Back with a bang (or thunder clap) from Book Expo Canada 2008

Well! The Orca contingent has returned from a successful trip to BEC 2008. Dayle, Andrew and Sarah Mac (that’s me) whisked themselves and boxes of books to Toronto for a weekend filled with author signings, book promotion and thunderstorms.
There was a steady line-up of people eager to get a book signed from the many talented authors and illustrators who dropped by the Orca booth. Frieda Wishinsky, Lesley Choyce, Adrian Bradbury, Eric Walters, Leanne Lieberman, Monique Polak and Liam O’Donnell all made an appearance. Bilaal Rajan, a twelve-year-old first time author, signed posters featuring his upcoming book Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever, and created quite a buzz after his inspiring presentation at a seminar featuring first time published Canadian authors. Way to go, Bilaal!


A joyful Monique Polak with the cover of her new book What World is Left (Fall 08)

Leanne Lieberman signs copies of Gravity

Liam O’Donnell, author of Wild Ride and Ramp Rats, the first two titles in the Graphic Guide Adventure Series.

Frieda Wishinsky signing books

Bilaal Rajan and pal Eric Walters

Orca will return to TO for more Book Expo fun next summer. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth for a visit!

Fouling Out

Last month, Gregory Walters launched his juvenile novel Fouling Out at the Sechelt Arts Centre. Scroll down to see photos!

A note from Gregory Walters:

I have experienced many firsts connected to the publication of Fouling Out, itself my first book in print. The book launch, however, was the one that came with the most trepidation. Although Orca created a snazzy invitation, I had to book a site, plan the food and drink, create a presentation and do my best to promote the event in the community. I felt like I was throwing my own birthday party, something particularly awkward since I tend to turn off my phone and take the dogs for a long, quiet walk instead of getting a fire permit to light another candle on a cake.

I arrived at the hall an hour early and carted in several loads of food, a projector and an assortment of materials I’d rounded up to talk about the publication process. My cell phone kept ringing as friends from Vancouver called in despair to inform me that the ferry was running more than an hour late, meaning they would miss the entire event. I had AV materials to tinker with, food to clean and cut and tables and chairs to arrange. Oh, and two dogs in the car needed a quick piddle session. Everything was in my hands. What was I thinking?

Thankfully, my cousin Erin and a family friend walked into the hall to surprise me in attending the launch. Erin is a wedding planner and she and Jane immediately took over the prep for almost everything. I could focus my time on trying to fit my PowerPoint onto the portable screen, a challenge I never quite conquered. A librarian and a local reporter were the first to arrive and the arts centre quickly came alive as families, friends and colleagues began filling the space with positive energy. I signed books and listened to powerful anecdotes from parents who told me of the impact the book had on their children. One boy talked with his family and they decided to begin a weekly food drive in their household, keeping a list on the fridge of items people in need might really enjoy. I’ve always felt the power in reading. What a privilege to make a small contribution of my own.

I read, I talked—blathered?—and answered questions during the presentation part of the launch. I relaxed as students sat near the front of the room. People were respectful, interested. The applause came as a relief. I even enjoyed myself. And as far as presentations go, that’s a first!

To read more, visit Gregory’s blog: http://foulingout.blogspot.com