Long time judge, presenter and friend of the conference Lois Peterson will follow up her debut novel MEETING MISS 405 with a second novel to be published by Orca. 

 THE BALLAD OF KNUCKLES MCGRAW will debut in Spring, 2010. Congratulations, Lois!

~kc

also blogging as leftwriter

Today -- a short excerpt from each of the Non-Fiction contest finalists -- the winner, and the two honourable mentions.

But first -- a word about the judges...

Elizabeth Lyon has worked as an independent book editor and writing teacher for two decades. She enjoys the challenge and discovery that are a part of editing works, each one an original creation.
Elizabeth is the author of A Writer’s Guide to Fiction, A Writer’s Guide to Nonfiction, The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit, Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write, and National Directory of Editors & Writers. Elizabeth considers her sixth book, Manuscript Makeover, on revising fiction, as a culmination of her experience helping novelists.
The Writer, Writer’s Digest, 2008 Guide to Literary Agents, and other guides and handbooks have published her articles. For 20 years, Elizabeth has worked intensely with writers from all over the world, seeing publication of about 40 of her nonfiction book clients while some 20 novelists have found agent representation and a dozen have published. Elizabeth lives in Springfield, Oregon.

At SiWC last year, author (and long-time librarian) Lois Peterson spearheaded an effort to raise funds for 'Library Grove'. The 25-tree grove in Holland Park is an initiative of the Surrey Public Library to celebrate 25 years as an organisation. As of today, the grove is a reality.

From Lois:

Many 2007 SiWC participants contributed to the cost of a tree in the 25-tree
Library Grove that Surrey Public Library planted on October 2, 2008 in Holland Park, Surrey.

This project is designed to recognize '...the value trees bring to the environment, our community, and library collections,' and is one of a number of projects celebrating the library's 25th anniversary in 2008.

LIbrary Grove donors included individuals, local community organizations, writing groups, authors, and service clubs, and included several trees funded through donations from children, library staff, and Library Board members. 

The picture above is of Lois herself, demonstrating her versatility as she plants the SiWC Tree in the grove.

A lovely legacy from our conference-goers to the people of Surrey.

~kc

also blogging as leftwriter

Keep an eye on your email box -- tomorrow is one month to SiWC 2008, and the latest newsletter will be winging your way!

A couple of new and exciting notes --

First, long-time friend of the conference (and Non-Fiction contest judge!) Lois Peterson's new book MEETING MISS 405 is now OUT! This is Lois's first book, and she is a proud new mother. You can reach her to pass on congratulations here: Lois Peterson

Secondly, I just read in Publisher's Lunch that SiWC 2007 presenters Michael Bourret and Lauren Abramo have both received promotions with Dystel & Goderich Literary Agency. Here's the clip:

At Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, agent Michael Bourret has been named vice president and Lauren Abramo has been promoted to subsidiary rights director (both started their careers at the agency).

Michael and Lauren were huge assets to our conference last year, and we wish them nothing but great luck and big contracts in their new positions! 

~kc

also blogging as leftwriter