Anita Daher's Blog
June 11, 2021
Þórr coming for tea
This morning I am at my campground in Gimli, ready for my first test. I promised myself that this year when there is a hint of a severe thunderstorm in the forecast, I would not hustle home to Winnipeg--as I did each and every time last year. So far so good. For the last hour, I've listened to Thorr's mutterings, and repeatedly checked my phone for an update on approaching brilliant colours on weather radar, but I'm still here. Even in weather, it is a good place to be.
Oh...here comes the rain. It is suddenly very dark. Steady, Anita.
A beautiful friend gifted me with a sign for my campsite. It says "Himnariki," which means "heaven" in Icelandic. These soul-filling mornings (the sunny ones!), sipping tea on the deck, have certainly been that.
I've been working steadily on the first of a middle grade series, to be launched next spring. There is an element of Icelandic magic to them. Perhaps Thorr is just popping by for a look.
Oh...here comes the rain. It is suddenly very dark. Steady, Anita.
A beautiful friend gifted me with a sign for my campsite. It says "Himnariki," which means "heaven" in Icelandic. These soul-filling mornings (the sunny ones!), sipping tea on the deck, have certainly been that.
I've been working steadily on the first of a middle grade series, to be launched next spring. There is an element of Icelandic magic to them. Perhaps Thorr is just popping by for a look.
May 31, 2021
Changes
On Friday, about an hour after The Writers' Union of Canada AGM, I sat on my back deck sipping a glass of celebratory bubbly, and felt a weight lift. I loved and was so honoured to be Chair, but was ready to finish my term and be a little more incognito for a while.
This morning I am at my campsite in Manitoba's "New Iceland" region, sipping coffee, enjoying the scent of gorgeous flowers new Chair Rhea Tregabov sent me (no chance of me leaving these heavenly blossoms at home!).
It appears I lack willpower to stay away from social media, and so I must do away with it. I've deleted my Twitter account, and shuttered Instagram, Tumblr and TikTok. Not sure why I was on TikTok to begin with. Facebook I must reluctantly hang onto because my campsite owners post important info on their page. Instead of deleting, I will try not to post, and have changed my profile name. I hope this will minimize friend requests and event invitations, because I don't plan to check and don't wish to appear rude.
This summer I may journal a little, either here, or perhaps I'll start something on my web page, but I will be relearning how to walk without social media. There was no Facebook or Twitter when I began writing all those years ago. Just deep thought, and pouring all my communication and connection into stories. I'd like to remember what that was like.
This morning I am at my campsite in Manitoba's "New Iceland" region, sipping coffee, enjoying the scent of gorgeous flowers new Chair Rhea Tregabov sent me (no chance of me leaving these heavenly blossoms at home!).
It appears I lack willpower to stay away from social media, and so I must do away with it. I've deleted my Twitter account, and shuttered Instagram, Tumblr and TikTok. Not sure why I was on TikTok to begin with. Facebook I must reluctantly hang onto because my campsite owners post important info on their page. Instead of deleting, I will try not to post, and have changed my profile name. I hope this will minimize friend requests and event invitations, because I don't plan to check and don't wish to appear rude.
This summer I may journal a little, either here, or perhaps I'll start something on my web page, but I will be relearning how to walk without social media. There was no Facebook or Twitter when I began writing all those years ago. Just deep thought, and pouring all my communication and connection into stories. I'd like to remember what that was like.
October 29, 2020
Good News
There are always glimmers of light during dark times. I hope you've found many, whether through finding new ways to meaningfully connect with loved ones, rediscovering passions and interests, finding new ones, or something else entirely. I've had a little good news of my own.
First, You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel has been named a candidate for the prestigious Forest of Reading White Pine Award. Most regions in Canada have reader's choice award program, but this one reaches more readers than any other. I am truly honoured.
Second, Great Plains Publications has shown great faith in signing me to a two-book deal--the first two novels in a new science-based middle grade series. Both novels are due next October, with the first to be published Spring 2022.
Halloween this Saturday! I've found a fun way to give out treats--stuffed clear food prep gloves with candy (something I saw on social media) which I will either hang by my front door for kids to help themselves, or will give out with tongs.
Stay well friends! We'll get through this. xo
First, You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel has been named a candidate for the prestigious Forest of Reading White Pine Award. Most regions in Canada have reader's choice award program, but this one reaches more readers than any other. I am truly honoured.
Second, Great Plains Publications has shown great faith in signing me to a two-book deal--the first two novels in a new science-based middle grade series. Both novels are due next October, with the first to be published Spring 2022.
Halloween this Saturday! I've found a fun way to give out treats--stuffed clear food prep gloves with candy (something I saw on social media) which I will either hang by my front door for kids to help themselves, or will give out with tongs.
Stay well friends! We'll get through this. xo
September 22, 2020
Thin Air and Film
This year's Thin Air Winnipeg International Writers' Festival is now live! Content is free upon registration (also free). Please check out my offerings HERE, especially the short film adapted from my novel, You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel.
Featuring:
Robyn Delaney as Eugenia
Darcy Fehr as Noah
Directed and filmed by Cameron Patterson
1st AD/Boom operator: Maggie Collins
Editor: George Orallo
Music: Annette Brown
Thank you to my amazing cast and crew, to Chris and Shelagh Deacon for welcoming us to their ranch and letting us hang out with their pups and horses, and to Rob Macklin for guiding me through the paperwork and other requirements 🙂❤️
Featuring:
Robyn Delaney as Eugenia
Darcy Fehr as Noah
Directed and filmed by Cameron Patterson
1st AD/Boom operator: Maggie Collins
Editor: George Orallo
Music: Annette Brown
Thank you to my amazing cast and crew, to Chris and Shelagh Deacon for welcoming us to their ranch and letting us hang out with their pups and horses, and to Rob Macklin for guiding me through the paperwork and other requirements 🙂❤️
September 11, 2020
Updates! Including Unit Guide for Teachers.
First: This week I learned that You Don't Have to Die in the End is on McNally's bestseller list for a THIRD CONSECUTIVE WEEK! Thank you, readers. #grateful
Second, for teachers interested in You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel as a novel study, I am finishing up a ten unit classroom guide with curriculum connections. This complimentary aid will be available through my website and from the publisher.
Third, please check out this year's Thin Air Winnipeg International Writers Festival for a couple of entertaining videos from yours truly, plus a short film adapted from the novel featuring actors Darcy Fehr and Robyn Delaney, with music by Annette Brown.
Second, for teachers interested in You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel as a novel study, I am finishing up a ten unit classroom guide with curriculum connections. This complimentary aid will be available through my website and from the publisher.
Third, please check out this year's Thin Air Winnipeg International Writers Festival for a couple of entertaining videos from yours truly, plus a short film adapted from the novel featuring actors Darcy Fehr and Robyn Delaney, with music by Annette Brown.
June 9, 2020
Quill and Quire review
"Anita Daher’s new novel starts off slow and choppy but by the end has you invested and enthralled."
It isn't effusive, but I'll take it! For years I've hoped an editor at Quill & Quire would be interested enough in one of my titles to review it. You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel is book fifteen. I am thrilled :-)
Full review here
It isn't effusive, but I'll take it! For years I've hoped an editor at Quill & Quire would be interested enough in one of my titles to review it. You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel is book fifteen. I am thrilled :-)
Full review here
June 8, 2020
Letter from an Author in a Post-Pandemic World
A week or so ago I posted thoughts on social media about the impact of a lost book-launch season. Author and publisher Linda L. Richards asked if she could reframe it and publish it in her excellent long time publication, January Magazine. Done! Here it is: Letter from an Author in a Post-Pandemic World.
I should add that my posts don't usually garner as much attention as this one did. Though I was glad to share the info for those who may not have been aware of the extent of the impact on writers/publishers, it left me feeling very...exposed. Even vulnerable. I will never not be that shy little girl who avoided attention lest it be negative. I realize some may feel this is at odds with my role of Chair of the Writers' Union and my other occupation, acting. To me it makes sense. I have passions, and I pursue them, but these passions are about what I do and who I serve, never about "me." But social media can be a horse of a different colour. I've temporarily retreated from Twitter and Facebook. A good thing, as I focus on my next work-in-progress.
I should add that my posts don't usually garner as much attention as this one did. Though I was glad to share the info for those who may not have been aware of the extent of the impact on writers/publishers, it left me feeling very...exposed. Even vulnerable. I will never not be that shy little girl who avoided attention lest it be negative. I realize some may feel this is at odds with my role of Chair of the Writers' Union and my other occupation, acting. To me it makes sense. I have passions, and I pursue them, but these passions are about what I do and who I serve, never about "me." But social media can be a horse of a different colour. I've temporarily retreated from Twitter and Facebook. A good thing, as I focus on my next work-in-progress.
June 4, 2020
Ebook available
Hope you are all keeping well! Pleased to note that my April released novel, You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel is now available in e-book format via Amazon, Kobo, and through my publisher, Great Plains Publications.
May 20, 2020
PBN Interview
An interview in Prairie Books Now magazine about the inspiration behind my new novel, You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel.
April 28, 2020
Launch and more online
Thank you to all who joined me during my livestream book launch of You Don't Have To Die In The End: A Novel! Thank you to the National Arts Centre for hosting! We had a few tech glitches but quickly regrouped and got 'er done :-) You can find the launch and other videos on my YouTube channel, Anita Daher Books.
Have a beautiful day, all! xo
Have a beautiful day, all! xo
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