My first Children's Picture Book, The Ravens of Farne

Like Steve in the previous post, I have publication news that is not quite SF. My first picture book, The Ravens of Farne, is being released this month. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon.ca or Amazon.com

Current reviews and update...

Not exactly SF, but I am very proud and pleased to announce that there was a splendid review of my children's picture book MARITIME MONSTERS - a field guide to the sea serpents, lake lizards and wood legends of the Maritime provinces - in the latest issue of CM.

Click HERE to check out the review.

And there was a blog-based review at Wag The Fox.

http://waggingthefox.blogspot.com/2010/01/rabid-reads-halifax-haunts-by-steve.html

And lastly, Nimbus Publishing has agreed to publish my very first young adult novel, DEEPER, to be released in the Fall of 2010.

Yours in storytelling,

Steve Vernon

Eileen Kernaghan story reprinted in new anthology

Eileen Kernaghan's SF story "Carpe Diem" will be reprinted in a new anthology, The Aurora Awards -- Thirty Years of Canadian Science Fiction,  from the Montreal small press Nanopress .

Nina Munteanu's "Fiction Writer" Gaining Interest in Schools

Nina Munteanu's fiction writing guide The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now! was released by Starfire World Syndicate in 2009 and is eligible for the Canadian Aurora Prix Award. Author of Darwin's Paradox and award-winning blog, The Alien Next Door, Nina teaches a curriculum on “writing to be published” based on The Fiction Writer, which several creative instructors are using in their classes at schools and universities throughout Canada and USA.

Instructors and students of creative writing are enjoying its entertaining and easy-to-read instruction and praise has been very forthcoming:

• “The Fiction Writer is at the top of the required reading list for my Writer’s Workshop students…the quintessential guidebook for the soon-to-be-published.”—Susan H. McLemore, M.Ed., Glynn Academy Language Arts Department


• “Nina Munteanu's The Fiction Writer is the book I wish I had 15 years ago. Writers young and old can find ways to improve their work, with the book's fun, easy to read format.”— Theresa Vinson, Book Seller, Hattie’s Books


• “Nina's writing style is engaging, enlightening, and enjoyable. And like the good Doctor's Tardis, the book is larger than it appears - Get Get Published, Write Now! right now.”—David Merchant, English Instructor, Louisiana Tech University


• “We use this book weekly in my Writer's Workshop class, and it gives us all the right tips to write like a professional author. The chapters are brief and concise, and really help us write both fiction and nonfiction. I would highly recommend this book for anyone hoping to enhance their writing.”—Mark J. Bujold, writing student, Saint Simon’s Island, GA


• “I felt as though she really wanted me to succeed as a writer, and was a mentor sent to provide guidance and inspiration.”— Zoe M. Hicks, author of The Women’s Estate Planning Guide and Dream Catcher, the Power of Faith


• “High energy writer and teacher of writing Nina Munteanu is an upbeat coach for new and published writers seeking to refresh their art.”—Lynda Williams, author of Okal Rel Series


• "I'm very impressed...Nina shares the hard-won knowledge she's accumulated...I'm thoroughly enjoying the book!”—Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author of Wake

Simon Rose joins Five Rivers' authors

Five Rivers reached an agreement last week to publish the next young adult novel from author Simon Rose, Flashback.

The novel is a reincarnation, time-travel story about young Vancouver-based Max, who finds himself a reluctant investigator into a murder that happened decades ago to David Dexter. Max’s dreams and findings lead him to people it would appear he knew in a previous life and in the end transport back in time and body into the dangerous psychic experiments during the US/Soviet Union Cold War.

Simon Rose joins Five Rivers’ conclave of authors with six children’s novels in print through Tradewind Books, an impressive list of award nominations, and literary award adjudications (the Governor General and Sunburst among them.) A Derbyshire native, Simon now makes his home in Calgary, Alberta. More information about Simon can be found through his website.

Flashback, Simon’s first young adult novel, is slated for release early in 2011.

New YouTube Post

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spZNKiuM5Xw

"Waterfront" was directed by Carol McBride in 1986. Originally short in 35 mm, it stars Eva Mackey and features a gorgeous reading (and adaptation) of my short story "Memory Lapse at the Waterfront." "Memory Lapse" first appeared in New Bodies, An Anthology of Science Fiction, published by Emanation Press. (Toronto, 1981). It was rerprinted in my 2008 anthology, "After the Fires," published by Toronto's Tightrope books. Posted with permission.

Edward Willett sells YA fantasy series to Lobster Press

Edward Willett has sold The Singing Water, the first book in a planned five-book young adult fantasy series (collectively called Excalibur Reforged) set in modern-day Canada, but with Arthurian elements, to Lobster Press in Montreal.

The Singing Water, in which a teenage girl in Regina discovers she's the direct descendant of The Lady of the Lake and must take on a quest to find the first of the scattered shards of the sword Excalibur, will be out in fall of 2010.

Superhuman Fiction from Donna Farley in 1000 Faces

The Hero with a Thousand Faces......


You can read my Hallowe'en/Fairy Tale/Humour/Urban Fantasy/Superhero/YA story in the fabulous zine of Superhuman fiction, 1000 Faces online now!

In "Camellia Chameleon", a suburban kid suddenly discovers she can change parts of herself at will-- and decides she doesn't like it! But on Hallowe'en a threat to a neighborhood child forces Cam to reconsider.....

Plus many more exciting stories. The issue is also available for download to e-book or POD. See the site for details!

Sneak peak at the cover of Dave Duncan's next book

Here's the cover art for Dave Duncan's next novel, Speak to the Devil, coming out from Tor in hardcover in May.

Claire Eamer at book signing and science fair

On Saturday, December 5, Claire Eamer is splitting her time between a book signing and a science fair. She's part of a Gala Yukon Author Book Signing at Mac's Fireweed, Whitehorse's independent bookseller, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. She's also displaying and signing books at the Yukon and Stikine Regional Science Fair at Yukon College.

Edward Willett to teach SF writing course for University of Regina

Edward Willett will be teaching a course in writing speculative fiction for the University of Regina's Centre for Continuing Education Writing Series this spring.

The eight-hour course, which runs Tuesday evenings from March 6 to April 8, is described this way:

Students will receive an overview of the genres included in the umbrella term speculative fiction—science fiction, fantasy and horror—plus hands-on experience in the crafting of stories within these genres. Topics will include idea development, character development, world building and story structure. Information about speculative fiction markets, workshops, writers’ organizations, websites and conventions will also be provided. Students will be expected to produce work to be critiqued and to critique others’ work.

The tuition fee is $99; registration form is online here.

Brent Knowles places first in the Writers of the Future Contest

Brent Knowles has placed first in the Writers of the Future Contest (3rd Quarter 2009).

Two stories of his have also been published recently -- "From the Sea" in On Spec #78 and "The Tale of Lady Spite" in Tales of the Talisman.

Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show publishes Geoffrey W. Cole

Geoffrey W. Cole's short story "Lo'ihi Rising" appears in Issue #15 of Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show. Click the link to read a preview of the story and buy Issue #15 for ony $2.50 to read the whole story.

For a deeper look at how this story came about, check out Geoff's essay: "A Yeast-Free Recipe to Make Lo'ihi Rise".

Druids signing at EIA a success

Strange brew. I never blogged like this before. So, news: Last Monday I spent most of the day enjoying the fine support of Indigo Books and the Edmonton International Airport at a book signing. It went superbly well, and met a lot of very nice people! Thanks E-team.

My SF book finalist at the GG!

Les vents de Tammerlan, the second tome of my Chaaas’ cycle, is now a finalist of the General Governor’s literary Awards in the children’s literature category.

“This captivating novel by Michèle Laframboise strays from the well-worn paths of science fiction. While conserving the essential elements of the genre, the author’s subtle, at times poetic, prose creates moving and colourful images and gives life to complex, lovable characters. “

It is a small victory for my story and my paper children, and a larger victory for science-fiction, now recognized as a full flavour of the literary ice cream!

(a nice article by the Mississauga News: http://www.mississauga.com/what's%20on/article/161156--laframboise-awaits-word-on-governor-general-s-award )

Michèle, coming back from a Saskatchewan Tour for the Canadian children's books week. (Tournée Lire à tous vents)

Claire Eamer on book tour in Ontario

Claire Eamer is currently touring schools and libraries in the Toronto-London-Guelph area as part of TD Canadian Children's Book Week. She'll be delivering presentations and readings based on her kids' science books, Spiked Scorpions & Walking Whales and Super Crocs & Monster Wings, as well as her history book for kids, Traitors' Gate and Other Doorways to the Past, all published by Annick Press. TD Canadian Children's Book Week runs until November 21, 2009.

Blog Review and Promotional Tour for Lorina Stephens

Lorina Stephens' latest novel, From Mountains of Ice, a cultural fantasy, was recently reviewed at Wicked Little Pixie, an online reviewer of paranormal romance and cultural fantasy. Full review available here.

Lorina's fall promotional tour continues through December at the following locations in Ontario:
November 28: Coles, 150 First Street, Orangeville, L9W 3T7, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
December 5: Chapters, Stone Road Mall, 435 Stone Road, Guelph, N1G 2X6, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
December 11: Smith Books, Heritage Place, 1350 - 16th Street East, Owen Sound N4K 5N3, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

From Mountains of Ice is available in print and eBook through online retailers worldwide, through the Espresso channel at available locations, as well as select booksellers in Ontario and the publisher, Five Rivers.

For more information about Lorina Stephens visit Five Rivers' website.

Interview with Matthew Hughes at SF Examiner

Matthew Hughes is interviewed by SF Examiner.

Online interview, chat and contest with C.June Wolf Wednesday at Bitten by Books

C. June Wolf is taking part in an online interview, chat and contest at Bitten by Books on Wednesday, September 23, at 10:30 p.m. Central time. Prizes will be awarded!

Joan Savage short story in Orson Scott Card's InterGalactic Medicine Show

Joan Savage's short story "Shadow of Turning" is in the current issue of Orson Scott Card's InterGalactic Medicine Show.

Douglas Smith's collection Chimerascope now available for pre-order from ChiZin Publications

Douglas Smith's second collection, Chimerascope, will be coming out this January from ChiZine Publications. The cover art (at left) is by Erik Mohr.

This is Doug's first full collection, and includes 16 of his favourite stories--fantasy, SF, horror, etc.--including an Aurora Award winner, a Best New Horror selection, and nine Aurora finalists.

Chimerascope is now available for pre-order for the limited edition hardcover and will also be available in trade paperback later.

Joe Mahoney profiled on CBC's Book Club blog

Joe Mahoney is profiled on CBC's Book Club blog in conjunction with the radio series' September focus on science fiction.

ECW Press to publish Steve Stanton's SF trilogy The Bloodlight Chronicles

ECW Press in Toronto has contracted to publish a science fiction trilogy, The Bloodlight Chronicles, by Steve Stanton. The first book in the series, Reconciliation, will be released September, 2010.

Collection of Eileen Kernaghan's speculative poetry comes out this month

Here's the cover for Eileen Kernaghan's new collection of her speculative poetry, Tales From the Holograph Woods, due out this month. The image is Henri Rousseau's painting On the Forest Edge.

On Saturday, September 26 at 2 p.m., along with fellow poet Marci Tentchoff of Double-Edged Books, Eileen will be reading at White Dwarf Books, 3715 West 10th Avenue in Vancouver B.C.

Tales From the Holograph Woods, a 35-year retrospective of Eileen's speculative poetry, is available from Wattle and Daub Books.

Mark Shainblum's profile of Alison Sinclair in McGill Reporter

Mark Shainblum's profile of Alison Sinclair is in the current issue of the McGill Reporter.

Matthew Hughes signs three-book deal with Angry Robot for contemporary fantasy series

Matthew Hughes reports he has made a three-book deal (with an option for a fourth) with HarperCollins's Angry Robot imprint for "a contemporary fantasy series about a mild-mannered actuary who becomes a caped crusader crime fighter with the unwilling assistance of a demon who talks and dresses like Jimmy Cagney in a 1930s gangster movie."

The first three chapters of the first book, somewhat shortened, will run as "Hell of a Fix," the cover story in the December/January issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction.

Arthur Slade launches website for The Hunchback Assignments

Arthur Slade has launched a new website for his series The Hunchback Assignments.

Notes Art, "I'm really pleased with it, and especially had a lot of fun with the radio plays in the 'play' section of the website. It's so enjoyable to do these extra things with your characters."

Bonus: in the upper-right-hand side there's a "choose your background" button, allowing you to use either the American or the Canadian cover as your background.

Edward Willett replaces Spider Robinson as Author Guest of Honor at Pure Speculation

Edward Willett will be filling in for Spider Robinson as Author Guest of Honour at Pure Speculation, a science fiction convention in Edmonton, after Spider had to bow out to concentrate be with his wife, Jeanne, as she undergoes a round of chemotherapy.

Pure Speculation runs October 2 to 4 at the Shaw Convention Centre.

Poems and stories appearing from Colleen Anderson

Colleen Anderson's poem “The Drowning Ones” is out in Issue No. 77 of On Spec.

Her poem “Don Quixote’s Quandary" came out in the Science Fiction Poetry Association's 2008 poetry contest collection.

Colleen's story “The Boy who Bled Rubies” has just come out in Don Juan and Men: Stories of Lust and Seduction, published by MLR press.

She has sold the story “Best Sipped Slowly” to the anthology The Quantum Genre on the Planet of the Arts.

Lorina Stephens's Five Rivers Chapmanry actively soliciting fiction

Lorina Stephens reports that her "micro-publishing" company, Five Rivers, is:

...now actively seeking from Canadian authors solid, Canadian novel-length fiction, with well-crafted plot and characterization, employing Canadian themes, geography and issues. If you have a manuscript that’s been lying in your bottom drawer because the major US houses aren’t interested in Canadian issues, it’s very likely that manuscript will find a home with Five Rivers. We’ll look at just about any genre with the exception of romance, anything to do with vampires (unless you’re going to deliver something other than Bella and Edward), horror, crime or erotica. If you’re submitting SF, please, think outside the singing oysters thing. If you’re submitting fantasy, we’d rather not see anything about dragons, elves and quests for magical artefacts.

Complete submission guidelines are here.

Lorina Stephens available for Q & A on Goodreads

Lorina Stephens is available until September 29 for a Q & A on Goodreads. If you don't have a Goodreads account, you'll need to sign up to participate in the discussion.

John R. Little limited-edition novella The Gray Zone released

John R. Little's new new limited-edition novella, The Gray Zone, is available now from Bad Moon Books.

John also has short story "The Slow Haunting" in the anthology Dark Delicacies 3 (Perseus Books), which also includes work by Clive Barker, Kevin J. Anderson. Chuck Palahniuk, Heather Graham, Richard Christian Matheson, David Morrell, and many more. It's available in both hardcover and trade paperback.

Sherry D. Ramsay sells story to Destination Future anthology

Sherry D. Ramsay has sold short story “Encountering Evie” to the Destination Future anthology due out from Hadley Rille Books next year.

Brett Alexander Savory critiquing for Dorchester Publishing

Brett Alexander Savory is one of the editors/critiquers for the new manuscript critiquing service started up by Dorchester Publishing.

Steve Vernon sells story to On Spec

Steve Vernon has sold short story "Harry's Mermaid" to On Spec.

Ursula Pflug reviews Paula Johanson's Tower in the Crooked Wood for the Peterborough Examiner

Ursula Pflug reviews Paula Johanson's YA fantasy Tower in the Crooked Wood (Bundoran Press) for the Peterborough Examiner, concluding:

Just like in real life, work, friendship and storytelling are important parts of Johanson's beautifully built world. The author is an avid kayaker and her love and knowledge of the outdoors imbues her narrative with a rich verisimilitude.

As well, the reader will remember spunky, sympathetically drawn Jenia for a long time.

Sample of Arthur Slade's The Hunchback Assignments audio book online

Random House has put up a sample from the audio book version of Arthur Slade's The Hunchback Assignments. Notes Art, "It's such an odd experience to hear someone else read your story."

Simon Rose discusses virtual author visits using video and Skype

Sandra Kasturi now represented by the Anne McDermid Agency

Sandra Kasturi, who is shopping her first novel to publishers, is now being represented by the Anne McDermid Agency.

Linda DeMeulemeester's Grim Hill series continues to garner raves

Linda DeMeulemeester's Grim Hill children's fantasy series (Lobster Press) continues to garner rave reviews and awards. Some reviews of the latest, Grim Hill: The Forgotten Secret:

“The “Grim Hill” series gets another satisfying go-round with this fantasy/mystery romp featuring the spunky Cat Peters ... Another appealing mix of realism, whimsy, and legend.” – Booklist, May 2009

"The author interweaves mood, magic, and Celtic mythology with the typical preoccupations of adolescence, creating a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a suspenseful story built around engaging characters and an imaginative premise." – Resource Links, April 2009

“... once it takes off, it careens along, getting spookier and spookier … it does work out in the end, leaving Cat robbed of her potential best friend but on the verge of fitting in at school and wiser in the ways of relationships, both boy-girl and mother-daughter.” – CM: Canadian Review of Materials, April 2009

"DeMeulemeester offers a realistic heroine in the form of the conflicted Cat, and a storyline that fantasy addicts will devour." – Montreal Review of Books, April 2009

“The series is well-written, the Celtic fairy lore well-researched and well-incorporated … DeMeulemeester has created a fascinating world populated with believable characters and a strong dose of fantasy. What fun!” – HollyBookNotes (book review blog), April 2009