Looking for Love

During this month of love, I’ve really just been trying to stay afloat. I can say writing is my life, but then life happens and other things take priority. Family, health challenges, new phases. Shifts and reorganization — both in mental and physical spaces. I knew February would be intense, but I had no idea to what extent.

But change, while exhausting in the chaos of the moment, can be a good thing. A long overdue thing. And it can lead to better things. And when it comes down to it, when we’re working to make improvements to our health and in our home, isn’t that a sure sign of love? (Self-love, and love for those you live with.)

One theme that’s emerged in my house this month is spaces. Personal spaces. A room of one’s own, to quote the title of Virginia Wolfe’s famous essay. As part of the reorganization going on over here, we’re rethinking rooms, the ways they’re used, and how to give everyone in the house a place to escape. Because as much as we love each other, sometimes we need alone time to create, to consume. To simply be.

While the project’s still in progress — I still think it needs some kind of slick name like Operation Overhaul, but that sounds too harsh—we’re starting to reap the fruits of our labour. For the first time, I’ve got a dedicated writing study, and it feels too good to be true. No more trying to hammer out a few more book pages at the dining table, or the sofa, or in my car! A lot fewer interruptions relating to meals, or pets, or household management. In fact, I’m finishing off this post in the new study, though the room still needs some final touches. And yes, I’m in love.

What’s your special space? Do you have a place—big or small, simple or fancy—that’s just for you? I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to share in the comments, or send me a message through my Contact page.

Library Love = Happy Mail

I just received my first-ever payment from the Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada Public Lending Right Program!

The Program sends yearly payments to creators whose works are in Canada’s public libraries.

Thank you to everyone who suggested Provenance Unknown to your local library system! And if you haven’t yet, it’s never too late — payments are assessed annually. And as an author whose writing isn’t bringing in six-figures, I so appreciate the support.

Book Signing Event

Sometimes when you really need a piece of good news, you get it! If you’re in the Victoria, British Columbia area, save this date: I’ll be at the Indigo store at Mayfair Shopping Centre on Saturday, April 20 from 12-3 pm signing copies of Provenance Unknown. Spring is just right for some Paris romance, don’t you think?

More information to come closer to the event.

Did you see that?

Before things went a little sideways in February, I’d actually made headway on my third book. Crossing the halfway point was a major milestone. And this accomplishment came with more than one surprise.

I found this little note in my document when I finished writing chapter 11 of my work-in-progress. Thank you, Past Me! If you’re a writer (or even if you’re not), I highly recommend leaving words of encouragement for yourself that you’ll forget about until you find them later. 👏 🎉

I’m not ready to reveal the title or too many details yet, but there was a second unexpected occurrence that came up while working on this book.

You see, the main character collects both antique mourning jewelry and old, unidentified portraits. And let’s just say that while I was writing a pivotal scene, some spooky things happened. The time on my computer suddenly changed (and it’s not Daylight Saving), the various menus on the screen opened but were blank. Program windows opened to show only a black rectangle. My background music continued to stream; however, I could not control or click on anything. Weird, right? Spooky for sure, but it seems I’m on the right track when it comes to my romcom with a touch of the supernatural.

Libraries, But Little

Earlier this month, I added some Provenance Unknown book postcards to this sweet Little Free Library in Saanich 📚 Did you know we have over 800 LFL’s in Greater Victoria? We are definitely a book town. The Greater Victoria Placemaking Network, who runs the project, expects to welcome number 1,000 soon!

Be a Super

I’ve been an in-costume volunteer with the Superheroes of Victoria for a long time now (shh, don’t reveal my secret identity!), but now I’m pleased to also be a Board Member and the volunteer Marketing Director — working with founder and superhero extraordinaire, Mark Ashfield.

The Superheroes of Victoria Volunteer Society started off as a small group of volunteers organizing a charitable event in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s “Be A Superhero Campaign.” Since then, it has become a free volunteer resource available for over 50 charitable organizations and community groups, and the list is still growing. With a full slate of events including our 15th anniversary, 2024 is going to be a big year!

Our mandate isn’t to fundraise for ourselves, but to be available to help raise money and awareness for charitable causes, help with logistics and planning of events, or assist by providing extra out-of-costume hands wherever needed. Our local superhero-themed charity is 100% comprised of volunteers and is a strong advocate for promoting volunteerism in our communities and a positive body image for all volunteers. We also run a Superhero literacy Tour with local schools and libraries, organize a Junior Superheroes volunteering and youth mentorship program, and make regular hospital visits to the Pediatrics wing.

This city is full of superheroes helping in many different ways and we’re so proud of each and every one of our volunteers for sharing so much of their time and talent. That’s why we call them Supers. 🙂

Les Bouquinistes — Okanagan Series

An Okanagan Alphabet by Florence Dyck, illustrated by Rachelle Oliveira.

While our region is known most for its lakes and beaches, residents know it is so much more! Okanagan Publishing House is excited to announce the release of An Okanagan Alphabet, an original work combining poetry and watercolour illustrations that wonderfully depict the places and people of our Okanagan Valley.

A captivating experience for adults and children alike, this is one tour that you will not want to miss! From Ambrosia Apples to Stuart Park Zambonis, this book celebrates all that the Okanagan has to offer. With picturesque prose, Florence Dyck describes life in the valley with a reverent respect that inspires child-like awe in the reader.

The author is a long-time Penticton teacher who has been sharing the poem with her students for decades. The inspiration, she says, “comes from my great collection of alphabet books.” Florence relates that “after I retired, and had more time for writing, I got excited about writing An Okanagan Alphabet for teachers, parents and grandparents to share with their children. The Okanagan has so much to offer, and I enjoyed making up fun rhymes about many of our sights and activities!”

The book features extra-large 8.5 x 11 inch pages in a landscape format. This allows the viewer to fully appreciate the incredible watercolours by artist Rachelle Oliveira. The resident of West Kelowna has been working with the medium for years, and her mastery of the craft is evident. Especially captivating are the meticulous landscape backgrounds, which make one feel as if they are standing on the peak of Knox Mountain or Giant’s Head Mountain.

Important Note: Okanagan Publishing House is a proud supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of the Okanagan (BGCO), and a portion of the proceeds from this title go directly to them and the work they are doing with children and families throughout the region. Since BGCO established their first Club in 1959, they have provided vital, life-changing services and programs that continue to adapt to meet the needs of all children, youth, and families. They exist “to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.”

As always, thanks for reading. Merci.

Sonia