book launch at Albany Books, November 19 2016
With Suzanne de Montigny, another author, who I featured here on my blog
I visited a number of schools in the Vancouver area where I showed a PowerPoint presentation I created, read from the book and answered questions about the book, me and my writing. The children were so attentive and asked amazing questions. One girl asked if she could take notes!
At Charles Dickens Elementary
The children liked the visuals I created from my own photographs in the PowerPoint presentation.
Answering questions at Holly Elementary in Surrey, BC
I thought this was such a funny poster in the library.
I also visited Webster Niblock School in Medicine Hat, Alberta, my hometown. I read to the grade one and two classes in the library and then to the grade three to six classes in the gym. It was the largest group I have ever spoken to.
The students loved the pictures of my dog Dot.
Lots of questions from the crowd.
The special thing about this visit was that it is the school my great granddaughter, Emma attends.
In Calgary, I spent a morning with the students at Red Deer Lake School in their magical library.
Because I was travelling, I couldn´t bring my props with me. Fortunately, friends lent me appropriate things for my displays, including a nutcracker, which is featured in the book.
I just love these school libraries.
The most special event for me was a presentation at The Medicine Hat Library. Although the original library I visited as a child is no longer there, it was still a very nostalgic time for me. I took my children to this library and now my grandchildren and great grandchildren frequent it. Many friends, family and fans attended, some travelling long distances, which warmed my heart.
Six-year-old great granddaughter attending my presentation at the local library. Who would have thought this would ever happen??
Friends and family travelled far to attend my presentation.
It was a dream come true for me! Yes, you can go home again. Everyone made me feel so special. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
And thank you for travelling with me on my book tour.
Amanda in Alberta Book Launch
Posted on: July 27, 2014
- In: Books | Writing
- 32 Comments
Today was a fabulous sunny day and a perfect day to launch Amanda in Alberta – The Writing on the Stone. This is the fourth book in the Amanda travel adventure series. (Can it be possible that I have had 4 books published?) The event was held at Albany Books, a wonderful local book store. I was delighted to see so many of my friends and supporters stop in. I am blessed with the most amazing fans of my work. Those that couldn’t make it were there in spirit.
Faithful followers of Amanda came from near and far.
Young fans of Amanda and her adventures
My biggest fan and official photographer
I dedicated this book to my dear cowboy dad. The bolo tie I am wearing was his and the horseshoe on the table came from his ranch. I think he would have liked that. It was indeed a perfect day for a book launch!
An Inspiring Eight-Year-Old
Posted on: October 7, 2013
- In: Books | Inspiration | People
- 27 Comments
I attended a book lauch yesterday at our local bookstore, Albany Books. The author, eight-year-old Teagan Read, has written, illustrated and published a book called Kya’s Treasure.
From the back cover:
A treasure! That is what Kya decides to search for one hot, sunny afternoon. Nobody has ever attempted such an important mission in her small village in Uganda before. Will she find what she is looking for? Come along on Kya’s adventure and help her find her very special treasure!
This book, written by an eight-year-old Canadian girl, is a refreshing story about a young African girl on an extraordinary quest. It highlights the differences between needs and wants by focusing on various objects that different cultures value. Used as a valuable teaching tool or a bedtime story, children of all ages are sure to enjoy this book.
This young woman is an inspiration for anyone, of any age, who has an idea or a dream!
According to an article in the Delta Optimist, Teagan was inspired after seeing a June story in the Optimist about a team of locals heading to Kamuli, Uganda to help build a well and clean water system at the Good Samaritan Community Nursery and Primary School. Since she enjoys drawing, painting and writing, she created her book, titled Kya’s Treasure, to help “the kids in Africa to have clean water.” She decided to write and illustrate this book to raise funds to help build wells in Kamuli, Uganda and in other areas of Africa. – See more at: http://www.delta-optimist.com/girl-creates-book-to-help-kids-in-africa-1.643554#sthash.eJUn5T0M.dpuf
The book has delightful illustrations and a wonderful message about what a treasure means to various individuals, represented by African animals.
Children will love this book, learn about another part of the world and perhaps be inspired to help those less fortunate themselves. Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, will have fun reading it to the little ones.
Teagan’s mother told me that initially Teagan wanted to go to Africa with the team to help build the well. When she was told she was too young to go along, this enterprising young woman decided to write a book instead ,to help out. The proceeds from the sale of the book will go the team to help build the well in Kamuli, Uganda. I have no doubt Teagan will get to Africa herself one day.
The book is available at
Albany Books, Tsawwassen
Black Bond Books
I wish Teagan much luck with this delightful book. I am sure it is the first of many more to come.
Book Launch & Meeting People
Posted on: October 22, 2012
- In: Books | People
- 21 Comments
Albany Books
The launch for Amanda in England-the Missing Novel was held on Saturday at our wonderful local bookstore, Albany Books. Thank you to everyone who showed up in person or in spirit. I had a wonderful time, was treated very well by the staff and showered with good wishes from fans old and new. After the successful launch, my dear husband treated me to a fish & chip dinner at Rob’s Fish & Chips. A fitting way to celebrate a book about England.
Then today, Sunday, I volunteered to tend the Federation of BC Writer’s table at the Surrey International Writer’s Conference. Some wonderful people stopped by such as Carol Garvin. We have been following each other’s blog for almost two years, but have never met. Carol is just as nice in person as she is on her blog! Ruth Kozak, Kimberley Alcock, Sharon Edelmeier and many others stopped by. I was lucky to be seated next to Joie Carlton who writes hilarious travel books and makes unique beaded book marks. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. Diana Gabaldon gave me a nice warm smile as she walked by.
So it was a very good weekend for me. How was your weekend?.
Winners
Posted on: June 28, 2011
- In: Writing
- 7 Comments
My husband Paul made the draw, and the winner of the blog book give-away is Donna McBroom-Theriot, a new subscriber. Read more about her on her hilarious blog http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com I am happy to know that Amanda is going to be read in Louisiana.
The launch for Amanda in Spain was a huge success. I want to thank the good folks at Albany Books for making me feel so at home in the bookstore. I also want to thank the many people who attended the book launch in body or in spirit. I am blown away by the love and support of my friends, colleagues, fellow writers and the community. I want to especially thank a special young lady, Aimee, a loyal Amanda fan, who gave a great description of the camels in the first book, Amanda in Arabia, to the audience. It was a perfect tie in to the second book. I may need to take her along to all my book readings.
Everyone who reads books is a winner in my estimation. If you read a good book, please tell your friends about it. Also, please support the local independent bookstores. I would hate to see them disappear.
I guess my next project is to finish writing the third adventure. I am currently working on Amanda in England-The Missing Novel. I better get writing!
The Heat is On!
Posted on: June 14, 2011
- In: Writing
- 12 Comments
Things are heating up. And I don’t mean the weather because it’s doubtful that’s going to happen this year. What is happening, is my second book, Amanda in Spain-The Girl in the Painting, has been released in print and the book launch is scheduled for June 25 at Albany Books. Albany Books is a wonderful, cozy, well stocked bookstore here in my home town of Tsawwassen, BC. I appreciate how Ruth and her staff are so supportive of local authors. http://www.albanybooks.com/
Albany Books
In my spare time I have been busy marketing and promoting the event. This includes hanging posters, wonderfully created by my talented publisher, Michelle from ireadiwrite Publishing, (who is also responsible for the smashing cover), sending out press releases, emails and postings on various sites. The marketing, as writers are aware, is a lot of work, but also fun. My grade three teacher may even attend. How wonderful would that be? She is someone who encouraged me to follow my dreams at a young age.
The outfit has been purchased, nail polish picked out, chapter to be read chosen and I feel so ready. The problem is – I still can’t believe that this little girl from the farm, actually has two books published! I often feel I may wake up and find this was all a dream.
To celebrate the print publication of my second book, I am giving away a copy of Amanda in Spain. To enter, just add a brief comment to this posting, and your email address (if I don’t already have it, so I can let you know if you win) and on June 25, the day of the launch, I will have my husband Paul draw the lucky winner. Pass this blog onto your friends so they can have a chance at winning.
The heat is on to have a successful launch and some good sales. This kind of heat I can handle – now if only we could do something about this unseasonably cool weather!
