A Pocketful of Mumbles

Dear Bully

2011-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

It’s here! Dear Bully arrived yesterday in the mail, just in time for the start of school—check it out:

I’m so very proud to be a part of this amazing book that has 70 awesome authors telling their own personal bullying stories. I really hope by reading what others have gone through many kids and teens will gain the strength to deal with their own situations.

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a very slow writer. Super slow. Like an hour a paragraph. But this was different. I usually write paranormal, fantasy, horror—but this story was so real, so personal, that it just poured out of me. And though it happened a lifetime ago, when I began writing the piece, it was as though I was right there again, feeling the same pain and shame and anger all over again.

Bullying hurts. And even when it’s done it leaves scars.

Now everyone knows there are three parties to most acts of bullying—the bully, the victim, and the bystander. Most people will tell you to stand up to a bully. I believe this is true, however, by doing so the bullying doesn’t magically end. In fact, standing up can sometimes mean things gets worse before they gets better. That’s what my story, My Apology, is about—my final stand and why I shouldn’t have done what I did, but how I’d simply had enough.

I wish I could tell anyone reading this that that was that—that I never encountered another bully in my life, but sadly, that’s not the case. Bullies are everywhere. Some overt, but most subtle. Learning to recognize a bully is one step. Learning how to stand up to them is another. But first and foremost you need good self-esteem. You must like yourself. You must believe in yourself. Self-esteem is your best protection—your shield against the nasty things bullies can throw at you. But this doesn’t come easily for some—it takes practise. My mother always told me to wake up every morning and look at myself in the mirror and tell myself I liked who I was. Try it. Even if you don’t believe it, after about 5000 times you may begin to. And always remember, your-self worth should never be determined by what others say or do!

Dear Bully: if you try this exercise too you may like yourself enough to not need to seek your self-worth from the destruction of others!

Here's wishing everyone a great, bully-free 2011-12 school year!

A day I won't soon forget!

2011-05-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the big day—the Red Maple Award ceremony down at Harbourfront and I had the BEST DAY EVER!

The calm before the chaos.

Green balloons for the Green Room!

I absolutely support school libraries!!!

But my story actually begins the night before. Superstition has it that shards of glass are good luck (Opa!) and that must be true because the night before the big event my back windshield shattered, (not to worry, the car was in the driveway and there were no injuries—except to my husband’s wallet :D), and as it turned out, I had the most amazing stroke of good luck as Ghost Ride was announced as one of the finalists! Huge congratulations to Kelley Armstrong, the other finalist, and certainly to Vicky Grant for taking the Red Maple with her awesome novel, Not Suitable for Family Viewing! Yay Vicky!

Lining up...

Sitting down...

Red Maple readers rock!

Ghost Ride?!! A finalist???!!!

The awesome crowd!

Afua Cooper and Vicky Grant (notice Vicky's huge smile?)

Richard Scarsbrook--White Pine winner. (His smile is pretty big too!)

My wonderful editor and publicists at Dundurn Press!

I’d heard from other authors that the Forest of Reading Awards were beyond amazing and the day so very exciting. They didn’t exaggerate. I really was treated like a rock star by the enthusiastic and incredible readers and I want to thank each and every one of them for making my day so special.

You want a picture with me? I want a picture with YOU?!

The readers made my day!

Tons of fun on the artificial turf!

Spontaneous dancing breaks out!

The Ontario Library Association hosted an awesome event and they certainly lead by example for their exuberance and enthusiasm for books and reading is truly infectious! Thank you OLA! Thank you readers! It was the best day ever!

The energy and enthusiasm of OLA!

Best hat ever! (can you find Ghost Ride?

Amazing Shadows!

Thanks again everyone!

A Wonderful Ride...

2011-05-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

As the date of the Red Maple event at Harbour Front closes in, I’ve been reflecting on the past few months. Wow. What an incredible ride it’s been—and I have the Ontario Library Association to thank. I have visited many schools and libraries where the audience was filled with enthusiastic readers—many of which had read Ghost Ride. I was treated to skits and media presentations based on my novel, given all sorts of student art work, and was even sent fan mail.

When I wrote Ghost Ride, now a few years ago, I had no idea it would find its way into so many welcoming hands. I’m so grateful for this experience and can’t wait to meet as many of the Red Maple participants as possible this coming week. It will certainly be a day to remember!

A ghost train in a phantom station...

2011-03-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today was such an awesome day—certainly one I will never forget!!! With the help of a lot of amazing and generous people, I was able to launch my new novel, Mind Gap, in a slightly unusual way…

It all began in December at my good friend, Helene Boudreau’s, launch of her novel Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings. When asked by other author friends, Deborah Kerbel and Nelsa Roberto, if I’d planned on launching Mind Gap, I said I hadn’t. When I told them a bit about the story—a very freaky ride on a ghost train—Nelsa said, “You know the TTC has a real Phantom Station below Bay Street, don’t you?” Well, no. I hadn’t known that at all. In fact, I set my novel at St. George Station! Well, I thought the phantom station would be such a cool location for a launch, I decided to give the TTC a call. The events coordinator was so super supportive from the get-go—but there were a few issues, the main one being that the TTC requires extensive insurance paperwork in order for someone to rent out the space. I, of course, wasn’t able to provide that paperwork, so I turned to the Toronto District School Board. I google-mapped the area and discovered a local school with an enthusiastic teacher-librarian. I couldn’t believe it when she was able to get the necessary paperwork done!

Now, a ghost train in a phantom station might be cool, but that's not all…

My train needed some party-goers—not just any party-goers, but some zombie-corpse-like ones! Where do you get zombies, you ask? Well, you turn to the children's/teen writing community where lo and behold, you find the BEST people ever—authors willing to don zombie make-up and grunt at students on a dark train…

Pictured here are:

Helene Boudreau (Red Dune Adventures, Acadian Star, and Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings)

Deborah Kerbel (Mackenzie Lost and Found, Girl on the Other Side, Lure)

James Bow (The Unwritten Girl, Fathom Five, The Young City)

Natale Ghent (The Odds Get Even, Gravity Brings Me Down)

Lisa Dalrymple—a pre-published author with a lot of cool things in the works…

And as if dressing up as a zombie weren’t enough—they all donated copies of their books for my draw and bought my book! Even Erin Bow--James' lovely wife donated a copy of her most awesome novel, Plain Kate!!! How awesome is that??!!!

Honestly—I can’t thank everyone enough—from the great folks at Dundurn Press who publish my work, to the TTC, to the students, teachers and librarian at Jesse Ketchum P.S., to my wonderful and supportive zombie friends! You all gave me one ghostly great day to remember!!!

A Trailer for MIND GAP!!!

2011-03-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

I never cease to be amazed by the enthusiasm and generosity of people--especially teachers, librarians and students. Here, again, is a shining example! Being the total tech-challenged person I am (seriously, I barely manage to post here!) and desperately wanting a trailer for my new novel Mind Gap--I put it out to a group of students at Parkland P. S. The awesome group--along with stellar teacher, Sue Stapley, set up a photo shoot, took film footage and put together this very cool trailer! Check it out HERE!

Awesome Teachers, Awesome Students!

2011-02-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more amazing than connecting with your readers on a personal level and nothing more exciting than to see your book come alive in student responses and work. Here are a few photos from two incredible schools (Ramer Wood P.S. and Parkland P.S.)--with stellar teachers/teacher-librarians and absolutely awesome students! One student even designed a Ghost Ride t-shirt!

2010 is going out with a bang!

2010-12-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

This year may have started off slowly, but the pace sure picked up this fall. Things seem to be happening at lightning speed these days. First, the good folks at Dundurn signed on my new middle-grade novel, Chasing the White Witch (fall, 2011)! Next, the Ontario Library Association nominated Ghost Ride for the Red Maple Award! And now, I'm beyond excited to announce that my personal bullying story will appear in the amazing anthology, Dear Bully, published by HarperCollins US!

Stellar YA authors Carrie Jones and Meghan Kelley Hall are co-editors of this most awesome anthology that will hopefully touch many kids/teen lives by letting them know they are not alone in their struggles. Read how these two amazing writers came up with the idea here. Anyone who has experienced bullying (and, honestly, not too many people haven't!) knows just how painful and just how devastating to ones self-esteem it can be. The list of authors appearing in this anthology is incredible: Heather Brewer, Mo Willems, Ellen Hopkins, Cecil Castellucci, Eric Luper, Carolyn Mackler, R.L Stine, Alyson Noël, Lauren Kate, Lisa McMann, Lauren Oliver, Nancy Werlin, Jon Scieszka, Nancy Garden and Deborah Kerbel--to name but a few.

Once again, I'm not quite sure how I found my little old self on such an amazing list. I only hope my story will give strength to those who read it.

Here's looking forward to 2011! May it be filled with good health and much happiness for all of you!

There's a Gap in my Mind...

2010-12-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

Ah, but, sadly, most of you know that already. Actually, it's more of a leak--so be sure to remind me of any important stuff and often! (every five seconds should do it!)

One thing I don't need to to be reminded of is that MIND GAP will be released soon! Yay. I know it's only mid December and I have all the way until the end of January to go, but I'm getting super excited. Can't wait to hold it in my hot little hands. The first review for it just came out in CM Magazine--you can read it here (but, really, don't because it tells too much about the plot--bit of a spoiler.) Hey, how about read the first chapter instead?! Here is the blurb:

Fourteen year-old Jake MacRae’s life is spinning out of control. He is making all the wrong choices—gambling, drinking, hanging around gang members—and now he has been asked to make a special delivery. What should he do? Jake knows either way, his decision will seal his fate, but what he doesn’t realize is that this decision could not only destroy his life but the lives of those close to him. Before Jake makes up his mind, he receives a mysterious text message inviting him to a flash party on a midnight subway train. As Jake steps off the platform he has no idea he has just boarded a train bound for his worst nightmare. And what’s more—he can’t get off.

And here's chapter one (let me know what you think! I can take it. Well, maybe.)

Chapter One

“In or out?”

Jake shaded his cards with his left hand. He peeled up the corners with his right. Two of clubs. Ace of spades. He glanced at the cafeteria table. Face up, in a neat row, lay the seven of diamonds, the two of hearts and the jack of clubs. Deuces, he thought. Story of my life.
“Come on, man—in or out?”

Over the hum of gossip, the shuffling of feet, and the grinding of chairs, Jake heard a twinge in Cole’s voice. He looked up and their eyes locked for a second. Jake could read his best friend like cheap magazine. Cole had a big mouth, but he got nervous quickly. He was bluffing.

“In,” said Jake, tossing his second dollar into the pile. He shifted his gaze to the dealer.

Damon was more difficult to read. From his greasy hair, to the tattoo of a crown dripping blood emblazoned across his knuckles, all the way down to his brand new Nikes; the guy was stone-cold.

Damon threw a buck into the pile. He kept his gray eyes trained on Jake as he slowly flipped over another card and placed it next to the jack. Queen of clubs.

Cole checked and began chewing his lip.

Too obvious, thought Jake, battling the urge to smile. He pushed a stack of four quarters into the growing mound. He had a lousy hand, but at this point, he had nothing left to lose.
Damon answered.

Cole shook his head and swore. He threw down in his cards and began shoveling fries into his mouth. He seemed to be taking his losses much harder these days.

Damon flipped over the final card dragging Jake’s attention back to the game: Ace of diamonds.

Two pair, thought Jake, ace high. Nice.

Jake willed his pulse to slow. His mouth was a thin line. He ran a hand through his thick hair. Then he picked up his last stack of coins and tossed them casually into the heap. Nine bucks. Ten if Damon continued. Not what you’d call a fortune, but hey, it was better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Jake slipped his hand into the pocket of his jeans. He shifted his cell phone. Stray nickels and dimes danced between his fingers. If he lost this hand, he could kiss next week’s lunches goodbye. Like he’d done this week. And last.

“Call,” said Damon. He placed his two cards onto the pile of money as though he were claiming it. He had a pair of aces.

Jake let out his breath. The deuces came in handy after all. He turned his cards over one by one. Jake watched Damon’s eyes darken. Suddenly they reminded Jake of shark eyes—cold and lifeless. Jake stretched out his arms to rake in his winnings.

“Why gentlemen,” said a deep voice. “You wouldn’t happen to be partaking in the quite illegal and most suspendable act of gambling, would you?”

Jake peered over his shoulder at the towering six-foot-six figure of his English teacher, Mr. Dean.

“At the very least it would mean a week’s worth of detentions for each of you.”

Cole could wriggle his way out of a clogged pipe. Trouble was, his mouth was quicker than his brain. “Gambling? Us? Course not, Sir. We’re just having an enjoyable game of Fish. And this money here?” he motioned his chin toward the pile, “Why, it just happens to be sitting on the table, doing nothing.” He sat back looking pretty proud of himself.

“Nothing?” Mr. Dean frowned. “Hmm, I see.” He scratched his chin. He volleyed glances from Damon to Cole finally settling on Jake. “Well, if this money is just doing nothing, then I’m sure you gentlemen wouldn’t mind if I donate it to the Salvation Army where it can do something?”

Jake rolled his eyes and scowled, but he kept his mouth shut.

Mr. Dean patted Jake on the shoulder. “Life is an endless series of choices, Mr. McRae.” He leaned in, scooped up the loot and strolled off humming Amazing Grace.

Jake gave Cole a shove. “You idiot.”

“What’d I do?”

This money just happens to be sitting here doing nothing…” Jake mocked. “Couldn’t you have come up with something better?”

I didn’t hear anything brilliant shooting out of your mouth. And I guess you’d a wanted a pile of detentions instead?”

Jake picked up his cards and threw them across the table.

Cole sneered. “Think of it as bail.”

Damon was leaning back in his chair. “Forget it. It’s chump change. Let’s talk real business.”

Business. Right. Jake had avoided thinking about it all day. He reached over and grabbed a few fries from Cole’s plate. They were cold and tasted like cardboard.

“My brother says you guys have been hanging around the coffee shop long enough. He wants you to do a favour for him.”

Vlad was what you’d call king of the 5 King Tribe. He was the kind of guy you did not want to disappoint.

“We’re in,” said Cole all too eagerly. He glanced at Jake, but Jake didn’t say a word.

“Good,” said Damon. “Vlad will be happy.”

“So, um, what exactly does he want us to do?” asked Jake.

Damon was eyeing him like they were playing poker again. Only this time, Jake felt his cheeks flush.

“Meet at the coffee shop at one o’clock on Sunday. Pick up a package and take it to where Vlad tells you. A simple delivery.”

Simple, thought Jake. But what if simple gets complicated?

“Delivery. Sure,” said Cole. He flashed Jake another look. This one said: Be cool.

The bell rang ending second lunch. Damon grabbed the cards, shoved them into his pocket and swaggered off into the stream of students heading toward their lockers. “Sunday,” he called over his shoulder. He didn’t look back.

“What’s your problem?” asked Cole once Damon had disappeared. “Don’t you get it? When Vlad asks you to do something, you do it.”

Jake didn’t respond. His thoughts were doing back-flips

“It’s just a delivery,” said Cole. “Like Damon said—simple.”

“Simple,” echoed Jake. He was nodding, but his expression betrayed his uncertainty.

Cole sighed. “Make up your mind, man—in or out…”

A Stellar List! (thrilled to have sqeaked onto it!)

2010-10-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

As you all know (and by you all I mean all 12 of you who follow my blog), I don’t blog often—in fact, rarely would be ambitious. Each time I’m sure I have something really interesting to say, I write it down and then it doesn’t seem so interesting after all...

But today, is different! Today I'm thrilled to announce that Ghost Ride has been shortlisted for the Red Maple Award by the Ontario Library Association. I can't tell you how surprised and excited I was when I received the news. It's such an honour--especially given that the list is brimming with stellar novels by these awesome authors:

Wounded, by Eric Walters

The Summoning, by Kelley Armstrong

Pop, by Gordon Korman

Only in the Movies, by William Bell

Not Suitable for Family Viewing, by Vicki Grant

Nieve, by Terry Griggs

Haunted, by Barbara Haworth-Attard

A Spy in the House, Ying S. Lee

My thanks to OLA and huge congratulations to all of you! I'm so proud that my little ol' GHOST is going to RIDE alongside you!

Unlikeable Protagonists...Bah humbug.

2010-07-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

I finally have some time--a whole bulbous whack of it--and I'm paralyzed. I could finish my current WIP. No wait--write three more books. Four??? Or I could clean my house. Or sand and stain the stairs. Or sit and do nothing. Sigh. Okay--not nothing--sit and listen to audio books! Bliss.

I just finished listening to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It's one of those novels I'd always meant to read but never got around to it. I can't tell you how captivated I was by Mary and Dicken and Colin--one of those books I wanted to go on forever--the kind that left me happy and satisfied and yet so very sad when it ended because I never wanted it to end.

But, here's the thing. Mary--at the start of the novel--is a very unlikeable character. She is spoiled and snobby and miserable, a waif of a creature who doesn't even pretend to hide her disdain for people and the world. True, she was made to be unlikeable by the lack of parental love and care and the society in which she was raised. Still, when first I met her, I just plain didn't like her. And yet, she hooked me. I knew the novel would be about her journey, her growth as a human being, her enlightenment and ultimately, her redemption (all via the secret garden and the folk surrounding her) and I found this absolutely fascinating. Mary, like so many great unlikeable protagonists (Ebenezer Scrooge is one of my all-time favourite), developed over the course of the novel. I personally find these characters and their stories infinitely more exciting than those who are nice and good and morally unscathed from the onset and remain consistently such throughout the novel.

So why is it then that many works are criticized as having unlikeable protagonists? I've heard this comment in critique groups again and again. And how many writers have their work rejected citing this simple equation: Unlikeable protagonist = prompt rejection by editors who dislike (and I'm assuming therefore) don't feel a strong enough connection to the protagonist. Perhaps it's just that: It's not that a character must be positive and likable, but that the reader should feel a strong connection to that character from the onset. So how does a writer achieve this? How does one make their reader connect and cling desperately to a foul, selfish, dark character? How do you make an unlikeable character compelling?

Here's one quote:

NON-HEROIC PROTAGONIST.
The non-heroic protagonist can be anything from an ordinary Joe (or Joanna) to a victim to a very flawed personality or an anti-hero. These warts-and-all characters are fascinating to create, and they can seem very real. When drawing a character in one of these modes, you must always consider the impact on the reader. A too-ordinary Joe can seem dull, and so readers will lose interest. A victim can seem weak, and a deeply flawed character can be so unlikeable that readers will turn away. An anti-hero will probably be a character who makes wickedness seem charming or appealing, or at least excusable.
It is quite possible to have an unlikable protagonist or co-protagonist. If you choose this route, you need to decide whether your character is evil, misguided, distasteful or wickedly charming. If s/he has redeeming features, they must be believable.Read more at Suite101: Creative Writing 101 - free Suite101 course http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/16712/261/3#ixzz0tZMChkrF

Does the secret lie then in giving your rude, impatient, loathsome character at least one redeeming quality? Something to which the readers can connect so that they desperately hope for this flawed character to succeed much like routing for the underdog in sporting events?

I think I'm personally in love with the theme of redemption. I'm fascinated with discovering and understanding the reasons why a character might say or do awful things. I love watching these characters grow and in even some minor way, succeed. May there be many more Marys in the books that lie ahead!

Best Cake Ever--thanks to Natalie Hyde, aka Miss Apfelbaum!

2010-06-08T07:17:00.001-07:00

I met fellow writer Natalie Hyde a few years ago via an on-line critique group. I remember her posting a few chapters of her then middle-grade WIP--it had an intriguing title Saving o eat. I was fascinated and began reading. The characters were engaging and real, the plot moved at a quick pace and the humour had me laughing out loud over and over. In short, I had no criticisms and knew it was a manuscript that would sell quickly and well. Shortly after, Saving Arm Pit (new title) sold to Fitzhenry & Whiteside and has a scheduled release date of Spring, 2011! Now, what does all this have to do with cake you might ask? Well. In Natalie's novel there is a certain character, a Miss Apfelbaum, who is an incredible baker. She bakes all sorts of amazing cakes that delight the hopeless characters of a luckless baseball team, the Terriers (love that name!). And after getting to know Natalie a bit better, I strongly suspected that she was, in fact, Miss Apfelbaum! Tortes and tarts, cakes and cookies--Natalie has something to fall back on in case this writing thing doesn't work out. Wait a minute--no chance of that, since Natalie has written, some 15 children's non-fiction books (yes, I said 15!!!) and has placed another novel, Payback, with Orca for a fall, 2011 release. With several other projects and works in various stages, this woman is a writing machine! Okay. Back to cakes. Now, I've heard Natalie mention various treats she's made, but when she spoke of a hamburger cake, I just had to ask. "What, pray tell, is a hamburger cake?" She not only told me-she sent me a picture and a recipe. Now, no slouch of a baker myself (holds chin up proudly) I had to try this incredible cake, and as a certain family birthday was fast approaching, I decided that I was on a hamburger cake mission. I slaved away at this cake for about 4-5 hours. "Four-five hours," said Natalie. "What on earth did you do?" Well, what I did was use the wrong kind of pan! So although I did, in fact, create the best hamburger cake ever, I also managed to create the largest hamburger cake ever and here it is! Thank you Natalie! Thank you Miss Apfelbaum! I tip my bun to you both!

The greatest gift...

2010-05-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to our monthly CANSCAIP meeting and was surprised when Eric Walters handed me a package--a gift for my recent involvement in his amazing organization Creation of Hope. The gift--that he said is "just a small thank you" brought tears to my eyes. It was a lovely frame with photos of the children that Creation of Hope has helped. That, in and of itself ,would have been enough to warm my heart, but here's the thing--two of the children in the photos are holding MY NOVEL!!! Focused on the smiling faces, I didn't even realize it at first and then I saw what was in their hands--Ghost Ride! Eric had brought my book all the way to Africa in a recent journey! It was such an incredibly thoughtful and generous gesture, it left me speechless. It's the furthest my novel has gone--I can only hope the children enjoy it!

The Announcement...

2010-04-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's official! I'm very excited to announce that my new novel Mind Gap will be published by Dundurn Press in January 2011! Here's the blurb:

14 year-old Jake MacRae’s life is spinning out of control. The decisions he is making are destroying his life and the lives of those close to him. One night, he receives a mysterious text message inviting him to a flash party on a midnight subway train. As Jake leaves the platform, he has no idea he has boarded a train bound for his worst nightmare. And what’s more—he can’t get off.

And here's the cover!

Please take a moment...

2010-04-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

As Autism Awarness month comes to an end, please take a moment and watch this video. It's often too difficult for me to talk about, so I'll let Five for Fighting do the talking for me. Awareness is everything. Our children may have great difficulty learning how to relate to you--but you can learn how to relate to them! It's really all about understanding their world--how they perceive things. And if you haven't already done so--check out these AMAZING books! They are both brilliantly written, great stories, and give readers a glimpse into the mysterious world of autism. Rules, by Cynthia Lord

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, by Mark Haddon

And, if you happen to be in the Toronto area on Sunday, June 20th, come join us at Nathan Phillip Square at 10am and Walk Now for Autism! You can't miss Team Justin with our purple t-shirts!

David Booth. Wow.

2010-04-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the amazing experience of hearing Professor David Booth speak. Literacy-guru that he is (and me being a teacher and all), I was certainly familiar with his name and his work. But what a difference hearing him live. He is such a charismatic and humorous person--soft-spoken, yet his words hit you like a hammer.

I was particularly interested in what he had to say about reading, reluctant male readers, new (or not-so-new) forms of media (Kindles, iPod's, PC's, Blackberries, etc.) and simply this: asking the right questions to excite and engage all learners. You could have heard a pin drop (okay, maybe the odd baby cry--which, by the way, didn't bother him one bit, in fact, he asked the mother who was about to leave with her baby to stay!), in the packed school gymnasium. So many of his stories and anecdotes hit home, I wouldn't know where to begin. Here is me caught on camera looking all captivated.
As a Canadian children's writer, I was particularly thrilled with his promotion of Canadian authors! And I absolutely loved when he told the audience that he often travels on planes and trains reading picture books--out loud! Since most of what I read is children's/YA books it made me chuckle as I often find myself sitting among people engrossed in the latest, greatest in adult literature. They cast a sideways glance, raise their eyebrows then frown as I proudly read my latest, greatest middle-grade fantasy or adventure or graphic novel or YA thriller or early chapter book...

I only hope I get another opportunity to hear Mr. Booth speak!

**photographs courtesy of Jagdeep Singh**

An interview, Creation of Hope and goat b-day presents...

2010-04-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well, clearly it's taken me sometime to regroup after that frightening take-down experience with author, Deborah Kerbel, which is why my blog has remained sadly stagnant for some time...

Okay, I'm lying. I've just been lazy. But it's time to get unlazy (delazy?) and back to all this wonderful social networking!

First, the Markham Village Writers interviewed me! I was really excited to be asked. I mean I have sooooo many important things to say. You can read the interview here if you've got a moment: http://markhamvillagewriters.com/focus-on

Now way back, a month or two ago, I was honoured to be asked to present at an event with Eric Walters, Kenneth Oppel and Shane Peacock at Humberview P.S. As excited as those 600 students were to hear these amazing authors, I'm sure I was the most excited. They are all such fabulous writers and stellar speakers. I've heard them all before but could hear them a hundred times more and never get bored! Now, after Eric spoke about his organization, Creation of Hope, I was so moved that I had to do something, however small, to help out. I decided that since my own kids have way too much stuff, they would all get goats for their birthdays. (And since they are all about as stubborn as goats, I asked that they be named after my children!)

In case you haven't heard of it, Creation of Hope is an absolutely amazing organization where every single dollar goes directly to those in need. You can seriously change a child's life with just a few dollars! So the next time you don't know what to get for the guy(or girl or child) who has everything--buy them a chicken or a goat...or a bed, or mattress or books or socks or something--just tell them there is a child in Africa borrowing it for a while.

Got caught in the middle of a take-down!

2010-02-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

Not many exciting things happen to me and after last night I’m thinking that’s a good thing! On our way to speak at our monthly CANSCAIP meeting, fellow author and good friend, Deborah Kerbel and I get caught in the middle of a take-down. An actual take-down. It’s still so surreal. Deborah parks the car on Orchardview, just north of Yonge and Eglinton. There we are, crossing the street, prattling on about our latest writing adventures, ups, downs, contract or no contract, interest from a publisher, blah, blah, blah, when these two guys run—no race past us nearly knocking us down. I had to step back and I swear they grazed Deborah’s jacket. The world suddenly slows—or maybe just my mind—as I watch them chase each other across the street. My first thought is, “how rude” for nearly knocking us down. My second thought is, “Wow. Did that guy steal something from the other or what?” My third thought was, “OMG GUN!!!!” as the one guy pulls a gun on the other. I hear Deborah yelp, “Gun!” as she grabs me and we scurry for cover around the corner, where we practically run into another guy who has this other guy pinned. Then it all starts to sink in. This is a take-down. The guy with the gun is a cop. OMG—what if the other guy would have pulled a gun and started firing??? We could easily have been caught in the crossfire! My knees were shaking. It’s still so surreal. I’ll take my boring old life any day…

Triple Launch!

2010-01-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

What a day! After two months of planning our tripple launch finally arrived! It was a great success!

So many friends, family and fellow authors showed up--I was touched by everyone's support! And I think it's true--a crowd attracts a crowd as many Indigo shoppers were drawn in by the noise and smell of cake! Funny, I had a dream the night before that Deborah Kerbel, Mahtab Narsimhan and I were sitting at a table in the middle of a huge field surrounded by nothing by crickets--good thing I'm not psychic. I actually sold out! SOLD OUT!

The cakes were unbelievable!

THE DRAW!!!

2010-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

First off, Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2010 brings you health, happiness and good luck! And speaking of good luck, one of you has been very lucky! Entered into the draw were Barb, Claudia, Matthew, Stephanie, Andrew (1), Andrew (2), Nathan, Gregory and Mac. Here is a short video of me conducting the official draw! Thanks so much to everyone for entering the contest and for reading Ghost Ride. I only wish I had enough jerseys for everyone!

It's CONTEST time!!!

2009-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

Here it is! The contest you've been waiting for! Win a Kobe Bryant jersey! Check it out!

Stitched on letters and all! So what do you have to do to win this baby? Simple.

1. Read my new novel Ghost Ride.
2. Post a comment about it on my blog.
3. Send me a private email at info@marinacohen.com (write "Contest" in subject area so I don't miss it!)with the answer to this easy question: What is the name of the Rapper mentioned in the book?

When you post your comment on my blog you can do so anonymously--just sign your comment with a first name and your city. When you send me the answer to the skill-testing question, you need to provide me with your name and an initial. Make sure the email you send me is from an account I can reach you at should you win! Please DON'T post the answer here or you'll have too much competition! Oh, and if you can guess why I called the Rapper that specific name I will enter your name into the competition twice!

Contest will run from Tuesday, December 1st to Thursday, December 31st! Winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Good luck and happy reading!

Made it into the Economist & Sun!

2009-10-31T17:33:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to open my Economist & Sun today and find this (just in time for Halloween!!!)

A really nice article. Thanks to the journalist Keely Grasser! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Lunch Launch 2009!

2009-10-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today was the first in a series of launches for my new novel Ghost Ride! I presented the book to a captive lunch-eating audience of some 200 intermediate students at Castlemore P.S.--what fun!

Why Castlemore? Well, for starters the teacher-librarian, Grace Wong, is amazingly supportive.

Last year she had me present to the entire junior and intermediate divisions and I sold a whack of books! Also, a few students lingered after the presentation to chat and when I mentioned I'd love a trailer for my new novel--well, they actually agreed to create one for me all on their own! Check it out! So when the time came to choose a school venue for a launch--Castlemore was the way to go! Even the now grade 9 students who created the trailer came back to their old elementary school for the launch! I was so excited to see them and thank them again.

The local newspaper, The Economist & Sun, even dropped by--can't wait to read the article!

Now recently I've been following a discussion about book launches--all the dos and don'ts. One thing I can say for sure, is that free food--especially treats--is the greatest lure! Though this was totally an optional event and all these students showed up of their own accord, I can't honestly say just how many showed up for me and my book or how many showed up for the free treats!!!! (Peanut-free, of course!)

They're Here!

2009-10-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

They're here! They're here! (jumping up and down) My author copies of Ghost Ride arrived this past week and the first thing I did was take a good, long whiff! Nothing like the smell of new books hot off the press--especially when they're yours! I feel like I've been living and breathing this novel for the past three years. It took me 8 months to write, 8 months to find and agent, 8 months to find a publisher and 8 months to hold in my hot little hands. When I stop and think about it, that's kind of weird. I think 8 will be my new favourite number! Launch details coming soon!

Quest for Gingerbread...

2009-10-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

I love gingerbread. What can I say? Something about the spices--you can never have enough cinnamon in your life. I've been making gingerbread cookies since I was a kid. I remember trying several recipes and then settling on one that was published in the Toronto Star in 1982. I still have the original newspaper--now decrepit yellow, edges frayed, and covered in stains of various spilled ingredients.

One year, I actually constructed the sleigh--reindeer and all!

But now, here's the thing. Ever since I started teaching near the Village Grocer, I've been obsessed with their gingerbread cookies. They are the best ever. Not only are they true works of art, they taste awesome! I have tried no less than four recipes recently--some of which I had to toss the dough. DH thinks I've gone mad and perhaps he's right, but I desperately want the recipe! So. How does one go about asking a baker to divulge their culinary secrets? It would be like asking a magician to tell you how their tricks work. Strictly taboo.

Soooooo, here's my idea. I go to the store once a week for the next, oh, say, several months. Each time I buy a cookie and ask, "Is there nutmeg in this? Because I'm allergic to nutmeg..." Next time, "Is there cardamom in this? Because I'm allergic to cardamom." "Is there brown sugar in this? Because I'm allergic to brown sugar..." Slowly, but surely, I will amass the ingredients. Is this a great plan, or what???

At this point you may join DH in thinking I've lost it, but I've actually tried this twice. White sugar, not brown sugar and no cardamom. The third time, I felt I had to vary my tactic lest they begin to suspect a gingerbread spy in their midst. I said, "My mother and I are having this huge argument. I hope you can settle it. She says you use sugar beet syrup. I say molasses. Can you please tell me who's right?" Worked like a charm. Molasses. No sugar beets.

I think I've been writing too many zany scenes in my new WIP. Am I beginning to act like my MC or even worse, am I in denial that my MC is actually ME???!!!

Something About Fall

2009-09-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the perfect fall day (even though it was still technically summer). You couldn't have asked for a more lovely day for a literary festival! Edin Mills was in full swing and something called Telling Tales (must look into that one--heard it was stellar). I was at Words Alive--third year in a row--presenting this year on non-fiction to a very small, but very engaged crowd. Even sold a few books. Bonus. The sunshine drizzled through the huge oak and maple leaves dazzling the grounds of Sharon Temple. I had the best conversation with author, Bruce Hunter--must run out and buy his books, especially his latest, In The Bear's House. I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing Natale Ghent read from her middle-grade, The Odds get Even. It was an awesome day.

There's just something about fall that puts me into writing mode. I'm not sure what it is. Fall's always been my favourite season. When I think of fall I think of my first year at the University of Western Ontario. I think of my first solo travel to Europe (aimed for Oktoberfest--but missed it. Who'd 'a thunk Oktoberfest was in September???). I think of wearing new boots--fall boots--which are infinitely more fun and chic than those practical winter boots, jeans and sweaters and of course poncho's. (I've never actually owned a poncho, or a wrap for that matter, but I think of them nonetheless.) Fall air feels fresh. Maybe because the summer smog has settled. People start using their fireplaces, though sadly most (including myself) now have gas fireplaces which may provide some warmth and ambiance, but totally lack that amazing smell. Fall makes me think of apple crisp and stew--oh and chili! Big pots of soup. All that comfort food. I'm not sure why fall makes me want to write--seems like it makes me want to eat.

Ah well, off to dig out my fall boots, jeans, maybe knit a poncho and write, write, write!

A TRAILER for Ghost Ride!!!

2009-06-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

I’m so beyond exited! I have a book trailer for Ghost Ride—check it out!!!!

And the most amazing thing about this—it was put together completely and independently by a group of tech-savvy grade 8 students!!!

Earlier this year I did a presentation at a school with an incredible teacher-librarian and enthusiastic audience. I mentioned the idea of a book trailer and one girl said she’d happily take on the project. I gave her a copy of the manuscript—something I wouldn’t normally do!. She read it and became the driving force behind the trailer, designing the scenes and extracting the narration text from the manuscript and blurbs. She was able to get a few friends to act out the scenes while another student filmed it and put the whole thing together (I’m sure he spent many hours—and all this during his last few weeks of grade 8!)

I can’t thank these guys enough for all their hard work and dedication. What fun to see your novel spring to life like this!!! Ghost Ride is coming out with Dundurn Press this fall--should be in stores by November. I will definitely be inviting this group of students to my launch for a special thank you!!!

My Sadly Neglected Blog, Non-fiction Take-over and Cloning Experiments...

2009-06-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve just completed a whirlwind of non-fiction books!!!! 4 in the past 2 months! And they are already up on Amazon alongside my new Y/A Ghost Ride!

I still can’t believe I wrote 2 graphic novels (which has provided me with a deepened respect for the genre!) and 2 science books in 2 months! I mean from science fiction to science—genetic engineering no less—was a ginormous leap for me. I had a blast though. It forced me to do a ton of research (which has been the biggest barrier between me and historical fiction!) and I came across some amazingly interesting stuff! For example, when I learned that there are about 100,000 bacteria crawling around on every square centimetre of my skin, it sure made me a lot less of a germaphobe!

Here are the covers! I’m obviously biased, but I think they look AWESOME!!!

Okay. So I decided if I was going to include experiments in each of these books, they had better work. Here are some photos of my incredible edible cell:

And if you think the concept of cloning is freaky and frightening, try cloning a cabbage to ease your concerns…

Of course my cabbage clones are still growing--stay tuned for regular updates!

Whew.

Now that the non-fiction take-over has passed (for the moment anyway...) I hoping to nurse my undernourished blog (and other facets of my life!) back to good health!

Jeremy's Launch!

2009-03-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Stopped by Jeremy Tankard's launch of Boo Hoo Bird this evening at a cute restaurant on the Danforth.

Little Miss K had to show off her very own boo boo to Jeremy who appears extremely concerned. Jeremy had prepared an amazing colouring table on which he'd sketched a variety of his characters for kids to colour--this amused Master J for quite some time while I lined up to purchase a few books and then lined up again to get them autographed. What a great event and what a huge turn-out! Congratulations Jeremy!

Five quarters to skip class...

2009-03-02T19:24:00.001-08:00

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of presenting to four groups of junior/intermediate students at Castlemore P.S.

The TL there was so incredibly supportive and each of the four groups of students was beyond enthusiastic, energetic and completely attentive.

At the end of each of the presentations, I was thanked by a student. The junior students both put a huge smile on my face and the intermediate speeches were so funny, so touching, and so sincere that I asked to keep their notes and just can’t resist posting them even though they're tough to read:

I just love the line: “I walked in thinking I "payed" five quarters to skip class…”

During recess, I was treated to a plate of goodies and had expected to sign a few books for eager readers—well, 95 books later, I was completely bought out and I’m going to return this week with another 50 books! I still can’t believe it! Thank you, Castlemore P.S., for the warm welcome and wonderful treatment—I think every children’s author out there should have the opportunity to visit your school!

Slumdog Controversy

2009-02-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I saw the movie Slumdog Millionaire—truly one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. The story sucked me into another time and part of the world that I confess I know little about. And it was shocking. And humbling. And certainly made me look at the rip in my leather sofa and the scratches on coffee table and my broken California shutters in a whole new and embarrassing light.

Growing up in Western society—in a far from affluent neighbourhood—I learned early in life what real poverty looks like. Having a Romanian uncle who, at the time, was not allowed back into the country he’d escaped from, I was taken on two occasions, 9 years-old and again at 15, to a country that made my lower-middle-class house look like a palace. I remember clearly seeing the white, bare store and asking, “What is that?’ and being told, “It’s the bread store.” “But where’s the bread?” “There isn’t any.” And beside it another empty space. “And what’s that?” “The meat store.” “And where’s the meat?” “There isn’t any.” I remember parked cars, snaking from a gas station in a ghostly line that went on for miles. “Why are they parked like that?” “They are waiting for gas.” Let me guess. There isn’t any.

For a 15 year old, it was an eye-opener and certainly a turning point in my life. I am eternally grateful for that experience as I was able to remind myself often over the years that I have it good.

When I came home from the movie last night, gushing about how great it was, I was taken aback when my babysitter informed me that there was a huge back-lash against the movie in India, that using the word “dog” in the title was derogatory and that the scenes of total poverty in the movie were exploiting those that live in these slums.

http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/the-real-roots-of-the-slumdog-protests/

I can totally see why there is such uproar, but in my opinion, the movie does less to exploit the poor and more to educate those of us living in a world so far removed from this sort of desperate poverty that we weep freely at seeing these scenes rather than gawk at them as sensational. I firmly believe and live by the adage, “The more places you see, the more you know,” and for all those who never make it out of their own city, let alone province or country and who will never go half-way around the world and experience first hand just how good they’ve got it, this movie can at least transport them for two hours and hopefully have them leave the theatre as humbled as I did.

A Great Week!

2009-02-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

It never rains it pours--good things as well as bad--and this week I got a few happy buckets dumped on me! For one, I just received word that Ghost Ride, the first of my Y/A thrillers, will be published by Dundurn! I have nothing but respect for Dundurn--they have excellent books by excellent authors (see: Marsha Skrypuch, Mahtab Narsimhan, Valerie Sherrard, Deborah Kerbel, James Bow, to name a few!) And they have excellent covers! (Can't wait to see what mine will look like!)

Now, as if that isn't enough to keep me grinning for the next, oh, say, year, I also found out this week that I'm the recipient of ETFO's Curriculum Development Award --Women's Program for my teacher's guide for Shadow of the Moon! This thrills me to no end because my personal joke is that I spent more time writing the teacher's guide than I did writing the novel! I've received great feedback from teachers that have used both my guides, but man, to have ETFO acknowledge my work is HUGE!!!

I'm going out to buy a lotery ticket!

Schools and Canadian Authors

2009-02-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

I just read an article by Marc Côté (for whom I happen to have the utmost respect!)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090213.wbkread14/EmailBNStory/globebooks/home

and felt his words spoke directly to me for three reasons:

1. Growing up, I loved Edgar Allen Poe.

2. I went on to become a huge Stephen King fan. I also enjoyed the works of Anne Rice, (who was truly an inspiration!) and Dean Koontz.

3. One of my favourite all-time novels is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird AND not only haven’t I read Gwenthalyn Graham’s Earth and High Heaven, I’d never even heard of it. (It’s now definitely on my list of things to read!)

But despite all this, I find myself questioning whether my education and the system’s lack of promoting Canadian authors had anything to do with my taste and the writers I gravitated toward. Media? Absolutely. But not sure about the schools…

In elementary school, two novels I studied that still stand out in my mind today are Luke Baldwin’s Vow (Morely Callahan—Canadian) and Underground to Canada (Barbara Smucker—American). Sadly, I can’t remember many others, though this is more a reflection of my aging mind than anything else.

In high school, I was definitely exposed to a variety of Canadian writers—Mordecai Richler’s The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, Margaret Atwood’s Lady Oracle, and Margaret Lawrence’s The Diviners, are those that come to mind.

I have to agree with Mr. Côté that American and British authors are far better promoted by the media, but by the schools (at least back in my day)?…hmmm…still thinking on that…

OLA magic and my banned-books bracelet!

2009-01-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

The magic of OLA Superconference never fades! This was my fourth year attending and I felt as exhilirated as ever meandering up and down the aisles of publishers displaying their new lines. I joined many a signing cue and walked away with a number of treasured autographed books. But I have to say the highlight for me was buying my I Read Banned Books bracelet--I bought three!

I adore To Kill a Mockingbird! Can't even imagine it ever having been banned!!! Is this not the GREATEST bracelet ever???

Other highlights included hanging with Helene Boudreau (who signed Acadian Star), Marsha Skrypuch (who signed Daughter of War), Natalie Hyde (who held her non-fics in her hands for the first time).

Hi Mahtab and Marsha!

Yay Helene!

Go Nat, go Nat, go Nat!!!

And what better way to wrap up a great day than with a great evening with good food, good friends and great conversation! Only 364 days until the next OLA Superconference!

I wish I could write like this...

2009-01-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

I’m drinking in a novel as deliciously decadent and satisfying as a warm cup of cocoa.

Awake and Dreaming, by Kit Pearson, was a spontaneous purchase at the last Packaging Your Imagination workshop series. It sat in my enormous pile of books desperate to be read until a few days ago, when I picked it up, read the prologue and was whisked into a world so vivid and real, so rich in language and image—a novel so brilliantly crafted that I couldn’t put it down (sorry kids, Mommy wasn’t ignoring you, she was temporarily sucked into another world!) Awake and Dreaming is a definite must-read, not only for its intended audience of eager young readers, but also for any aspiring fiction writer. A word of caution to the latter though—this novel was so darned good it made me want to throw down and retire my pen forever!

Snow and Shameless Self-promotion!

2008-12-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

So there I was, grinning like the cat that got the cream, super-proud of my 1 1/2 hour Boxing Day spree (40% off at the Nike Store!) and seconds from my home, when I passed a car stuck in a snowbank (actually icebank) on the side of the highway right at my 407 off-ramp. I stopped, put the car in reverse--had to make sure the woman was all right, all the while thinking, "Man, I should get a cell one of these days" (or a Blackberry...or better yet, an Iphone!!!!). Thankfully she was fine. Her two dogs were a bit shaken though (one had apparently flown into the front seat on impact). Luckily, I'd just put a shovel in the trunk (dug myself out of the parking lot downtown last year at OLA Superconference on hands and knees and swore to keep a shovel in the trunk ever since). I began to dig. And dig. And dig. Then chisel. Then push. Then chisel some more. Then get down on hands and knees and pulled ice out from the undercarriage. Finally, another car stopped. An older gentleman (you'd think one, just one of those strapping young men would stop to help, but no.) Together, a whole hour later, we got the car free and the woman was so grateful she asked for my business card. I said, "nah, don't worry about it--happy to help." She insisted she wanted to do something to thank me. I asked, "Well....ahem...have you got any grandchildren ages 9-11, grades 4-6?" She said, "Why yes, several." I said, "Well, how about a lovely book purchase for them?"

Okay. So I ended my good dead with horrible self-promotion. Shameful. Tsk. Tsk. Then I started to think...hmmm...maybe I should cruise the highways with my shovel, helping innocent unsuspecting victims of the weather and shamelessly self-promote my novels while I do so? Bet no one else has thought of this marketing strategy!!!! Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!

Another Near-miss!

2008-12-14T05:36:00.000-08:00

This week I received an email from my agent--another near-miss for my Y/A thriller, Ghost Ride the Whip, (working title). I must say, I'm pretty discouraged at this point--not because the feedback is terrible, but just the opposite--because the feedback is so darned GOOD! I think in some respects it would be easier to take if the publishers simply said I stunk. But the close-but-no-cigar feedback (the third publisher that has come back with this) is starting to weigh me down. This business sure is one wild roller-coaster ride!

More Inspirations--of the sports variety...

2008-12-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

I've been a football fan--CFL fan--for the better part of the last 20 years. When I met my husband I was forced to adopt his NFL team--the Miami Dolphins, which for a while, during Marino years, was quite enjoyable. Then Marino retired and followed what I lovingly refer to as The Dark Years. Too many abysmal losses to mention, the "season-that-shall-not-be-named" (1-15!!!) and don't even get me started on the whole Ricky Williams fiasco (I refuse to forgive him!)

But tonight, all was good in the sports world for Dolphin fans. As play-off hopes are always minimal at best, the Buffalo vs. Miami game (especially the December game) is our personal Superbowl. Held at the Rogers Centre (I still refer to it as the Dome), the atmosphere was great (for a Toronto crowd anyway). I was hopeful, donning my Dolphin attire (though I tossed out the more obnoxious toques during The Dark Years) and prepared to endure the usual Bill's fan abuse.

It wasn't what I'd call an exciting game--but hey, we'll take the win. So there I was, my mind wandering as usual, and a sports story plot (was I the only fan there thinking about writing) popped into my head. Now, if I could only find the time to finish my current WIP and get started on it!

Oh, and one of the things I really enjoyed about this game was the half-time show--they had a band! Not a little band--a BAND--a real band, all the way from Syracuse! I love bands! Why don't we have them in Canada? Do we have any big marching bands like they have in the US? Our west maybe? I'll have to google it.

Now, I'm wondering if I can figure out a way to put a band in my sports story...hmmm....

Inspirations

2008-12-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while driving through city traffic, I fished through my CD case, locating some obscure, unlabeled disk, popped it in, and suddenly the 80's song Never Ending Story (remix version) blared through the speakers. I loved that song! I loved that movie! It got me thinking about stories that have had a huge impact on my writing. They are as follows:

The Neverending Story--just love how this story comes full circle connecting fantasy to reality! For sure has influenced the circular plot in both Shadow of the Moon and Trick of the Light.

Star Wars--I honestly think that the recurring theme of redemption in each of my novels (even the as of yet unpublished Ghost Ride the Whip (working title) and Mind Gap) stem from my fascination with the character of Darth Vader.

The Last Unicorn--the writing is nothing short of brilliant! I'm especially drawn to Mommy Fortuna--I think I have a thing for complex villains. I think they are quite often more interesting then the hero--Snape comes to mind!

The Wizard of Oz--What haunts me most about this one, is the discovery that the Great Wizard of Oz isn't so great after all--that Dorothy and the gang had their own power all along.

Two adult novels that I had pretty much love/hate relationships with but that had profound influences over my writing with their structures are To the Lighthouse (Woolf) and La Modification (Butor).I think I need to re-read those again...off to dig through old books in the basement.