Writing...Just because!

 Our next title to launch in the New Year will be Dr. Mark Gilbert's memoir-plus where he shares a look back at a twenty-year collaborative project between Canada and Indonesia. What is a BIG BANG in governance all about? How could two countries as different as Canada and Indonesia start and maintain a twenty-year partnership to improve public services in Indonesia? This book answers these two questions by going back to 1994 when four Canadians representing the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) made their first appearance at the main office of the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs. Initially it was all about timing. Indonesia wanted to grow its economy by speeding up its government regulation approvals, Canada wanted to share knowledge and build relationships with nations aspiring to middle income country status. The cooperation began with a focus on administrative decentralization. It evolved quickly in 1998 when fallout from the Asian financial crises led to...

 In this episode of WIP Tips, I discuss how to get started. What do you do to springboard from that blinking cursor to diving into your story and moving your narrative along?

Happy to announce the launch of Corinne Hoebers's Tethered Spirits—Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq on October 18th and available to  order now . We're excited for the launch party that will take place at the Halifax Central Library, and to have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Mi'kmaw History Month, (visit our event page for more details). All are invited! Tethered Spirits Against the violent backdrop of the French and Indian (Seven Years) War, two German siblings come to learn about and understand the Mi'kmaq. Christian, now named Bear Cub, lives with the ancient People and develops a deep bond with his chosen brother, Eagle Feather, while his new family’s way of life is increasingly threatened. On the outskirts of Lunenburg, Hanna, his younger sister, befriends a Mi’kmaw Elder and questions her papa’s ownership of the land they are settling. Christian immerses himself in the Mi’kmaw language and the ways of the land, prepared to defend the People alon...

The next title coming out from OC Publishing is an historical fiction, set in the mid-1700s in Lunenburg Nova Scotia.  Tethered Spirits - Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq by Corinne Hoebers tells a story against the violent backdrop of the French and Indian (Seven Years) War, as two German siblings come to learn about and understand the Mi'kmaq. Christian, now named Bear Cub, lives with the ancient People and develops a deep bond with his chosen brother, Eagle Feather, while his new family’s way of life is increasingly threatened. On the outskirts of Lunenburg, Hanna, his younger sister, befriends a Mi’kmaw Elder and questions her papa’s ownership of the land they are settling. Christian immerses himself in the Mi’kmaw language and the ways of the land, prepared to defend the People alongside Eagle Feather. Christian’s father and older sister, Elisabeth, refuse to accept his new way of life; nor will they recognize the humanity of their perceived enemy. Christian is caught b...

 We have recently celebrated the launch of The Arrows of Fealty by Jill MacLean , the sequel to The Arrows of Mercy that tells the story of Edmund of Flintbourne’s son. Haukyn is a serf who owes fealty to the lord of the manor and whose life is tied to the soil, yet he craves adventure beyond the boundary stones of his village. In 1373, he leaves for John of Gaunt’s campaign in France. There, during five months of combat and loss, futility and atonement, he learns how armour-clad knights can be brought as low as any serf. Home again, he is caught between two women, pretty Annabel and Ilotte of the sloe-black eyes. Neither marriage nor fatherhood tames his restless spirit. When a knight who was his sworn enemy in France becomes the new lord of the manor, Haukyn leads his neighbours in rebellion against ancient custom and unjust taxation. England’s southern counties march in open revolt on London, where Haukyn witnesses the king grant freedom to every serf in the country. Unimagi...

As we celebrate the launch on June 22 of  Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Nova Scotia-based author, Francene Gillis, we're reaching out to reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and avid readers who would like to receive a review copy. Our tour schedule is starting to take shape so wanted to share with you those who have already joined the virtual book tour. Make sure you visit and follow these folks and show the love for those who support authors in their mission to spread the word! As reviews, author interviews and spotlights run, we will be updating the links so come back often :) If you have a favourite book blogger/reviewer, podcaster, BookToker, or Tuber that you think would be interested, add them in the comments below. The Where Did i Go?   T our Line-up: Francene Gillis Sarah Butland's Imagination Captured Author Takeover - Kicked off the tour on May 14 Tea with Francene Gillis on  Toons & Wooden Spoons  with Mary Janet MacDonald - June 8 Lisa Has...