Peter E. Fenton Celebrates First Anniversary of Not Not Normal

Peter E. Fenton Reveals Reviews For T...

Peter E. Fenton Celebrates First Anniversary of Not Not Normal

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It was one year ago today that Not Not Normal was released in Canada. The book has received glowing reviews, is now on library shelves across the country and can be found in schools in Canada and the U.S. I am proud of this novel.

I was greatly touched when reader Ulysses Dietz wrote this articulate review of why the book touched him, for it is not only a book for young readers, but also for readers who remember the challenges of going through high school.

Here’s what he wrote.

My gateway to contemporary gay romance was through young adult (YA) novels. You’d think this particular facet of storytelling would get old, fast. Yet it doesn’t. Not for me.

Peter Fenton’s “Not Not Normal” adheres to the rules, and yet not quite. Jordan Shepherd is the high-anxiety nerd in his eleventh-grade class in Toronto. He’s OCD, something that has only been exacerbated by the death of his mother. His father is gentle and loving, but still somewhat withdrawn. Jordan’s best friend Emma (reminding me of Pippi Longstocking) is his biggest supporter and his harshest critic.

Into Jordan’s very controlled life crashes Nathan, a fearless young man who can’t tolerate injustice. His parents are both alive, but divorced—which he seems to think is his fault. Nathan immediately joins Jordan’s after-school book club and clearly is drawn to him—much to Jordan’s chagrin and joy.

Although there are bullies in this book, it’s not about bullying. Coming out is important, but not remotely the point. As simple as it seems, the book is really about kids helping each other through the pitfalls of being teenagers. About giving up control; about learning how to support and help your friends; about coming to terms with who you are without shame or fear.

It seems so obvious and undramatic—and yet it sparked tears for me repeatedly, as Fenton’s story touched on things that took me back half a century to my own eleventh grade experience. He writes all of these young people vividly and authentically. He gives them quiet heroes and doesn’t waste too much time on the bullies—who, after all, are not important.

I am always surprised and gratified when another YA book moves me and makes me happy. Each one is a new experience, and in the hands of a writer as gifted as Fenton, a rewarding one.

If you haven’t had a chance to read the book, click on the link above to get your copy. And if accessing the book is a challenge due to cost, reach out to me and I will find a way to get you an e-pub for free.

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The Northern Rainbow Readers and Writers Conference in Toronto was highly successful. There were two days of author sessions comparing notes on everything from the state of the publishing industry, to sessions designed to improve skills in writing across the genres. I also did a reading from two of my novels, and participated in a Q & A panel answering questions about my work. And then of course there was the signing day where readers came to the table and got autographs and picked up copies of my books. These events are invigorating, and it is so rewarding to meet up with fans in person and hear their response to the plots and characters I have concocted. This is a comfort on those days where I am in the office writing on something new and finding my way through a new story arc. The memory of the readers’ smiles keeps me going.

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First For Romance is my publisher’s site for purchasing all of their books and last week, it was nice to see that three of my novels were in the top 5 for sales. Each time a new book is released, it triggers interest in earlier writing, and since The Burnt launched last month, I have definitely seen an increase in reviews and attention for the earlier books. Thanks to all of you who have read my novels, or put up a review.

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While the picture above may seem out of place, it is indeed connected to my writing. This is a photo of Scott and I in front of the cast and director for our musical The Giant’s Garden which had a highly successful youth production in Smiths Falls, Ontario in mid-August. We attended the opening night as well as the matinee the following afternoon so we could see all of the actors who were double-cast get their opportunity to go from ensemble to leading role or the other way around. My first published work was for the stage, and it was gratifying to see a production of this musical from 2007 back up on the boards.

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And now for the next great adventure. I’ll be heading off in just over a week to do a signing day at the Romance Author and Reader Event, in Melbourne, Australia. This is the furthest I have travelled to attend any conference, and probably the furthest I have travelled in general. Since it is a one day event, and is so far away (and the time change is so drastic), we are doing the trip in stages and adding in some family time on the end.

Our route will take us from Toronto, to Lisbon, then Athens, onward to Singapore, and finally landing in Melbourne in time for the signing. After the event is finished Scott and I will explore New Zealand, starting at Christchurch and travelling by train and ferry up to Wellington and then to Auckland. We’ll have almost two weeks to explore the two main islands. After that, we’ll fly north to Japan with stops in Tokyo, Nikko and Kyoto. Then it is back to Canada via Vancouver, a week in Calgary to visit Scott’s family and finally back to Toronto.

I won’t be putting out an October newsletter as we will be on the road, but if you are curious about our adventures, Scott will be blogging about our travels after we get back and you will be able to find those posts at www.fentonandwhite.ca

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So that’s the latest update. I look forward to catching up with you all upon my return. In the meantime, I hope you have a fantastic fall and that no matter what your week holds, that you find a few minutes to curl up and escape into a good book.

Warmest Regards,