Blessed Solstice to all of you!
It’s also Father’s Day, so Happy Father’s Day to those who celebrate.
My father has been dead for 3 and a half years, but this is the first Father’s Day I haven’t woken up crying, so maybe it’s true that grief shifts enough that we can carry on with our lives.
Stokercon was amazing, but I rarely have a bad time at conventions. It’s always great to see old friends, meet new ones, and learn things on panels.
It was my first time as an HWA trustee, so things were a little different and busier for me than a regular busy conference. I tried to make sure people were having a good time, or checked in to see if they needed anything while they stood in line for registration, cocktails, and other places around the con.
I was so busy being on panels, going to panels, meetings, dinners, and chit-chatting that I’m only now starting to regain my traction in my home life. The con was huge and exhausting, and then I had several jobs and events upon my return.
Before I left for Stokercon, I had to sign around 800 sheets for North of Fear: An Anthology of Cold-Blooded Canadian Horror edited by Steve Vernon. Signed & Slipcased Limited Edition to be published in December 2026 by Lividian Publications. Announcement and preorder date TBD. That was exciting and time-consuming! You can see that the pen I have with my name on it, which I used for signing, isn’t made for lefties.
This past week, I was rejected by the Canada Council for a writer’s grant for my next horror poetry book. I knew it was a crap shoot even applying, as I’ve never in my life been successful at any grants. I hadn’t applied for a few years because it’s so time-consuming, and I always get rejected anyway. I don’t have the magic skill of grant writing that some people have. It’s an art, writing grants, which is why so many people who receive grants never actually do or finish their projects. They’re great at grant writing but not “real writing.” It’s super frustrating. I personally know people over the years who have received huge grants, but I’ve never seen their books come to life. You’d think they give money to someone with an actual track record of finishing projects and getting them published. Anyway, I’m not bitter or surprised, but it means now I have to spend more time earning money than writing to live (like most writers).
My main focus is getting my new novel in shape. I’ve been working on it for a couple of months now, which is why you’ve not seen me on social media as much. I’m very excited about it and hope you all like it when it’s complete.
This week I saw Disclosure Day, Toy Story 5, and my friend Cathy took me to the Serial Killers Speakeasy, which was cool.
Before Stokercon, I saw The Mandalorian and Grogu, Super Mario Galaxy, and Mortal Kombat 2.
I don’t have time to get into the shows, but I enjoyed everything, no spoilers. Some things went in a different direction than I anticipated, and that’s okay.
If you don’t have a Cineclub membership, you really should get one. It makes going to the movies way more affordable.
Before Stokercon, there was Anime North, and I was hugely excited to be on a couple of panels for that one as well!
Now back to the book!
Have a wonderful day!
