Richard Harris's Blog, page 61
October 8, 2013
Let the Readers Decide: An Open Letter to the CBC
I petition the CBC to have self-published books and e-book originals written by Canadian citizens considered for nomination in the Canada Reads program. The current policy, which only allows for literature produced by “traditional publishers,” is anachronistic, unfair, and serves as yet another protectionist measure for established publishers in an industry that already institutes countless obstacles for independent writers and artists to overcome.
If the aim of Canada Reads is to indeed showcase the best our country has to offer in this field, then allow Canada’s readers the last word in whom they nominate. Do not limit which books they can or cannot support based on the name of their publisher.
The theme of Canada Reads 2014 is to “look for a novel that has the power to inspire social change in Canada.” I believe that very same theme begins by meeting the humble request of this petition.
Richard H. Harris
Toronto, Ontario
October 8, 2013
October 3, 2013
The Evolution of a Novel
I love what Stephen King did in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft when it came to the editorial process. Instead of just telling us what he does, he showed us how painstaking it can be with images from a manuscript of his and all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes before that great story lands in a reader’s hands. And that inspired me with an idea: The Evolution of a Novel. I’ve kept every draft of A Father’s Son since I first started writing it in 2006. After going through them over the last couple of days, even I was blown away at how much just one scene (the opening paragraph) has changed over the seven years it took for the novel to reach publication. Please click here to see a portion of the “time-lapse novel” come to life…
September 20, 2013
Photos from the Chapters Book Signing (Sep. 15, 2013)
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Finally! Pictures from the monumental book signing at Chapters on John St. from Sunday, September 15! While I’d like to say the event was held to celebrate the release of a novel, it’s pretty damn clear from the photos that the kids stole the show. Thank you so, so, so, so much to everyone who came down to support the cause – and for getting their children excited about books!
AFS Now in 8 Toronto Bookstores
It took some highbrow finagling. It took some in-person visits. But in the end, 8 bookstores in the downtown Toronto area have agreed to carry A Father’s Son. Depending on where you find yourself, please support local businesses and visit Chapters (142 John St.), Coles in the Beaches (2169 Queen St. E.), Circus Books and Music (866 Danforth Ave.), RE: READING (548 Danforth Ave.) or any of the four great Book City locations (Annex, Beaches, Danforth, Yonge/St. Clair).
September 18, 2013
The First Critical Review: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviews will kick your ass. They’ll question what you put into a piece. They’ll ask the tough questions about things you’re most sensitive about. And in the end, they’ll stand as a barometer of what you accomplished. Judith, who reviews upwards of 20 books a month and is an online legend, was kind enough to read my book and provide a thorough review. I’ll let her statements carry the day at this point…
“You know I read a lot and that I get more books offered for review than I can possibly read. So, I’ve become very picky. Especially when it comes to self-published books, as they can be of varying quality. It’s hard to tell, sometimes. Anyway, I’m glad to say: I got it right with this one!”
“I loved how Justin, at 14, was portrayed as an insecure boy who is brave enough to do the things he needs to do to keep going. Public speaking, getting a very early morning job, phoning his girlfriend when he thought they might be breaking up, getting in touch with his mother. An understated hero.”
“This was a very good read and there is no way you could distinguish it from a traditionally published book. Why it was self-published? I have no idea. It ticks all my boxes for a good book, so if it’s been to several publishers first, they were crazy not to accept this. There!”
And there it is. The first review.
September 14, 2013
Book Signing at Chapters on Sunday
It’s supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon. Whatevs. All I know is that RAINY DAYS + BOOKSTORES = AWESOMENESS. If you’d like to hear the back story to A Father’s Son, make sure you’re at Chapters (142 John St.) by 1 p.m. tomorrow. Otherwise, just come by any old time before 5 o’clock to take part in the book signing and the bazillion other books on hand. See you there!
September 11, 2013
Amazon.ca Bestsellers Lists
They’re just lists. But still. It’s an incredible feeling to see your book on lists as cool as Canadian Collections & Readers (#7) and Canadian Classics (#18). A Father’s Son is slowly ascending the ranks on amazon.ca. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a physical book or downloaded an e-book. You are making a dream come true…
September 9, 2013
AFS Free on Kindle for Limited Time
From Monday (Sep. 09) 12:01 a.m. EST to Wednesday (Sep. 11) 11:59 p.m. EST, you can download a copy of A Father’s Son absolutely free on your Kindle. In addition, after downloading the free Kindle app (pic seen above) for your iPhone/iPad, you have access to Kindle’s entire library, including A Father’s Son. Take advantage of this rare opportunity and tell all your friends, family members and colleagues to download it right away!
September 8, 2013
AFS Now Available on Kindle
For the low, low price of $9.48 you can now read A Father’s Son through the Kindle! Click here to learn more.
August 22, 2013
Family Reading Day: Book Signing at Chapters on September 15!
I will be hosting the first official book signing for A Father’s Son at Chapters (142 John St., corner of Richmond St. W.) on Sunday, September 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This will be a very family-friendly event, as this particular location has tons of gifts and books and other goodies for kids and babies. There’s also a Starbucks on the second floor and lots of chairs to lounge in and hang out (maybe even read a book if you’re feeling really crazy).
The event will kick off with a reading and a short Q&A session at one o’clock and continue with a marathon session of book signings and photo ops.
Please feel free to forward this post to anyone you know who might be interested in the event. We want to make a big splash and to do that we need your support!
Happy reading and see you all in September!
