VPL South Hill Library Talk Today

Thanks to the Writers’ Union of Canada for sponsoring my talk today at the VPL South Hill Library on Fraser Street. I will be talking to a grade 12 law class from John Oliver High School about myself, my writing and a couple of my books, including The Darkness Between the Stars and The Perfect Cut.

This is a great opportunity to talk to students about my life as a writer and to give them some personal insight into what drives me to write about teens and for teens. In this changing literary landscape, these chances to speak directly to kids are fewer and farther between so I am grateful to the Writers’ Union for this afternoon’s face-to-face with my readers. It will be fun

TWISTED POETS LITERARY SALON

Thursday April 25th 2013
Pandora’s Collective Presents
James McCann and Eric Hamber Secondary Writers in the Making

Time: 7pm-9:30 pm (sign up for open mic from 7 to 7:30pm)
Location: The Cottage Bistro
4468 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5V 3R2
Hosts: Bonnie Nish and kc dyer
Suggested Donation: $5.00 at the door.

Share in an evening of literary surprises while wrapped in a warm and
encouraging environment. Connect, read and enjoy. In the spirit of
Vancouver all are welcome. Monthly: 2nd Wednesday and 4th Thursday. (We
take a break in August.)

No News is, Well, It’s No News. Deal With It

One of the most difficult things about being a writer, at least for me, is the time between sending out a new manuscript and waiting for a response from an agent or a publisher. It’s always the same level of anxiety for me and the longer it takes to hear back, the more insecure I become. Of course, I worry that the manuscript that I thought was so polished and readable was actually riddled with errors and dead boring. Or maybe it’s really good, but it somehow didn’t make it to its destination. Instead it is lost somewhere in the cyber world. Of course I know this is not possible, as I did receive an email confirming it arrived safely, but none the less….

I know I could work on my next book. I know I should be working on that manuscript, but for some reason I just can’t. That’s not exactly true. I just won’t. Not for a little while at least. Not until I can’t stop myself. Not until my computer pulls at me like a magnet and begs that I tap out those first few words, the easy ones: “Chapter One”.

The good thing is that I’ve had enough experience to know that this will eventually happen. It’s close. The characters that have been dancing about in my imagination want me to show up at the page and give them a chance at a life of their own.

Everyday I resist the urge to call my agent. I don’t want to be a pest. She will call me. I just have to be patient.

But it’s so hard.

Maybe if I just forget all about it and begin that new book; the one that’s taking up so much space in my imagination. Okay, here goes.

Chapter One

Feels good.

Canadian Children’s Book Centre Writing Contest for Teens

Book Week Writing Contest for Kids & Teens Grades 4 to 12

Deadline approaching: February 1, 2013!
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s annual *Book Week Writing Contest for Kids & Teens is now open. This national contest is a much anticipated part of TD Canadian Children’s Book Week.

Young writers are invited to send in a sample of their best writing. Judging is done by noted writers from across Canada and the winner from each grade will receive a $250 gift certificate for the bookstore of his or her choice.

Two honourable mentions from each grade category will also receive $50 gift certificates.

Deadline

All entries must be postmarked by February 1, 2013.* The winners will be announced during TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2013.

Contest details and entry forms can be found here

Say No to Northern Gateway Pipeline – Protest Today

The federal government’s Joint Review Panel of the Northern Gateway Pipeline is coming to Vancouver tomorrow, Monday January 14.

People from across British Columbia have formed an unbroken wall of opposition against this dangerous tarsands pipeline to protect our coast and climate. However, many believe the JRP could still rubber-stamp this project unless we keep up the pressure.

What are you doing at 5pm tomorrow? Over 1,400 people have already signed up on Facebook to join the protest,¹ and this will be a key moment to say “no!” to the Northern Gateway Pipeline. Can you join in?

When: Monday January 14th, 5:00 PM
Where: Victory Square at Cambie & Hastings Street, Vancouver
What: Noise demo, bring pots and pans if you can

The event is organized by Rising Tide. 

Thanks for all you do. 

With hope and respect,
Jamie on behalf of the Leadnow.ca team

[1] https://www.facebook.com/events/203420029795241/

UBC Creative Writing Locution Night – A Perfect Literary Evening

This evening I participated in UBC’s MFA first locution of the year at the Cottage Bistro on Main Street.

Locution, if you are curious (as I was) is:

1. A particular word, phrase, or expression, especially one that is used by a particular person or group.

2. Style of speaking; phraseology.

(Free Online Dictionary)

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Besides myself, three talented upcoming writers/poets read: Jen Neale, Esther McPhee, and Nadine Bachan. I’m always in awe of the talent that comes out of UBC’s creative writing program. I saw some of that talent and creativity tonight.  It was a wonderful evening.

I had the opportunity to read from a book I’ve been working on for quite a while. I’m always a bit nervous when reading from a first or second draft, but I find that by hearing the words spoken aloud, I can better understand what works and what doesn’t. And to be offered the chance to do this in front of a room full of fellow writers was such a gift!

Thank you UBC for inviting me. And thank you for introducing me to a great little Bistro full of words and music.

The Suesstivus Holiday Twitter Challenge Today!

Check out the Canada Writes Website and have some fun in this Twitter Challenge. You can find all of the information at the above website. I am so swamped with writing and Christmas, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to participate, but I’m going to try my best. I could use a little fun today.