Joy Norstrom's Blog, page 2

Bookclub Tips, Tricks & Recommendations

We are one month into the New Year and I find myself stuck in the middle of what feels to be a very long prairie winter. It’s not been all bad; we’ve a new puppy named Frank, my kids are healthy and I’m writing up a storm on my current project.

Another highlight was meeting this great group of women a few weeks ago. Can you believe their bookclub has been going strong for 17 years? That's right, 17! Just think how many good books a person could enjoy in seventeen years.

I also joined my...

Anniversary Blog Hop

So this happened.

I’ve passed the one year anniversary of Out of Play. It felt like it took forever to write, revise, publish, and take those first steps into the big ole’ world of books. But then, just like a real baby, the damn thing turned one before I knew it.

To celebrate I’ll be visiting some fabulous book bloggers in November. There will be plenty of author interviews about the writing process, reviews of Out of Play, and tidbits about my current project (which has been so fun to...

Happy Canada Day Giveaway!

Canadian book reviewer and blogger, Books and Chinooks is teaming up with two awesome Canadian authors for a book giveaway. (Okay, okay. Not very humble of me, is it? But heck, you do NOT disagree with a book reviewer!)


One of the books up for grabs is set in Calgary, Alberta and the other, by the fabulous Kate Hilton, is set in Toronto, Ontario. There will be two winners; each winner will receive both titles signed and delivered to their mailbox. One winner will be from Canada. Since we are...

When Words Collide 2017

I want to tell you about an amazing event that occurs every summer in Calgary. Before you scream "Yee haw!" and scramble to find your cowboy hat, let me assure you I'm not referring to the Stampede.

From August 11th to the 13th, 750 readers, writers, artists and publishers come together to celebrate the written word. While there is much socializing to be had, a significant portion of the weekend is spent in various learning opportunities. Which, let me nerd out on you for a minute, I LOVE!

If...

Summer Reads: An Eclectic List

Summer is a great time to read! I always imagine myself outdoors with a cider at my side and a book in my hand. Such a false image as I'm usually chased back indoors by wasps, the heat, or the glare off my screen or page.

In truth, this summer you can likely find me curled up in bed or on the couch. The cider will likely be replaced by Bengal Spice tea or maybe a nice Malbec, and that's okay because I'm sure to be enjoying a fab book or two.

My reading plans this summer include:

1. Room by Emm...

Book Signing in Grande Prairie - April 22nd

[image error] I'll be traveling to Peace River Country later this month, although it won't be in a purple car!

If you happen to be near Prairie Mall in Grande Prairie on Saturday, April 22nd, please stop and say hello! I'll be at the Coles signing books, chatting with readers and generally looking forward to meeting some of my northern neighbours.

Book Signing in Grand Prairie - April 22nd

[image error] I'll be traveling to Peace River Country later this month, although it won't be in a purple car!

If you happen to be near Prairie Mall in Grand Prairie on Saturday, April 22nd, please stop and say hello! I'll be at the Coles signing books, chatting with readers and generally looking forward to meeting some of my northern neighbours.

Mother-Daughter Books that Rock

I’m at that stage of motherhood where everything seems to be the last time. With my eldest turning (gasp!) double-digits and my youngest believing she doesn’t need help with choosing her clothes, putting her hair up or painting her nails (double gasp! That's new carpet!) it’s clear we are in the midst of a momentous family transition.

Gone are the days of diapers and even spray parks and sidewalk chalk are starting to take a backseat. We are in a solid school-concerts-and-science-fairs-B...

Hands up to our Public Libraries!

I wanted to send a quick shout out to the Calgary Public Library for carrying Out of Play.

There is something absolutely thrilling about knowing my book baby will be sitting alongside thousands of other books, just waiting to be taken home and read. Not only is the library a magical place filled with hidden treasures, you can now drink coffee in there. I know! How great is that? They've not quite gotten around to wine, but a girl can dream :)

I've borrowed all kinds of print books from th...

Got a great idea? Share it with me!

This Saturday I'll be hanging out at Indigo Signal Hill in Calgary, Alberta. I'll be there for two reasons:

1. Yes, you guessed right: I'm selling copies of my book, Out of Play. Okay, let's just be honest for a second: Are you one of those people who avoid eye contact and walk by those author tables as quickly as possible? I'll let you in on a secret: that's me sometimes too! So thank goodness I'm there for a second reason, right?

2. I'm collecting funny ideas for future stories and I hope you...