February 2004

What a month this has been! We haven’t been getting as much snow as we did in January and that’s a welcome relief. Although, now we’re finding more stinkbugs but it’s a small price to pay to have more sunshine and warmer temperatures.

We had a few author visits this month so be sure to check out the reviews under the “News” tab. It’s wonderful to be able to share my stories with so many children.

I suppose I shouldn’t put off sharing our exciting news with you any longer. This month we have published another children’s book! I’m extremely excited about this episode because it is different from the first two in many ways.

First, it was totally unexpected. I have the next five episodes in the series written and awaiting publication. However, if you read our November 2003 author visit review from South Rutland Elementary School you will know that Kathy Hefferman made a comment about what a good life the rocking chair must have had with our family all these years. Well, I began thinking about that statement and I couldn’t let the opportunity pass by.

Even on the way home I began planning the story in my head, wondering where I would begin. As soon as the first two lines came to me the rest just followed. Sitting at my computer one afternoon about a week later, I wrote the majority of Rickey’s story. The rest came within the next week or so. There were edits and re-edits as is the case with any story, but soon Ricky, the Rickety Rocking Chair was done.

Since Ricky had much to say, the story ended up being much longer than any other episode. Being that there wasn’t a lot of room left for illustrations, I decided to do only four. I also decided to include a “Rickey’s WordFind,” making this an activity book.

Another reason I’m excited about this book is, I can claim credit for the illustrations, amazing what can be accomplished with a digital camera and a scanner, not to mention a tiny bit of talent. I decided to leave the illustrations uncoloured so the reader may be a part of the “finishing” process.

Surprisingly I had the story and the illustrations done by early January and now focused my attention on having our wonderful editor, Ed go over the story to see if it needed any fine tuning. I also phoned Sue, our printer in Kelowna and started that process in motion. We first needed a quote as to cost and a timeline for how long it would take to print the book.

Since the story was not my original idea I decided to dedicate the book to the person who inspired it, Kathy Hefferman, a teacher at South Rutland Elementary. The more I thought about it the more I thought it would be interesting, not to mention a lot of fun to surprise Kathy with a copy of the book. This is the reason I have been very tight lipped about this new book.

Once I had a firm date for having at least one copy I set things in motion. I made arrangements with the local newspaper to cover the story, photographer and all. So yesterday, February 25^th, while Kathy Hefferman and her class were in the library we paid them a surprise visit. Being in touch with Betty Sigurdson, the librarian ahead of time allowed us to have the photographer in the library awaiting my arrival.

A few minutes later I walked in with the book behind my back. Kathy was answering questions for a student when I walked up to her and asked if I could interrupt her class. After greeting me with a warm smile and a nod she turned her attention to her student and finished answering his questions. As I waited some of the children, at their tables, recognized me with waves and smiles almost giving me the impression they knew what was happening.

Gordon, the photographer, motioned me over to the left so he would have a clear shot of the presentation. This wasn’t going to be so easy. When Kathy was finished with her student I asked if I could have a moment of her time, after saying yes she moved right out of the way. I laughed and said, “No, come over here.”

Suspiciously looking at me and then Gordon she hesitantly came over. Then I began my presentation. I asked if she remembered the comment she had made to me almost three months earlier during our author visit. When she stated she did, I pulled out the book from behind my back while Gordon started snapping pictures.

As I showed Kathy the book I said, “Well, this is the result of that comment.”

I don’t think she knew what to do. She said, “Oh that’s very nice.”

I then asked her to open the cover and pointed out the dedication. I’m not sure if it registered when she saw her name because she turned to Betty and asked if they could purchase this copy for the library. I then told her this was her copy, as a way of thanks for the inspiration.

We talked a bit more about the book and when she showed it to the children they all applauded and seemed very pleased with their teachers surprise. It was great fun to surprise her and a relief at the same time, now I can start the promotion for the book without worrying about our secret getting back to Kathy.

After some more photos and a nice visit we left Kathy to get back to her class. I have included a photo of our visit, from left to right, Betty Sigurdson, Kathy Hefferman and myself. I hope Kathy was able to concentrate on her class after we left.

This was certainly the highlight of our month and now I will turn my attention to booking more author visits and promoting all of our books.

So, now you know why this month’s memo was a little late in being posted. I hope it was worth the wait, it certainly was for me.

I look forward to watching our tulips and other flowers we planted last year poke their heads out of their earthy winter beds. Before I know it we will be spending the evenings on our patio swing once again. So until next month keep reading, keep happy and be well. J

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