Archive for the ‘Ali Velshi’ Category

“Blurbs” for No Relation

Friday, January 3rd, 2014

It’s always very gratifying when other writers and prominent people agree to read your manuscript, and then offer glowing words to adorn the cover of your book. I tend to read these “blurbs” when I’m buying books, and I think others do too. So you can imagine how honoured I am to share the three blurbs that will be featured somewhere on the front or back covers of my new novel, No Relation, due to be published by McClelland & Stewart May 20, 2014.

“Terry Fallis writes with a light touch and fine sense of the inherent humanity of humour, while still addressing one of the biggest questions we all have to face: Who are you? Who are you really?”

Will Ferguson, author of 419, winner of the 2012 Scotiabank Giller Prize

“Born of a cheerful mood and a clever mind, Terry Fallis’s No Relation is an endearing book with a big heart.”

Trevor Cole, author of Practical Jean, winner of the 2011 Leacock Medal

“Terry Fallis is a brilliant and very funny writer who also understands the human heart. His words will split your side on one page, and put a lump in your throat on the next. You’ll not only come to like his quirky characters, you’ll want to meet them, and take care of them, too. Terry Fallis is a writer to watch, and more importantly, to read.”

Ali Velshi, host of Real Money on Al Jazeera America

I’m feeling very fortunate. My heartfelt thanks to Will, Trevor, and Ali for sticking their necks out on my behalf…

Up and Down hits the U.S. market tomorrow…

Monday, June 24th, 2013

Tomorrow, June 25th, the American edition of Up and Down hits bookstores south of the border. The new cover is quite similar, but eliminates the Canada Reads reference across the top of the Canadian version, and replaces the Marc Garneau blurb along the bottom with a lovely comment from U.S. broadcasting superstar, Ali Velshi. I think it’s a very clean and compelling cover. But then again, I’m biased. The book itself is a more traditionally-sized trade paperback, without the French flaps and the funky, unevenly cut pages. This version will also be available in Canada, replacing the original higher-end edition, starting tomorrow. Here’s hoping it triggers a sales resurgence here at home.

I have no idea how the novel will be received by American readers, or whether there will be deep penetration in bricks and mortar bookstores, although there was a nice Publishers Weekly review that may help. Time will tell. But it’s exciting to test another market. It’s also a bit early to know if I’ll be visiting the U.S. anytime soon to promote Up and Down. In the meantime, my fingers are crossed. Feel free to cross yours as well.

Up and Down: Chapter 16

Friday, September 14th, 2012

In Chapter 16, Landon and the crew of the Aeres make a triumphant return to Earth, while David has a near-death experience when he makes it back into the Turner King offices in Toronto.

Next week, Chapter 17, the final chapter, as David makes an unscheduled trip out west.

The voiceover that opens each episode of the podcast was provided by my friend, Roger Dey.

Comments are welcome here on the blog, via email to [email protected], or over at iTunes.

 

Up and Down: Chapter 11

Saturday, August 11th, 2012

In Chapter 11, Landon heads to Houston with a chaperone to start her astronaut training, while David digs up something that was supposed to remain buried.

Next week, Chapter 12 as things heat up at the Johnson Space Center and there are some changes at Turner King.

The voiceover that opens each episode of the podcast was provided by my friend, Roger Dey.

Comments are invited here on the blog, via email to [email protected], or over on iTunes.

Up and Down has “blurbs!”

Monday, March 26th, 2012

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a big fan of blurbs on books. You know, those unfailingly glowing quotations from big names or big media outlets emblazoned on the front and back covers of novels? I always read them. While some can be over the top, having a better known author or a celebrity of some kind blurb your book seems to infuse it with more credibility than if the book were… um, “blurbless.” I’m thrilled to report that Up and Down, due in bookstores on September 11 (no, I actually don’t know why that auspicious date was chosen), will feature at least four blurbs. I am nearly overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s no small matter to let your name and words appear on someone else’s book. So I am truly grateful for the very kind sentences posted below. I blush, look at the floor, shuffle my feet, and buckle my belt tightly around my head to manage any undue swelling.

Here are the blurbs so far:

Book-specific

“Terry Fallis has done it again. Up and Down is another hilarious page-turner that also packs an emotional punch. Only a very talented writer can balance humour and pathos so skillfully. Beautifully written, these characters rocket off the page and straight into your heart. This is satire at its finest.”

Ali Velshi, CNN Anchor and Chief Business Correspondent

General

“Terry Fallis is a brilliant and very funny writer who also understands the human heart. His words will split your side on one page, and put a lump in your throat on the next. You’ll not only come to like his quirky characters, you’ll want to meet them and take care of them, too. Terry Fallis is a writer to watch, and more importanly, to read.”

Ali Velshi, CNN Anchor and Chief Business Correspondent

_______________________________________________________

“In Landon Percival, Terry Fallis brings to vivid life an unexpected hero– tough yet endearing, brave yet vulnerable. As told by the adorably self-deprecating David Stewart, Landon’s highly entertaining story of NASA intrigue and public relations high jinks reminds us of what it means to be Canadian.”

Cathy Marie Buchanan, New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Falls Stood Still

_______________________________________________________

“A rollicking good ride. Funny one moment, serious the next, always compelling: a reminder that we can all dream.”

Marc Garneau, Member of Parliament and Canada’s first astronaut

_______________________________________________________

“Gently satirical and intelligently frothy, Up and Down achieves a delightful weightlessness as transporting as the space voyage it deals with.”

Andrew Pyper, bestselling author of The Guardians

TBLP was Canada’s #3 novel in 2011

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Thank you Canada Reads! As I’ve noted before in this space, winning Canada Reads has been an extraordinary blessing. In case there are doubters out there, here is some more evidence to pound home my point. Bookmanager, a company that tracks book sales across the country, has released their topselling fiction list for all of 2011. I don’t mean the Canadian ficiton list, but all fiction, regardless of origin. As you can see, The Best Laid Plans came home in third place for the year. What a thrill. Again, I say, thank you Canada Reads.

Canada Reads… Where to start?

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

I’m still recovering from the Canada Reads 2011 finale on Wednesday. I stayed at home that morning, sequestered alone in our third floor library. It was very peaceful and quiet as the clock wound down to the start of the final debates. At about 10:00 a.m., I logged in to the Canada Reads site and started watching the live video streaming. It is not a word of a lie to say that I fully expected The Best Laid Plans to be bounced on the first vote of the finale. As I considered the five defenders, I simply couldn’t figure out how we were going to avoid three strikes against us in that first vote. Clearly my political analysis needs some work. I never dreamed that Carol Shields’s novel, Unless, would get its walking papers instead. When Sara Quin voted to oust The Birth House in the second vote of the day, it was all over. Somehow, The Best Laid Plans was crowned the Canada Reads 2011 winner.

Unbelievable and wonderful. I can’t put it all into perspective yet. I’m still floating a few feet above the ground and don’t expect to touch down anytime soon. To me, it was a miracle.

CBC really kicked Canada Reads onto a higher plane this year with the live video streaming, the public participation in the selection process, the use of social media, the recruitment of amazing panelists, the three hour-long shows, and of course, the dramatic music. It made for a great show. And Jian Ghomeshi did an amazing job as our fearless leader. I was speaking to Ali Velshi before we went into the Q studio for our Thursday morning interview, and we agreed that we’d never really seen someone strike the perfect tone and mood the way Jian does. And that’s high praise from 10 year broadcasting veteran and CNN’s Chief Business Correspondent Ali Velshi. Jian was fantastic managing the debates and the tensions they often triggered. It’s not easy, despite how effortless and natural he made it look. Behind Jian, there is a dedicated Canada Reads team who worked tirelessly to pull this off. I got to know Erin and Debbie, but there were others to. I’m grateful for all their efforts.

What can I say about Ali Velshi? I was impressed with him when he was a teenager working on the 1984 Jean Chretien Leadership Campaign with me, and I was blown away by him during the Canada Reads debates. He was passionate, eloquent, compelling, yet respectful throughout (as were the other defenders). Ali really understood The Best Laid Plans and how to position it persuasively. You could see the other panelists nodding in agreement when he spoke. I truly believed The Best Laid Plans was a longshot to win Canada Reads. For all I know, Ali felt the same way, but he never wavered from his opening position that he was going the distance with TBLP. And he was right. I cannot think of anyone who would have, or could have, defended the book any more passionately or effectively as did Ali. I am in his debt.

A word about the other authors and panelists. While the defenders got their elbows up in the debates, there was never even the slightest trace of competition among the authors themselves. We seemed to bond instantly and I very much enjoyed my time with them in person, and online. They are not just wonderful writers, but great people too. I also really enjoyed meeting the other defenders. They were serious about their responsibilities and served their authors well. I liked them all.

Finally, I really want to thank the CBC for undertaking this important program. The CBC deserves our admiration for creating Canada Reads and for making it such a significant part of our cultural landscape over the last ten years. You can’t argue with the results. Canada Reads puts books into Canadians’ hands. I know. The Best Laid Plans shot to the top of the heap on Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Kobo. That’s the Canada Reads effect.

The surreal circus has truly come to town. The day after the Canada Reads finale, a lovely reporter and camera crew from CBC’s The National trailed me around to record “the day after.” Click here, or on the graphic below to watch the resulting story. What an amazing ride it has been. Saying “thanks” seems utterly inadequate, but until we develop a new and more powerful expression of gratitude, my unreserved thanks to everyone who helped make this miracle.

Ali Velshi talks about The Best Laid Plans

Sunday, January 16th, 2011

My trusty Canada Reads defender, Ali Velshi, CNN’s Chief Business Correspondent, recently recorded a Canada Reads podcast interview. My ears were burning throughout. Ali is very articulate, which you might expect from a professional broadcaster, but what you might not expect is just how thoughtful his insights are about TBLP. All I can say is, I’m glad he’s in my corner. Click here, or on the photo of Ali to read about the interview and listen to it.

We’re in the home stretch now with just a few weeks to go before the great debates that will crown this year’s Canada Reads winner.

Thanks Canada Reads – TBLP now a #6 bestseller

Monday, December 20th, 2010

Wow, the list moves fast. Having just posted about TBLP hitting #13 on the BookManager National Canadian Fiction Bestsellers List, I was surprised to see that this afternoon, it’s actually moved up to the #6 position. Unbelievable. My friend and fellow Canada Reads finalist, Ami McKay, is still shooting up the charts with The Birth House now sitting at #4. Looking at the other amazing authors on the list, I’m humbled by the company I’m suddenly keeping. What an honour. At the risk of repeating myself to the point of annoying, thank you all…

Unveiling TBLP as a Canada Reads Finalist

Monday, December 20th, 2010

CBC has just posted the video clip from the November 24th “big reveal” of the five 2011 Canada Reads finalists and their staunch defenders. It was an amazing day that I’ll not soon forget. Here’s the segment when Jian Ghomeshi introduced Ali Velshi (what a pro!)  and then me (it went downhill from there).

You can watch all of the Canada Reads authors and defenders on the CBC Book Club YouTube channel.