The Last Blog of the Year

Hello friends and readers! During all the Christmas craziness, and a house full of sick people, it was hard to find time to blog. The new year is set to hold many exciting adventures for my new book, Turnstiles. I have managed to line up a number of publications willing to review my book, a pending reading date at Shelf Life Books in Calgary (possibly April), and a post-launch of Turnstiles at Planet Earth Poetry (PEP) in Victoria on May 2nd. The magnitude of these events are slowly beginning to sink in, along with the responsibility of being prepared to rise to each challenge. After years and years of attending/participating in the open mike at PEP, you would think I was a seasoned public speaker... well, not necessarily. I always get butterflies, but I think I would be more worried if those butterflies stopped showing up, too. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my ten complimentary copies of Turnstiles from Inkwater Press... any day, now! Once I have them, I'll start sending out copies to publications that have requested them to review. These publications are as follows: The Pacific Rim Review of Books (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pacific-Rim-Review-of-Books/116842465028072?ref=br_tf), The Coastal Spectator (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Coastal-Spectator/229100360506758), Focus magazine (http://www.focusonline.ca/), The Book Ends - Reviews (http://thebookendsreviews.com/). In the first week of January, Nick Wale will also post a review of Turnstiles and author interview at Novel Reads by Novel Ideas (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Novel-Reads-By-Novel-Ideas/209293455905630). I am very excited about these opportunities to spread the word -- please stay tuned! It is also wonderful to hear that my novel is already creating a small buzz. My girlfriend told me that her mom was discussing books with someone, and mentioned my book. The person she was talking to was already 'in the know' about my book. Wow. We really are fortunate to be in the Internet age! On that note, thank you to everyone who has ordered my book, considered ordering my book, shared any of my book-related posts, and/or told another person about Turnstiles. You don't know how much I appreciate your contributions in helping to get my book more visible in the book world. I will keep you all posted about the unfolding events. I am working hard to stay active in the plethora of literary communities, for my book and as an author. Recently, I listed Turnstiles and my poetry book A Mother's String on https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25336171?shelf=published. Please check it out! As well, for those of you who are interested and have the time, you may like to peruse my former writing blog Author, author! @ http://mcauthor.blogspot.ca/. Cheers and Happy New Year to you all! I hope to see you and chat with you in 2014. Andrea McKenzie Raine xo