Take the Pressure Off...

While many of us who are unpublished worry about the stresses associated with writing, we're not the only writers who feel the pain. After chatting with several published friends, I've found that they tend to be more insecure about their writing than those who are pre-published. Fortunately, Elizabeth Gilbert has given a really insightful TED talk on how to alleviate some of the pressure of writing. If you haven't seen it yet, you should do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius

Fun Times and New Beginnings

Can't believe how fast the summer has flown by (kids going back to school, hello?).  I mean every time I go to the grocery store and see Halloween displays, I feel that ice cold trickle down the spine that makes me want to bolt for the exit STAT.  

But with all ends come new beginnings and in case you haven't heard, NYT Bestselling Author Veronica Rossi and Story Guru extraordinaire Lorin Oberweger have just launched their new venture Wildcard Storymakers - a premiere story studio.  Their game plan: 

To pair fresh ideas in middle grade, young adult, and new adult fiction with the writers meant to bring them to life.  

This dynamic trio (including Rossi's husband Michael) aren't starting off slow.  They've already inked a six-figure, three book deal for a new adult project (first book entitled BOOMERANG).  Can't wait to see what else they have coming out - at this rate, they may reach their yearly targets by Christmas!

Another writer who is embarking on a new journey is awesome conference organizer Jacqueline Garlick who will be launching her first self published YA novel Lumiere later this Fall.   Garlick has something most writers dream of: immense talent and infinite amounts of gusto - key ingredients if you want to stand out in the online crowd. Definitely one to watch in the coming year. 

Elizabeth Gilbert reading an excerpt from her new novel

Someone else who's also doing something new is NYT Bestselling Author Elizabeth Gilbert  (EAT, PRAY, LOVE).  Her first fiction novel THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS will be on sale October 1st.  I had the pleasure of attending Penguin Canada's Indigo Exclusive Event where Laurie Grassi, Books Editor at Chatelaine Magazine sat down for a one on one discussion with Gilbert. Open bar, an evening with the ladies and a free advanced copy of Gilbert's latest novel - what's more to love?

Finally, the sad news is that it's still eleven months till Comicon, the good news is I got to do it all over again, Canuck-style this weekend.  Happy I got a chance to sit in on Canadian YA novelist Adrienne Kress' Steampunk Author Panel, see some old super hero friends and meet some new ones! Here's a recap of Fan Expo 2013 in photo:

Daleks - Dr. Who's No. 1 Enemy 

Spidey to R2: "Stop following us!"

Hulk Hogan, he wrestled our Mayor!

Vintage Stay Puft 

Ontario has a Ghostbuster Society - who knew?