So I’ve just returned home from British Columbia, where I was touring as part of TD Canada Children’s Book Week. I had a great time out there, and managed to squeeze in a bit of a holiday hanging out with friends down in Vancouver and Victoria. Here is a picture of me kicking back at a curious watering hole in Victoria known as Big Bad John’s:
The place is a bit of an institution, I’m told, with its motif of stained old money and dangling bras (I am not making this up for once). The floor is completely strewn with peanut shells (which I helpfully contributed to) giving the joint the feel of a hillbilly’s secret nest. It got even better: with a secret nod to the barmaid from one of my companions, a rubber bat was somehow triggered to fall in front of my face. Luckily I don’t startle too easy, and managed to maintain the neutral expression held above.
But sadly, some if not all good things come to end. That said, I am happy to report some pretty exciting news that I received while crossing the channel to Vancouver Island on the ferry. We have a deal for my latest publishing project! It’s called CRYSTAL FALLS, which is being described as “a high-concept YA thriller surrounding a 16 year-old boy who survives going over a waterfall only to discover his town suddenly transformed and his reputation inexplicably sinister.” It’s a serious head-trip, but a bit more mature, so make sure to get parental permission before reading when it comes out…
It is scheduled for Fall 2012, I’m told, to be released by Doubleday Canada. For any and all fans outside of this country, I’m afraid I can’t tell you much just yet, but hold tight.
I can say this: I read the opening to hundreds and hundreds of kids and teens during book week, and their faces were quite literally melted in front of me. So I’m really excited. Things got quite ugly and uproarious actually when I refused to let them in on the secret… I did however enjoy entertaining their many theories however, only one of which came anywhere close. (That kid was pretty sharp actually, but I just scoffed in her face to throw everyone off.)
Anyway, it’s been a great couple of weeks. Thanks again to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre for sending me out to beautiful BC, and to Andrea and Carrie for all their work coordinating my visit. And a special thanks to everyone I met in Prince George; you were all so welcoming and delightful, and I hope to come back someday.
For now though, it’s back to work!