I love celebrations, and I could think of no better way of saying, “Hey world, here’s my book!” than by hosting a night of good food, drinks and most welcomed company. Writing is very isolating, and I have to let myself out of the author-cave from time to time.

Last November, the eZone Tap & Grill held a room full of people who mingled amid fairy trees and chanting monks. Both modern and “historical” guests enjoyed tasty treats and soothing libations at the The Queen’s Viper book launch party.

I’m thrilled that the ladies of Xaltv and Velvet Mae’s Glass Press came to show off their talents and skills. In fact, I’m thinking that they need to be a regular part of Aqhuorthies’ marketing plan. Am I right?

The evening was a tremendous success, largely in part to the volunteers who helped out with the set-up (despite the unforseen delay to our start – yikes!). Much love to Sarah, Jessica, Chris, Victoria, Michaela and Jennifer, and to Barb, Rob and Jody for the historical fun stuffs! (If I missed anyone, I’m sorry.)

Several folks went home with goodies, including gifts from Concierge Home Services Etobicoke, a free signed book (that you can win from Just a Mom? in the near future. You have to let her have a baby first!) and an Aura H2O from Kobo Writing Life. I also have to give a shout out to Doris Chung of Publisher Production Solutions for pulling off printed copies in time for the event, and to Jessica Truscott (model), Mirella Santana (artist), Alex France (back image) and Hufsa Tahir of KWL (layout) for creating a gorgeous cover and book jacket.

Thank you to all of my guests and participants. I hope you enjoyed hearing me read from two chapters of The Queen’s Viper.

Missed out on the fun? Don’t worry, I’ve ordered more print books and I’ll have them available in early 2016. In the meantime, I am taking pre-orders for signed, printed copies.

Although I’ve been a bit quiet online as of late, my debut fiction has not been far from my mind. As a matter of fact, in December I researched locations in the UK for the next book. My brain always spins… and spins… and spins. The labours of an independent author-publisher are many, and I’m working on a couple of projects for 2016, including Book Two of The V’Braed series. I can’t tell you the other big one juuuust yet… spoilers!

Want the inside track on my plans? Sign up for my newsletter (not going to fill up your inbox with heaps of crap, don’t worry) and you will get advance notice and insider information about my work, including a special announcement for American and UK Kindle readers. Sorry, Canadians – I love you. Does Amazon? Well…

One important piece of info to share: print copies of my creative non-fiction Growing a Rainbow: The Premature Journey of a Two Pound Hero is available for purchase from the Five-Fifty-Five shop at Sick Kids Hospital, or from Indigo! Chapters at Mt. Sinai Hospital, both in Toronto. Purchases of this book support The Canadian Premature Babies Foundation. If you’re interested in preemies, coping in and after the NICU, or in special needs, I write about those parts of my life on realwomendrivestick.com, my personal “mom” blog.