It’s been an interesting couple of weeks since my last post. I was feeling pretty good about my book being shortlisted for the BC/Yukon Book Prizes Hubert Evans Nonfiction Prize, and being a finalist for the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Book Award.
Sadly, I wasn’t successful with either of them.
In the case of the nonfiction prize, I at least had a good time at the gala they hosted in Vancouver at which they announced and celebrated the winners. The winner of my category was Julian Brave NoiseCat, and he had a very articulate speech about his book and what it meant to win the award. I don’t think my speech would have been up to snuff had I had to make one!
The finalists were treated very well – we each got a nametag with a sticker saying “finalist,” we each got a small token made with the title of our book, and we were all part of a group photo at the end of the event. There were drag queens and poetry readings, lots of good food, and it was really fascinating to hear what the jury had to say about each winner.
I even met some new people, which is a big deal for me. I was particularly happy to meet the author of one of my favourite recent books: Rufous and Calliope, by Sarah Louise Butler. I happened to be sitting at the same table with her, and we had a good conversation about writing and living in Nelson (where she lives). Also sitting at my table was Joy Macfarlane, whom I recognized from the Creative Nonfiction Collective (CNFC). Nice to see a familiar face. We talked about how the CNFC should do another in-person event, as their last one was so long ago. I also met the Director of UBC Press – he was at University of Alberta Press when I signed my contract with them, but moved on a year into my book’s process.
After the excitement of my day trip to Vancouver for the gala, I had to sleep most of the next day. And I think I caught a cold there. But it was worth it to share in the excitement and joy of the attendees—some of the winners had pretty big cheering sections!
The SWCC Book Award notification was a low-key email forwarded by my publisher. I’m not sure who the winner is yet; there were only three of us shortlisted for the award. I’m disappointed, but am glad that I made it that far.
In the meantime I’ve been working on my proposal for my second book. I have another month before I hear back from my editor on the second draft of the proposal (second draft she’s seen, but my 100th draft). I have some publishers and agents lined up to submit it to once it’s done, so that’s kind of exciting. It’s always fun to start a new project, especially in fall when it feels like you’re going “back to school.”
But for now I’m going to nurse my cold and make sure to get lots of rest and fluids. I haven’t been sick in years so I have to remember how to manage it again….
See you in two weeks!
