Planes, trains, automobiles, and more have been the name of the game lately. The month began with this view of the local cycling path, and ended with a conference in the Deep South of the United States.
After 22 hours of travel, I finally arrived back home from a week-long work trip to Columbus, Georgia. And although I was a little nervous about having to go south of the border given the current political climate and the state of the Canada-US relationship, I’ve gotta say that everyone I met was warm and welcoming. Southern hospitality is real, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to get a taste of it (both figuratively and literally — the food was delicious!).
Columbus has a number of claims to fame: it’s the second largest city in the state, the city of fountains, had foundries, and is the place where Coca-Cola was invented. And of course I appreciated its Historic District, where the gorgeous heritage homes were in the process of being decked out for Memorial Day weekend.
I’ve included a few teaser photos below, or you can see them all in my trip reel.
It’s a Portuguese (Canadian) Thing
COVER REVEAL!! Arquipélago Press is happy to share the cover for HERE & ELSEWHERE, releasing next month — just in time for Portuguese Heritage Month. Canadian readers can pre-order a copy on the website. Books will be available at their supportive Canadian stockists and US distributor (Asterism Books in Seattle) in June.
Being officially recognized as a Portuguese Canadian writer might be the most meaningful accomplishment of my career so far. I’m humbled to have my work included in this new anthology, coming June 2025.
Empress 75: From Victoria to Paris
Does every book need a drink pairing? Obviously not. But is it fun finding the perfect match? Definitely!
For Provenance Unknown, which takes place in Victoria and Paris, I wanted something that captured both cities. The answer? An Empress 75! It’s a French 75 (that’s the Paris part) made with Victoria Distillers iconic Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. You can make your own, but for maximum local content, I opted for the one served at the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel.
For a low alcohol version, use Sheringham Distillery’s Seaside Gin and non-alcoholic sparkling wine to make their Seaside 75.
Ready to get mixing? Share your cocktail or mocktail to accompany a story about local history, archives, family secrets, an old French diary, a charming but infuriating Frenchman, and fun and frivolity in Paris! 🥂
The Red Wheelbarrow
Speaking of my favourite city, my book is living its best Parisian life:
Imagine my delight to receive this photo of American screenwriter Terrel Seltzer at The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore! (She was kind enough to drop a copy of Provenance Unknown off to the shop.)
Author NOT at the Archives
The best laid plans and all that …
Due to unforeseen delays with book shipping, the Author at the Archives event had to be postponed. But fear not! It will be rescheduled for the same day of the week, time, and venue, but in a future month. (This will coincide with Saanich Archives’ once-a-month evening opening.)
The news is disappointing, of course, but I’m excited about this event and determined to make it happen!
Starting Over
Even though Provenance Unknown had a Goodreads page when it was first published in 2023, this new edition from She Rises Studios got a brand spanking new page of its own, and it needs reviews! (Zero really does lack a certain appeal, don’t you agree?)
Please take a couple of minutes and help me reach my goal of 50 reviews! They can be short and sweet. And if you added one on the original page, just copy and paste. 😃 Seriously, every review helps my book be more visible in the great big ocean of reading choices.
It would mean a lot!
Ah, To Be Young
A little throwback that popped up recently:
My friend and I in our small town, on our way to Paris in August 1997. This was my second time travelling to France — I didn’t think I’d be lucky enough to have the opportunity again. I had just graduated high school, and only a couple of days after getting back would be moving to Victoria to start university.
Looking at this photo, I kind of think I’m glowing, ready to take on the world. 💕
Sweet Treat
Look at this beautiful, tasty, French-inspired swag! 🇫🇷 🤤 Also, that logo is 👌.
A giveaway at a recent UVic Alumni event courtesy of the alumni behind Bon Macaron Patisserie. (Do you think they might partner up with me and my Victoria-Paris book to do something together? 😃)
Music to my Ears
Some people can’t stand the idea of a book playlist, and that’s fair.
But if you don’t fall in that camp and are curious about which songs might best pair with your read, here’s my list for Provenance Unknown! 🎶
Les Bouquinistes
I’m happy to give some space this month to the publisher of my micro chapbook, Stripes Literary Magazine. They also just unveiled their new website. Have a look
From Stripes:
Stripes Literary Magazine was founded with one mission: to showcase emerging poets and help readers fall in love with new poetry. Since 2020, we have published a wide array of creatives from all around the world – many of whom are sharing their work for the first time.
Read our Issues and grab a paperback.
As always, thanks for reading. Merci!
Sonia
Sonia Nicholson 
Sounds like an amazing trip. Glad you felt welcomed and got to enjoy some great food too.
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It was! I’m really glad I had the opportunity to experience something new.
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