Page One
Page Two
Page Three
Page Four
Page Five

When I’m not working on a book — as is the case right now — I still have to keep my tools sharp.

READING – One way to keep my tools sharp is by reading; I read the New Yorker Magazine religiously and recently picked up James Wood’s How Fiction Works, Drew Gilpin Faust’s The Republic of Suffering, and John Updike’s The Centaur and In the Beauty of the Lilies.

WRITING – Another method is to write other things — diary entries, a log, letters, or, as I did for a number of years, book reviews. Although I don’t do it anymore, I used to write reviews for Books in Canada and the Kingston Whig-Standard Magazine. The advantage of writing reviews is that it forces you not only to analyze another writer’s work, but to articulate that analysis. Writing about writing can be very instructive.

EDITING – A third way is to edit other people’s writing: at the moment, I am reading my son’s novel in manuscript; he hopes, as all writers should, that an objective eye will help him improve his book. A long-time friend of mine, Roderick Jamer, who was for many years a staff writer with TV Guide, has asked me to take a look at his murder mystery-in-progress; and I am also participating in the evolution of a film script by another friend, Peter Blendell; the script involves a Stanley Cup victory by the Toronto Maple Leafs (some of you will suggest that this project be categorized as fantasy), and Peter hopes that I will be able to help with the scenes that deal with hockey itself. (I have a long history in the game, first as a player — my career peaked when I was 13; it’s been all down hill since then — and as a fan — the Leafs are what I have instead of religion, or more correctly, they are my religion; sitting down to watch a game is, for me, what going to church is for other people. And although I may bleed blue, at least I can say that the only violence associated with my religion is restricted to the arena.)

TEACHING – Although not all writers have the opportunity to teach, those who do know that teaching another writer’s work is an edifying experience. I taught Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises at least thirty times over my 25-year career as a high school English teacher. I know the book like the back of my hand — its strengths, its flaws — and may even have become more familiar with it than Hemingway himself, who wrote it in nine weeks. Hemingway said that studying a still life by Cezanne taught him as much about how to write as anything he read, and, similarly, I have learned as much about how to write from teaching The Sun Also Rises as I have from anything else.

BLOGS – Writing this blog also helps me keep my tools sharp, because I can write about whatever interests me, and I can do it whenever I feel the urge — every writer’s dream. Now if I could only make it pay …

Next Installment – Salvaging a Novel I Wrote in 1983

“The dialogue was realistic and the book was very well written. The plot was gripping and very exciting to see it unfold with a big surprise reveal[ed] towards the end…I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of fantasy, magic and other worlds.”

The Calgary Herald on Rhonda Batchelor’s She Loves You:

“Canadian Batchelor serves up a complex tale about a strong girl living among confused friends and judgmental bullying…

The book is a relaxing cultural-immersion into the late 1960s, revelling in the way art can tie us all together. But it is embedded with a harrowing truth that continues today: some friends and lovers won’t always be on your side.”

What If? Magazine on James Bow’s Fathom Five:

“James Bow turns reality into fantasy, as he creates an unusual, unique, intriguing, and magnificent world in Fathom Five…

[It] is a deep and intriguing book that captures your attention from the first sentence. It is full of suspense, thrills, and hidden truths. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and mystery books. Fathom Five teaches the reader a lesson about what is important in life, and how vital it is to cherish and love those around you.

Written by James Bow, an extraordinary author, Fathom Five is a memorable book that I truly enjoyed.”

Also, of new and noteworthy mention is the final installment of The Unwritten Books trilogy, The Young City, now available.

“What Mestern does best is paint evocative pictures of the lovely rural area in the rolling hills between Fergus and Collingwood, and Shelburne to the east.

The book is worth reading for this alone, especially if you are familiar with the area.”

Alberta History on David Elliott’s Adventures in the West: Henry Halpin, Fur Trader and Indian Agent:

“Books like this, dealing with the personal side of the fur trade and Indian Affairs do not come by very often. This one is certainly worth having.”

Joseph Howse of The Chronicle Herald on one of our more recent Voyageur Classic titles, Benjamin Drew’s The Refugee:

“Through its abundance of firsthand testimony, The Refugee provides a long and heart-wrenching glimpse into a chapter of both U.S. and Canadian history.

The eloquent narratives reveal the courage and ingenuity of men and women who first succeeded in escaping the physical and mental torments of slavery, and then built livelihoods from scratch in a different frontier land…

Regardless of the choice of edition, The Refugee is an emotionally powerful and factually detailed nonfiction classic — essential reading for anyone who wants to hear and understand the voices of slavery survivors, and early black settlers in Canada.”

“I think kids should read this book because it is quick, easy-to-read, fun and interesting … I enjoyed the variety of personalities in the characters. The pictures that I envisioned were vivid, there was lots of detail given. The conclusion left me satisfied …” – Joe, age 13. To read Joe’s full review click here. Reading the Bones has been nominated for a Silver Birch Award.

 
“Three Million Acres of Flame is a very good book. I think this because it is a truthful account yet still has a good fictional storyline … I give Three Million Acres of Flame 5 stars.” – Tyler, age 12. Click here to read Tyler’s full review.

“I enjoyed this book especially because it made me want to find out more about this party of history … Sophie’s Exile gets a four-star rating.” - Mena, age 14. To read what else Mena had to say about this historical fiction novel click here.

“I liked the action and sense of adventure that Patricia Bow has created in her characters. You can see Amelia’s point of view, even if you don’t always agree. I thought that The Ruby Kingdom had a strong opening, adding that bit of mystery. I also enjoyed the twists to the plot and the ending was well set up for the next book. For all of you who enjoy The Ruby Kingdom, the second one, The Prism Blade is even better! The Ruby Kingdom deserves 4 stars. Perfect for middle school readers.” – Mena, age 14.

“The characters were interesting because they all had different personalities and different lifestyles and that grabbed my attention. It could imagine what was happening because the detail was descriptive. It was not hard to read because it is a shorter book and athe font is a good size. It took a few chapters to get me interested but then it had me captivated. The story was easy to follow and believable because the happenings in the book could happen in almost any town. The ending seemed original and it was satisfying because all the problems were solved. I give Blood of the Donnellys fours stars.” - Joe, age 13. Read what else Joe had to say by clicking here.

“… John Moss is off to a good start, and Morgan and Quin are promising and appealing protagonists worth following in future books.” – Sarah Weinman, Quill and Quire

“Still Waters is for mystery readers who like to take things slow, which is a great change-up from most new releases.”  – Bruce Grossman, Bookgasm.com
To read what else Bruce had to say click here.

“Recommended as a read for any mystery buff who enjoys those added touches that will keep you reading. Talented author John Moss has crafted a tale you will remember and have you looking for others of his work.” - Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader. Read Anne’s full here.  

And for those of you in Toronto, John is one of the featured authors at this Tuesday’s (December 9) Mystery Reading Series at Casa Loma. John will be reading from Still Waters and answering questions from the audience. For more information click here. If you find yourself Christmas shopping at the Chaptersin Peterborough on Saturday, December 13th, be sure to take a break to meet John who will be signing copies of Still Waters from 11-2pm.

An excerpt from Thomas Chambers’ 4 star (out of 4) review of late historian The Firebrand:

William Kilbourn was a first rate historian and a gifted storyteller. Using a combination of primary and secondary sources, he takes the reader back to Upper Canada in the 1820’s and 30’s. In his hands, Mackenzie and the Family Compact members come to life. We sense, as a result, Mackenzie’s frustration at the slow pace of political reform and sympathize with him as he, a veritable David, takes on the Family Compact Goliath. That the reader becomes a strong Mackenzie fan is proof of Kilbourn’s skill as a writer. (Those who start rebellions are often portrayed in another light.) Kilbourn’s book could be used as a text or for recreational reading. Originally published in 1956, it has a new introduction written by historian Ronald Stagg who helped co-edit a book of documents on the 1837 rebellion.

Val Ken Lem on Christopher McCreery’s The Beginner’s Guide to Canadian Honours:

Despite its brevity and noted shortcomings, the volume provides a valuable service in introducing young readers to the world of Canadian honours. It could find a home in a library’s reference or general circulating collection and should be in all public and middle school libraries.

Deborah Mervold on our reissue of Andrea Spalding’s An Island of My Own:

The novel contains rich language which is descriptive and full of imagery…The characters are realistic for their ages and situations. They are believable, from Rowan who misses her parents and is concerned for their safety, to the twins who are always pulling pranks and playing games…An Island of My Own, a reprint of the 1998 original, would be a great addition to a school, public or personal library. It would also be a great choice to read out loud for small groups, class or individuals. It would appeal to many readers in the intended age group.

Last but not least is Joanne Peters’ enthusiastic review of Valerie Sherrard’s latest Shelby Belgarden Mystery, Searching for Yesterday:

After the incredible suspense and downright terror of Eyes of a Stalker, Searching for Yesterday is in many ways, a kinder and gentler story. Nevertheless, it is a story which deals with some real-life issues faced by real-life teens: the search for identity (and birth parentage), the consequences of bad choices, and the rewards of facing difficult situations. Valerie Sherrard’s telling of Annie’s story is compassionate and insightful about the challenges faced by foster children…Highly recommended for all Shelby Belgarden fans, and really, a good “starter” for those who have yet to meet her.

First, radio personality Dick Williams’ review of Lake Erie Stories ran in the The Lake Erie Beaconon August 1st. Here’s a snippet from that review:

“Whether you are a boater, a student of history or simply looking for an engaging summer read, first-time author Chad Fraser’s Lake Erie Stories: Struggle and Survival on a Fresh Water Ocean  will more than intrigue and inform you … Fraser brings to life the ferocious Battle of Lake of Erie during the War of 1812, complete with broadsides of cannon-fire, toppling masts and dying sailors and puts you in the thick of the conflict … A fast-paced read, Lake Erie Stories  will lure you to revisit an old friend you may have taken for granted for far too long.”

Kayaking by Point Abino Lighthouse on Lake Erie

This past weekend, saw Chad in Leamington, Ontario where he taped a half hour interview for the local program The Story Teller, which will air shortly. Check back here for updates as to the exact time and date. Yesterday saw Chad on CBC Windsor’s The Early Shift. And in about three weeks time on September 8th at 8:45am Chad will be on A Channel Morning in London, Ontario. Whew! When it rains it pours!

“Set in a mill town in British Columbia during the 1980s, Ann Wheeler realistically portrays the prejudices Rana both encounters and harbours toward the white community. Despite the fears and warnings from his father, who himself experiences prejudice from the white community at the mill where he works, Rana’s stubborn nature and grit determinism enable him to take on the challenge of being the first to build a bridge between the two groups. In doing so, he is made aware of his own prejudices.”

Reading the Bones

” … an interesting read and certainly presents some of the enigmatic allure of archaeology in enticing terms.”

Kickstart: How Successful Canadians Got Started

“The style is casual, well written and interesting. The text is filled with quotation marks imparting almost a personal feeling between reader and subject. Sure to pique reader’s interest. Very well done.”