Lorina Stephens's Blog, page 89

One More Shift in the Publishing World

I read an article today at Bookseller.com by Benedicte Page entitled 'Publishers cancelling books to cut costs.'

Needless to say the thrust of the article was rather germane to what's going on in the publishing world, and in particular to the evolution we're experiencing here at Five Rivers. Once more it seems the legacy houses are cutting back, claiming publishing Armageddon, only this time they're cutting not just staff but authors, in fact killing off titles and their stable of writers...

Welcome to New Staff at Five Rivers

With the acquisition of six books from Nate Hendley, another two in the works, and submissions now becoming quite active, an expansion of not only our book list, but our staff is in order. It gives me great pleasure to announce the addition of two excellent associates here at Five Rivers.
In the capacity of Editor I'd like to welcome Robert Runté to the fold.
Dr. Robert Runté is an associate professor at the University of Lethbridge. As an academic, editor, reviewer, and organizer, Robert has been

Q&A with Lorina at Goodreads

From August 30 to September 29, 2009, I'll be available at Goodreads for Q&A. Signing up is easy. If you're already a member of Goodreads, just go to: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/23723.Q_A_with_Lorina_Stephensand join. If you're not a member of Goodreads, consider creating an account to participate in the discussion. It's a good book club site, user friendly, very active.

I'm open to discussion on the Q&A on just about anything to do with writing and publishing. Some suggested topics are

Great Signing in Oshawa

Still hoarse from a delightfully verbose afternoon (I don't get out much) but just wanted to say what a great book signing I had at Chapters in Oshawa, Ontario! I wasn't expecting the event to go particularly well, but was delighted and inspired by the depth and intelligence of conversation with the people I met. One young fellow, a cellist, walked out with my books after a discussion about art being a mistress of the spirit, while our beloveds are mistresses of our hearts. Another you

Cover Art

Thought I'd post some of the covers for which I've created artwork and have designed. If you have need of cover design work, contact me.

Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I was not sure what to expect when I picked up Mary Anne Shafer's novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Probably a good read, if the recommendations I'd read meant anything.

A good read? Good heavens, yes!
I cannot remember being this profoundly affected by a novel since reading Atwood's The Blind Assassin. Shafer's novel, written as a series of letters and telegrams post World War II, is simply a work of genius. What begins as a discreet inquiry regarding a book from a Guerns

Book Signing, Saturday, August 29

On Saturday, August 29, I'll be appearing at Chapters, 419 King Street West, Unit #1135, Oshawa, Ontario, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. I'll be signing copies of And the Angels Sang and Shadow Song .

Unfortunately copies of From Mountains of Ice won't be available, but you can order a custom, signed copy of the novel through the store and pick it up in about two weeks.
Hope to see you at Chapters on Saturday!

The Twelfth Transforming -- Review

When I want to turn to literature for pure escapism I often look for Canadian historical fiction writer, Pauline Gedge. Primarily her books are about ancient Egypt, rich tales searing with the heat of the desert, heady with fragrance, passion, plots.

So it is this summer, after several rather unsatisfying obligatory reads, I decided to treat myself and delve into The Twelfth Transforming.
The novel explores the life of one of Egypt's more colourful and disastrous Pharaohs, Akhenaten, complete wi

Six Book Deal with Nate Hendley

What started out to be an agreement to publish two books by Toronto-based writer, Nate Hendley, has turned into a six book deal that will see the republication of four books previously released under Altitude Publishing, one by Hendley through Lulu, and one new work.

We're pleased to announce the following titles and projected release dates:

Crystal Death: Methamphetamine, North America's #1 Killer Drug, late winter 2010Motivation, for (Non-fiction) Writers, early spring 2010Al Capone: Chicago's

Join Marian Ritchie, Saturday, August 15

Marian Ritichie, author of The Long Way Home: A Journey into Alzheimer's, will be at Chapters, New Fairview Mall, 285 Geneva, St. Catharines, ON L2N 2G1, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 15.

Marian has received wide acclaim for her book and insight into the devastating disease, from individuals living with Alzheimer's to medical staff and experts in nursing homes to the Mayo Clinic. She has lectured across North America and recently in Scotland.

Don't miss this terrific opportunity to mee