Suzanne Stengl's Blog, page 4

Hello October!

Calgary is welcoming October with periods of snow and temperatures at freezing.

It should only be for a couple of days, and then we can get back to Autumn.

The trees have changed colour. Here in Alberta, the colours are mainly shades of yellow and orange. One of these years, I want to fly east in the autumn to see the fiery red maples. At any rate, even though the leaves are yellow, they have yet to fall. Hopefully, we can look forward to some mild days later in the month for leaf raking. October is for leaf raking.

October is also for ripening berries. Our mountain ash out front is loaded with berries. They will stay for much of the winter providing lots of food for the visiting Bohemian Waxwings.

Mountain ash berries for a centrepiece.

Of course, October is the time for pumpkins and pumpkin spice lattes.

October is for pumpkin spice lattes.

October is also time for apples. My friend’s daughter harvested local apples and made this apple cake and apple juice. It’s amazing how good freshly picked ingredients taste.

apple cake and apple juice – made from freshly harvested local apples

October is also the setting for my latest novel, WEDDING BELL BLUES. Actually, it starts in September and ends in October. A couple of days ago, the book got its first review:

I know, small print. You can read the review here. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Wedding Bell Blues

Introducing . . . Wedding Bell Blues

 

The lady goes to the highest bidder!

Alone and new to the city, with all her possessions in a single suitcase, Krista MacKenzie stumbles into a gentleman’s function—­­given a little shove from an earthbound fairy godmother disguised as her new best friend.

Logan Nicholas, CEO of Peregrine Oil & Gas, thinks that auctioning off escorts—even if only for dinner and a drink—is a poor idea for the fundraiser. He’ll make a donation for the cause, but he does not intend to bid. Not until he sees the stunning brunette come across the stage. Suddenly his competitive spirit takes over and he’s desperate to win her.

But what happens when the clock strikes midnight? Technically, he’s still got a girlfriend—who’s pushing him to set a date. He’s not ready for a wedding, and he’s sure not ready for the irrational feelings he’s having for this lady of the night.

WEDDING BELL BLUES
 
~ the third book in the Something Old, Something New series ~

All the books are standalone.

Book 1 is A WEDDING AND A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Book 2 is ON THE WAY TO A WEDDING

Book 3 is WEDDING BELL BLUES

This one is Logan’s story and it takes place in September.

Click the button to read an excerpt on Amazon!

AMAZON

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Fifth Annual Sylvan Lake Retreat

In 2014, five writers started a tradition. The writers were Michelle Beattie, Suzanne Forrest, Amy Jo Fleming, M.K. Stelmack and Suzanne Stengl. (me!)

We thought it would be nice to do some North-South mingling of Alberta writers. Michelle and Suzanne F came from the north, Amy Jo and Suzanne S came from the south and M.K. Stelmack met us in the middle. That is, M.K. lives in the small town of Sylvan Lake. That year we met for brunch at the Boston Pizza where we discussed what we were working on. Then we moved over to Waves Coffee Shop and critiqued One Page of each other’s work. 

In the summers that followed, M.K. Stelmack (aka, Moira) took ownership of the Retreat and arranged for it to be held at the local library. 

Last Saturday, August 18, 2018, the Fifth Annual Sylvan Lake Retreat was once again held at the Library and hosted by Moira. We had a cozy eight writers in attendance: Brenda Sinclair, Katie O’Connor, Amy Jo Fleming, S.L. Dickson, Lori Feldberg, Victoria Chatham, M.K. Stelmack and Suzanne Stengl.

In the morning, we critiqued one page of each other’s work. And sometimes we did two or three pages. Comments and suggestions flowed freely and Amy Jo kept us on course with a timer so we could get through everyone’s work.

Moira arranged for our lunch of cold cuts, cheese, buns, add-ons, potato salad, veggies, fruit and desserts.

In the afternoon, we did our usual Ask & Answered session, discussing Social Media, group series, formats, distribution and craft. That continued until the Library closed. We reconvened down the road at the popular Wing’n It Restaurant.

the conversation continues…

Suzanne Stengl, M.K. Stelmack, Victoria Chatham, Brenda Sinclair, Katie O’Connor, S.L. Dickson, Amy Jo Fleming, Lori Feldberg

Amy Jo, Brenda, Vicki, Shaa

Katie, Amy Jo, Suzanne, Shaa

Katie, Amy Jo, Moira, Shaa

smoky skies from the BC wild fires

Several of the writers spent the night in Sylvan Lake and I’m sure a lot more critiquing (and wine) was involved.

Need inspiration? Try a Bailey’s S’more!

I love this annual meeting of the minds and am already looking forward to next year’s event. Thanks to Moira for handling the logistics and thanks to all of you for your help with my story.

 

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Dragonfly Lakehouse

Sometimes you need to go far away to get away from it all.

Last week, Rolf and I left Calgary and drove all day to Hope, British Columbia where we spent the night.

The next morning, we drove another two hours to the ferry at Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. It was only a short wait for the ferry, but I had enough time to get a latte at the Lookout Coffee House.

Once I am on the ferry, I feel like the vacation has begun.

We had lunch onboard and landed in Nanaimo one and a half hours later. (Yes, Nanaimo is the home of the bathtub races.)

Then we drove up island to Campbell River where we spent our second night on the road.

That evening we had the best ever halibut and chips at Dockside Fish and Chips. I also had a pint of the excellent local pale ale called High Tide. It’s available at Campbell River’s Beach Fire Brewing.

In the morning, Rolf and I got most of the groceries we would need for the next week. Then we caught the ferry from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island.

Here we visited the Saturday Farmers Market and waited for the rest of our family to show up.

Earlier that morning, like about 3 a.m., one of our sons reached the ferry at Horseshoe Bay. He was driving from Alberta in his truck which was loaded with camping and fishing gear. He also had Makita with him. He caught the first ferry out of Horseshoe Bay, and by 10:30, he was at the Comox airport (south of Campbell River) to pick up the rest of the family.

We all met up at the Farmers Market: six adults, one two-year-old and a Labradoodle.

Next, we drove about a half hour to Heriot Bay on the other side of Quadra, and then another half hour to the area called Bold Point where we found Dragonfly Lakehouse. Our home for the next week.

About a kilometer away from the lakehouse, there is a dock on the ocean. Our son launched his Zodiac from here.

ocean dock

Zodiac

There are oysters all over the beach, so our meals were supplemented with barbequed oysters most nights. We also had crab and salmon.

I brought a printed proof of my next book, WEDDING BELL BLUES. Only I didn’t get to proof it because my D-I-L was reading it and I was spending a lot of time swimming or just sitting in a chair on the deck and looking out at the water. I will finish checking the proof this week. The story is set in September, so the book will be released early in September.

This is our cottage.

Dragonfly Lakehouse – as seen from the lake

down the stairs to the lake

and out onto the dock

I love sitting on that dock and feeling the gentle rock of the water. I also love my morning yoga spot.

sun salutations here

Do you have a favourite vacation spot? Is it a long way from anywhere? Do you enjoy early morning yoga in the fresh air? How about swimming across the lake?

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Three Hills Cruise Weekend

I needed to step away from the keyboard and Rolf wanted to attend the annual Three Hills Cruise Weekend, so we booked a motel and headed to the little town last Friday.

The Three Hills Cruise started in 1981. The event was organized by three locals for the first Saturday of June. That year, 35 cars showed up.

hardtop convertible

The event continues to be held on the first Saturday of June and also includes the Friday and Sunday.

Show ’n’ Shine

On Friday, there’s the Meet, Greet and Cruise. Saturday has the Show ’n’ Shine. Cars start lining Main Street at 8 o’clock in the morning. Later on Saturday, starting about 5 pm, the Three Hills Airport hosts the 1/8 mile bracket racing. And on Sunday, the racing continues.

This year marks the 37th year of the event. More than 1000 classic cars and trucks registered and Main Street filled with people, young and old. There were also classic motorcycles and I even saw one Tesla. 

Local eateries fill up. Church groups and service organizations sell hot dogs, burgers, ribs and beans as well as soft drinks and ice cream. It’s like being at the fair. 

Apparently, Mother Nature always cooperates and the day is hot and sunny. Many visitors bring folding chairs to sit in the shade.

Is this Margi’s Thunderbird?

The Town of Three Hills was incorporated as a Village in 1912. Now the town has a population of about 3300, numerous parks and walking trails, and many community events throughout the year. The Cruise is the biggest. At this event, money is raised and donated to worthwhile causes. Classic vehicles are showcased and appreciated. Visitors and locals kick back and enjoy a hot summer’s day. 

Although I am not a car aficionado, I couldn’t help but get into the spirit and I’ve already decided I’ll be there next year. 

Main Street, Three Hills

Have you attended the Three Hills Cruise?

 

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2018 HOLT Medallion Finalists

Since 1995, the Virginia Romance Writers chapter of the RWA has been hosting the HOLT Medallion contest. Medallions are awarded to authors whose books are selected by a panel of romance readers as the best in each of twelve categories.

I am happy to announce that A WEDDING AND A WHITE CHRISTMAS is a finalist in the Short Contemporary category!

As luck would have it, a fellow Calgarian is also a finalist in the contest. My friend Lecia Cornwall entered her book, ENCHANTED BY THE HIGHLANDER. This one is a finalist in the historical category.

Here is Lecia’s book:

Enchanted by the Highlander is the fourth book in a charming and enchanting Scottish series that reimagines fairytales by Lecia Cornwall.

Gillian MacLeod is shy and quiet, the least likely of all her sisters to seek out excitement and adventure. But on a moonlit night at a masquerade ball, Gillian steals a kiss from a mysterious stranger, knowing she’ll never see him again.

John Erly, disowned by his noble English father, started a new life in Scotland. Most people are suspicious of the foreign mercenary and he does everything in his power to avoid romantic entanglements. But he can’t forget the bewitching beauty who kissed him in the dark, and stole his heart, even though he has no idea who she might be.

A year later, John is given the duty of escorting Gillian to her wedding and immediately recognizes her as the temptress he’s dreamed of for months. There’s not much he can do when she’s promised to another man, but fate intervenes and this time, passion—and adventure—can’t be denied. Honor demands he stay away from the MacLeod’s enchanting daughter, but love has a very different ending in mind…

And here’s my book:

Getting from “I do” to “I don’t” before anyone finds out!

On a whirlwind Christmas visit to Las Vegas, and after a long night of merrymaking, Emily and her best friend, Mark, stumble into an Elvis Chapel and get married.

The next morning she realizes her mistake. Although she loves Mark, and has since childhood, he’s not marriage material.

For Mark, it’s not that he has commitment issues—or any issues, for that matter—but marriage would complicate things. He and Emily are friends and he doesn’t want to mess with that. Besides, he knows Emily is on the rebound. She’s not over her failed engagement to Dan the idiot.

On top of that, there’s Emily’s aunt. Myra doesn’t like Mark and if she learns about this elopement . . . well, let’s just say, there will be no Peace on Earth this Christmas!

The winners of the HOLT Medallion will be announced at a party in Glen Allen, Virginia on June 9th.

Unfortunately, that would take about nine to ten hours of travel from Calgary, so neither one of us will be going. However, we are considering dressing up on June 9th and celebrating here!

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Kristan Higgins Workshop

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, the Calgary Association of the RWA hosted its annual Spring Workshop.

As usual, we started with a continental breakfast.

For this workshop, our guest speaker was Kristan Higgins, one of my favourite authors.

With eighteen novels written and published—in two dozen languages—Kristan obviously knows what she’s doing. Her nineteenth book is showing up in August. Her “NOW THAT YOU MENTION IT” is nominated for a RITA. This woman is definitely a professional writer.

She’s also friendly, an excellent teacher, and humble. The first thing she did as she started her workshop was to pick up her cell phone and take a picture of us. “First things first. I’m always tickled that people come to my workshop!”

The workshop was held at the Delta Calgary South in the Kananaskis Room—I love the classroom style setup.

This workshop had three topics:

Secondary Characters, Secondary Plotlines
Writing Humour
Character Mistakes and Missed Opportunities

There was so much good material to absorb.

We break for a hearty lunch.

Kristan also critiqued several humour submissions telling us what worked, and what did not resonate. Notice her choice of words. She didn’t say it didn’t work. It just didn’t resonate with her.

My head is still spinning and I’m still high from this workshop. I learned so many things that I can use in my own writing.

Some of the things we talked about

Different types of characters: The Mentor, The Best Friend, The Deflector, The Reflector
The difference between Secondary Characters and Fringe Characters
What a “Christmas Card” is. (A character dropping in from another book in a series—and serving no useful purpose.)
Having a sense of humour does not mean you can write humour. Note: In case you’re not aware, I’m writing in Canadian, so humour—instead of humor. (I’m bilingual

Signs of Spring

A month ago, spring officially arrived in the northern hemisphere. It didn’t quite make it to Calgary.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw my first robins, but they’ve been hiding ever since.

Eight days ago, the city crews cleared the storm sewer by our driveway. With the heavy snowfall, the storm drain blocked and needed to be steamed out. For three weeks, our driveway was either a lake or an ice rink. At one point, I had a delivery and the driver crossed the lake to park on our driveway in order to reach the house. But with the snowpack, she had trouble backing out. I stood on the road to watch for traffic so she could back up quickly and get over the ridge of ice and back on the road.

Earlier in the day, a truck got stuck between the ruts on the road. It wasn’t a four-wheel drive truck. Don’t come to visit unless you are driving a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Three days ago I drove to an appointment at eight in the morning in the snow and the sleet. Headlights on. Windshield wipers on. Poor visibility. But good traction because I have good snow tires.

I wonder how long we will need snow tires this spring . . .

Yesterday, finally, there are some signs of spring.

My Secret Garden is waking up from a long winter’s nap.

It’s been a week since the last snowfall warning. The temperatures are rising and the snow is melting. We may have made it through the longest winter ever.

Things to do while waiting for spring

Buy some tulips. 

Go to the terrarium at the zoo.

Wear a brightly colored shirt.

Don’t think about winter. Eat strawberry rhubarb pie and dream of spring.

Is it spring-like where you live?

Do you have any sprouts coming up?

Do you have a rhubarb patch?

Do you like strawberry rhubarb pie?

 

Falling snow from Depositphotos #35062887

Robin from Depositphotos #46951573_l-2015

Tulips from Depositphotos #38836931_l-2015

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First Day of Spring

When I went to elementary school, I learned that the Earth’s axis is slightly tilted in relation to its orbit around the Sun. I also learned that because the Earth orbits the Sun at a slant, we have seasons. And I learned that the seasons change on the 21st of March, June, September and December.

I have since learned that the 21st is close to the astronomical calculation, but the 21st is not always the first day of the new season.

Today, March 20th, is the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is known as the spring equinox or the vernal equinox. If you imagine a line above the equator, the spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses that line from south to north. That is the astronomical definition of Spring.

In Calgary, with snowbanks everywhere, it still looks like winter even though yesterday was the last official day of winter.

Yesterday, we drove to the mountains to ski at Sunshine Village. It’s not spring there either, although the temperatures are warmer than they were in January. The snow, however, is perfect winter snow—not the slushy stuff that will come with spring skiing.

Here we are leaving the gondola station at 1,660 metres (5,450 feet) looking out the frosty Plexiglas of the gondola.

Leaving the gondola base

That’s the parking lot below, only half full at ten in the morning. It’s a weekday so it will only fill to the end of the parking lot. On weekends, the cars are backed down the road and shuttle buses take you to the gondola station.

We always ski on weekdays.

Here we are arriving at the top gondola station in the Village, at 2,159 metres or 7,082 feet.

Arriving at the Village

There is another station below this where you can get off for Goat’s Eye Mountain, but in the mornings, it’s always icy over there. So if we do ski Goat’s Eye, we wait until the afternoon. By then the sun has softened the snow and it’s nicer skiing.

Yesterday’s forecast was for a mix of sun and cloud and the morning started off sunny.

sunny at Sunshine in the morning

Closer to lunch, we headed to the top of Divide.

On the Divide Chair

Now we are on the Divide chair. To the left are the Teepee Town and Angel chairs.

For a short time, the Divide chair crosses from Alberta into British Columbia. I didn’t get my camera out fast enough so I missed the sign that says “Welcome to Beautiful British Columbia” but I did get the sign welcoming us back to Alberta.

Welcome Back to Sunny Alberta

The joke is that sometimes you are riding this chair in a whiteout when the “sunny Alberta” sign comes into view.

Now we are at the top of Divide at an elevation of 2,730 metres or 8,960 feet, and the clouds are moving in.

Top of Divide

The light was flat, so we only did one run here and then skied all the way back down to the Village. We did one more run on Standish (where the light was better) and then we went to the Sunshine Mountain Lounge and the Chimney Corner for lunch . . .

Sunshine Mountain Lodge

. . . where I get to take off my boots (ahhhhh) 

. . . and fuel up on that great Canadian delicacy, poutine.

poutine

After lunch, the light was still iffy, and Goat’s Eye looked socked in, so we stayed at the Village, and skied the Wawa Bowl.

Tin Can Alley

One of my favourite runs is here, Tin Can Alley.

Now we are riding down. Those are my skis on the outside of the gondola.

going down on the gondola

The temperature rose to 4 degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit) in the Village, with no wind, so the air was spring-like. But the snow was winter-like and perfect. So that was our last official day of astronomical winter.

The other way of determining the seasons is called the Meteorological Method. In this case, meteorologists base the seasons on annual temperature cycles.

Spring is defined as March, April and May.
Summer is June, July and August
Fall is September, October and November.
And Winter is December, January and February.

Kind of makes more sense. But I still think back to my elementary school days—and the 21st.

What is spring for you? Is it the beginning of March? Or not until the 21st? Is it snow melting? Or tulips and daffodils pushing up through the soil? Do you like spring skiing? Or would you prefer to start a garden?

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Divi, my new theme

I’ve been re-decorating again. I’m playing with a new theme called DIVI from Elegant Themes. A theme is basically the “wallpaper” for your website. It’s the part that makes it look pretty, and that allows you to arrange stuff in a variety of ways, depending on the theme’s capabilities.

DIVI is a relatively new theme that lets you arrange your website in just about any way you can think of—from one column pages to multi-column pages; from full-width layouts to grid layouts; and with sidebars anywhere you want them.

My old website used a theme from StudioPress called Beautiful Pro which is built on the Genesis framework. I still like that theme but I’m finding I can do more with my new DIVI theme. And, I suppose, playing with a new theme is a displacement activity—that is, something to keep me from the original job of writing a book.

But then, I’m not actually writing new stuff at the moment. I’m in the editing phase of the third book in my SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW series. The book is with beta readers now, so I’m waiting to hear back from them. And while I wait, I decorate.

This is what my old website looked like:

So, it’s not a big change. I like the banner of cosmos flowers. I like the pink. I like having a Landing Page and a separate blog page. I still call my blog, Tuesday Café—even though it’s not always on a Tuesday.

I still need to add my “bookshelf” and I’m planning on adding a page about writing.

Tomorrow afternoon, I’m meeting with a fellow author for coffee. She’s one of my beta readers and I’m looking forward to her take on my new book. I’m sure she’ll have lots of suggestions for me.

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