Archive for March, 2008

If I’m dreaming… don’t wake me up

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

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The Leacock Medal is a pretty big deal in Canada having been awarded to many of my literary heroes including Roberston Davies, Mordecai Richler, and Paul Quarrington. Earlier today, I found out by reading a Google News Alert that The Best Laid Plans has been named a finalist, along with four other books, for the 2008 Leacock Medal. I am stunned and immeasurably grateful for this completely unexpected recognition. (I didn’t even dare contemplate the possibility.) The winner will be announced at a luncheon on April 30th in the Leacock home. I’ll be there, likely still walking around in a haze of incredulity.

Here’s the photo from the Orillia Packet & Times. This is how I discovered the news… by noticing my photo on the board.

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I hope to be able to construct coherent sentences and touch back down to earth in a few days. But until then, I just can’t believe it…

Posted in comic novels, Leacock Medal, political novels | 11 Comments »

Ottawa public libraries stock TBLP

Monday, March 24th, 2008

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I just discovered when reviewing my monthly sales summary from my publisher that the Ottawa Public Library system has ordered 15 copies of TBLP to distribute among its 33 branches. As far as I know, this is the first library order I’ve received.
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For what it’s worth, here’s a partial screen shot of the New Titles On Order list from the Ottawa Public Library website. Very, very cool.

Posted in Canadian political novel, comic novels, Ottawa Public Library, political novels | 1 Comment »

Another great bookstore stocks TBLP

Friday, March 21st, 2008

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Pages is one of Canada’s premier independent bookstores offering an extraordinary range of literary fiction, nonfiction and art books. It’s located on trendy Queen Street West in Toronto and TBLP is now available there.

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Posted in Canadian political novel, Pages Bookstore, podcast novel, political novels | 2 Comments »

Shel Holtz blogs about POD publishing

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008

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Friend and fellow podcaster Shel Holtz in Concord, California posted yesterday about the power and flexibility of the new Print-On-Demand technology that I used to publish The Best Laid Plans last year.  Shel is the prolific podcaster who co-hosts For Immediate Release alongside Neville Hobson.  Shel and Neville inspired my Inside PR co-host David Jones and me to start our show back in 2006.  I’ve always admired Shel’s thoughtful approach to complicated and controversial issues. His insightful analysis is on full display in this post, along with some supporting thoughts from yours truly.

Posted in Canadian political novel, comic novels, podcast novel, self-publishing | No Comments »

Speaking gig at the Arts and Letters Club

Saturday, March 15th, 2008

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I’ve just been invited to speak at the prestigious Literary Table, a crowd of writers and book lovers that regularly meet for lunch at the famed Arts and Letters Club in downtown Toronto. A fixture in the Canadian arts and lit scene for over a century, The Arts and Letters Club occupies a wonderful heritage building in the heart of Toronto. Needless to say, I’m chuffed (a word Angus McLintock would use) at the invitation. I’m to speak for a half hour about TBLP and then answer questions. I’ve also been encouraged to peddle a few books while I’m there. I’ll keep you posted.

Posted in arts and letters club, Canadian political novel, comic novels, podcast novel, political novels | No Comments »

CPAC “Talk Politics” interview airs

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

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My 20 minute interview with Ken Rockburn, host of CPAC’s Talk Politics aired this past Sunday. Ken was great and I had a blast. I love that he referred to TBLP as “a scathingly funny political satire.” Nice. Here’s hoping it moves some books.

You can watch the interview here. I close the show so feel free to scroll through until about two thirds of the way through and you’ll find my radio face.

Posted in Canadian political novel, comic novels, CPAC Interview, Media, podcast novel, political novels | No Comments »

CBC’s Tom Allen on TBLP

Thursday, March 6th, 2008

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Tom Allen is the much-loved host of CBC Radio’s Music and Company. A music expert in his own right, it’s Tom’s story telling and his casual and warm approach that makes listening to his show seem like sitting in his living room. Tom is a good friend and was very helpful and supportive when I was writing TBLP. Our sons play on the same hockey team and so we spend many a hour together at innumerable arenas. Tom is also a respected writer and published The Gift of the Game in 2005. It’s a wonderful reflection on hockey and his son.  Here’s what Tom has kindly said of TBLP:

“Terry Fallis has found the cure for Canada’s political malaise: a stubborn, old, irreverent Scotsman with nothing to lose. Until Angus McLintock walks out of fiction and into public office, where he would surely save the nation, the only place to find him is right here among The Best Laid Plans.”

You should all go out and buy Tom’s book! Thanks for all your support Tom.

Posted in Canadian political novel, comic novels, podcast novel, political novels, Tom Allen | No Comments »