Author Interview Series – Charles McGarry

This week I have the pleasure of hosting author (and ex-pastor) Charles McGarry. A few months back,  I reviewed his book, Breaking the Mold: Confessions of a Hippie Ex-Pastor, and really wanted to have him for the AIS. I'm glad he accepted my invitation.  Just like his book, his answers were short but insightful. Without further ado, Charles McGarry. Information about the giveaway will follow the interview. Have you always written or is it something that came later in life? I did some writing in my early teens, but nothing...

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Review Wednesday – Blood Sister

Even if you're not a History buff, chances are you've heard of Henry VIII, the infamous 16th century English king who married six times. Ever wondered what were the reasons behind his actions (other than his immediate pleasure)?  Some believe he was a bit crazy by the end (watch this awesome documentary for more on that,) but chances are his reign was greatly influence by his grandmother, Margaret Beaufort, who against all odds, managed to come out victorious of the civil war we know as the War of the Roses.  If you want to know more...

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Blog Hop!

Things have been a bit slow on the blog side so what better than a fun blog hop to bring things back to life!  I was tagged by Canadian author Christine Miscione (see my interview with Christine here.)  Here goes nothing! Yay for bathroom selfies! What am I working on? I am currently working on a novel that differs a lot from what I usually write.  It’s a love story. *GASP* Don’t worry, no cloying harlequin format for me.  This story – or at least variations of it – has been on my mind for a really long time and...

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Dreamers Interview Series – Owen Hortop ~ Q&A and Giveaway winner

Here is the answer to the question that was asked to Owen: Anonymous asked Collegiate Shag - one of the "funnest" dances. What is your favorite music to Shag to? One or two specific songs, svp. I mix it up as often as I can - but generally I'm a tradjazz (New Orleans style jazz) fan. From that genre I love "Riverboat Shuffle" by Eddie Condon. If I'm in the mood for something more big band, Gene Krupa's "Ball of Fire" is awesome. A lot of Shag dancers like to dance stuff around 250 BPM just to show off, but there's much to be said for...

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The Unthinkable

For the longest time, I swore that I would never get an ereader.  I loved books too much and would not be corrupted by the digital world.  Well the joke is on me now. In the light of recent events (which are partially responsible for my silence on ATUA in February,) I have decided to get rid of my books and buy a kobo ereader.  This wasn't an easy decision to make. Some of the books I owned I had purchased when I was a high school student (mostly French literature classics.)  But the more I thought about it, the more...

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Dreamers Interview Series – Owen Hortop

After a much needed hiatus, ATUA is finally back online!  And what better way to start afresh than by  interviewing an awesome guy.  I give you Owen Hortop, swing dancer teacher at Cat's Corner (and so much more!) Owen was one of my first swing dance instructor and he's an amazing teacher.  Without further ado, here's the interview. Information about the giveaway will follow the interview. Tell us a bit more about what you do. My job is (along with several other people) to keep Cat's Corner operating. That can entail...

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Slowing down

Lately, I have had a hard time keeping up with the blog.  Many things are happening in my private life and it's  been difficult to keep ATUA afloat.  As a consequence, I will slow down and post a little less.  I thank you for your understandin...

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Review Wednesday – Hellucination

In this prequel to Dialogue with the Devil, we meet a younger Stephen, who, after an eventful childhood, makes a living selling bootleg videos and is addicted to hallucinogen drugs.  Like many people, he could have gone on leading this kind of existence for the rest of his (short, no doubt) life if it were not for a sudden revelation: drugs open the door to another plane of existence, drugs can lead to God.  With his poison of predilection, Stephen sets on a quest that will give him much more than her bargained for.   After...

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Wild Writer Literary Festival – Canlit Brunch

To end this wonderful weekend of literary pleasures, a brunch panel was held at the Walper hotel.  The three  invited authors, Catherine Bush, Elizabeth Ruth and Michael Winter, discussed their latest books and their writing process.  From Newfoundland to Afghanistan, they made us travel through titillating conversation. Elizabeth Ruth (about her latest book): Matadora is set in 1930 Spain and Mexico and tells the story of Luna, an indentured servant.  It's not exactly a novel about Canada, but the topic really excited...

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Stolen Words – Tea

This week's work was predictable, don't you think?  This is our last word of Chinese origin.  Where would you like to go next week?  Leave you suggestions in the comment section! Sagwa character property of Cine Group and Sesame Works...

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Author Interview Series – T.B. Markinson

Today ATUA has the pleasure to be one of T.B. Markinson's stops on the her blog tour.  Markinson is an American expat living in England and the author of two novels. Giveaway info will follow the interview. Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer or did that come later in life? In the sixth grade we had to write a short story. My teacher loved my story and wrote a small note at the top of my paper. It read: When you grow up, you should be a writer. That was it. I was hooked and wanted to write. Over the years I would...

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Review Wednesday – Marionette

Paige Alexander is one of the daughters of the rich and famous Alexanders.  What looks like a blessing from the outside is actually a curse; Paige and her twin sister are estranged and their parents are nothing short of tyrannical.  After a fail suicide attempt, she starts college, away from home.  She escapes her parents only to find herself in the throes of rising anti-gay sentiment on campus.  Will she manage to find solace and triumph over those who would see her fall? Marionette, T.B. Markinson's second novel, is...

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Wild Writer Literary Festival – Saturday Night Speakeasy: Crime and All That Jazz

After a nice day of workshop and panels, the guests of the Wild Writer Literary Festival were invited in a local pub for a night of mystery.  Between a great panel of suspense writers (Andrew Piper, Mary Jackman, Brad Smith) animated by David Worsley of Words Worth Books and the live jazz of the Joni NehRita Quartet, the evening was promising. David Worsley: Were you a crime writer early on? Mary Jackman:  I am Liz Walker, my main character. The novel is about my restaurant and the people I would like to kill.  So I started...

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Stolen Words – Long time no see

This week's borrowed word really surprised me.  I had never really imagined something we used so much could have come from another language.  Then again, I guess that goes for ketchup as well...   Sagwa character property of Cine Group and Sesame Workshop...

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Write Your Heart Out – Contest and Call for Submission Round Up

Room presents 37:3 Geek Girls What: Short fiction, Poetry Length: 3500 words or 5 poems Deadline: January 31st Details Taproot V: Call For SubmissionsWhat/Length: fast fiction, anecdotes, monologues (500 words or less), creative non-fiction (2500 words or less), short stories (5000 words or less), poetry (maximum 3 poems, totaling 150 lines or less)Deadline: January 31stDetails  Call for Submissions: Our Canada magazine What: Short fiction, creative non-fiction Length: 1200 words Details The Danuta Gleed Literary Award What: Short Fiction...

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The Resolution Zero Project – Month 1: You didn't hear it from me

Last week, I discussed resolutions and how most of them are unrealistic and quickly abandonned.  This week, I want to share with you a TED talk by Larry Smith.  In his short discourse, he manages to illustrate the importance of achieving greatness in life.   Greatness is different for each and everyone of us and it's not the scale that matters; its the accomplishment itself.  That is why you must not compare yourself to others.  You don't know what goes on in their lives, only what they choose to show you. ...

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Dreamers Interview Series – Tania Mignacca : Answers and Giveaway winner!

You've been waiting for it!  I'm pleased to announce that Tania's giveaway winner is...  But first, the answers to your questions! Meg Hanna asked Tania, I have got to commend you on your original and optimistic take on the city that we call home. Vibrant colours, hard hitting issues, a promising message and cute characters - you most certainly have the winning recipe! I've been following Ponto for a while now and as a municipal employee starting out, I can relate to this universe that you have created. You have no idea! That...

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Reading Pledge 2014

If you're an avid reader chances are you keep track of the number of book you read every year.  There are many websites that offer the possibility to flaunt your fast-reading skills.  But how about the number of pages you read?  Have you ever thought how many of them your eyes devoure? Last year, I pledged to read 8 000 pages.  When I met my goal, I upped the game to 14 000.  It was a lot of fun to see the numbers go up and to compare my progression with friend's.  This year, my reading pledge is 15 000 pages but...

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Wild Writers Literary Festival Series – Writing Narrative: From Concept to Creation

Here's the fifth installment of the Wild Writers Literary Festival.  Missed the previous one?  No problem, you can read them here #1, #2, #3, #4.    This workshop, led by Helen Humphreys (poetry, novel and creative non-fiction author,) was an exploration of the process of moving an idea forward using practical ste^-by-step approach.  I have to say it was one of my favourite craft class. Humphreys talk was structured around the different questions you should ask yourself when writing. Are you obsessed...

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Stolen Words – Chinese – Ketchup

This week we continue our exploration of English words of Chinese origin.  Chop chop!  Pass me the ketchup! Sagwa character property of Cine Group and Sesame Worksh...

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