(First published SEPTEMBER 1, 2019)
Hey everyone!
Remember when I asked if you would vote for Ben Archer and the Cosmic Fall for a 2019 Author Academy Awards nomination?
Well, it worked! We did it! Ben Archer is a top 10 finalist in the MG/YA category. (YAY!) It was absolutely thrilling to hear Ben's name announced in the Awards' Global Livestream!
The voting continues, however, and the winner will be announced on October 25, 2019.
That said, please don't be disappointed, but I have pulled out of the Awards. Yes, you read that right. I am no longer taking part in the Awards. (BOO!)
The reason is that, in order to win, finalists must attend the Awards, and I am unable to do that right now due to family illness (my husband has begun intensive cancer treatment).
I really appreciate all your efforts to push Ben to the top. Reaching the top 10 is already a huge win for me and I think I'll consider joining other contests next year.
In the meantime, family comes first and, anyway, I can't very well leave Ben hanging in the middle of his adventures (I mean, in TAS4/CHP18, when...well, you know, that crazy thing happens... I mean, I've got to fix that!).
So, in the meantime, I highly recommend clicking on the image above and checking out the other authors, who have put forward some really interesting books that I'm sure you will enjoy.
What's up in the neighbourhood?
My parents have come to the rescue and have stayed with us for several weeks, helping out with house chores and keeping our children busy while my husband and I do our hospital rounds.
It was only natural I should take them for a beautiful Canadian stroll around a beautiful Canadian lake surrounded by beautiful Canadian mountains topped with beautiful Canadian fir trees. But bumping into a beautiful Canadian papa bear wasn't exactly part of the plan. I know, I know, you're supposed to stay calm and not freak out. I tried, I promise, but I'm not sure I was successful. I also tried to take a major, once-in-a-lifetime selfie, but I couldn't find the darn button on my phone (yes, I was shaking, ok? Jeez, there's no need to rub it in.)
Anyway, we backed into the trees, praying it wouldn't follow us. It didn't. It passed us by without a care in the world. When we told the (um...beautiful?) Canadian park rangers, they thought the whole thing was pretty hilarious...
Enough about me. What were the highlights of your summer (or winter, if you're in the South)?
Now, onwards and forwards: it's back-to-school, people! Be the best you can be!
Until next time,
Rae