Writing...Just because!

Flowers for Gaia Goes on Tour

2026-04-16T22:36:00.011+07:00

With less than a month to the launch of J. D. Grant's debut novel, Flowers for Gaia, we are lining up reviews and author interviews. If you are a book reviewer and love YA/speculative fiction, send me a message to request a review copy!

Here's a bit about the book:

Call her Earth, or call her Gaia, years from now, our planet is almost uninhabitable as a result of worldwide environmental chaos and war. In the middle of the ocean, two small, conjoined islands still thrive and serve as home to a unique population of survivors, the Wiconi. These peaceful, agrarian-based islanders have genetically evolved affinities that allow them to influence earth, water, air, and fire, talents they use to protect and aid the Earth Mother. They are her Guardians. When three Terran ships from the dying, outer “civilized” world land on the Wiconi islands, cultures collide. The newcomers, with their advanced technologies and cultural arrogance, subjugate the peaceful islanders and build industries that quickly threaten the natural balance and sustainability of the islands. The Wiconi call the Terrans “Gila,” after the venomous Gila monster, and begin resisting their destructive practices. In response, the Terrans put a bounty on the Wiconi people and hunt them like animals. Calix loses his parents, his memory, and the ability to speak all on the same day. Bounty hunters. An elderly Terran widow takes him in and hides his Wiconi roots from the Terran authorities. She helps him learn about his Wiconi heritage and his Earth affinity. He also learns that each of the elemental affinities has its own catalyst flower that must be ingested for energy to flow: the windflower for Air, water lilies for Water, red roses for Fire, and the common dandelion for Earth. Calix trains with other Wiconi youths, including Brooke, his best friend, to become full-fledged Guardians—and to wage war on behalf of Gaia.

"Flowers for Gaia is a compelling, inspiring, and highly relevant climate fiction novel. Thought-provoking powers, a strong political stance, and a surprising sci-fi twist make for an amazing story I won't forget." Aries K. Bazinet, age 13

Thank you to those who have joined the virtual book tour. As reviews and interviews post, we will update the links. Please visit these sites, like, comment and share!

Midwest Book Review - Early announcement and review, April 26

Mary Lanni Reads - YouTube review, April 30, and Goodreads review April 30

Review Tales - Review, Spring 2026 issue

Dragonfly Eco - Indie Corner Author Q&A, May 7th

Laura's Books and Blogs - Guest post and give away, May 8

The IndieView - Author interview, May 9

LibraryThing - Review - (dates TBD)

Digitally Lit - Review (date TBD)

Atlantic Books Today - Review (date TBD)

The Seaboard Review - Review (date TBD)

Bring on Lemons - Review (date TBD)

Readers' Favorite - Review (date TBD)

The Book Commentary - Review (date TBD)

Learn more about J. D. Grant and his book on his OC Publishing author page - ocpublishing.ca/john-grant. Contact anne@ocpublishing.ca for review copies. Pre-order Flowers for Gaia from your favourite online retailer or ask your local indie bookstore to order it in for you.

Flowers for Gaia Releases May 9th!

2026-03-19T22:28:00.003+07:00

It gives me great pleasure to share that we have our first dystopian YA coming out with J. D. Grant's debut novel, Flowers for Gaia, on May 9th.

“Flowers for Gaia is a needed book that will entertain and educate youth with its engaging tale of superpowered people literally moving the earth. Grant's story respects young readers' capacity for nuanced and complex realities. This tale, set in the future, parallels our own timeline—its colonial and neo-colonial destruction of the environment—yet is also its own, well-constructed reality, a world built on science, magic, and a great love and respect for life. Like in our world, Grant's characters must learn an appreciation for technology's power, its capacity to damage or to carefully build. They in turn teach us that our only hope is in a reconciliatory understanding of Indigenous world views and science.” – Chris Benjamin, author of The Art of Forgiveness

We're looking forward to launching our virtual book tour soon as release day approaches. We will add more details as reviewers come on board and reviews, interviews and author guest posts are scheduled. In the meantime, Flowers for Gaia is available for pre-order now on Woozles, Amazon, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes & Noble. More retailers coming online soon!

Author John David Grant is a lifelong fan of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal, be it in books,

J.D. Grant

cartoons, movies, video games, or comics. A forty-year career working in health care—as a medical officer in the Canadian Air Force (Portage la Prairie, MB), a general practitioner in Cape Breton (NS), a pediatrician in both Sydney (NS) and Kentville (NS), and a pediatric emergency physician at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax—predates this second career as a writer and novelist. Flowers for Gaia is his first published novel, but others are en route. “Creating a fantasy world and a meaningful story filled with characters that breathe is both a daunting and thrilling undertaking,” says John. “Being able to share this with readers is even more amazing.” John and his wife live in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.

Learn more about John on his OC Publishing author page at https://ocpublishing.ca/john-grant

Inside Indonesia's Big Bang - a Memoir Plus - launches on January 25, 2026

2025-12-18T23:28:00.004+07:00

Our next title to launch in the New Year will be Dr. Mark Gilbert's memoir-plus where he shares a look back at a twenty-year collaborative project between Canada and Indonesia.

What is a BIG BANG in governance all about? How could two countries as different as Canada and Indonesia start and maintain a twenty-year partnership to improve public services in Indonesia? This book answers these two questions by going back to 1994 when four Canadians representing the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) made their first appearance at the main office of the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs. Initially it was all about timing. Indonesia wanted to grow its economy by speeding up its government regulation approvals, Canada wanted to share knowledge and build relationships with nations aspiring to middle income country status. The cooperation began with a focus on administrative decentralization. It evolved quickly in 1998 when fallout from the Asian financial crises led to the resignation of long-term President Suharto. His successor promoted political decentralization using a big bang approach. Legislate now and work on implementation later. Suddenly local governments had new powers and responsibilities for which they were unprepared. Canada has had a decentralized governance system from it’s beginning and IPAC was willing to share this expertise. The next step in our cooperation was to help local government elected officials to understand their roles, responsibilities, and restrictions. Then we could move on to service improvement and financial concerns. There were interruptions – economic, political, natural disasters, but the reforms and a Canadian contribution moved forward. Inside Indonesia’s Big Bang offers a first-person account of the Indonesian and Canadian government sponsored cooperation involving the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs, IPAC, the Province of Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University. It reveals how the partnership influenced Indonesia’s transition to decentralized governance and public service provision, and how the peer-to-peer approach between the two countries provided opportunities for learning, adaptation and friendships.

Mark Gilbert’s career as a local government specialist included work as a practitioner, an international

Mark Gilbert, PhD

consultant, and an academic. Highlights included twelve years as CEO of a provincial crown corporation, two years as a financial advisor on a post-apartheid local government capacity-building project in South Africa, a twenty-year involvement in public sector reform in Indonesia, and a professorship at Dalhousie University. He served as a national director of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) for six years and a board member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for three years. He served as co-chair, and later academic advisor, to the GFOA Committee on Canadian Issues. Dr. Gilbert holds an MBA and PhD and has published articles in academic journals and professional association publications. He has also contributed to projects in Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, West Africa, Oceania, and South Asia through short term assignments. He has travelled extensively throughout the Indonesia archipelago and feels at home there. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Learn more about Mark and his book here. Special thanks to editor, Jon Tattrie, for joining the OC Pub team for Mark's book, and designer David Edelstein. We will celebrate the launch on January 25th from 2-4 p.m. at the Halifax Central Library on Spring Garden Rd., room 301.

*Pre-orders can be placed now with Kings Co-op Bookstore, Blockshop Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon US or ask your local indie bookstore to order it either from OC Publishing or Ingram. You can also ask your local library to order it in.

WIP Tips - Helpful Hints for Your Work in Progress - How to Get Started

2025-11-19T01:55:00.007+07:00

In this episode of WIP Tips, I discuss how to get started. What do you do to springboard from that blinking cursor to diving into your story and moving your narrative along?

Tethered Spirits Virtual Book Tour

2025-10-08T20:37:00.019+07:00

Happy to announce the launch of Corinne Hoebers's Tethered Spirits—Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq on October 18th and available to order now. We're excited for the launch party that will take place at the Halifax Central Library, and to have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Mi'kmaw History Month, (visit our event page for more details). All are invited!

Tethered Spirits

Against the violent backdrop of the French and Indian (Seven Years) War, two German siblings come to learn about and understand the Mi'kmaq. Christian, now named Bear Cub, lives with the ancient People and develops a deep bond with his chosen brother, Eagle Feather, while his new family’s way of life is increasingly threatened. On the outskirts of Lunenburg, Hanna, his younger sister, befriends a Mi’kmaw Elder and questions her papa’s ownership of the land they are settling. Christian immerses himself in the Mi’kmaw language and the ways of the land, prepared to defend the People alongside Eagle Feather. Christian’s father and older sister, Elisabeth, refuse to accept his new way of life; nor will they recognize the humanity of their perceived enemy. Christian is caught between two diverse families and cultures—the one to which he was born and to whom he feels obligated, and the one he has grown to love and respect. Settlers and Mi'kmaq alike struggle on land that is the ancestral home to one and promised to the other, a struggle that resonates to this day.

I'd like to thank those who have shared pre-launch reviews (see below) and those who are joining our virtual book tour with reviews, author Q&As, spotlights and more.

Here's the line-up so far:

Historical Fiction Company - book listing posted

Interviews with Authors - Author Q&A, September

The Grapevine - Arts, Culture, Community - October issue

Schatje's Shelves - Book review, October 13, 2025

Dartmouth Book Exchange - Author Spotlight, October 14-20, 2025

The Author Journey - Interview, October 14, 2025

The Laker News - Article, October 14, 2025

The IndieView - Author Q&A, October 26, 2025

Armed With a Book - Included in October releases, review pending

Atlantic Books Today - Fall 2025 issue (pg 29)

Halifax CityNews - Todd Veino Show - Author interview, December 12, 2025 (starts at 1:31 mark)

Publishers Weekly Booklife - Book listing

What Cathy Read Next - Book excerpt, December 22, 2025

Historical Novel Society - Review, May 3, 2026

Seaboard Review - Review, May 18, 2026

We will update the line-up as new reviewers come on board and update links as reviews, interviews and spotlights are posted. If you'd like to learn more about Corinne and her books visit her website or her author page on the OC Publishing website. If you are a reviewer who loves historical fiction and would like an advance review copy of the book, email us your request.

Here's what advance readers are saying about Tethered Spirits—Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq:

"As moving and profound as the people at the core of her story, Corinne Hoebers's Tethered Spirits brings to vivid life the dual histories of Nova Scotia in the mid-1700s: that of the Mi'kmaq who were here since time immemorial and that of the new arrivals, especially German settlers attracted by land grants and failing to question whose land was being granted. Hoebers sensitively and realistically portrays women and men from both of those intersecting histories and the violent brutality of ensuing conflicts. She weaves a complicated cast of three-dimensional characters, including Europeans who embraced the Mi'kmaq and their teachings and in the rarest cases resisted and struggled against European encroachment and violence. The result is an engaging work of historical fiction, engrossing and enlightening."

– Chris Benjamin, author of Indian School Road: Legacies of the Shubenacadie Residential School

"Tethered Spirits is a deeply moving novel set in eighteenth-century Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), tracing the story of Bear Cub, a young German settler who is taken in by a Mi’kmaw family and gradually comes to see their land, language, and ways as his own. As someone who values stories of reconciliation and belonging, I found Bear Cub’s inner struggle between two identities—colonial and Indigenous—both heartbreaking and profoundly resonant. The novel doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of displacement, violence, and cultural loss, but it also celebrates kinship, resilience, and the enduring wisdom of the land and its First Peoples. Tethered Spirits is not just an historical account—it’s a spiritual journey that lingers long after the final page."

– Honourable Leah Martin, member of Millbrook First Nation, Minister of L’nu Affairs for the Province of Nova Scotia

“It’s fiction, but it still teaches. We need more books like this."

– Matthew Connolly, Speaking Wolf of the Qalipu Band in Corner Brook, NL

“The most important work of historical fiction is to bring to life the parts of our history that are not often taught or told. In imagining the lives of and connections between German settlers and Mi'kmaq people in eighteenth-century Nova Scotia, Tethered Spirits vividly illuminates this little-known aspect of Atlantic Canadian history and offers a powerful and necessary reminder of whose land we live on. Hoebers's deep knowledge of and care for this history is evident on every page."

– Trudy Morgan Cole, author of The Cupids Trilogy

Corinne Hoebers

Tethered Spirits - Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq launches October 18th

2025-09-23T00:34:00.000+07:00

The next title coming out from OC Publishing is an historical fiction, set in the mid-1700s in Lunenburg Nova Scotia. Tethered Spirits - Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq by Corinne Hoebers tells a story against the violent backdrop of the French and Indian (Seven Years) War, as two German siblings come to learn about and understand the Mi'kmaq. Christian, now named Bear Cub, lives with the ancient People and develops a deep bond with his chosen brother, Eagle Feather, while his new family’s way of life is increasingly threatened. On the outskirts of Lunenburg, Hanna, his younger sister, befriends a Mi’kmaw Elder and questions her papa’s ownership of the land they are settling. Christian immerses himself in the Mi’kmaw language and the ways of the land, prepared to defend the People alongside Eagle Feather. Christian’s father and older sister, Elisabeth, refuse to accept his new way of life; nor will they recognize the humanity of their perceived enemy. Christian is caught between two diverse families and cultures—the one to which he was born and to whom he feels obligated, and the one he has grown to love and respect. Settlers and Mi'kmaq alike struggle on land that is the ancestral home to one and promised to the other, a struggle that resonates to this day.

Our virtual book tour will begin soon and we invite reviewers and avid readers who like to review their favourite books to contact me (anne@ocpublishing.ca) for advance review copies (ARCs). Thanks to those who have already accepted our invitation to participate. We will post the full line-up soon!

Corinne Hoebers

Tethered Spirits is available for pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo/Chapters, and more! Or ask your local bookstore to order one in for you. For more information visit Corinne's page on the OC Publishing website or her author website.

Arrows of Fealty, Long-awaited Stand Alone Sequel, Launches in September

2025-08-11T21:47:00.022+07:00

We have recently celebrated the launch of The Arrows of Fealty by Jill MacLean, the sequel to The Arrows of Mercy that tells the story of Edmund of Flintbourne’s son. Haukyn is a serf who owes fealty to the lord of the manor and whose life is tied to the soil, yet he craves adventure beyond the boundary stones of his village. In 1373, he leaves for John of Gaunt’s campaign in France. There, during five months of combat and loss, futility and atonement, he learns how armour-clad knights can be brought as low as any serf. Home again, he is caught between two women, pretty Annabel and Ilotte of the sloe-black eyes. Neither marriage nor fatherhood tames his restless spirit. When a knight who was his sworn enemy in France becomes the new lord of the manor, Haukyn leads his neighbours in rebellion against ancient custom and unjust taxation. England’s southern counties march in open revolt on London, where Haukyn witnesses the king grant freedom to every serf in the country. Unimaginable freedom. A freedom that will bring consequences.

"Deepy immersive, The Arrows of Fealty pierces the heart. The novel's world, at once strange and familiar -- yet ultimately different -- coaxes us into what the best historical fiction can do: form deep empathetic connections at once created and strengthened by the very strangeness. Paradoxical? Not in the hands of Jill MacLean. A treat for history fans, The Arrows of Fealty also welcomes every reader with universal themes of longing and love. Quiet and often subtle, written with great care, The Arrows of Fealty shines with the brilliance of fire at night." Michelle Butler Hallett, author of Constant Nobody, winner of the 2022 Thomas Radall Atlantic Fiction Award.

Our virtual book tour began in the lead up to the September 21 launch and continues on. Here are some of the stops we have and will make on the tour. As reviews, interviews, and spotlights post, we will update the links.

If you're a reviewer and would like an advance review copy, send me a message at anne@ocpublishing.ca!

The Arrows of Fealty Tour Line-up:

Readers' Favorite - book review - August 1

Goodreads - Adam Brahosky (via Book Sirens) - book review - August 14

Living the Next Chapter podcast with Dave Campbell - author interview - August 29

Interviews with Writers - interview - September 9

The Book Network (UK) - Discover New Reads - launch spotlight - September 11

Dartmouth Book Exchange - Author Spotlight - September 12-19 and give away raffle draw Sept. 19

The Author Journey hosted by Anne Louise O'Connell - author interview, September 16

The Seaboard Review - book review, September 17

Swirl & Thread with Mairéad Hearne - launch announcement and spotlight - September 18

South Branch Scribbler - book review/author spotlight - September 20

The IndieView - author Q&A - October 24

Historical Novel Society - book review - November 1

Atlantic Books Today - Fall issue

Books at the Bottom of the Stairs - Review, November 19, 2025

Consumed by Ink with Naomi MacKinnon - book review (date TBD)

More to come!

Learn more about Jill on her author page on the OC Publishing website. The Arrows of Fealty is available now on Amazon Canada, Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and can be ordered into your local bookstore.

Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis is on Tour!

2025-05-18T02:31:00.026+07:00

As we celebrate the launch on June 22 of Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Nova Scotia-based author, Francene Gillis, we're reaching out to reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and avid readers who would like to receive a review copy.

Our tour schedule is starting to take shape so wanted to share with you those who have already joined the virtual book tour. Make sure you visit and follow these folks and show the love for those who support authors in their mission to spread the word! As reviews, author interviews and spotlights run, we will be updating the links so come back often :) If you have a favourite book blogger/reviewer, podcaster, BookToker, or Tuber that you think would be interested, add them in the comments below.

The Where Did i Go? Tour Line-up:

Francene Gillis

Sarah Butland's Imagination Captured Author Takeover - Kicked off the tour on May 14

Tea with Francene Gillis on Toons & Wooden Spoons with Mary Janet MacDonald - June 8

Lisa Haselton's Book Reviews and Interviews - author interview - June 16

The Author Journey - author interview - June 17

Readers Favorite - book review - June 18

The Indie View - author Q&A - June 22

Dartmouth Book Exchange Author Spotlight - June 20-27

Brain Injury Association of NS peer led Coffee Chat - June 20 (11:00 a.m. Atlantic)

989xfm Radio Antigonish - author interview - June 20

Midwest Book Review - book review - June line-up

Living the Next Chapter podcast - author interview - July 7

Bring on Lemons - book review - August 17

Sara Dimerman's Help Me Sara - review date TBD

Sun, Moon & Stars (SMS) Book Reviews - review date TBD

As more come on board we will add them to the line-up. If you'd like to do a review, send me an email request with your details and where you would post the review or do the interview.

Thanks for your support of indie authors! Learn more about Francene on her author page at OC Publishing or on her recently launched website. Where Did i Go? is available now for pre-order from Indigo/Chapters, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or ask your local bookstore to order it in for you. Check indiebookstores.ca for one nearest you.

Author and Award-winning journalist, Marjorie Simmins talks about her latest book, In Search of Puffins

2025-05-18T00:08:00.007+07:00

If you enjoy learning about an author's writing processes, how they come up with their ideas, how they published, and other insights into the writing life, I invite you to take in some of the interviews we've done over the past few years on The Author Journey. This week's show featured Marjorie Simmins, a journalist, teacher, and author whose recent book, In Search of Puffins (Pottersfield Press 2025), was the third in a memoir trilogy that began with Coastal Lives (Pottersfield Press 2014), followed by Year of the Horse (Pottersfield Press 2016).

For those who are writing memoir, Marjorie's book, Memoir: Conversations & Craft (Pottersfield Press 2020) should be on your must read list.

I hope you enjoy this episode of The Author Journey and I invite you to subscribe to our channel where we broadcast live on Tuesdays at 4 pm Atlantic. If you are an author or industry expert and would like to be on the show, drop me a line at anne@ocpublishing.ca.

OC Publishing is a hybrid publishing company that mentors new authors and provides coaching, editing and publishing support from story idea and outline, through plot and character development to finished manuscript and publication. OC Publishing creates book development programs just right for each author’s personal journey. The genres published include women’s fiction, mystery/suspense, memoir, historical fiction, YA, middle grade, first chapter books and children’s picture books. Writing workshops and retreats are also offered regularly.

Eight-year Recovery from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Chronicled in New Memoir-Plus Releasing in June

2025-05-08T01:05:00.000+07:00

Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis, coming out on June 22, tells the author’s story of the arduous years and months that followed a tragic accident—a slip and fall on black ice on her way to work as a high school English teacher—that caused a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), the symptoms of which lasted many years.

Francene shares the story of her uphill battle that ensued in the hunt for the right treatments and providers at a time when the simplest task was nearly impossible due to the 'hidden' injury she suffered. Her symptoms were very real, from severe balance issues and brain fog, to speech impairment and more. Along with being a teacher, Francene was also a regular columnist for her local paper, both of which came to a halt following her injury. As she slowly regained the ability to focus for short periods of time, she began writing her story in the hope that she could help those with mTBI and other 'hidden' injuries by sharing her experience and research along with others' stories of resilience and perseverance.

“You have done a remarkable job researching this topic! I was extremely impressed. A brain injury (even so-called ‘mild’ concussions) can be devastating to sufferers. Untreated Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) can make life miserable. This book leads you through the symptoms of PTVS and how to find help. If you have a TBI, you owe it to yourself to read!” —Dr. Toby Mandelman

While raw and difficult to read at times it shows how mindset, support, and the right treatment is imperative to recovery. For more information, visit Francene’s page on the OC Publishing website at ocpublishing.ca/francene-gillis.

Francene Gillis, B.Ed, M.Ed, is an author, educator, and consultant who was born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where she taught high school English for more than twenty years. She writes regular human interest columns, and is a workshop facilitator and community advocate who focuses on concussion awareness, mental wellness, and overcoming adversity.

A virtual book tour will begin later this month and we will be posting the tour schedule soon. Review copies are available by contacting the publisher at anne@ocpublishing.ca.

WIP Tips - Helpful Hints for your Work in Progress - Scintillating Scenes

2025-04-10T04:41:00.003+07:00

For a few years now I have been doing a regular broadcast called The Author Journey where I feature authors of all genres and publishing pathways, and industry experts. Recently, I mixed it up a bit and added a short video series called WIP Tips where I offer helpful advice for writers, and personal insights from my own writing journey to hopefully spark an idea or inspiration for the books they have underway.

This episode was on bringing scenes to life for the reader.

If you have any thoughts on this or advice to share, or a topic you'd like me to address, leave it in the comments below. If you have a reference book, website, podcast you would recommend, let me know and I will highlight it. If you're an author and would like to be featured on The Author Journey, email me at anne@ocpublishing.ca.

I hope you drop by, catch a few of our Author Journey interviews and subscribe to our channel while you're there - youtube.com/ocpublishing

For more information on OC Publishing and the authors we work with, visit www.ocpublishing.ca

The Tudor Prophecy on Virtual Tour

2024-12-17T20:52:00.037+07:00

We're excited to announce the line up of reviews, bloggers and interviewers for the virtual book tour for The Tudor Prophecy by Julie Strong that released on January 25th. The tour continues in full force. Please visit the sites and leave comments and follow these reviewers, podcasters and bloggers :)

Here's the line-up so far. As reviews, Q&As and interviews air and post, we will update the links.

Atlantic Book Reviews (Lana Shupe) - book review - November 26th - pre-tour review!

The Corner Bookstore - USA Global TV & Radio - author interview - January 9

History Bards and Downunder Reviews - author interview - January 16

What Cathy Read Next (Cathy Johnson) - launch announcement and excerpt -January 17

Dalhousie Alumni Newsletter - January 20 - launch announcement

The Author Journey (Anne O'Connell) - author interview - January 21

Dianne Ascroft - author Q&A - January 24

The IndieView - author Q&A - January 25

Dartmouth Book Exchange - author spotlight & give away - February 3

Readers' Favorite - book review - March 8

The Wayward Reader - book review - March 26

Living the Next Chapter (David Campbell) - author interview - April 7

Book-a-Holic (Deirdre Pippins) - author interview - April 14

Canadian Bookworm - book review - May 5

Heather's Bookshelf (Heather Barkesdale Reviews) - book review - June 23

The Seaboard Review - book review by Naomi MacKinnon - September 22

History From a Woman's Perspective (Laura Lee Jacks) - book review - date TBD

As new reviewers/podcasters/bloggers come on board we will update the line-up. If you are a book reviewer, podcaster, Booktuber or Booktoker and are interested in reviewing The Tudor Prophecy, message me for an ARC.

Thanks to all who have joined up thus far!

Learn more about Julie and her book at ocpublishing.ca/julie-strong

Julie Strong

The Tudor prophecy is available for now from your favourite online retailer and can be ordered in to your local bookstore. They will be available in-store at Bookmark (Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, NS and Dartmouth Book Exchange, Cole Harbour Rd., Dartmouth, NS). Visit Julie's website at juliekstrong.ca

The Tudor Prophecy Coming in January

2024-12-02T21:59:00.003+07:00

The launch of the next title coming out from OC Publishing is The Tudor Prophecy, an historical fiction written by Dr. Julie Strong. Release day scheduled for January 25th.

Julie, a soon-to-be-retired family physician, is also an award-winning short story author and playwright born in Manchester, England, who grew up in Wales, Australia, and Ireland, and emigrated to Canada in 1980. Her medical degree is from Trinity College, Dublin University, Ireland, and she holds a BA in Classics from Dalhousie University, Halifax. This is her debut novel.

The Tudor Prophecy is set in 1541, when Henry VIII, increasingly decrepit and paranoid, reigns from a contested throne. In parallel storylines it follows two young women, Lady Alice Grantmire and Hester Vaughan, cousins who each suffer greatly from the King’s unjust decrees. Hester, betrothed to a Welsh bard whose mentor had visions foretelling Elizabeth’s ascendancy, encounters the eight-year-old Lady Elizabeth, and the two forge a relationship whereby Hester can persuade the future queen to temper her own rule with mercy.

Early reviews have been glowing:

“An astonishment of riches—impeccably researched, gorgeous detail; wry, earthy humour; nimble, beautiful prose—The Tudor Prophecy recreates a world in which nature’s resplendence and humanity’s place in its order outshine the brutal throne and dominion of Henry VIII. Strong’s novel is fiercely ambitious, deeply felt, at once playful and wise as it reveals the eternal feminine in an era driven by animus and marked by violent schism. No holds barred, it reflects upon the mystery of genuine power in the sphere of humble human relations, its players’ melodramas guided by true nobility: the spirit of benevolence and love.”

Carol Bruneau, author of Brighten the Corner Where You Are.

"A fast-paced, exciting narrative that follows the trials and adventures of two young women in the turbulent times of Reformation England. Spanning a few hectic months, and ranging from London to North Wales, Julie Strong’s novel presents the struggles of ordinary women and their families as she traces the perilous journeys of Alice and Hester in parallel storylines while they attempt to keep their tattered lives together, and find love along the way. The plot twists and turns in surprising and entertaining ways, introducing a vile Henry VIII and leading us through the pagan remains of the Goddess in Wales, to an encounter with a princess. Careful research comes to life in engaging prose, and a vivid story carries the reader along swiftly."

Dr. Elizabeth Edwards, Inglis Professor, University of King's College, Halifax

Julie Strong

"The Tudor Prophecy is a tremendous read and testament to Julie Strong’s diligent research into Henry VIII and his break with the Roman Catholic Church. Amid dips into Welsh mythology and folklore, the stories of Hester and Alice are told with pathos tinged with defiance. An epic tale of Tudor machinations thwarted by loyalty and love."

Apple Gidley, author of the novels Fireburn, Transfer, and Have You Eaten Rice Today?

We will launch a virtual book tour on January 13. Next week, we will post the line-up with links to the sites where you'll find the review of the book and interviews with Julie. If you are a reviewer/book blogger/YouTuber or Book Toker, and would like an advance review copy, email anne@ocpublishing.ca. For more information, visit Julie’s page on the OC Publishing website at ocpublishing.ca/julie-strong.

The Author Journey Returns for the Fall Season

2024-09-03T21:27:00.004+07:00

Today will be our first day back with The Author Journey after a summer break! Hope you had a wonderful summer. As usual, we'll be broadcasting live on Tuesday afternoons at 4 pm (Atlantic), 3 pm (Eastern) on my LinkedIn profile as well as on the OC Publishing Facebook page and YouTube channel. The line-up for September is phenomenal, beginning today with the ladies from Partridge Island Publishing, Amanda Evans and Shannon Dykens. They have set up such an amazing author publishing cooperative, along with a book shop at the beautiful Area 506 Waterfront Container Village, where they feature not only their own authors but other indie authors and small presses (including OC Pub authors). What they have accomplished is nothing short of incredible and we'll be talking with them all about the how's and why's and how the summer has gone for them.

Check out the full line-up for September below!

You may be wondering why I started The Author Journey... so I'll tell you! It began as a way to give the authors I work with a little extra exposure and to celebrate their launches. Then, it expanded to other indie authors, and finally to also include industry professionals (like editors, illustrators and designers) and other publishers, traditional and hybrid. It's one of the many bright spots of my week as I bring guests on to discuss their own insights into the writing and publishing industry, with all the ups and downs of a very convoluted and ever-changing business.

If you are an author or industry professional, I'd love to hear from you and feature you on The Author Journey. Comment here or email me at anne@ocpublishing.ca

Visit our website to learn more - www.ocpublishing.ca and visit our YouTube channel to watch past episodes. And, subscribe while you're there :)

Happy reading and writing!

The Last Witch on Skye goes on tour!

2024-08-17T21:19:00.036+07:00

I'm very exicted to give you a preview of the next title coming out from OC Publishing. The Last Witch on Skye, written by Carolyn J. Nicholson and illustrated by E.M. Gales (edited by Marianne Ward and book design by David W. Edeldstein) will launch on September 17th. Our virtual book tour has begun and we are thrilled to have the folks listed below on board to help build excitement for the launch.

A bit about the book...

The Ban the Witches and Fairies (BW&F) Party has chased all the supernatural beings out of the Isle of Skye. Only Magaidh, a young witch, remains, hiding in a castle disguised as a cat. But, she and the Queen of the Fairies have a plan to rescue the Fairy Flag, allowing the fairies and Magaidh to return to Skye. As Magaidh resumes her business, Spells Inc. she thinks about getting revenge but the Fairy Queen suggests peace would be a better plan. Throughout the book, Magaidh and her two fairy friends, Sean and Iain, go on many adventures together, including rescuing a baby Welsh dragon; dealing with Big Blue Donald the ghost; and befriending a baby water horse.

The Last Witch on Skye, and author, Carolyn, will be making the following stops. Make sure you visit these sites and comment and follow!

Atlantic Book Reviews (Lana Shupe) - book review - ran July 30

The Miramichi Reader (Sue Slade) - book review - August 18

Pages & Paws (Kimber) - book review - August 23

Mary Lanni Reviews - book review on YouTube - August 28

Mary Lanni Reviews - book review on Goodreads - August 28

Laura's Books & Blogs (Laura Smith) - Author Book Tag (author interview) - September 3

AJ Korman's Blog (Mama Michelle) - review - September 4

Michelle Kornish's Blog - author interview - September 5

Dartmouth Book Exchange - author Spotlight and give away - September 10-17

A Storybook World (Deirdre Eden) - author spotlight - book spoltight - September 12

The Author Journey (OC Publishing) - September 17 - author interview and launch day celebration with the whole team (Illustrator Elizabeth M. Gales, editor/Assoc publisher, Marianne Ward, and designer David W. Edelstein)

Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews - author interview - September 17

The IndieView - author interview - September 19

Book Banter Magazine (Dianne Burckhardt) - book review - Oct/Nov issue

Atlantic Books Today - review - in the 100th Edition Nov/Dec (pg 48)

Review Tales (Jeyran Main) - book review - January 22, 2025

The Book Network UK - Feature

The book is now showing on Canada's 49th Shelf and is available in both print and ebook for pre-order globally from most online retailers or ask your favourite indie bookstore to order it in for you. The ebook is GCA certified accessible and can be found on Amazon for Kindle, Apple ibooks, Kobo and Barnes & Noble for Nook. For more information on Carolyn visit ocpublishing.ca/carolyn-nicholson.

Author, Carolyn J. Nicholson

Honour Above All Coming Soon!

2024-05-23T22:25:00.001+07:00

I am so pleased to announce that the next title coming out from OC Publishing is Halifax, Nova Scotia-based (originally from New Brunswick) Yvette Ward MacDonald's debut novel, Honour Above All. It's an historical fiction/courtroom drama with a dash of romance.

"In Honour Above All we peek behind the curtain of the wealthy families and ambitious lawyers of 1960s Ottawa. Mary Clark is equal parts bold and naive in a time when the odds are stacked against women lawyers. How does she come by such an iron resolve? What hides in her murky past? A story layered with family trauma, it builds to a courtroom battle that challenges Mary's ethics at every turn. Can she uphold her client's wishes without losing everything she hold sacred? A legal drama with a dash of romance set in Mad Men-era Ottawa, you'll be transported to a leather chair by the open hearth with a glass of good scotch, reading into the night." Nicola Davison, author of In the Wake and Decoding Dot Grey.

Honour Above All releases on June 11, 2024 and is now available for pre-order from most online retailers (like Amazon, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes & Noble) and can be ordered into your favourite bookstore. It is available in paperback and in Global Certified Accessible (GCA) ebook formats. Visit www.ocpublishing.ca for more on Yvette and other OC Publishing authors.

Yvette Ward MacDonald

Zeffy Hits the Tour Circuit

2023-07-29T03:35:00.019+07:00

With just a little over two weeks to go to the launch of Zig Zag Zeffy, written by Barbara Ann Miller and illustrated by EM Gales, we're spooling up for the virtual book tour. Lots of folks have already hopped on the band wagon (and some have posted) but it's not too late if you want to join the tour. Just email or message me and let me know.

Here is where the tour has been and where it will be heading:

June 12 - Mary Lanni Reads - on YouTube and Goodreads

July 1 - CanLit for Little Canadians - summer watch list

July 31 - Maeve, on behalf of Atlantic Book Reviews - enthusiastic reading!

August 1-7 - Dartmouth Book Exchange Author Spotlight

August 4 - Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews

August 5 - Miramichi Reader

August 8 - Terri Protelli's Bookly Matters

August 10 - AJ Korman's Blog - Children's Books and Literature - Bringing Stories to Life

August 15 (launch day) - interview on The Author Journey, presented by OC Publishing

August 16 - interivew on The Soulful Leader Podcast

September 21 - The IndieView - author Q&A

If you're interested in reviewing Zig Zag Zeffy or interviewing the author, email me at anne@ocpublishing.ca.

We will be celebrating the launch with a special summer interview on The Author Journey on release day, August 15th at 4 p.m. (Atlantic time) and at an in-person launch party on August 20th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, 321 Main Ave, Halifax, NS. To get your very own copy, it is available locally (in Nova Scotia) at Woozles, Dartmouth Book Exchange and Vickery House Books, and you can pre-order now on Chapters/Indigo and from most online retailers (like Amazon and Barnes & Noble; for our UK friends at Waterstones; Aussie friends can get it at Booktopia; and more!). It can also be ordered in to your local bookstore by giving them ISBN number 978-1-989833-34-6 (for paperback) or ISBN number 978-1-989833-37-7 (for hard cover). Learn more about the author and her book, and about OC Publishing at www.ocpublishing.ca

Barb & Zeffy

Lifetime Child and Youth Advocate Launches First Children’s Book

2023-06-17T00:40:00.004+07:00

I recently had the pleasure of beginning work on a book project with one of my best friends. We taught pre-school together in the early 80s and developed a bond over our love of children that expanded into our outside lives and continues on to this day. We also share a love of animals, and on August 15, my friend, and Halifax-based author, Barbara Ann Miller, will launch the first in a series of children’s books, Zig Zag Zeffy, that will teach themes such as inclusion and self-esteem.

“This wonderful early childhood book keeps the young reader’s attention as the love develops between a puppy and his Hu-Mom,” said Marg MacDonald, Recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (2021). “The descriptive and fun story flows well, and is accompanied by colourful illustrations, providing many opportunities for teachable moments.”

Zig Zag Zeffy is a heart-warming story of a Hu-Mom who adopts an energetic, fun-loving Puggle named Zeffy. It's a rhyming narrative that follows the pair as they develop an unbreakable bond.

Barbara Ann Miller & Zeffy

“The story came straight from my heart as this little fur baby brought both happiness and havoc into our home!” said Miller. “I hope readers enjoy seeing Zeffy adapt and grow as he explores the world along with the feelings that go with his different experiences.”

The author also hopes that parents and teachers will help young children identify their own feelings as they journey along with Zeffy and think about times they too were scared, missing someone, being mischievous, learning new skills, and being loved.

Miller has a particular passion for children’s literature and has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount Saint Vincent University. She spent over three decades working in the non-profit sector beginning her career with a primary focus on early childhood education and administration, followed by a lifetime of working and volunteering with children, youth and families from around the world, developing and leading community programs in child care, youth services, immigration, employment, and social justice.

Zig Zag Zeffy is available for pre-order now from most online retailers, including Amazon US, Canada and UK, Barnes & Noble, and more, and can be ordered into any local bookstore. Learn more about the author on the OC Publishing website.

The Rogue Scorpion is on Tour!

2023-04-23T23:00:00.013+07:00

Congratulations to Lynda Faye Schmidt whose third novel, The Rogue Scorpion, released April 23, partner published by OC Publishing. We also published her first two novels together, The Healing and The Holding, as well as a guided journal that pulls excerpts from those books as writing prompts, The Holding and The Healing Companion Journal.

Advance readers loved The Rogue Scorpion.

Our virtual book tour is well underway and we're excited that interest in Lynda's emotionally impacting, character-driven novels, and the author herself, is building. Here's the tour line up. We will update the links as reviews and interviews are posted and new ones are added!

Tranquilo Retreat with Lyndi Allison - author interview - January 15

Your Authentic Purpose on Fit for Joy with Valeria Koopman - author interview - April 6

Laura's Books & Blogs with Laura Smith - author interview - April 21

The Author Journey presented by OC Publishing - author interview and launch celebration - April 25

The Corner Bookstore on USA Global TV and Radio - author interview - April 27

Tea Time with Miss Liz - interview - April 27

The IndieView - author Q&A - May 28

Readers Favourite - review - June 24

Rookwood Editing - review - July newsletter

The Reading Nook - author Q&A - July 14

Book Commentary - review - July 28

If you're interested in a review copy of The Rogue Scorpion send me an email anne@ocpublishing.ca. It's available from most online retailers or you can ask your local bookstore to order a copy in for you using the ISBN 9871989833346 and feel free to review on Amazon and Goodreads too :)

Exploration of Authentic Identity Interwoven in Plot of The Rogue Scorpion

2023-03-07T23:51:00.005+07:00

Canadian author, Lynda Faye Schmidt, launches her next women’s literary fiction, The Rogue Scorpion, on April 23rd in partnership with OC Publishing. This will be the third novel we've published together. The Healing was published in 2021, and The Holding - Prequel to The Healing, came out in 2022. As with her previous books, Schmidt’s latest novel takes the main character, Isabella, on a journey to find inner strength along the path to true love. Will Isabella discover the spiritual fulfillment she is searching for? Or, will a series of challenging events cause her to stop trusting forever?

“The Rogue Scorpion had me captivated from the first page to the last page,” said Karen Dean, bestselling author of We Are Unbreakable. “Lynda Faye Schmidt weaves so much emotion and adventure in her storytelling that you can’t help but wonder what will happen next.”

The Rogue Scorpion is the story of Isabella Ricci, an artist with an adventurous spirit and a deep desire to uncover her purpose. Her resilience is challenged after a traumatic event in Thailand. Later, she finds out her father is unwell and returns home to Winnipeg, but it isn’t long before her searching takes her to Vancouver Island. There, a dysfunctional relationship stifles her dreams and Isabella takes flight once again. In Panama, Isabella learns to trust her intuition. Her life begins to shift, from a constant series of battles, into flow. She discovers the spiritual depth she yearns for and finds love where she never expected it.

The author says the inspiration for The Rogue Scorpion came to her just days after the launch of her first novel.

“I was in my home in Panama, about to settle into bed with my journal, when I saw a live scorpion for the first time in my life, clinging to the folds of my drapes,” said Schmidt. “From that moment, the story began to reveal itself in bits and pieces, as is my process. Early on, I knew I wanted my main character, Isabella, to undertake a meaningful spiritual exploration while uncovering her authentic purpose. As Isabella’s personality evolved, I realized she was struggling to accept the love she felt towards her best friend, Catalina."

Schmidt says she saw the story that unfolded as an opportunity to challenge the stereotypes and judgments around gender and sexual identity.

"As with all of my writing, The Rogue Scorpion poses questions about love and what it means to be a complex thinking and feeling human being.”

The Rogue Scorpion can be ordered into any local bookstore by ISBN number (978-1-989833-33-9). Pre-orders are available now from most online retailers including: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Booktopia, Bookshop.org.

Originally from Alberta, Schmidt is currently living and writing in Panama. She does a regular blog at Musings of an Emotional Creature. To learn more about the author and her books, visit www.lyndafayeschmidt.com. For more about the publisher visit www.ocpublishing.ca.

Author, Lynda Faye Schmidt

Nurse! A Memoir Getting Rave Reviews

2023-02-24T02:07:00.006+07:00

With so much going on in health care these days, it's no wonder that Francene Cosman's Nurse! A Memoir is still in the spotlight.

Francene did her nursing training at the Saint John General Hospital in the early 60s when hospital-based, hands-on training was the norm. She feels that it's timely to share her story as a catalyst to discussions on revisiting that model as one way to address the nursing shortages the industry is facing.

Nurse! A Memoir launched on the 60th anniversary of her graduation and the author felt that it was important to write her story for historical preservation. The Saint John General Hospital has been torn down, as have many other buildings from Francene's early years so she felt the time was right before all was forgotten.

After a long and rewarding nursing career, and after raising her family, Francene began a long and illustrious political career that spanned several years and included being appointed president of the Provincial Status of Women, and a stint as deputy speaker of the Nova Scotia legistature. Now in her 80s, she's still an active community advocate and can be found volunteering her time at the Scott Manor House in Bedford, NS.

Here are some of the stories that have run and reviews that are pending about this timely memoir by a political icon:

September 19, 2022 - Launch announcement - The Book Shelf (Allison Lawlor), Chronicle Herald

September 20, 2022 - Author interview on The Author Journey

September 22, 2022 - Book Review - Atlantic Book Reviews

October 6, 2022 - Author interview - The Todd Veinotte Show - Halifax City News 95.7

November 14 - 20, 2022 - Author Spotlight on the Dartmouth Book Exchange

November 18, 2022 - Book Review - The Saint John Telegraph Journal (Emma McPhee)

November 25, 2022 - Author interview - Thinking Out Loud with Sheldon MacLeod (Saltwire Network)

March 16, 2023 - Author Q&A - Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews

April 6, 2023 - Author Interview - Tea Time with Miss Liz

April 7, 2023 - Book Review - Canadian Bookworm

May 27, 2023 - Author Q&A - South Branch Scribbler

September 19 - Book Review - Review Tales

TBD - Featured book - The Gloss Book Club

TBD - Book Review - Maryann Writes

For more information on Francene's book visit www.ocpublishing.ca/francene-cosman.html.

Issue of Child Marriage Gathers interest with new Teen Novel

2023-02-16T02:53:00.007+07:00

As we approach launch day for Shanti Fights for Her Rights by Marcia E Barss, on February 21st, interest is growing in learning more about the ongoing illegal practice of child marriage in rural India.

The story is told from the perspective of fourteen-year-old Shanti, who lives in a village in Eastern India where her parents work in a rice field. She attends school 40 km away. When Shanti's mother gives birth to another daughter, her father says she will stay home to help care for her sister and prepare to marry soon.

The author spent her childhood in India and recently returned to visit people she knew and places she had lived. She stayed with friends at Bridge of Hope that works with girls determined to get an education, despite the immense challenges. This inspired the book, which tells a fact-based, fictionalized story from personal experience, interviews, and in-depth research.

Learn more about the author at marciabarss.com and order your copy of Shanti Fights for Her Rights at https://amzn.to/3K5M4Ck.

Thank you to reviewers and interviewers who have joined our virtual book tour. Follow the coverage of Shanti Fights for Her Rights by Marcia E. Barss:

Writers Federation of Nova Scotia newletter, announcement, January 17

The Chronicle Herald Book Shelf by Allison Lawlor, book review - February 4

The Author Journey, author interview - February 21

Dartmouth Book Exchange, author spotlight - February 21-27

Rae's Reading Lounge, book review - April 4

Atlantic Books Today, book review by Abena Green - date TBD

Midwest Book Review - date TBD

Miramichi Reader, book review by Holli Corbett - date TBD

Review Tales, book review - date TBD

We will update with new links as the posts go live and add new reviewers and interviewers as they join in. Visit www.ocpublishing.ca for more information on our authors and our hybrid publishing model.

Teen Novel Highlights Issue of Child Marriage in India

2023-01-26T02:44:00.001+07:00

The latest novel from Halifax-based author, Marcia E. Barss, Shanti Fights for Her Rights, is a fictionalized story based on the reality of the ongoing illegal practice of child marriage in India. It releases on February 21, partner published by OC Publishing.

“Girls in rural India face many challenges because parents are not interested in investing in the education of their daughters,” said Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, Founder of Tharuni, a non-profit in India working towards the empowerment of adolescent girls. “I have stopped many child marriages, but sometimes we don’t know the difficulties girls go through with their families. I am sure those who read this beautiful story will realise the ill effects of child marriages and try to support girls.”

The story follows fourteen-year-old Shanti who lives in a village in eastern India, where her parents work in the rice fields. She attends school in a town forty kilometres away and hopes to become a teacher. But while she is home on vacation, her mother gives birth to another girl. Shanti’s father declares she must leave school to care for her baby sister. He also makes plans for Shanti to be married as soon as possible, despite the law against girls under eighteen being forced into marriage.

“I wrote this story to encourage and support girls in claiming their right to an education,” said Barss, who lived in India most of her childhood. “Educating and empowering girls is the impetus to ending child marriage.”

A few years ago, Barss returned to India, visiting people she knew and places she had lived. She stayed with friends at Bridge of Hope, an NGO that includes a residential program for children from rural communities, vocational training, and a medical center. Marcia’s experiences in India and talking with girls who were determined to get an education despite challenges, provided inspiration for this book.

Advance reviews:

“Shanti features a feisty yet sympathetic and relatable main character, a compelling plot, and lots of authentic detail about the challenging lives of girls and women in rural India. This timely and well-written story will have readers cheering Shanti and her friends on, as they fight for their rights to an education and an end to child marriage. Just like me, both children and adults will love and learn from this heartfelt book!”

Vivien Gorham, author of Touch of Gold and Spirit of Summerwood

“A beautifully detailed, suspenseful story about a young girl fighting to free herself from an impossible situation. Shanti’s courage in standing up for her rights against the culture of her community and her family’s wishes helps other girls do the same and shows how one voice can make a difference.”

Jacqueline Halsey, author of Piper

Shanti Fights for Her Rights is now available for pre-order online on Chapters/Indigo, Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered by any bookstore, book seller, library or other retailer from the Ingram catalogue or directly through OC Publishing. For more information on the author and her books visit marciabarss.com and for more on OC Publishing visit www.ocpublishing.ca.

Retired Senior’s Home Manager Finds Joy in Writing & Illustrating Children’s Books

2022-12-08T02:55:00.004+07:00

On December 1, we had the great pleasure of releasing Halifax-based author/Illustrator E.M. Gales' first children's book, Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade.

After spending twenty years working with seniors, creating programs and day-to-day activities that utilized art, music, and dance, Gales decided to retire early to work on projects that have been on the back burner. A recent move from British Columbia to Nova Scotia was a way to re-invent herself and become the children's author she'd always dreamed of being.

"Writing and art have always been my joy, but like for many people, life takes us in many directions and work we love often gets sidelined," said Gales. "When I retired, I wanted to live the work I have always loved - poetry, writing, and illustrating. The Orange Kitty series is but the beginning."

E.M. Gales

Gales' first book in the planned series, is a playful, colourful, vibrantly illustrated, counting and rhyming picture book about a sleepy cat that snoozes through a lively parade with fifty-five marching, cheering, trumpeting, baton-twirling mice. Each dramatic page brings increasing numbers of little furry performers, from ONE marching maestro, through to the final FIFTY-FIVE mice, spilling onto the page in a joyful splash of fun and frolics.

"Full of cheeky mice and rhyming verse, it's a fun introduction to numbers," said author, Nicola Davison. "Kids will want to count every mouse in the vivid, intricate illustrations. Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade is sure to become a bedtime favourite."

Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade is available from most online retailers and locally (in Halifax, NS) at Woozles Books and Chapters. Learn more about the author and her books at www.elizabethmgales.com/

Lily's Egypt Adventure Virtual Book Tour Gets Underway

2022-11-27T03:08:00.008+07:00

Cindy Tingley

Recently we released Lily's Egypt Adventure, the third in Cindy Tingley's first chapter book, children's bible story series, Lily the Donkey's Adventures. What a great time of year to be reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, as the story of the life of Jesus is told from the perspective of a feisty little donkey named Lily and a menagerie of animal friends, through their heart-talk.

In this book, Lily and The Holy Family depart Bethlehem in the dark of night to escape King Herod's Clutches. After crossing the desert, they arrive in Egypt and the adventure unfolds as new and old animal friends join the entourage and learn and share lessons of love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Our virtual book tour is underway now and we invite you to join in, read and listen to the reviewers who have come on board, and like and follow their blogs and vlogs.

If you're a reviewer and would like to participate, please contact me at anne@ocpublishing.ca.

Here's the line-up for the tour:

The Author Journey - November 1 - Author Interview

A Storybook World - launch promo

Dartmouth Book Exchange - Author Spotlight - November 21 - 27

The IndieView - Author Interview - December 1

The Phantom Paragrapher - book review - December 10

Pages & Paws - book review - December 13

Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews - author interview - December 21

Laura's Books & Blogs - guest post - December 23

Atlantic Book Reviews (Lana Shupe) - date TBD

Jennie Reads - book review - date TBD

Julia Picks - book review - date TBD

Links will be updated as posts go live so check back regularly! Learn more about the author and her books at www.ocpublishing.ca/cindy-tingley.html