Anita's Other Space

Weathering the drub

2008-05-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had a look at a weather chart, but from the way I'm dragging this morning, southern Manitoba must be under a trough of low pressure. Back during my flight service specialist days when I would chart forecasts for pilots, I noticed that my body took on the weight of the world during such times. I find it interesting...at least I would, if I didn't so desperately need a nap.

While fighting the snooze urge today I am also completing a second set of edits on Poachers in the Pingos, and will send the manuscript back to my editor today, as well as a couple of trusted readers who will spill the beans on any big goofs I might have made re JCRs or Tuktoyaktuk. I'm also working on a top secret freelance project (due Thursday), and a potential new set of novels (which I am adoring!), also top secret for now.

And...I am worrying about my wee horse. On Saturday when I asked her to trot (with me beside her, leading her), she first had a major kick out, as if what I was asking her to do was outrageous, and then, after she settled and we tried again, she buckled at her front knees, and then lowered her back end as if she was going to lie down. it wasn't colic...no digestive or respiratory distress...no sore spots that I could find. It WAS very windy, so i suppose she could have startled at a sound, and stumbled at the same time. Except...she's been a bit off ever since. Kind of dopey, and dozey. Maybe she's a bit sick, with all the temperature changes we've been having. Kurt (the barn owner) is keeping a close eye on her for me. I'll feel a lot better when she does.

On a much more up sorta note...Brenda Schmidt is in town today, dim-summing, and launching her new book (co-launching, actually!)at McNally Robinson, Grant Park:

Brenda Schmidt & Judith Krause (Reading & Signing)
Monday May 12 2008 8:00 pm - Grant Park, in Prairie Ink Restaurant, Winnipeg

Two Saskatchewan poets present their new collections. In Cantos from Wolverine Creek, a book that is both a celebration and a eulogy, Schmidt uses deep reserves of language to explores the nuances of feeling, and the nature of the passage of time. Krause’s Mongrel Love, brings the author’s sharp perception and wit to some of the most enduring subject matter: the living, the dead, and the human events that move us through our time.

A fine cork to a day. Umm...not sure what I mean by that--brain too dull--but I will be there. If you are about, hope to see you too.

I'm cold. Wear a sweater.

Pressed and impressed. WIR stint begins tomorrow

2008-05-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Two stories in the Winnipeg Free Press last week mentioning Spider's Song and Racing for Diamonds making the Arthur Ellis Awards shortlist:

(May 4)Paperchase : Good week for local young adult writers

and

(May 1) Daher nominated for two Ellis Awards

Also, tomorrow morning (Tuesday) I begin my two-month writer-in-residence stint at the new, improved, and relocated into a renovated uber-space, Aqua Books.

I am extremely grateful to Kelly Hughes, proprietor, for making this possible (and to events coordinator, poet, and friend, Ariel Gordon for sorting out details). Does Kelly need a writer-in-residence in his store? No. Heck, he's not even making us (me, and writers-in-residence to follow) work all that hard for the space--only one or two events to be featured in, no daily manuscript evaluations. Truly, I think having a writer-in-residence is Kelly's way of saying, "Hey, here's a free office space for you to use for a couple of months, just to help you out because we think you really need this."

And I DO! For too long I've tapped-tapped at my dining room table, or my kitchen table, or my couch, wherever I could find space and not get in anyone's way. My most difficult battle, however, isn't with space, but with distraction. It is so easy to get lost in the needs of house and family, because, after all, the house and family do need me. But...writing, and having a successful writing career is such a tenuous thing. It's all about self-discipline, and self-motivation, which becomes such a battle when you feel splintered by the expectations of others...expectation which more often than not does not include writing. In this instance home space becomes negative space, which is a near impossible space to create in. For me, anyway.

And then there's the whole Internet thing. Useful for communication and checking facts, yes, but also way too easy to lose valuable time while you "Wiki" this and "Google" that, and muck about with friends on Facebook.

So...tomorrow morning I begin working away in a lovely office, with a door, at Aqua Books. And, Kelly promises he will not give me the password for Internet access.

Perfect :-)

Yay crime!

2008-05-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

To be specific, yay crime BOOKS. Actual criminal activities, especially recent events in my city--increased number of shootings, and apparent efforts by juvenile car thieves to target police officers with their moving bootie, and run them down--are nothing to cheer about.

I am totally THRILLED to learn that both Racing for Diamonds, AND Spider's Song have been shortlisted for the 2008 Arthur Ellis Award, juvenile category.

The shortlist for Best Juvenile:

Anita Daher, Racing for Diamonds (Orca)

Anita Daher, Spider’s Song (Puffin Canada/Penguin Canada)

Vicki Grant, I.D. (Orca)

Shane Peacock, Eye of the Crow (Tundra)

Drew Hayden Taylor, The Night Wanderer (Annick Press)

Other categories are Best Short Story, Best Non-Fiction, Best Crime-Writing in French, Best First Novel, Best Novel, and Best Unpublished First Crime Novel.

The awards are coordinated by Crimewriters of Canada. The winners will be announced at the Arthur Ellis Awards dinner on Thursday, June 5, at the Downtown Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel in Toronto.

Hatchet throwing, anyone?

2008-04-28T04:54:00.001-07:00

Click on image to enlarge. For more details, and to enquire about tickets visit the Prairie Fire web site.

Have the wish I wish tonight!

2008-04-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have so much more than I ever could have wished for...such an unexpected, and truly wonderful evening :-)

I'm just back from my last of an 8-week Writing for Children class it was my honour to teach. I've enjoyed sharing all the information I've gathered over the years, and there's nothing I love to talk about more than writing for children...except tonight, I was rendered speechless!

When I left to plug another Loonie in the meter, my dear students carried out a plan--something they'd apparently been working on for a while. On my return I noticed a wooden box. A lovely box, all antiquey and kinda pirately looking. Just the kind of box I love.

"It's an Anita box!" Natalie explained, grinning. "Open it!"

They'd filled it with personal notes, and presents--really special presents. Each one had meaning, inspired by something or other I'd babbled about during our classes, usually an anecdote or an aside.

There were binder clips to keep me organized--totally cool ones with punctuation marks decorating each one.

Chocolate, because I mentioned I love chocolate (of course I did--no one should ever neglect to mention something so important). Four rectangles with Chinese symbols meaning "dream," "love," "happiness," and "peace."

A leather bound journal--something any writer would love--because we talked about journaling of different sorts, and I'd shared my personal experiences with it.

A fridge magnet with the words," Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves for we shall never cease to be amused." I couldn't agree more :-)

A magnetic poetry kit, because I mentioned once or seven times how sucky I am at writing poetry.

A box of very special teas, beautifully presented in flavours of Cocoa Truffle, Belgian Mint, Raspberry Nectar, Orchid Vanilla, Vienna Cinnamon, and White Ambrosia. They know I love my teas :-) Every week I brought my electric kettle, and a selection of teas--for me, and any who cared to join me.

A book called Horse Dreams: The Meaning of Horses in Women's Lives. I don't think that one needs any explaining. If it does...you haven't been paying attention :-)

A zip-up sport jacket from THE WEAKERTHANS! No, REALLY!!!! I mentioned during one of our classes how wonderful I think they are, and such terrific writers. WELL! One of my students works with a woman who is married to one of the Weakerthans. She asked if she could have some little bit of band merchandise for me, and they said she could pick out anything from the basement. She chose this, and it has their Curling theme logo on the back. It was in an actual Weakerthan's basement! AN ACTUAL WEAKERTHAN TOUCHED IT!!!

Let me have my fan girl moment :-) I'll be fine in a minute, I promise :-)

A bottle of wine. Red. From South Africa. I may have mentioned my fave was such a wine. This one was new to me, but the write-up on the label makes it my new favourite. It's called The Cloof of Cellar Blend. The blurb reads: We'd love to tell you that we spent days agonizing over the make-up of...." It goes on in a lovely, humour-filled way which you can read for yourself when you pick up a bottle, and ends, "...but even for us, 43,000 bottles is quite a lot of wine to get through. Enjoy it!"

Think I'll do just that. I'm off for "a wee sip" as my Nana used to call it, and to read the notes from my lovely, lovely students.

Peace :-)

I wish I may, I wish I might...

2008-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter and I have been attending a horse-centered weekend in Brandon, MB., called The Round-up. It's a first annual, so a little light in attendance (which is cool for us), but man, it is FULL in terms of meeting expectation. All of the clinics as well as the trade show over the past three days have really been focussed on horse owners, rather than spectators--with the exception of the Saturday night entertainment.

What Sara and I have found most helpful, is the "Horseman's Challenge," in which three world renowned trainers with three very different styles, each select a raw 2-year-old from a herd on Friday, and over four one-hour sessions over the weekend compete to see how far they get with them.

Man, it has been amazing and wonderful to watch--especially (in our opinion) Canadian competitor, Mel Hyland. Within his first hour he had established clear communication with his young mare, had her accept a saddle, and even rode her. These horses had never been worked before! Wow.

Sara and I like his style best. It's one of respect, love, and care--he's there to help her understand what is wanted from her.

We like his attitude as well. I had a chance to speak with him a few minutes yesterday. In his mind, the competition aspect of the weekend is less important than doing right by the horse :-)

I go home inspired...can't wait to see my own wee horse again. her training has been progressing well, but with what I've learned this weekend, I think I can do an even better job of helping her.

Over the past few months I've come to realize I love training young horses almost more than anything--perhaps even as much as I enjoy writing. If I were to wish upon a star, my hunny would buy me a ranch, and let me do both for the rest of our lovely days...

p.s. This is my daughter beside champion team driver Neil Dimmock. He invited up for a ride on the wagon following his clinic on harnessing team horses :-)

It's official!

2008-04-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

According to the Winnipeg Sun, Aqua Books is set to reopen as downtown Winnipeg's "cultural city hall." It'll have books, a bistro, event space...and me!

(Please pardon my sucky Photoshop skills)

Kelly Hughes, Aqua Books "mayor," and former Let's Go kid has done a fantastic job with renovations to a former Chinese food restaurant at 274 Garry St. in Winnipeg. Not only does the new place have more than 25,000 previous loved books, but also the new Eat! Bistro, office space for writers (Including one writer-in-residence, to be uprooted, booted, and changed regularly), and two glorious event spaces--one large, one cozy--to be filled on a regular basis with readings and other literary soirees coordinated by the lovely and talented Ariel Gordon. Aqua Books is also sponsor of the new Lansdowne Prize for Poetry.

There is much to love about this place. Take a look at the web site, and plan on popping by for a little Byron and a bite...Shakespeare and a snack...Carroll and a coffee...Twain and a tea. You get the idea.

Looks like it will open this Saturday, April 19. I tried to convince Kelly that he should add an "Author Cam" to the writer-in-residence room (which would be terrific motivation to keep working, working, working!), but sorry...doesn't look like that'll happen :-)

Heading NorthWords!

2008-04-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hurrah! I am very excited to have been invited to join several very fine authors at Canada's most northern literary festival, NorthWords, from June 12 to 14 in Yellowknife, NT.

Fellow headlining authors will be Michael Crummy from Newfoundland, Bernice Morgan from Newfoundland, Annelies Pool from Yellowknife, (the fabulous) Lesley Choice from Nova Scotia, and (the amazing...and I think slightly saucy) Richard Van Camp, who I will finally get to meet in person. Local featured authors will include my dear old friends Cathy Jewison and Jamie Bastedo, also Patrick Scott, Pat Braden, Lee Selleck, Walt Humphries, Tyler Heal, Fran Hurcomb, Mindy Willett, and Tessa Macintosh. There may be one or two others, but I don't think they've been confirmed yet.

A fine crew indeed! I am so looking forward to connecting with friends, participating in events, and breathing in all that good northern air.

I can taste that Bullock's whitefish now! Oh man...that dish alone is worth the journey.

But for now I must set excitement and anticipated stimulation of taste buds aside. I'm working on edits for Poachers in the Pingos (to be released this September), with my deadline approaching very, very fast.

A funny thing happened on the way to the remainder table...

2008-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Easter Monday morning I received an email from a bookseller in Ontario. "Penguin just informed me that the rights to Spider’s Song have reverted to you," she said. "Are you selling/shipping the book?" Apparently she'd just taken an order for 12 copies form a local school, and was hoping they were still available.

But...rights? Reverting to me? This was news to me. Unsettling news. Had the publisher dumped my book and forgotten to tell me? A few emails with my agent, and my editor, straightened everything out. It was an error--some sort of miscommunication. The book is still in print, and Penguin still holds the rights in Canada.

US rights, however, are being held by TLA, so any interested US publishers out there can go ahead and snap them up :-)

Silliness. All's well that ends well.

Equinox

2008-03-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

We spent another lovely evening at the barn yesterday. The air was soft, and the sun warm. As Aubree and Sara worked their horses in the ring, Phoenix and I stood and watched, just hanging out and appreciating the day.

Later, I was asked to pop up to the house, where Kurt's grandmother gave me this lovely basket in thanks for copies of my books I'd given her. It was unexpected and so appreciated. Wow!

As Churchill said, there's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. Horse people can be pretty terrific too :-) No matter what pot of anxiety is boiling in my belly on the way to the barn, during the drive home I'm always at peace, and happy.

Driving lesson

2008-03-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

"You know...when I was a teenager, I was so proud of the fact that my dad was such a good driver."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry I can't give you that."

"That's okay, Mom. You've shown me the value of a good bumper."

Hackmatacked!

2008-03-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

This just in: Racing for Diamonds has been named finalist for a 2008/2009 Hackmatack Children's Choice book award!

I haven't seen a full list of finalists, but congratulations to my fellow Orca nominees Liam O'Donnell and Hazel Hutchins!

Pretty girl

2008-03-02T00:28:00.001-08:00

Whew, that's a relief!

2008-02-28T03:06:00.001-08:00

I was dreaming that I was scheduled for an appearance. I was to perform during a 50s night. Nothing like a good ol' evening of singing the oldies. To my relief, come performance night I was one of several people on stage. I was introduced last and called up to the mic first "...and Anita will be reading from her book, Spider's Song." That's when I noticed I'd brought a copy of the book on stage, not my guitar.

This particular Going-To-Work-Without-My-Pants dream spat up a gimme.

I do have a few appearances of note coming up, none involving my guitar (whew).

Tonight at McNally Robinson Grant Park I will be advocating Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson for the Winnipeg edition of Canada Reads (CBC Radio fans know what that means).

Saturday I will be participating in the Manitoba Writer's Guild Freedom to Read marathon. I plan to read from A Clockwork Orange just after 5 pm.

Monday night I begin my eight week Writing for Children class hosted by the Manitoba Writer's Guild. There is still 1 spot available (or 3...I can't remember whether registration is limited to 10 or 12) for any thinking about signing up.

I've one more class on the docket--a one day "From Pitch to Promo" workshop on March 15, also hosted by the Manitoba Writer's Guild.

Busy days...my deadline for my next manuscript (Poachers in the Pingos) is tomorrow. It is still pretty sludgy, but I plan to put the coffee on after tonight's event and polish, polish, polish for as many awake hours as I can...until I fall asleep, and dream I am at a reading without my pants on--or worse, with my guitar.

An Invitation from Ron Robinson and McNally Robinson Booksellers

2008-02-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

Ron Robinson and McNally Robinson Booksellers invite you to a
book debate on the 2008 CBC Canada Reads selections, with guests Anita
Daher, Lesley Hughes, Jem Rolls, Kathy Strub and Morley Walker.

This event will take place at 8:00 p.m. in the Prairie Ink Restaurant
at the Grant Park store on Thursday, February 28th.

For further information on the Canada Reads titles, click on the
following link: http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/winnipeg-events

We look forward to seeing you on the 28th.

Barb King
McNally Robinson Booksellers

Details:
CANADA READS 2008: Winnipeg Edition (Presentation and Discussion)
Thursday Feb 28 2008 8:00 pm, Winnipeg, Grant Park, in Prairie Ink Restaurant

Join in this celebration of Canadian literature. Host Ron Robinson welcomes five dynamic presenters to defend their selection from the 2008 CBC Canada Reads list. The audience will get their chance to ask the hard questions and to cast a vote on which book should win the title. Before the night is done, we will know what Winnipeg prefers to read.
List of 2008 Contenders:

King Leary by Paul Quarrington (Random)
Advocated by Jem Rolls, Performance Poet and 5 star Fringe Veteren, hailing from England.

Not Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy Findley (Penguin)
Advocated by Lesley Hughes, journalist, broadcaster, outspoken media activist and humorist.

Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson (HB Fenn)
Advocated by Anita Daher, Author of Young Adult Novels, Recipient of the 2007 John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer.

Icefields by Thomas Wharton (Newest)
Advocated by Kathy Strub, McNally Robinson Book Club mediator and facilitator of book talks throughout the city.

From the Fifteenth District by Mavis Gallant (McClelland & Stewart/Random)
Advocated by Morley Walker, Winnipeg Free Press columnist and book reviewer.

Phoenix blog

2008-02-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

It is so very cool at how fast a young horse can progress.

For those just tuning in...Anita fell in love with a 10-month old American Paint mare with uber-special "medicine hat" markings, and brought her home to Kurt's barn :-)

Day one she was uncertain of everything, and everyone, but was good to lead, and a great sport about having her feet picked up and cleaned. Did not like doors.

Day two, didn't try and run from me, and was much better with doors. Introduced to having halter taken on and off...didn't like that at all. Woah! Good thing she is small, and I was able to wrap my arms around her and settle her.

Day three, she came to me in the pen when she saw me, and let me clip the lead on, and take her in without a fuss. Doors--pah! No problem. Better about having a halter taken on and off, but still not really comfortable. I rubbed it all around her head and body, and let her stick her nose in at a few times...then let it drop from her nose, and stepped back. Introduced her to a horse blanket. Woah! Again, good thing that she is small. Aubree, a wonderful horse trainer who has spent time with Wager, and has three horses of her own at Kurt's place, explained that she was spooking because she could see just a bit of it on both sides at the same time, and it was just too strange for her. I took it off, rubbed it all around her, and set in on the stall door where she could sniff it, and see that it wasn't going to jump on her back all by itself.

Day four--today. She seemed happy to see me, and trotted up to greet me when I went to fetch her in her pen. Leading, walk, woah, back up, and doors--pah! No problem. Halter on and off--I give her a B+. She was terrific, and didn't balk at all. Blanket, C+. She made just a tiny bit strange, but I rubbed it all over back, legs, neck and a little bit of her face, then half rested it on her back until she relaxed. Then I draped it over her back, down both sides, and let her get comfortable with that. It was still folded in two lengthwise, so only covered half her back, and I didn't try and fasten it (we'll try that tomorrow), but she relaxed enough that I could leave it on her as I fetched the treat bucket, gave her snacks, and told her what a wonderful little girl she is.

I think she knows it :-)

First day with Phoenix

2008-02-12T04:02:00.001-08:00

This is for my friend Rae :-)

My lovely daughter made this video of my first day working with sweet Phoenix. The song is Any Precious Girl by Edmonton singer-songwriter Ben Sures.

-32, we laugh in your face, haha!

2008-02-10T13:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Winnipeg area enjoyed a bit of a blizzard, which wasn't too bad in the city, but as soon as Sara and I left sheltered spaces on the highway heading out to the barn...white out. At only 40 kms per hour, we never-the-less missed three exit opportunities because we didn't see them in time. Finally, we were able to turn ourselves around and headed--slowly--back into the city.

We were very sad not to see our horses.

Today we woke to -32 C, but the sun was out, and the wind was down. I was able to spend time with Phoenix, bonding, brushing, and walking with her for a short while. Poor Sara wasn't able to get Wager out of the gelding pen, though. Without going into detail, because of drifts and other winter inconveniences she would have either had to take him through the stallion pen, or the mares, and she didn't feel up to doing either. Instead she went out to him and gave him a few treats...and he watched her sadly across the pens as we spent time with Phoenix. We are SO looking forward to warmer weather, and dry ground.

In other news...as my writing deadline approaches I've been having a great deal of difficulty sleeping. This morning I was up at 4. A few days ago it was 3:30. I enjoy early rising, however on the other end of things this is really putting a dent in any quality Law and Order time. Sigh.

Hills and Valleys

2008-02-08T02:53:00.000-08:00

Hill: We bring Phoenix home today!

Hill: Priscilla at McNally Robinson has asked me to champion Brown Girl in the Ring by Nala Hopkinson during the Winnipeg edition of Canada Reads.

Hill: The Winnipeg Arts Council said YES to a grant for current book.

Hill: Have had a couple of good writing days with current book, and am reaching a place of momentum.

Valley: I zapped a number of file folders yesterday while trying to move them to a back up flash drive and elsewhere. I've lost my folders for Spider's Song, Two Foot Punch, Racing for Diamonds,a s well as their respective school presentation files. I've also lost my file for a seminar I've been working on for the Manitoba Writers Guild.

Valley: At 3:30 am my brain decided it was time to actively fret about above, and thus ended the night's dreaming.

Cest le vie....Phoenix comes home today!!!

Oi...I need a nap.

New baby!

2008-02-03T17:18:00.001-08:00

Meet Phoenix :-)

She's a 10-month-old tovero, blue-eyed American Paint mare; official name Tru Rainy Day. She and I plan on spending the next 30 or so years together :-)

Looking ahead

2008-02-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar!

From the Prairie Fire magazine website:

Saturday, May 31, 6:00 pm:
Speaking Volumes, our 15th annual benefit banquet. The event is complete with voyageur-style hatchet throwing, interpretive cabins and a truly scrumptious dinner. After dinner, relax by the cozy fireplace and open your mind to readings by award-winning authors Faith Johnston and Anita Daher.
Tickets are $60 each (tax receipt for $20) and can be purchased from our office (423-100 Arthur Street) or over the phone (943-9066). Order soon, as seating is limited!

*

It will be a rare sort of appearance for me, as I will be reading a short story....for ADULTS (or young adults).

Just thinking...

2008-01-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

By George...

2008-01-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

I think I have it!

Finnegan begin again...I've found a new way into my story :-)

Oh man, it's good to be home!

2008-01-25T22:31:00.000-08:00

So. What did you do with your Friday night? My daughter and I spent ours at a hospital--and not as candy stripers.

It began with a man who came by to put a "magic coat" on our new couch (Shall I tell where we bought it? It's been a less than stellar experience).

"It's harmless," the man said. I guess I should have wondered when he told us to keep our pets out of the room, and then put on a mask.

My daughter and I were not in the same room, but I sat in it as soon as he left. Basically we were breathing in whatever was in the "magic coat" for about an hour and a half. At that time the other half of the family swung by to pick us up, and we went to the mall to buy shoes.

My girl and I thought it odd that we stood up, and immediately started coughing. Neither one of us had been sick.

Walking through the mall I noticed I was short of breath. I could only breathe shallowly, and even a yawn hurt and set me coughing. I realized right away that whatever we had breathed in had affected us badly.

Five hours at the hospital, and we're feeling better--a bit. But that's more a result of the time in good air than anything else. The good doctor did hook us up to some sort of inhaling unit, which apparently is used to treat asthmatics. I suppose we'll be right as rain (or maybe sleet) tomorrow.

Though I see the dog is not breathing well--and he was upstairs the whole time.

"Magic coat." Nice trick.

Surreal

2008-01-25T03:41:00.001-08:00

Last evening, driving my daughter home from her music lesson, she set aside her conservatory books, popped in a Nightwish CD, pulled out her violin, and began playing along.

Happiness :-)