Revenge of the Swedes

sunny, hot and humid, temps 32

Am in Montreal now...arrived yesterday morning, leaving Michael in Sutton with his son...give the guys some private time. And I had a dentist appointment. And a few things to do here. Did an interview this morning with Hannah Sung at CBC for the book club...some questions their readers had. Then hopped in the car to zoom to Ikea for bookcases. Now that we're set-up in the new apartment we realize we need more bookcases. No real surprise there.

I got there about 10:30 and the lot was already 2/3rds full. I whizzed around, since we don't need anything else - though I was really temped to buy a few sofas, some lamps and a new kitchen. But resisted. Got two book cases - then found them in the self-serve.

Self-serve?? What do they think we are? As you might have gathered I'm not exactly petite, but even I could barely wrestle with the boxes from the shelves. I finally had to ask a young worker to help. He did but didn't seem happy - never cracked a smile, or said a word. But even he grunted a little dragging a box from the second shelf.

Managed to get the boxes from the trolley into the car, then from the car to the apartment. But nthe real delight was still to come.

Putting the ducking things together. I'm going to hell for sure. And I think my right thumb has a permanent ridge where that 'key' fits. Had to made two bookcases. Michael said I should wait until he arrives tomorrow, but the truth is, we don't work so well together. One of us gets bossy. To be fair, we take turns micro-managing each other...and since neither of us reacts well to that you'd think we'd stop doing it to each other. But we don't.

But now, they're both done and look great. Now we can finally unpack the last of the boxes. That I will save for Michael.

Rented and watched two DVD's from the first season of 30Rock. I almost never catch it on TV, but when I do I love it. Thought this was a great chance to start getting caught up. It's hilarious.

Spoke to Michael. He and his son did a Cowie for breakfast, and are now lounging by the pool, reading. Off to the theatre tonight. Sounds like they're having a blast.

Time for me to take a soft drink, some fruit and the manuscript for book 6 onto the balcony and do some more fine tuning. Love this stage of the process.

Am overwhelmed with responses to my newsletter give-away - two advance copies of THE BRUTAL TELLING. I always try to respond to each one, but there are hundreds. But I figure if I just do 25 a day I'll eventually get through. And I really appreciate the notes from people, and that the reason I get to do this is because people have discovered the books and support them. The least I can do is write back when they take the time to write. It just takes a little time.

Take care and will talk to you tomorrow.

The goddess of cellulite

overcast, still, humid - temps 24

Not as warm or delightful as yesterday. Went off to Cowansville for our french toast breakfast this morning then scooted home. My sister-in-law, Audi, called from Edmonton and we spent an hour chatting. She's terrific...always makes sure to keep in touch. Much better than I am! We have a family reunion every year. We realized when our mother died (Dad died many years before) that unless we made an effort and committment, we might drift apart. So every year we have a reunion, and take turns hosting it. It changes, of course...or more precisely, the participants change...the one thing we feel strongly about is that the "core" three siblings be there, but kids of course often have other ideas - so the niece and nephew count varies.

This year it's our turn, and my brother Rob (Audi's husband) had a brilliant idea. Why not come for Canadian Thanksgiving, in early/mid October... it's a magical time because the nights are drawing in, everyone's in sweaters, and the woodfires are lit. But mostly the trees are changing colour. Out west, where Rob and Audi live, there aren't so many maples, so they miss, and yearn for, the spectacular autumn colours.

So this year we'll all be together here...SO looking forward to it.

The fall launch events are beginning to be finalized. I'll be doing events near Guelph, Ontario, Kingston, Ont...Sutton, Ont. Toronto. Montreal. Indianapolis, Houston, Phoenix and a few other places not yet pinned down. A little more complicated this year since both the US and Canadian books are being launched at the same time.

Busy day today...the Kingston Writers Festival needed a short essay...I'm their Author of the Week next week. And the CBC is gearing up for The Murder Stone (aka A Rule Against Murder) being their book club selection for the entire month of August. If you're interested in joining, here's the link...

www.cbc.ca/bookclub

Hope that works. But they needed a whole lot of info and photos and links...felt quite overwhelming...and they need them right away. Still, it's wonderful for us, but feels a little stressful at times.

But managed to get another 48 pages edited. Single spaced...so zooming along. So far, so good.

Nothing on the schedule for tomorrow, which generally means the world will come calling. Better than silence, I guess.

Off to the elliptical torture machine. Why isn't cellulite considered as attractive as skin and bones??? When I'm in charge of the world, it will be. Until that happy day, it's the elliptical for me!

Wish me luck.

an early start

dark...not sure what the temp is...

Well, it's 4:30 am...about to head out to Peterborough, Ontario and the Lakefield festival...which is tomorrow. Was planning to leave mid-morning but then remembered this weekend is the start of the annual two week 'construction holiday' in Quebec...and is a terror on the roads. So thought i'd get a ridiculously early start, beat the traffic and stop along the way. Can also talk my time.

Am staying with John and Bev Moss in Peterborough, who has kindly opened their home to me...he's a terrific mystery/crime/thriller writer. Will arrive in time for dinner. Then hoping to get an early bedtime.

There's a lunch at the literary festival, then the panel at 2pm...then will head back to Montreal, arriving about 9pm Saturday.

Back to Sutton, Sunday...though hoping to have luynch with friends on Sunday. She's just been through a grueling treatment of chemo and radiation, so some days are good for her and some days she's just too tired. But it would be lovely to see them in Knowlton Sunday.

Then start the second edit on Bury Your DEad (book 6). I think we have a quiet week coming up. Hope so.

Will try to blog Sunday with an update!

Have had a great 2 days in Montreal. Met Hannah Sung, of CBC radio's Canada REads book Club for a series of written and video interviews. They're doing THE MURDER STONE( AKA A RULE AGAINST MURDER) for their August book...you can join by going to the CBC website.

Take care, will report in from the literary road!