London Calling

So, some really cool news on the writing front. It seems that Templar Publishing has picked up the UK rights to my first two books (SWIM THE FLY and BEAT THE BAND). Not only that, but next May they are flying me over to do two weeks of touring at schools and book festivals. So, I will surely have more fabulous photos of England to share with you in the not so distant future.

On top of this I recently received School Library Journal's review of BEAT THE BAND in which they call it a "very funny sequel to SWIM THE FLY" that is both "gut-wrenching and touching." So, there you go. If you haven't picked your copy up yet, I'm pretty sure that should seal the deal for you. Who doesn't love a bit of "gut-wrenching and touching" over the holiday season?

And now onto the real meat of things. It's December. In case you didn't notice. And why is December one of the twelve greatest months of the year? Could it be all those festive lights on everybody's house? Or the holiday music playing in every store? Could it possibly be the anticipation of tearing into all that wrapping paper? Or eating inhuman amounts of turkey, and cookies, and candy?

I suppose that's all part of it. But the real icing on the cake is all of the amazing hockey that gets played in December. Not only do you get the copious amounts of regular NHL games, but up here in Canada you get extensive coverage of the World Junior Championships where you are treated to the sight of tomorrow's stars today. And to top it all off, there's the build up to the Winter Classic on New Year's Day. Who doesn't love December?!!!

I should have some great photographs for you soon as I've just returned from a river cruise along the Rhine. My wife and I took my mom as a special treat (she's never been to Europe before) and I took around a thousand shots (don't you just love digital cameras?). Just need to wade through the detritus to get you the real gems. Be patient. I know you will be.