Today I've decided to blog about nothing. Nothing special, nothing in particular. Nothing at all.

For some people that might seem like a pointless thing to do. For others it may seem easy. But for me, my mind always seems to be overflowing with something.

Some writers have experienced that dreaded 'WRITER'S BLOCK', which essentially means their mind is filled with...nothing. A big blank wall. Picture it! A big blank white wall. My advice to writers struggling with Writer's Nothing is to start writing about...nothing. That's something, at least.

I have yet to experience this phenomenon. In fact, my 'wall' is never blank. There's a mess of things on it at any given time. So many stories I want to write, so many characters I want to develop and weaknesses and fears I want to explore. So many people to kill off. :) Fictionally, of course.

Such a small word.

Nothing.

It almost seems empty, like a soft wind or someone breathing down your neck.

See? My mind is already thinking about 'something' and not nothing.

I suppose that I may be able to think and write about nothing if I didn't have such a vivid imagination. For me, everything I see and hear is a story. Take the song I'm listening to. The lyrics: 'I must be out of my head'. I think of that and can envision some guy trapped in a padded cell, his hands cradling his head. Why is he there? Did his wife lock him away? Maybe his mother or father. Does he hear voices, or think about nothing?

I drive people crazy (my family especially) with the ideas that pop into my head. When I watch people in the malls (and I do!) I immediately see them in a story. Or I imagine what their life is like. People fascinate me.

When I hear something on the news, I am filling in the details on what I think really happened and what will happen next. Often a news story will spark a novel idea.

So how does one possibly think of nothing? How do you shut off the creative something? Do you meditate, stare at a blank wall, sleep? Even in sleep our mind is working. My mind churns out vivid dreams that could win Academy Awards. Even when I think I've dreamt of nothing, I'm sure something was going on.

So how does one actually write about nothing. Frankly, I don't think that's possible. For even in 'nothing' there is something. I find it very liberating writing about absolutely nothing. You should try it!

What is nothing? Quiet, whisper, thought, fear, empty, sleep, dream, healing, peace...hope. Nothing.

I hope you have enjoyed my post about nothing. Please feel free to leave me a comment...about nothing, if you'd like.

Have a great day, or...

Nothing.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

http://www.whalesongbook.com

"I kill people off for a living." That’s what I like to say when people ask me what I do for a living.

You don't want to miss this tongue-in-cheek post about mystery, murder, messages...and corpses. Author Karen Harrington invited me to share a bit about my mystery/suspense novels and while visiting Karen's blog A Writer's Diary, I decided to hold an impromptu and ‘deadly’ little contest.

Check out Karen Harrington: A Writer's Diary.

The following article recently appeared on Grow Mercy, a wonderful blog by a wonderful and caring person--Stephen Thomas Berg. Stephen invited me to share how Whale Song, my recent novel about love, lies, sacrifice and transformation, is affecting people's lives.

Begging for Change

First, I’d like to pose a few questions. If you saw a beggar on the sidewalk, hand out for a bit of change, would you scowl, judge him and walk by? Or would you say ‘Sorry, I don’t have any change.” Or would you buy him a coffee and donut? Or would you hand him some money?

I know that these questions pose a moral dilemma for most. The first thing that seems to come to mind is that the beggar will only use the money for nefarious purposes--booze or drugs. And we have an aversion to helping anyone with those addiction problems. We also judge these people. Some of us think, “I worked hard for my money. Why should I give it to him when he can’t be bothered to get a job?” Some of us feel that we should ‘protect them’, buy them food or drink so they don’t spend it on a bottle of rye. Some of us give the money, thinking ‘it’s his choice’.

A while ago I heard two girls in a downtown Wendy’s discussing a man pushing a cart outside. They called him a “bum”, laughed at him, and said he “should get a job”. In their callous naiveté, they thought a job would solve everything for this man. They had no concept of the fact that a person with addictions is physically and mentally unable to keep a job, without a lot of support and therapy. Spurred on by a burst of anger, I stormed outside the Wendy’s with a nearly full container of fries and I asked the man if he wanted them. The light in his eyes was the only answer I needed. Everything he owned was in that shopping cart, with no money for the day’s meal. I talked to him for about 5 minutes, and that man had stories to tell. An avid reader and educated fellow, he once had a job, a family…everything. Then he lost them all. I gave him some money, let him make his own choice for his life.

The opinion of these girls is a common one, and I will admit that even I have had those thoughts, once, about two years ago. Until something happened to change the way I view other people, especially those begging for change. Something that made me want to face those girls and yell, “Don’t laugh at him! That could be your father! Your brother!” But I didn’t. Instead, I went outside and spoke with a man whose life was measured by the belongings in a rusty shopping cart. I’m glad I did. And I owe my actions to my brother Jason.

A number of years ago, I invited my younger brother to come stay with us in Edmonton, Alberta, to look for work and help him get a fresh start. He had been living on Salt Spring Island in BC, and like a typical young person, he’d been getting into some minor trouble. In his early 20s, he moved to Edmonton, and everyone thought his life was just beginning. We never suspected what would happen. Not really.

On January 23rd, 2006, my 28-year-old computer-genius brother with his crazy humor, copper hair and freckled face was brutally murdered. It happened early in the morning in a cold, dark alley not far from the Mustard Seed Church, with no witnesses. I try not to think of his last moments, but it is hard not to imagine him begging for help, or crying for my Mom. Even typing this now is difficult. It’s been over a year since Jason died, yet sometimes it feels like yesterday. I miss him. I miss his laughter, his practical jokes and his generous spirit.

My brother led the life of that man with the cart. He had been homeless for a time, had tried numerous jobs, but his alcohol addiction overwhelmed him. He was on medication, off and on, for depression, and refused to keep in touch with our family. In some ways, he was determined to break free from his lifestyle; in some ways, he wanted us to be separate from it. Even though he lived in the same city, I never knew where he was from one day to the next, and long months would go by with no contact. To be truthful, I was relieved. There is nothing worse than watching someone you love spiral out of control and know that there’s nothing you can do to stop it. His choice, his life.

The morning that the police found Jason was a day like any other for me. I didn’t see the news, and even if I had, they had not released a name. So I went to work, writing in my office like any other day. I was finishing a second version of Whale Song in hopes that it would get picked up by a bigger publisher. And then someone knocked on my door…or the doorbell rang. I don’t remember. When I saw the two men on my doorstep I immediately assumed they were politicians. It was election day. They asked if I was Cheryl Tardif. I said yes. Then they asked me if I had a brother named Jason Kaye. I said yes and let them inside, thinking my brother was in trouble with the law.

It’s funny, that day--funny in a weird dreamlike way. Everyone in my family, including me, had always said that we were expecting a call from the police to say Jason was dead. We had even imagined that he’d end up in an accident, or stagger into a ditch and peacefully fall asleep. We knew he was an alcoholic and we knew he suffered from mental illness. But still, as I sat at my kitchen table with the two detectives, I didn’t really see it coming. Not at first. Not murder.

But someone was watching over me. My brother had left me some ‘gifts’. My husband showed up a minute later. He’d finished work extremely early that day. (Thank you, Jason.) When the detectives told me my brother was dead, that he had been murdered, there was no screaming or crying, no sinking to the floor like I would have imagined. Just a quiet calm that settled over my heart, and a quiet voice in my head that said, “This is the day you knew would come. Jason’s gone.”

The police told me that they had some problems tracking down Jason’s next of kin. After all, my last name is Tardif. I use Kaye, my maiden name, for writing purposes only. They called some Kayes in the area but none of them are related to us. And here was another gift. Jason had told his friends that his sister Cheryl (no last name) was an author in Edmonton who had wrote a book about whales. That’s it. That’s what the police had to go on. They Googled my name--and there I was.

Another gift: three months later, Whale Song was picked up by a bigger publisher and was re-released as a special, revised and expanded edition in April 2007, with a special dedication to my brother Jason. Whale Song is his book now. And as a result, I decided early on that it would benefit others who are struggling with life, addictions and mental illness.

That is why every time you buy a copy of Whale Song, you are helping three organizations: Hope Mission, Mustard Seed Church and the Bissell Centre. 5% of my royalties will go to EACH of these, to help combat poverty, homelessness and addictions. I invite you to order today, spare that bit of change, because I’m begging for it now…on behalf of those in need.

Order Whale Song from Amazon.com

Order Whale Song from Chapters.ca

Thank you again for letting me share my brother Jason with your visitors. For more information on Jason Kaye, please visit his memorial site at http://www.jaysporchmonkeys.com/

I am also begging for change—not money, but change in how we look at others. The next time you see a beggar with his hand out, I hope each of you will think for a moment, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” Spare a little change in how you think, grow mercy…and gain a bit more soul.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

http://www.whalesongbook.com/

http://www.cherylktardif.com

Transcript: JR79-2DM

City TV – Vancouver, BC, Canada

11/30/1980 – 08:50 a.m.

This is the official transcript recorded on November 30, 1980, by City TV reporter Jay Morris, during an interview with convicted wife killer Jack Richardson.

Morris: Jack, it’s been a year since you murdered your wife. Do you have any regrets?

Richardson: First of all, Jay…I didn’t murder her.

Morris: What do you mean? You were convicted of second-degree murder.

Richardson: My wife was suffering. I simply…ended her suffering.

Morris: So you think that it’s okay to end someone’s suffering for them?

Richardson: It’s what Daniella wanted.

Morris: What she wanted…hmm. But your father-in-law states otherwise. He says your wife, Daniella, was―how did he put it?―full of life.

Richardson: Rocco is right. My wife loved life. But that doesn’t mean she should suffer through it.

Morris: What led you to believe that you had the authority to end her suffering?

Richardson: She had that authority. I was just following her wishes.

Morris: Couldn’t you have let the hospital―

Richardson: The hospital? Jesus! They’d have kept her hooked up on machines for the rest of her life. She didn’t want that. Why can’t anyone understand? She did not want to be a vegetable on life support! She died because…she wanted to die. Her choice! No one else’s.

Morris: So you believe we should all be able to choose when and how we want to die.

Richardson: In a case where there’s no hope, why not? Why does society believe it’s right to allow a human being to suffer, in pain, waiting for the end for God knows how long? Don’t we put our beloved pets to sleep when they’re too far gone? Isn’t that what a caring pet owner would do? Why should this be any different?

Morris: You’re comparing your wife to a pet?

Richardson: Of course not! I loved my wife. She was everything to me.

Morris: Then why kill her, Jack?

Richardson: (no answer)

Morris: Mr. Richardson?

Richardson: Because she asked me to.

Morris: It must be hard on your daughter―Sarah, is it? How does she feel about what you did?

Richardson: I told you before this interview started that she’s off limits. Don’t go―

Morris: But you know she’s labeled now as a murderer’s daughter. That can’t be easy on―

Richardson: Back off, Jay! I won’t discuss my daughter with you. This interview is over.

Morris: You seem to be good at pulling the plug on things, Jack.

Richardson: And you seem to be good at being an ass. Guard! I’m done here.

Morris: Note to transcriber. Delete Jack Richardson’s last comment. Interview JR79-2DM over.

(*City TV is a real TV station but is used fictitiously here.)

I just couldn't resist typing the title of this post. It says something that I think most people in America (and probably the educated world) are feeling. Of course, I am referring to the controversy surrounding the recent non-fiction title If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer by the Goldman Family, which made #2 on the New York Times bestselling list. This is the confession of all confessions--if it's true. Or a warped piece of creative fiction, if it isn't.

Eric Kampmann, publisher of what many seem to be calling "the O.J. book", spoke tonight at the Express Yourself...Authors' Conference held at the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel in Valley Forge, PA. As a Canadian visiting Pennsylvania, but being familiar with the O.J. media blitz and news about this book, I found it interesting to observe the faces of the people in the room as Kampmann described his passionate belief that this book has its place. Many showed a hint of distaste--not necessarily because of the decision the publisher made to tackle such a sensitive issue, but perhaps more because O.J. Simpson's theoretical 'confession' was being told at all, and in such a shocking way. Kampmann's connection to the Goldman family and to seeing that a certain subtle justice was served by publishing If I Did It seemed apparent in some of his speech, and one could only admire that he saw the people and emotions behind the book and not just dollar signs. Certainly, this story/confession/non-fiction work would have been told eventually, and I can relate to the emotion surrounding the murder of a loved one and to wanting a sense of justice.

My youngest brother Jason Kaye was murdered in Edmonton in January 2006. Since around 2000, he had lived a troubled life of alcoholism and mental illness, making him an unstable and unreliable employee. Without a job, he quickly found himself out on the street. But Jason had a heart of gold and a wacky sense of humor. And this kid was amazingly brilliant with a computer! He was only 28 when he was beaten and left to die in a cold, dark alley. His murderer has not been identified or found; he will probably never be found.

I truly empathize with the Goldmans. No none wants to feel that a murderer has gotten away with the crime. Or even worse, bragged about it or profited in any way from it. The Ron Goldman Foundation for Justice was set up to "empower, inspire, motivate and assist those people that are victims of crime" and "positively impact the lives of these survivors who start each day with pain, grief, trauma and injustice". This book, O.J.'s alleged confession, was their way to ensure that any profit would benefit other victims. Good for them!

Believe me, murder affects people in different ways, even the strongest of people. People who know me would say I'm pretty levelheaded and strong--stubborn even--but I had an extremely hard time leaving my house after my brother's murder. I lived in the same city but far from the rough east end where Jason had died. Yet, I had problems facing people and constantly felt anxiety and panic because even my neighborhood, which was far removed from Jason's world, didn't feel safe anymore.

Although I didn't have the resources to set up a foundation, I found my own way to make some sense of a senseless death, which is what I believe the Goldmans are trying to do. My brother read one of my novels--and only one. Whale Song. I had given him a copy of the original 2003 version shortly after it was released. I found that copy in his room when I went to clean it out. The pages were stained and worn, the cover dull in places. But that book was the most wonderful, beautiful thing I saw in that dingy room. It meant that my brother, throughout all of his downs and being homeless and moving from shelter to street to shelter, had kept a fragile grasp on at least one possession that meant something to him.

Seeing that battered, bruised, worn copy of Whale Song was a gift. For me. And I value it. In response to Jason's murder and finding my book, I have dedicated the new, improved, expanded version of Whale Song to my brother Jason. You will read about him in one of the front pages, and I am permanently donating a percentage of my royalties to the 3 organizations that did their best to help him. Hope Mission, the Bissell Centre and the Mustard Seed Church are doing what they can to make a difference--to combat addictions, homelessness and poverty.

Of course this won't bring my brother back. Neither will the Goldmans'  book bring back their son. But out of grief and despair can come the most defining moments of clarity and hope. And we all deserve to find that.

Today was officially Day 1 of the 8th Annual Express Yourself...Authors' Conference, sponsored by Infinity Publishing, and I have to share some of what I observed and learned. First, I feel I should clarify that I was recently published by traditional publisher Kunati Books, a new company based in Ontario, Canada, with offices in Florida, US. Kunati has made it very clear that they wish to support my endeavors to help other authors and they know that I am particularly passionate about self-publishing, since I originally self-published 3 very successful titles, and not with Infinity (sorry, guys!). Publishing companies like Kunati make an author's journey far more satisfying, and I must thank them for this support.

That being said, I must also thank Infinity Publishing for allowing me to be a small part of their journey. I feel honored to be part of this conference and share my experiences with other authors. I have gotten a true sense of "family" with these Infinity authors, employees and the management, and they have extended this to many authors published by other companies, including myself. They have all made me feel extremely welcome and valued. Thank you!

There are so many things that have impressed me over the years about Infinity's strategies, service and journey. I have been 'watching' them for about 6 years, and became their Canadian Author Liaison less than a year ago. Today I had the pleasure of touring Infinity Publishing's facilities, and again...WOW! I toured one other publishing company a few years ago, and I have to say, Infinity has far surpassed anything I saw there. Not only is this company efficient in their processes (largely due, I think, to the sharp wit and bubbly authority presented by their office 'queen' Michelle), Infinity is like a well-oiled, organized machine that breathes synergistically with its authors. The company is clean and environmentally conscious, printing 288 pages a minute and anywhere from 100-200 books per hour, depending on the books. I watched covers being printed, laminated, bound, cropped, all within minutes. (And, Kelly, I even had a chance to see how your book's information has been packaged! ;)

After breakfast, Tom Gregory, President of Infinity Publishing, welcomed the conference attendees, and I found him to be genuinely interested in not only the success of his company, but the success of the authors--ALL authors! You don't find that often. I never met the President of the other self-publishing company I toured. :) One thing that impressed me with Infinity is the expense that this publishing company puts into having an event that benefits their authors and other publishers' authors. They have made the Express Yourself...Authors' Conference affordable for any author.

I was also impressed with Infinity's ability to get top-notch speakers to present at their conferences. I have been receiving Jerry D. Simmons' newsletter for a few years now and finally got to meet him. It is awesome to put a face and voice to a name and newsletter one receives via email. :) Other guest speakers were Dan Poynter, Penny Sansevieri and Brian Jud, who are big names in book marketing. Infinity also managed to entice Dave Lieber, an award-winning columnist, and Eric Kampmann, publisher of the controversial O.J. book If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer by the Goldman Family. I'll go more into what these speakers talked about as soon as I have more time.

P.S. Jerry, I promise I will get you some articles on marketing books as soon as possible and I look forward to being of assistance to other writers via your newsletter. Thank you for this opportunity. :) CKT

Tonight I am 'penning a Pennsylvania post' from the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. And yes, two days ago I was in Edmonton, Alberta. So how did I get here? Well, by plane, of course. :)

I am attending the 8th Annual Express Yourself...Authors' Conference, sponsored by Infinity Publishing. I was very honored when the Special Projects Director John Harnish asked me if I would take part on a panel, and since one of my goals is to give back to writers--particularly to new authors--I was thrilled. Plus, I've never been to PA before.

I left Edmonton yesterday morning very early. The flight was uneventful, with a stop in Minneapolis. Haven't been there either, although I didn't see much from the airport windows. :) When I arrived in Philly, I couldn't get over the heat. 90 degrees F. It was about 40 in Edmonton when I left.

Today's conference event was a writing workshop that covered self-editing, overcoming writer's block and much more. The day ended with a terrific buffet and our guest speaker Dave Lieber, an author and award-winning columnist for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Dave encouraged us to "break the rules", something which I seem to not have a problem doing. :)

Tomorrow will be a full day and I'm looking forward to it. Conferences always give me ideas for writing and marketing, and anyone who knows me knows that I am always looking for creative and fun ways to market my books.

On Saturday I will be presenting at the conference--on 2 different panels. The funny thing is that I knew about one of them but had no idea about the other. I found out today that when I told Infinity Publishing that they could "use" me in any way that would benefit them and the attendees that they did just that. :) Good thing I love to talk about writing and marketing. I am really looking forward to being able to share some of the things that I have learned along my journey. So for any of you who are writers, I will put together some of my notes next week and post them on my site.

Also, as the Canadian Author Liaison for Infinity Publishing, my goal is to connect writers (especially Canadian writers) with one option for getting published--self-publishing. This has become a viable and acceptable method of publishing, especially since most traditional publishers accept less than 2% of manuscripts. I know Kunati can vouch for the fact that they would love to publish more, but have to be realistic.

Although my personal goal is to have all of my novels traditionally published, I recognize that there are different goals for every author. So if you're a writer looking to get published and you want to consider self-publishing, I invite you to check out Infinity Publishing, a company that really does have its authors' interests at heart. www.infinitypublishing.com

For my dear readers, please know that I am always striving to learn more about my craft. There are always new things to learn. I write for 'me' in the beginning, because I have a story that needs to be told. But then I write for you--for every fan who has supported my work in the past and for every new one who discovers me. My goal as a suspense author is to challenge myself with writing a story that is sophisticated yet entertaining, suspenseful yet emotional, and always my best work with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I hope you'll let me know when I succeed.

By the way, if you are in the Valley Forge area tomorrow and Saturday, please stop by the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel and have the hotel come find me at Infinity's conference. Providing I am not in the middle of my panel, I would be happy to autograph a copy of Whale Song, The River or Divine Intervention. I have limited copies available.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif...in Pennsylvania

Yesterday, I visited the Red Deer Chapters and held a book signing during the afternoon. The staff was awesome and very helpful, and the customers were great.

I'm quite happy to say we sold out of Whale Song, and I sold some copies of The River and Divine Intervention as well. But as always, it is the customers who truly make my day. They are my reminder of one of the main reasons why I write. A couple of customers in particular stood out, mainly because they took extra time to visit with me and genuinely seemed pleased to pick up a copy of one or all of my books. Some had already read some of my novels.

I have to say a special thank you to Guy who dropped by with his wife and two daughters and ended up with the "Cheryl Kaye Tardif collection". :) Guy picked up a copy of The River, his wife Lesley is reading Divine Intervention, and their daughters Kelsey and Danielle are reading Whale Song. It is so nice to see a family who enjoys reading. Reminds me of how my parents, brothers and I all had different books dog-eared or lying face down on a coffee table when I was a teen.

A special thanks also to Lorrie and Jodi who bought a copy of Whale Song...I think it was Whale Song. lol We got talking about motorcycles so I was a bit distracted. Lorrie and her husband Miles build motorcycles. E'Ville Twin Motorcycles. What a cool name! Their daughter sells motorcycle clothing and apparel. E'Ville Teez. I can just picture them now...riding on a handcrafted custom Chopper, all decked out in cross and skull bandanas, cruising down the highway under a sunset sky...with a copy of Whale Song propped up against metal. lol "Born to be wiiiiild."

Many authors look at book signings and calculate success based on how many books they sold vs. the cost to get to the signing. I view a successful signing as any time I connect with a potential fan and any time I meet existing ones. At Red Deer Chapters I met both, so it was a complete success.

Read an excerpt from Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention.

As someone who deals with chronic pain, I know how beneficial massage therapy can be in loosening up over tight joints, relaxing muscles and giving you an overall feeling of health and good circulation. For a writer who sits at a computer for 10-12 hours a day and for someone who cannot exercise (doctor's orders) other than walking or gentle swimming, massage becomes an important routine for physical and mental health. I highly recommend that every writer go for massage therapy at least once a month. You have no idea how damaging it is to the body to be sitting for so long, no matter what shape you're in.

A while ago I met a gal at the coffee shop where I used to write all the time. Tracy Braye is a registered massage therapist working in south Edmonton. When I first met her she was studying rigorously for final exams. She is now working Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at Millcreek Massage Therapy Inc., located at 9562-82 Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta. They offer deep tissue therapy, pregnancy care, sports massage and relaxation massage, my personal favorite.

Today, I decided to to see Tracy, instead of my regular therapist, because I like to support people who are starting out in new business ventures. I found her to be extremely thorough in understanding my aches and pains and medical condition. And that really is key in finding a good massage therapist. Her understanding of muscles, tendons, connective tissue and how everything works was very apparent and quite educational. I felt completely confident in her treatment.

And then the torture began. ;)

OK, it wasn't THAT bad...but any prodding of my joints feels like torture at first. And no, Tracy does not look like the RMT to the left.

I never quite understand how these massage therapists can just zoom in on the most painful pea-sized lump without you telling them where it is. They have this uncanny ability to find those spots that practically send you through the roof. So amidst my whining and laughing (sometimes I laugh 'cause it hurts), she slowly worked out all of these offending aches. At one point I swear heard something 'pop' and then--voila!--the pain/lump was gone.

I will definitely recommend Tracy to my friends. My regular RMT is not taking any new clients so I am also going to talk to her and see if she'll recommend any overflow to Tracy. I know what it's like getting a new career off the ground.

Massage therapy can help to relax muscle fibers, release tension, restore range of motion, and renew energy. And I can tell you from experience that it is extremely beneficial to writers, athletes, children--to ANYONE really. When I come out of a massage feeling I may feel weak in my lower back but I generally feel better. In fact, I'm a 'loose' woman. :)

So if you're in Edmonton and are looking for massage therapy, give Tracy a call at 780-433-8483. If she is busy, there is another highly skilled therapist who can take you. Natalie is the owner of Millcreek Massage Therapy Inc. and she works opposite days to Tracy.

Millcreek Massage Therapy Inc.

9562-82 Avenue,

Edmonton, Alberta T6C 0Z8

780-433-8483 

Gift certificates available.

Tracy gave me a gift certificate to give away in my first fall/winter draw. For the month of October I will be at various Edmonton bookstores autographing books. I will have a draw open to anyone. No purchase necessary. The prize will be a gift basket filled with goodies, including a FREE 1/2 HOUR MASSAGE from Tracy. Be sure to stop by one of my signings (check my event schedule) and enter to win. I will have draws in November and December for 2 more baskets. Of course, I hope you'll pick up some of my books, maybe get started on your Christmas shopping. :)

The lovely and talented Eva Avila, last season's Canadian Idol winner, is in Edmonton to kick off the Oil Kings hockey game. She will be singing the national anthem and some of her hit songs at tonight's game (Kootenay Ice vs. Edmonton Oil Kings), which starts at 7:30 pm.

Today I had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with Eva. We left her hotel (sorry, I'm NOT telling) and headed down Jasper Ave., battling a chilly wind, in search of sushi. Now there's something Eva has in common with my daughter Jessica. They are both sushi addicts. :) Well, we didn't find a sushi place and ended up instead at WOK BOX, where the food has a definite asian/indian flavour. YUM!

You're probably wondering what the heck I did to deserve an hour of this busy young woman's time. I think I'm wondering too...lol. Eva and I have been corresponding via email after I contacted her through her MySpace page. But this was the first time we've met. And what a sweet girl!

We spent an hour chatting about the similarities between writing novels and writing songs, the challenges of promoting and marketing, and the advantages of online marketing. Then I gave her a limited edition Whale Song mug to thank her, and asked a customer to take a pic. Hey, I needed evidence to show Jessica. Apparently, my "cool-scale" went up a few notches, she told me. And any mom knows how important that is when you have a teen daughter.

Eva and I talked about Whale Song, my bestselling novel and a novel that has captured a lot of movie interest. Currently, numerous film companies, including many from Hollywood, are reading it. We've have been talking about the possibility of Eva playing the lead role. I would be thrilled if a film company asked her to audition. The more I spoke with Eva, the more of "Sarah Richardson" I saw in her. Not just her dark coloring, but her spark and spirit. She brought Whale Song with her on the trip to Edmonton, and I was thrilled to hear that.

There are two women I can see playing the lead role of 'Sarah Richardson'. Kristen Kreuk and Eva Avila. And isn't it wonderful that they're both Canadian?

Visit Eva Avila's site.

Order Eva's CD Somewhere Else.

Order Whale Song. You can order from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.