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# Terry Fallis, Novelist

Terry Fallis, award-winning Canadian novelist blogs about his writing life and podcasts his novels.

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Media](https://terryfallis.com/media/)
- [An End in Itself makes CBC fall books list](https://terryfallis.com/2026/08/11/an-end-in-itself-makes-cbc-fall-books-list/) - I was thrilled to see this morning that An End in itself is among the books CBC Books is excited about this fall.
- [Chapter 1: January 20, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/01/20/chapter-1-january-20-2007/) - Welcome back. This week, Chapter 1, including: Daniel's futile search for a Liberal candidate in the safest Tory seat in the land; His meeting with Muriel Parkinson, the stalwart Liberal who ran in the last five elections; His winning strategy for securing the boathouse apartment he desperately wanted. Feel free to leave a comment right
- [CBC Book Club contest asks a question...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/25/cbc-book-club-contest-asks-a-question/) - I've been a die-hard CBC Radio listener since childhood when my mother would tune in from dawn to dusk in the kitchen. My brother and sister and I listened to "The World at 8:00" before heading off to school in the mornings. Then, home again shortly after noon, our lunch would be accompanied by the
- [The Marionette on the 2025 Winnipeg Free Press Best Books list](https://terryfallis.com/2025/12/15/the-marionette-on-the-2025-winnipeg-free-press-best-books-list/) - I was pleased to see this morning that The Marionette was named a Best Book of 2025 by the Winnipeg Free Press. There was a great review earlier in the fall and of course I spent two days in Winnipeg in November doing media interviews, bookstore signings, and an evening event at McNally Robinson's flagship
- [My CTV Winnipeg interview about The Marionette](https://terryfallis.com/2025/11/18/my-ctv-winnipeg-interview-about-the-marionette/) - I was recently in Winnipeg for a day of media interviews and an evening event. Here's my interview with CTV Winnipeg's morning show host Rachel Lagace. Click on this link to watch the interview: https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/video/2025/11/18/terry-fallis-the-marionette
- [My interview on CBC's The Next Chapter](https://terryfallis.com/2025/10/18/my-interview-on-cbcs-the-next-chapter/) - Just this morning the interview I did last week at the CBC Broadcast Centre on The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing was released. We talked about four books that influenced my writing. Click here or on the image below to listen. You can also read an article based on this interview that was posted
- [I'm back from the east coast](https://terryfallis.com/2009/07/11/im-back-from-the-east-coast/) - Well, after another day of driving, the family and I arrived back in Toronto tonight after two weeks in Nova Scotia. It was a wonderful break, even though the weather was less than ideal. I did get some writing done while I was away. Just before we left, I'd met with Beverley Slopen, my literary
- [First Leacock, now an agent!](https://terryfallis.com/2008/04/04/first-leacock-now-an-agent-what-a-week/) - Beverley Slopen is a leading and respected literary agent based in Toronto. She represents some outstanding writers including Howard Engel, Robert Fulford, Donna Morrissey, Morley Torgov (a Leacock Medal winner), and William Weintraub. My friend Mike Tanner is also in her stable. It seems that now I am too. A year or so back, Beverley
- [A New Season a "Top Read"](https://terryfallis.com/2023/12/27/a-new-season-a-top-read/) - The Waterloo Public Library has released its "Top Reads" for 2023, identifying the books in various categories that have been taken out of the library most often over the course of the year. Even though A New Season was not released until August 31, it was still the third most popular fiction book checked out
- [A New Season makes Winnipeg Free Press "Top Books" list](https://terryfallis.com/2023/12/18/a-new-season-makes-winnipeg-free-press-top-books-list/) - It was very gratifying to see that A New Season was one of 22 novels on the Winnipeg Free Press's Top Books of 2023 (Fiction) list. The Free Press has reviewed almost all of my novels and seems always to be very supportive. Click here or on the image below for the full list. #Grateful.
- [My interview on Global's The Morning Show](https://terryfallis.com/2023/12/14/my-interview-on-globals-the-morning-show/) - Click here or on the image below to watch my interview that aired this morning on Global's The Morning Show about A New Season.
- [Canada Reads... Where to start?](https://terryfallis.com/2011/02/12/canada-reads-where-to-start/) - 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
- [CBC-Radio Victoria interview](https://terryfallis.com/2023/10/16/cbc-radio-victoria-interview/) - While in Victoria recently, promoting my ninth novel, A New Season, I was interviewed by Gregor Craigie on the CBC-Radio morning show. He was very well-informed on the book having just finished reading it, and we had a great conversation. Click here to listen to the interview. Many thanks, Gregor.
- [A New Season on CBC's The Next Chapter](https://terryfallis.com/2023/09/22/a-new-season-on-cbcs-the-next-chapter/) - Nice to hear this short piece on CBC Radio's The Next Chapter on A New Season, including my responses to the Proust Questionnaire. Click on the link or on the image above to listen.
- [Winnipeg Free Press Review](https://terryfallis.com/2023/09/02/winnipeg-free-press-review-3/)
- [TBLP a Canada Reads Finalist (I'm a basket case)](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/24/tblp-a-canada-reads-finalist-im-a-basket-case/) - CBC announced the five Canada Reads finalists today along with the celebrity panel. Miraculously, The Best Laid Plans is a Canada Reads 2011 finalist. I briefly couldn't breathe when I heard the news about ten days ago from Doug Pepper, the President of McClelland & Stewart. It's been one of the toughest secrets I've ever
- [Writers I revere: John Irving](https://terryfallis.com/2009/07/23/writers-i-revere-john-irving/) - After reading almost exclusively nonfiction until I was nearly 30, I switched to fiction around 1988 and haven't looked back. It was to my great fortune that one of the first novels I picked up, and then could not put down, was John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. It was a revelation. I'd been
- [Nine years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2016/01/01/nine-years-later/) - Yes, you're right, it's time to cast my mind back over the last year for the annual counting of my writerly blessings. I started this yearly tradition back in late December 2007, one year after I started this blog. And every year since, I've reminded myself, and anyone who happens upon this humble blog, that, nine
- [Albatross was published one year ago](https://terryfallis.com/2020/08/13/albatross-was-published-one-year-ago/) - It was one year ago, August 13, 2019, that Albatross was published and hit bookstore shelves across Canada. The very next day, I headed out west for the wonderful Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts and waited to see what would happen. The first week of novel's life is always a bit nerve-racking for the author.
- [Eleven years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2018/01/08/eleven-years-later/) - Yes, I know, I'm a little tardy with my annual end-of-year post counting my blessings over the preceding twelve months. I have no excuse. There are just as many blessings to enumerate, but the holiday break ended up being just that, a break. For some reason I could not muster the wherewithal to sit down
- [Onstage Interview in Midland](https://terryfallis.com/2022/09/13/onstage-interview-in-midland/) - A production of the good folks at the Midland Cultural Centre, here's a longish onstage interview I did back in July led by the wonderful and talented Fred Hacker. He has a way of putting you at ease and keeping us on track without you even noticing. Quite a gift! This interview is quite sweeping
- [No Relation: Chapter 12](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/15/no-relation-chapter-12/) - Here's Chapter 12 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem closes out the Ernest Hemingway Exorcism World Tour with a stop in Ketchum, Idaho, where the great writer lived his final days before taking his own life. Then Hem returns to Manhattan and has
- [No Relation: Chapter 17](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/19/no-relation-chapter-17/) - Here's Chapter 17 of No Relation, the final chapter in my new novel published by McClelland & Stewart. In this closing episode, we jump ahead a year and tie up all the loose ends from the preceding 16 chapters. Thanks so much for hanging in for the entire novel. No Relation, already a national bestseller (thanks to
- [Chapter 11: March 30, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/30/chapter-11-march-30-2007/) - This week, we start Part 2 with Chapter 11 including: Daniel takes Angus to Parliament Hill, the Library of Parliament, and the House of Commons; Angus is sworn in; Daniel briefs Angus on their Centre Block and constitutency offices; Angus meets the Leader of the Opposition; Daniel and Angus play chess; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 13](https://terryfallis.com/2017/05/26/one-brother-shy-chapter-13/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 13 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy.
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 12](https://terryfallis.com/2017/05/19/one-brother-shy-chapter-12/) - Alex and Matt meet their father and we're finally introduced to Gabriel.
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 6](https://terryfallis.com/2017/04/07/one-brother-shy-chapter-6/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. In Chapter 6, Alex flies to London, England to track down his long lost identical twin brother. (I'm apologizing in advance for my seriously bad English accents on the podcast. I'm not nearly as skilled at them as Alex is in the novel.)
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 8](https://terryfallis.com/2015/09/17/poles-apart-chapter-8/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel, to be published by McClelland & Stewart on October 20, 2015. This week, Everett earns some money through the blog, Beverley Tanner has a Pygmalion moment, protest rallies start outside Club XY and Mason Bennington is really not happy about it. Of course,
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 16](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/15/one-brother-shy-chapter-16/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 16, the final chapter, of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy published by McClelland & Stewart in May 2017.
- [TBLP featured on CBC Radio's The Next Chapter](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/25/tblp-featured-on-cbc-radios-the-next-chapter/) - Several weeks ago I went into the CBC Radio studios in Toronto to record a segment for Shelagh Rogers' wonderful book program called The Next Chapter. Well, it hit the airwaves today. Here's the three and a half minute segment. Many thanks to producer Tom Howell, and host Shelagh Rogers at CBC Radio.
- [Read Excerpts from The Best Laid Plans](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/18/read-sample-chapters/) - The Best Laid Plans: Prologue The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 1
- [Read Excerpts from The Best Laid Plans](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/17/tblp-read-excerpts/) - The Best Laid Plans: Prologue The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 1
- [Novel Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2007/10/19/reviews-of-the-novel/) - The Best Laid Plans was published in late August, 2007 and has been reviewed by a number of publications. Here are the reviews so far: The Montreal Gazette Books section. Political aide has one last chore Leacock-winning novel has its charms, but is predictable BRIAN KAPPLER, The Gazette (Montreal) Published:Â Saturday, October 25, 2008 The Stephen
- [Reader Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/14/reader-reviews/) - As more reader reviews accumulate at amazon.ca, amazon.com, chapters.indigo.ca, and the various book review sites out there from Shelfari to Facebook applications like Visual Bookshelf, I thought I'd gather them here in the same way as I'd assembled reviews from podcast listeners over on the Listener Reviews page. I know it's cliche, but head-swelling comments
- [Listener Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/03/listener-reviews/) - I've received dozens of comments on The Best Laid Plans from listeners around the world and thought I'd devote a page to them. Here is a selection of reviews I've received on the blog, through Podiobooks, via e-mail, and on iTunes. Thanks so much and keep them coming... This book truly is a treasure that
- [The Best Laid Plans Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/17/tblp-reviews/) - Listener Reviews Reader Reviews Novel Reviews
- [THR joins TBLP on the bestseller list...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/05/07/thr-joins-tblp-on-the-bestseller-list/) - I had a quick look at BookManager the other day and clicked on the Canadian Fiction bestseller list that they compile through their dealings with book retailers across the country. I use BookManager to get a barometric reading on whether my novels are heading up or down the charts. The Best Laid Plans has been
- [Read Excerpts from The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/17/thr-read-excerpts/) - The High Road: Chapter 1 The High Road: Chapter 2
- [The High Road Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/17/thr-reviews/) - The High Road will be published in September, 2010. Stay tuned for reader, listener, and novel reviews later in the fall of 2010. @Stake Magazine review
- [Read Excerpts from Up and Down](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/05/uad-read-excerpts/) - Up and Down - Chapter 1 (pdf) “Welcome to the dark side.” Diane Martineau smiled as she said it, but still, those were her words. It was my first day in the Toronto office of the interna- tional public relations agency Turner King, and I was already tired of hearing my new profession linked with
- [Up and Down Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/05/uad-reviews/) - Up and Down was published by McClelland & Stewart in September, 2012. Here is a selection of reviews. National Post Review Globe and Mail Publishers Weekly The Record Blogger: Anita Webster
- [Read Excerpts from No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2014/02/04/nr-read-excerpts/) - No Relation - Chapter 1 (pdf) What’s in a name? For many, nothing. For some, not nothing, but not much. For a very few, blessed or cursed, it’s everything. I’m one of those few. And if you’re wondering, I usually count myself among the cursed… No Relation - Chapter 2 (pdf) You’ve probably figured it
- [No Relation Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2014/02/04/nr-reviews/) - Book Reviews No Relation was published in May of 2014 by McClelland & Stewart. Here are some reviews: Montreal Gazette National Post Edmonton Journal Winnipeg Free Press The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo) The Red Deer Advocate The Millstone (Eastern Ontario regional paper) Book blogger "One More Page" Book blogger "Words of Mystery" Book blogger "Bookshelf Reviews" Book
- [One Brother Shy Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2016/11/24/br-reviews/) - A thoughtful review in Pique, a Whistler based news magazine. Book Review: One Brother Shy by Terry Fallis is a tragi-comic dance launched by death By Nicola Bentley In his latest book, One Brother Shy, Terry Fallis weaves a fictional story of one man's personal conquest and adult coming-of-age in the author's recognizable style, where tragedy dances with humour
- [Poles Apart Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2015/07/02/pa-reviews/) - The Globe and Mail The National Post The Kitchener Waterloo Record The Baking Bookworm (book blogger) Words of Mystery (book blogger) The Millstone (regional newspaper)
- [Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/2019/05/27/albatross-reviews/) - Book Review: Albatross By: Lorne Rubenstein It’s sometimes said that when somebody is playing their best they have no swing thoughts — not a one. It’s see the shot, feel the shot, register the target, and swing. Golfers covet this revered, albeit rarely achieved, “zone.” Adam Coryell, the hero of Terry Fallis’s
- [Coming soon: The High Road Podcast](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/17/coming-soon-the-high-road-podcast/) - I'm thrilled to announce that McClelland & Stewart, my progressive publisher, has allowed me to follow the tradition I began with The Best Laid Plans, and podcast The High Road, chapter by chapter, in its entirety. And yes, it will be free. I've always been a firm believer in the power of podcasting to build
- [The High Road podcast contest!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/30/the-high-road-podcast-contest/) - McClelland & Stewart is launching a contest for listeners of The High Road podcast. But it means you actually have to listen to the podcast, or at least Chapter 1! Here's how it works: Consider the trivia question below and send your answer to me at tfallis@gmail.com with The High Road in the subject line
- [Congratulations to our podcast contest winners](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/30/congratulations-to-our-podcast-contest-winners/) - The entries for our first ever podcast contest have closed and our three winners have been randomly drawn. McClelland & Stewart will be contacting the winners soon to arrange delivery of their $50 iTunes gift cards. Congratulations to Geoffrey, Marlene, and Janet! Many thanks to everyone who participated, and I hope all entrants will continue
- [Let's prove the theory that a podcast sells books!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/07/lets-prove-the-theory-that-a-podcast-sells-books/) - I was thrilled and grateful when McClelland & Stewart allowed me to podcast The High Road, in its entirety, chapter-by-chapter, for free. The wonderful digital team at M&S made a strong case for the podcast, and it worked. I'm very thankful. But giving it away for free as a podcast is a difficult notion for
- [Up and Down podcast cracks the top 4 in iTunes](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/11/up-and-down-podcast-cracks-the-top-4-in-itunes/) - The iTunes charts have always been a bit of a mystery to me, but I confess I do occasionally check them out. Even though I've only posted the first two chapters of the Up and Down podcast, it seems it has already managed to climb into the number four position on the iTunes Literature Podcast
- [No Relation podcast coming soon...](https://terryfallis.com/2014/02/22/no-relation-podcast-coming-soon/) - Well, this was to be the weekend I had hoped to post the first chapter of the No Relation podcast. Unfortunately, a head cold has thwarted my almighty schedule. My voice currently sounds like an odd hybrid of Tom Waits with a sore throat and Jabba the Hutt. So no Chapter 1 this weekend. Fingers
- [The One Brother Shy Podcast is here](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/13/the-one-brother-shy-podcast-is-here/) - I'm about to post the first two chapters of the podcast edition of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. iTunes has already approved the podcast and it should appear in the iTunes store search engine in the next few days. Here's the iTunes link where you can listen and subscribe. I hope to upload one chapter
- [(Pinned post) Why not subscribe to my newsletter?](https://terryfallis.com/2022/05/17/why-not-subscribe-to-my-newsletter/) - In the spring of 2022, I started a newsletter, Terry Fallis: A Novel Journey, for avid readers and aspiring writers. I use Substack as my newsletter platform and it makes it very easy for you to subscribe. I have been, and will be, writing about various aspects of the writing life including my own unorthodox journey to
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 2](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/05/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-2/) - Here is Chapter 2 of The High Road podcast, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, we learn whether Angus will toss his hat into the ring and who'll be at his side if he does. I hope you enjoy it. I'll be uploading succeeding chapters weekly so stay tuned for Chapter 3 next
- [Canadian Independent Bookstore Day](https://terryfallis.com/2022/04/27/canadian-independent-bookstore-day/) - Click here to watch an interview I did yesterday in support of Canadian Independent Bookstore Day coming up this Saturday, April 30, 2022. I'll be selling books at the wonderful Blue Heron Books in Uxbridge from 1:00 to 3:00. Why not pop in and pick up a novel? (You can also click on the image
- [The Power of Shelagh Rogers](https://terryfallis.com/2022/02/24/the-power-of-shelagh-rogers/) - In my last post, I wrote about appearing again on Shelagh Rogers' wonderful weekly show on CBC Radio One, The Next Chapter. Well in the days after it aired, Operation Angus, which, after six months, had dropped off the Canadian Fiction bestsellers list, made a triumphant return. That's the power of Shelagh Rogers. I'm grateful!
- [Shelagh Rogers Interview on The Next Chapter](https://terryfallis.com/2022/02/14/shelagh-rogers-interview-on-the-next-chapter/) - I've had the very great pleasure of spending time with the wonderful Shelagh Rogers, host of CBC Radio's The Next Chapter many times in the last 14 years since McClelland & Stewart published my first novel. We've hung out at various literary festivals from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Woody Point, Newfoundland, and I've been on
- [The Leacock Medal... what a thrill...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/04/30/the-leacock-medal-what-a-thrill/) - I'm at a loss for words. It's been quite a day. Thank you all for your support throughout this little journey of mine. Here's the news release. Here's the CBC story. And here's some video from the actual event. There's a whole weekend of celebrations in June. I'm starting to work on my speech already.
- [Hanging in, three months later](https://terryfallis.com/2021/12/08/hanging-in-three-months-later/) - Operation Angus is still lurking on the national Canadian fiction bestsellers list, at least according to CBC Books. It even slipped up a place to #9. May it continue at least through the holiday shopping season!
- [Operation Angus one of  CBC's Best Books of 2021](https://terryfallis.com/2021/12/08/operation-angus-one-of-cbcs-best-books-of-2021/) - I was thrilled to see Operation Angus on the CBC's list of Best Canadian Books for 2021. I was honestly not expecting to see it there but was just scrolling through the list when up it popped. Here's the full list or click on the graphic above. I'm certainly awed by the company I'm somehow keeping.
- [Supporting Beggars Banquet Books in Gananoque](https://terryfallis.com/2021/12/06/supporting-beggars-banquet-books-in-gananoque/) - I've been involved with the 1000 Islands Writers Festival for several years now and always enjoy my visits to beautiful Ganaonque. After a devastating house fire, the wonderful owners of Beggars Banquet Books, Alison Dunn and Tom Stormonth, who lead the team organizing the festival, could sure use your help. The best way to support them
- [Back on the Bestsellers List](https://terryfallis.com/2021/12/01/back-on-the-bestsellers-list/) - After having dropped off almost all of the national bestsellers lists a couple of weeks ago, Operation Angus slips back on this week three months after it launched. No complaints here. And the holiday shopping season is just around the corner.
- [Operation Angus finally falls out of the top 10](https://terryfallis.com/2021/11/22/operation-angus-finally-falls-out-of-the-top-10/) - After nearly three months at various positions near the top of multiple national bestsellers lists, Operation Angus seems finally to have fallen out of the top 10 (at least for now). This is one of the longest bestseller runs among my novels, so I'm thrilled and grateful. It's altogether possible that the imminent retail frenzy of the holiday season
- [Operation Angus Bestseller Roundup: Week #10](https://terryfallis.com/2021/11/09/operation-angus-bestseller-roundup-week-10/) - Still holding on, but with Omar El Akkad's What Strange Paradise just named as the 2021 Giller Prize winner, we know his wonderful book is headed straight up the charts. Thrilled and grateful to be still on the list after ten weeks.
- [Operation Angus Bestseller Roundup: Week #9](https://terryfallis.com/2021/11/03/operation-angus-bestseller-roundup-week-9/) - Still hanging in there. Thanks all!
- [Operation Angus Bestseller Roundup: Week #8](https://terryfallis.com/2021/10/26/operation-angus-bestseller-roundup-week-8/) - It's now been nearly two months since Operation Angus hit bookstores. I'm heartened (okay, tickled and thrilled would be more accurate) that it's still hanging around on at least some bestsellers lists. Filled with gratitude.
- [Operation Angus Bestseller Roundup: Week #7](https://terryfallis.com/2021/10/21/operation-angus-bestseller-roundup-week-7/) - As expected, Operation Angus, after seven weeks, has fallen off the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail Canadian Fiction bestsellers lists, largely due to the recent arrival of a few blockbuster books, including another Louise Penny novel she's co-written with none other than Hillary Clinton! Naturally it went straight to number 1. Well, we had a
- [Operation Angus Bestseller List Roundup: Week #6](https://terryfallis.com/2021/10/13/operation-angus-bestseller-list-roundup-week-6/) - Still holding on after six weeks on at least a few lists. Thanks, all.
- [Operation Angus Bestseller List Roundup: Week #5](https://terryfallis.com/2021/10/06/operation-angus-bestseller-list-roundup-week-5/) - Still hanging in there after five weeks. Thanks, all.
- [Operation Angus Bestseller List Roundup: Week #4](https://terryfallis.com/2021/09/28/operation-angus-bestseller-list-roundup-week-4/) - After four weeks, Operation Angus is still hanging in on the bestsellers lists. Deep thanks to all of you who have made this happen.
- [Operation Angus Bestseller List Roundup: Week #3](https://terryfallis.com/2021/09/21/operation-angus-bestseller-list-roundup-week-3/) - Here are the various bestsellers lists for the third week in the published life of Operation Angus. Very grateful.
- [Winnipeg Free Press Review](https://terryfallis.com/2021/09/18/winnipeg-free-press-review-2/) - Here's the Operation Angus review by the Winnipeg Free Press. (Breathing easier now.)
- [Operation Angus: Bestsellers List Roundup](https://terryfallis.com/2021/09/08/operation-angus-on-more-bestsellers-lists/) - I'm very happy to see Operation Angus appearing on Bestsellers lists just a week after its release. To all of you who preordered and purchased copies since it was published on August 31, thank you, thank you, thank you!
- [Operation Angus Bestseller List Roundup: Week #2](https://terryfallis.com/2021/09/15/operation-angus-bestseller-list-roundup-week-2/) - Here's the roundup of bestsellers lists for week #2 in the life of Operation Angus. Pleased to be hanging in.
- [Operation Angus hits its first Bestsellers List](https://terryfallis.com/2021/09/08/operation-angus-hits-its-first-bestsellers-list/) - My novels aren't usually (if ever) found in the "International Bestsellers" category, but you'll hear no complaints from me! Note that this is just for "New Releases." With Louise Penny and Miriam Toews releasing new novels in the last couple of weeks, I'm not expecting such a lofty position when the more traditional Canadian Fiction Bestsellers
- [Operation Angus on sale today!](https://terryfallis.com/2021/08/31/operation-angus-on-sale-today/) - Yes, it's finally here. Operation Angus is on sale today. And so it begins...
- [One week out... and looking good](https://terryfallis.com/2021/08/25/one-week-out-looking-good/) - Well, we're one week away from publication day for Operation Angus and we're sitting at #4 among the most anticipated future fiction releases by Canadian authors, according to Bookmanager. Who really knows what this means, but I believe it accounts for reader pre-orders and bookstore shipments. At any rate, I'm taking it as a good sign. As
- [Always a big moment...](https://terryfallis.com/2021/08/11/always-a-big-moment/) - Even when it's your eighth novel, laying eyes on it, and holding it in your hands, for the first time is always wonderful and a little surreal. That happened today for Operation Angus. I'm thrilled. Deep gratitude to my whole team at Penguin Random House/McClelland & Stewart for making this happen... again.
- [Invitation to the Virtual Launch of Operation Angus](https://terryfallis.com/2021/08/09/invitation-to-the-virtual-launch-of-operation-angus/) - You're all invited to the virtual launch of Operation Angus, my eighth novel that heralds the return of the accidental MP, Angus McLintock, his trusty sidekick, Daniel Addison, and the rest of the cast of characters from my first two novels, The Best Laid Plans, and The High Road. So mark Thursday, September 2, 2021
- [I'm so inspired by Wally Funk today](https://terryfallis.com/2021/07/20/im-so-inspired-by-wally-funk-today/) - This morning, I was glued to my screen watching as Blue Origin launched their first sub-orbital mission to space carrying Amazon and Blue Origin founder, Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, paying passenger 18 year-old Oliver Daemen from The Netherlands, and 82 year-old Wally Funk, one of the original Mercury 13 women who trained to
- [One day more and we've cracked the top 5](https://terryfallis.com/2021/07/16/and-one-day-more-and-weve-cracked-the-top-5/) - I was pleasantly surprised to see that Operation Angus has jumped up another spot into the Top 5 of Bookmanager's Future Canadian Fiction Releases rankings. Still more than six weeks to go until it hits bookstores. Thanks for all your pre-orders that have propelled Operation Angus up to near the top of the "most anticipated" list.
- [One day later, Operation Angus is on the move](https://terryfallis.com/2021/07/15/one-day-later-operation-angus-is-on-the-move/) - Yesterday I posted about Bookmanager's Future Canadian Fiction Releases rankings where Operation Angus had broken in the Top 10. Perhaps I should have waited another day. I checked this morning and Operation Angus has jumped from 10th to 6th in the rankings. With six weeks to go until launch, this is good news.
- [Operation Angus ranked in top 10 future releases](https://terryfallis.com/2021/07/14/operation-angus-ranked-in-top-10-future-releases/) - Bookmanager is a great resource for writers, booksellers, and publishers alike. I use it to gauge how well my novels are selling, or in this case, how much anticipation there is for my new novel, Operation Angus, that's due out at the end of August. For novels already released, Bookmanager tracks sales and ranks books accordingly,
- [3-D Version of the Cover](https://terryfallis.com/2021/05/31/3-d-version-of-the-cover/) - Just in case any of you were wondering just how the cover and spine of the novel will look in 3-D, wonder no more! Love it. Three months today Operation Angus hits bookstores.
- [Cover Reveal: Operation Angus](https://terryfallis.com/2021/04/22/cover-reveal-operation-angus/) - We've now finalized the cover for Operation Angus, my eighth novel, due in bookstores August 31, 2021. It certainly is eye-catching. I really love it. A big thanks to Matthew Flute the talented designer at McClelland & Stewart who came up with this design, and to my editor, Bhavna Chauhan, and publisher, Jared Bland, for their
- [Auction supporting Kaslo and District Public Library](https://terryfallis.com/2021/04/19/auction-supporting-kaslo-and-district-public-library/) - I'm very happy to lend a hand to the Kaslo Library to support their fundraising auction. I'm offering a Zoom talk. The auction website is here https://kaslolibrary.ca and I invite you to have a look - they have an impressive variety of items in their auction catalog. I have family who live in the Slocan Valley in
- [Dusting off my high school French](https://terryfallis.com/2020/11/12/dusting-off-my-high-school-french/) - Here's a mercifully short video in French promoting the French translation of Albatross released last month by Les Editions de l'Homme. Be gentle... https://youtu.be/dtbErxyuk_c
- [Albatross French translation lands today!](https://terryfallis.com/2020/10/08/albatross-french-translation-lands-today/) - I'm thrilled to announce that the French translation of my seventh novel, Albatross, hits bookstores today! Many thanks to my agent Beverley Slopen, our French publisher, Edition de l'Homme in Montreal, and our wonderful translator, Caroline Lavoie. Needless to say, je suis très heureux et honoré!
- [Chapter 14: April 20, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/20/chapter-14-april-20-2007/) - This week, Chapter 14, including: Daniel is late for an important meeting leaving Angus to go it alone; Angus defies the Leader and caucus; Angus closes the Sanderson Shoe deal; the House votes on the Throne Speech; Daniel dines with Lindsay and then some; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here
- [Chapter 12: April 6, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/06/chapter-12-april-6-2007/) - This week, Chapter 12 including: Angus attends his first Caucus meeting; Angus takes his place in the House before listening to the Throne Speech in the Senate; Daniel and Bradley Stanton square off over excessive media coverage of Angus; Daniel and Angus clash over what to say in the Throne Speech debate; Angus gives
- [Chapter 17: May 4, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/04/chapter-17-may-4-2007/) - This week, Chapter 17 including: The government takes an unexpected hard right turn; Angus tangles with the Speaker and the Sergeant at Arms; a troubling look inside Ottawa River Aggregate Inc.; Angus and Daniel meet with the workers; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an
- [Chapter 19: May 11, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/11/chapter-19-may-11-2007/) - This week, the final installment, Chapter 19 including: A massive snow storm brings Ottawa to its knees; the Government House Leader pulls a fast one; the call goes forth for all MPs to brave the storm and make it to the House for the mini-budget vote; Angus and Andre Fontaine share a wild ride to
- [The High Road: Chapter 14](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/27/the-high-road-chapter-14/) - This week, Chapter 14, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus tangles with the new Finance Minister, while Daniel attends a clandestine meeting with Bradley Stanton. Things start to heat up as the Throne Speech and Budget draw nearer. The music that opens each episode of the podcast is Game Day, by Jon
- [Novel #3 - Writing update](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/08/novel-3-writing-update/) - I've been asked often in the last several months whether I'm working on a third novel. I figured this is as good a time as any to give you, my small but mighty band of followers, an update on novel #3. Yes, I am writing another novel. I spent a good portion of the
- [Writing update...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/07/21/writing-update/) - Sorry for the long stretches between blog posts lately. It's been so busy at the office and with readings, talks, and festivals that I haven't been able to post as often as I'd like. Anyway, I thought it had been a while since I'd updated you on the status of novel #3. I think the
- [Writing Update: Manuscript Finished!](https://terryfallis.com/2011/10/23/writing-update-manuscript-finished/) - Six months ago to the day, I started drafting the manuscript for novel #3 (it's still untitled). Last night, at close to midnight, I actually wrote the words "The End" to complete the draft. It always feels great to bring the story full circle. It comes with a real sense of accomplishment, even though
- [Writing Update](https://terryfallis.com/2013/01/30/writing-update-2/) - Just thought I'd bring you up to date on my progress in writing my fourth novel, tentatively called No Relation. Having started the manuscript in the first week of January, I'm very happy with what I've been able to write thus far. As of today, I've written nearly 30,000 words with drafts of Chapters 1-5
- [Writing Update: No Relation (4th Novel)](https://terryfallis.com/2013/06/26/writing-update-no-relation-4th-novel/) - On January 5th, 2013, I recorded on this blog that I had officially started writing the manuscript for my fourth novel, No Relation. Well, I'm thrilled to report that two days ago, my editor, Doug Gibson, passed along the final manuscript to McClelland & Stewart for copy-editing and proofreading. In other words, the book is
- [Writing Update](https://terryfallis.com/2016/04/18/writing-update-3/) - It's been many weeks since my last post where I revealed that I'd started writing the manuscript for my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. I figured I owed you an update. As of today, I'm more than 30,000 words into the new novel and all seems to be going according to plan. Finding the time
- [If at First You Succeed is finished](https://terryfallis.com/2018/08/07/if-at-first-you-succeed-is-finished/) - It's always exciting to finish the manuscript for my next novel. It's such a journey to cook up an idea, create the characters, map out the story, and then write the novel. There is a moment of sheer relief when you type the words "The End." I say "a moment of sheer of relief" because
- [The High Road: Chapter 18](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/25/the-high-road-chapter-18/) - This week, Chapter 18, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus takes his case to the Liberal Caucus, then the Governor General reads the Speech from the Throne. The music that opens each episode of the podcast is Game Day, by Jon Schmidt, and is available at Music Alley. The voiceover at the
- [Writing Update: Chapter 1 is done...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/17/writing-update-chapter-1-is-done/) - Well, I'm out of the starting blocks. I promise not to bore you all with chapter by chapter progress reports on TBLP's sequel, but a threshold of sorts was crossed this weekend.  After spending several weeks outlining The High Road (working title only), it seemed to take me a while to get started on
- [French Edition of Albatross to be Audiobook too](https://terryfallis.com/2020/06/25/french-edition-of-albatross-to-be-audiobook/) - My publisher in Quebec has just confirmed that they will produce an audiobook to coincide with the launch of the French translation of Albatross later this fall. I'm thrilled that French book lovers will be able to choose to read or listen to Albatross. My thanks to Les Editions De L'Homme, my literary agent,
- [I've finished the Operation Angus manuscript](https://terryfallis.com/2020/05/16/ive-finished-the-operation-angus-manuscript/) - I started writing the manuscript for Operation Angus on March 27. With the Corona Virus cancelling every book-related event in my busy calendar since mid-March, I suddenly had much more writing time on my hands than I've ever had before. So I decided to seize the opportunity and commit all of that suddenly "found time"
- [French edition cover reveal](https://terryfallis.com/2020/04/25/french-edition-cover-reveal/) - As promised, here's the cover for the French translation of Albatross, published by Les Éditions de l’Homme. They've based it on the McClelland & Stewart cover and it will be published sometime this fall. It was to happen next month, in May, but the Corona Virus has thwarted those plans. I'm really looking forward to this. Albatross is
- [Corona virus bumps French translation to the fall](https://terryfallis.com/2020/04/13/corona-virus-bumps-french-translation-to-the-fall/) - The French translation of Albatross was due to be published in May. Unfortunately, the Corona virus has made this timing impossible. So we're now looking at a release sometime in the fall. I hope to be able to reveal the cover design sometime soon, so stay tuned.
- [Guess who's coming back?](https://terryfallis.com/2020/03/29/guess-whos-coming-back/) - This has not been a closely-guarded secret. In fact, I've been mentioning it when asked at talks and readings for the last few months (back before the Corona Curse when I was still touring around). But I realized yesterday as I finished writing Chapter 1 of my eighth novel, that I've never formally noted it
- [After 7 months, Albatross still a Canadian bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2020/03/20/after-7-months-albatross-still-a-canadian-bestseller/) - This afternoon, on a lark, I checked back in with Bookmanager, where you can find all of the books in Canada ranked according to the previous week's sales. Bookmanager provides the bestsellers lists for several major media outlets including CBC Books. I confess that in the weeks following the launch of my novels, I usually
- [Covid 19 cancels lots of upcoming events](https://terryfallis.com/2020/03/19/covid-19-cancels-lots-of-upcoming-events/) - The worldwide spread of the Corona Virus or Covid 19 is arguably the greatest threat to human life that our generation has confronted. I hope everyone is following the guidance health professionals are providing including social distancing, hand washing, no face-touching, and self-isolation. That is the only way we'll emerge from this crisis and eventually return
- [French translation of Albatross coming in May](https://terryfallis.com/2020/02/22/french-translation-of-albatross-coming-in-may/) - I'm thrilled to report that a French translation of Albatross will soon be released in Quebec. Les Éditions de l'Homme in Montreal secured the North American French language rights late last year. I've been working with the translator in the last month and the plan is to release the French edition in May. I'm looking forward
- [McMaster unveils gifts created by engineering grads](https://terryfallis.com/2019/12/16/mcmaster-unveils-gifts-created-by-engineering-grads/) - T'is the season! The engineering faculty of my beloved alma mater, McMaster University, recently released a list of eclectic holiday gifts all created by Mac engineering graduates. They kindly included Albatross. I loved my years at McMaster and have been fortunate enough to maintain ties with my university in the more than 35 years since
- [Lorne Rubenstein Reviews Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/11/27/lorne-rubenstein-reviews-albatross/) - The great golf writer, Lorne Rubenstein, recently reviewed Albatross for SCOREGolf. I'm grateful. Here's his take on the novel. Book Review: Albatross By: Lorne Rubenstein It’s sometimes said that when somebody is playing their best they have no swing thoughts — not a one. It’s see the shot, feel the shot, register the
- [Invited to the Ontario Legislature](https://terryfallis.com/2019/11/19/invited-to-the-ontario-legislature/) - Some of you will know that very early in my career I spent two years or so as the Legislative Assistant to the Honourable Robert Nixon, the Ontario Treasurer (now called the Finance Minister). I was in my mid-twenties then and had the time of my life on his political staff during the reign of
- [Literary Review of Canada Reviews Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/10/29/literary-review-of-canada-reviews-albatross/) - I was pleased to see and then read this thoughtful review of Albatross in the Literary Review of Canada. Read on...
- [A nice piece in the London Free Press](https://terryfallis.com/2019/10/28/a-nice-piece-in-the-london-free-press/) - In anticipation of my visit to the London Words festival this coming weekend, veterans arts reporter Joe Belanger has written this very nice piece for the London Free Press.
- [A thorn between two Atwood roses](https://terryfallis.com/2019/09/12/a-thorn-between-two-atwood-roses/) - Now that The Testaments, Margaret Atwood's much-anticipated sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, has arrived, hot on the heels of Louise Penny's latest blockbuster, I'm thrilled to be still in the bestseller mix. This is the top ten list of Canadian fiction bestsellers according to Bookmanager as of this day. It's a veritable "who's who" of CanLit with
- [Update on Albatross as a Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/30/update-on-albatross-as-a-bestseller/) - Albatross continues to hang in there on most bestsellers' lists. Any way you slice it, I'm one lucky novelist. There should be a shake-up next week with Louise Penny's new book landing. I suspect she'll be atop the charts very shortly. But it's been very nice while it lasted! Anyway, here's an Albatross bestseller update
- [Nice piece in several PostMedia papers](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/30/nice-piece-in-several-postmedia-papers/) - Here's nice interview I did with Jamie Portman, an arts reporter with PostMedia (National Post and many other papers across the country).
- [Albatross now at #3 on Globe Bestseller List](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/23/albatross-now-at-3-on-globe-bestseller-list/) - Last week Albatross entered the Globe and Mail Bestsellers list at #10. One week later (and only two weeks since it was published) the novel has somehow risen to #3. This is very encouraging and I'm thankful for the work of my team at McClelland & Stewart and for the support of readers across the country who have
- [Number 3 on the Toronto Star Bestsellers List](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/22/number-3-on-the-toronto-star-bestsellers-list/) - Thank you all who have picked up Albatross already. You're clearly moving the needle! The novel has opened at number three on the Toronto Star Bestseller list one week after launch. I couldn't be happier or more grateful.
- [My interview on CBC-Radio's q](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/20/my-interview-on-cbc-radios-q/) - I had a great time this morning being interviewed on CBC Radio's flagship arts and culture program, q, with guest host Ali Hassan. He did a wonderful job of making me feel relaxed. It was like we were just having a conversation over lunch except there was no lunch but there were headphones. My thanks to
- [Albatross is a CBC Books #1 Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/20/albatross-is-the-cbc-books-1-bestseller/) - A tweet caught my eye as it flashed by in my Twitter stream. I took a closer look and was glad I did. Here's the lovely tweet: What a thrill. Seems as if Albatross has taken flight (pun intended) and I couldn't be happier. When I clicked through on the link in the tweet, it
- [Globe and Mail reviews Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/19/globe-and-mail-reviews-albatross/) - It's always nice to make the Globe and Mail! The takeaway line for me in this mini-review: "This novel has a fable-like quality and philosophical depths that Fallis plumbs with a deceptive subtlety." Having seldom been known for being either deceptive or subtle in my writing, I'm very happy with this. It's still early days,
- [Albatross is now a #1 National Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/19/albatross-is-now-a-1-national-bestseller/) - I've been pleasantly surprised (Okay, I'm over the moon) with how well Albatross is being received now that it's out and in bookstores. This morning, less than a week since its publication date, it hit #1 on the Bookmanager Canadian Fiction Bestsellers List. Quite a thrill.
- [Winnipeg Free Press Reviews Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/17/winnipeg-free-press-reviews-albatross/) - I've been very fortunate with reviews from the Winnipeg Free Press over the years. The tradition continues and I'm grateful.
- [Albatross is a Globe and Mail Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/16/albatross-is-a-globe-and-mail-bestseller/) - So thrilled to learn this morning from my wonderful editor at McClelland & Stewart, Bhavna Chauhan, that Albatross has cracked the Globe and Mail Bestsellers list just three days after it hit bookstores. I'm over the moon. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen so soon after publication. Onwards!
- [Toronto Star Reviews Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/08/07/toronto-star-reviews-albatross/) - It's always nice when a major media outlet reviews your novel. It's even nicer when you and your novel survive the experience. I'm grateful.
- [Albatross still climbing the rankings...](https://terryfallis.com/2019/07/11/albatross-still-heading-up-the-rankings/) - I've been monitoring Bookmanager these last few weeks to see how Albatross is faring in the "future releases, Canadian author, fiction" category. It's been climbing the charts and recently took another bump up the list where it now sits as the fourth most-anticipated novel soon to be released by a Canadian author. I'm just using
- [Librarians across Canada support Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/07/11/librarians-across-canada-support-albatross/) - Loanstars is a program that promotes the ten most anticipated books each month, as chosen by librarians across Canada. What an honour to discover that Albatross is on the Loanstars August list. I'm grateful for public libraries and the librarians who bring them to life. They do so much to promote reading and writers in Canada. I would have
- [Positive early signs for Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/06/18/positive-early-signs-for-albatross/) - I've always found Bookmanager to be an easy way to follow how well my books are doing in the weeks leading up to, and the months following, publication. It provides the sales data for the CBC Books Bestsellers List and many other bestsellers lists. But it also tracks preorders and ranks the most anticipated books
- [Here's the full cover art for Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/05/13/heres-the-full-cover-art-for-albatross/) - I'm not suggesting you'll be able to read the cover copy, but you can at least see how the book will look when it arrives in stores in August. I'm very happy with it, but book cover design is such a subjective world. We just wanted it to be arresting so that readers notice it
- [The legendary Alan Bradley blurbs Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/05/09/the-legendary-alan-bradley-blurbs-albatross/) - Unless you've been living in the untouched wilds of Borneo for the last decade, you've almost certainly heard of Alan Bradley and his internationally bestselling Flavia de Luce series. He took the book world by storm in 2009 when the first in the Flavia series, The Sweetness at the bottom of the Pie, was published and hit almost
- [The wonderful Amy Jones blurbs Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/05/08/the-wonderful-amy-jones-blurbs-albatross/) - Nationally bestselling novelist Amy Jones, who was a finalist for the Leacock Medal for her debut novel, We're All in This Together, has kindly provided an endorsement for Albatross that will appear on the back cover of the book when it's published this August. Amy is a wonderful writer and I loved her first novel. Her
- [Albatross will be an audiobook, but...](https://terryfallis.com/2019/05/06/albatross-will-be-an-audiobook-but/) - I've had quite a few emails and social media queries about when the Albatross podcast will start, so I think it's time to break some news. After producing the podcast editions of my first six novels on my own, underwriting their hosting, and giving them away for free on iTunes and on this blog, I've
- [Rock star writer Linwood Barclay blurbs Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/05/01/rockstar-writer-linwood-barclay-blurbs-albatross/) - If you're a fan of topnotch thrillers, you'll know the name Linwood Barclay. He is a New York Times and internationally bestselling thriller writer who is likely as well known around the world as he is in Canada. He's also a very nice guy. We've appeared at a few events together and I've always enjoyed
- [Cover reveal for Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/04/28/cover-reveal-for-albatross/) - As promised, here is the cover design for my seventh novel, Albatross, to be released on August 13th. The goal of any cover is to reach out from bookstore shelves, grab readers by the lapels as they walk past, and force them to take a closer look. I think this cover scores very well on
- [The new title of my seventh novel is: Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/2019/04/16/the-new-title-of-my-seventh-novel-is-albatross/) - A few weeks back, I promised to unveil the new title for my seventh novel, due in bookstores on August 13. The original title I'd come up with was If at First You Succeed. I liked the wry little twist on this common phrase. But it is a mouthful. My editor, the wonderful Bhavna Chauhan
- [A new title for novel #7 is coming soon...](https://terryfallis.com/2019/03/12/a-new-title-for-novel-7-is-coming-soon/) - Just wanted to let you know that shortly I'll be unveiling a new title for my seventh novel, due out in mid-August. My editor at McClelland & Stewart and I just decided that there was a better and more meaningful title, though I like the sentiment captured in the original. It shouldn't be too much
- [Editing If at First You Succeed](https://terryfallis.com/2018/11/06/update-on-if-at-first-you-succeed/) - I've been working closely with my editor at McClelland & Stewart, Bhavna Chauhan, to edit the manuscript for my seventh novel, tentatively known as If at First You Succeed. It's been tough slogging but the novel is much better now than it was before this editing stage. I should have the revised manuscript back to her in the
- [Up and Down: Chapter 9](https://terryfallis.com/2012/07/28/up-and-down-chapter-9/) - In Chapter 9, David and his sister Lauren, make their mother's final arrangements. Then, David makes a few arrangements of his own. Next week Chapter 10 as all hell breaks loose, when Sarah Nesbitt's story breaks loose. The voiceover that opens each podcast episode was provided by my friend, Roger Dey. Comments are always welcome
- [We have lift-off on my seventh novel](https://terryfallis.com/2018/05/04/we-have-lift-off-on-my-seventh-novel/) - I've been remiss by waiting so long to post about the state of my seventh novel, If at First You Succeed. Actually, being remiss is kind of a perpetual state of being for me these days. It's a busy time. But the good news is, I'm deep into writing the manuscript for my seventh novel. I've
- [My Maclean's piece about Trump's demise](https://terryfallis.com/2017/08/28/my-macleans-piece-about-trumps-demise/) - The folks at Maclean's asked a few writers to speculate on how the Trump presidency might end. Here's what I came up with. A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis is the award-winning author of six national bestsellers, including his latest novel, One Brother Shy, all published by McClelland & Stewart.
- [Toronto Star Reviews One Brother Shy](https://terryfallis.com/2017/07/24/toronto-star-reviews-one-brother-shy/) - Note: Several plot spoilers in this review Twins reunite in quest to find father in One Brother Shy In One Brother Shy by Terry Fallis, the search for family is also a tale of self-discovery. Aficionados of novelist Terry Fallis’s fiction could be forgiven for thinking his new novel, One Brother Shy, might be the
- [Iceland Writers Retreat next April!](https://terryfallis.com/2017/07/04/iceland-writers-retreat-next-april/) - What a thrill to be invited to serve on the faculty of the 2018 Iceland Writers Retreat next April. I've known other writers who have attended this wonderful and respected retreat and they rave about it and the country. I have wanted to visit this special place for many years now, not just because of
- [Global Television appearance](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/28/global-television-appearance/) - I was lucky enough a couple weeks ago to appear on Global Television's popular national morning show. I was a little nervous though I hope it doesn't show. (To watch it, click on the graphic below.)
- [One Brother Shy is a #1 Canadian Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/23/one-brother-shy-is-a-1-canadian-bestseller/) - What a thrill it was to discover this morning that One Brother Shy has ascended to #1 on the CBC Books Canadian Fiction Bestsellers list. This is wonderful news and I'm grateful to everyone who has supported this novel including readers, booksellers, and my great team at McClelland & Stewart. Update: According to the Telegraph-Journal,
- [One Brother Shy on The Morning Show](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/13/one-brother-shy-on-the-morning-show/) - It was fun to appear on Global Television's The Morning Show earlier today to talk about One Brother Shy. The butterflies in my gut kindly flew in formation. (Click on the photo or the link to watch it.)
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 15](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/09/one-brother-shy-chapter-15/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 15 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy, published by McClelland & Stewart, May 2017.
- [I love independent bookstores!](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/09/i-love-independent-bookstores/) - I've had so much support from independent bookstores since beginning this writing odyssey more than a decade ago. And it continues. It seems One Brother Shy is being well-received by customers and staff of independent booksellers. I'm deeply in their debt and cannot thank them enough.
- [One Brother Shy hits the Bestsellers List](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/07/one-brother-shy-hits-the-bestsellers-list/) - I was thrilled to wake up this morning to discover that One Brother Shy has hit the Paperback Bestsellers list. I'm honoured to have Margaret Atwood ahead of me. That feels like a big win to me. It's also very cool to see just how many Canadian writers are on the list. Two-thirds of the
- [One Brother Shy on CBC Books Bestseller List](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/07/one-brother-shy-on-cbc-books-bestseller-list/) - CBC Books just released their Canadian Fiction Bestseller List for the week of May 28-June 3. One Brother Shy sits nicely at #3. I couldn't be happier. Thanks to everyone who rushed out and picked up a copy as soon as it was released.
- [Winnipeg Free Press Review](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/04/winnipeg-free-press-review/) - The first few weeks after a new novel drops, it's always a rather anxious time as you await reviews from readers and critics alike. The response to One Brother Shy from readers, as reflected in the reviews on Goodreads, has been generally quite positive. But you also worry about what the critics will say. The
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 14](https://terryfallis.com/2017/06/02/one-brother-shy-chapter-14/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 14 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy.
- [Happy publication day!](https://terryfallis.com/2017/05/30/happy-publication-day/) - Today, One Brother Shy is officially published and hits bookstores across the country. Even though it's only been about 18 months since Poles Apart was released in October 2015, it feels like a much longer stretch. This is the sixth time I've experienced a "publication day" and you might think I'd be getting accustomed to it
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 11](https://terryfallis.com/2017/05/12/one-brother-shy-chapter-11/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. In Chapter 11, Matt and Alex leave Moscow as the search for their father narrows to London. Of course, your comments on One Brother Shy are always welcome here on the blog. You can also follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis) or send me an email to tfallis@gmail.com. The
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 10](https://terryfallis.com/2017/05/05/one-brother-shy-chapter-10/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. In Chapter 10, Matt and Alex, with Dimitri in tow, head to Yaroslavl in search of the man they think just might be their father. Of course, your comments on One Brother Shy are always welcome here on the blog. You can also follow me on
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 9](https://terryfallis.com/2017/04/28/one-brother-shy-chapter-9/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 9 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy, published by McClelland & Stewart in May 2017.
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 8](https://terryfallis.com/2017/04/21/one-brother-shy-chapter-8/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 8 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy.
- [Gulf Islands Reading Tour](https://terryfallis.com/2017/04/17/gulf-islands-reading-tour/) - To kick off the promotion of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy, I'll be touring the Gulf Islands off the coast of BC starting this coming Saturday. I'll be talking about and reading from One Brother Shy in seven public libraries over seven days, courtesy of the Island Link Library Federation, the Canada Council for the
- [On Brother Shy: Chapter 7](https://terryfallis.com/2017/04/14/on-brother-shy-chapter-7/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 8 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy.
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 5](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/31/one-brother-shy-chapter-5/) - Welcome to the podcast edition of One Brother Shy. In Chapter 5, Alex uses his Facetech Gold facial recognition software to locate his identical twin brother
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 4](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/24/one-brother-shy-chapter-4/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. In Chapter 4, Alex's mother is laid to rest and he tries to crack the code on his twin brother's identity. Of course, your comments on One Brother Shy are always welcome here on the blog. You can also follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis)
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 3](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/17/one-brother-shy-chapter-3/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 3 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy, published by McClelland & Stewart in May 2017.
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 2](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/13/one-brother-shy-chapter-2/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 2 from his sixth novel, One Brother Shy, published by McClelland & Stewart in May 2017.
- [One Brother Shy: Chapter 1](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/13/one-brother-shy-chapter-1/) - Terry Fallis reads Chapter 1 of his sixth novel, One Brother Shy published by McClelland & Stewart in May 2017.
- [Nice to be on the Premier's nightstand](https://terryfallis.com/2017/03/11/nice-to-be-on-the-premiers-nightstand/) - A bookstore in Guelph tweeted this photo earlier this week. I'm honoured that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, whose judgement I have always admired (now even more so!), decided to pick up two of my humble novels. Proud to be on the Premier's nightstand.
- [Lucky me! The blurb parade continues](https://terryfallis.com/2017/02/22/lucky-me-the-blurb-parade-continues/) - I've been so fortunate to have received several very positive endorsements from writers I respect and admire. The latest is from the 2016 winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Susan Juby. I'm honoured. Here's her lovely blurb that will appear somewhere on One Brother Shy when it appears in bookstores at the end of
- [Two more blurbs for One Brother Shy](https://terryfallis.com/2017/02/20/two-more-blurbs-for-one-brother-shy/) - I'm honoured that Joseph Kertes, the Leacock Medal-winning author of The Afterlife of Stars that just received a rave review in The New York Times Book Review has read One Brother Shy and offered up the head-swelling blurb below. As well, I'm also grateful that the hilarious Steve Patterson, host of CBC-Radio's The Debaters and author
- [Coffee with Mariel Hemingway (not kidding)](https://terryfallis.com/2016/09/02/coffee-with-mariel-hemingway-not-kidding/) - A week or so ago I received an email from Linda Leatherdale, the former Business Editor at the Toronto Sun who is now running marketing for Cambria Canada, a major international supplier of natural stone surfaces for kitchens. Linda kindly wrote that she'd read and loved all my novels and had an interesting opportunity to propose. Mariel
- [Stuart McLean 1948-2017](https://terryfallis.com/2017/02/16/stuart-mclean-1948-2017/) - It's certainly a sad day in the humour-writing world after learning that Stuart McLean, the three-time Leacock Medal winner, wonderful storyteller, and creator of the Vinyl Cafe had passed away. To me, he reflected, and perfected, a very Canadian sense of humour that was gentler, often self-deprecating, never mean, frequently moving, and always funny. He
- [First blurb is in for One Brother Shy](https://terryfallis.com/2017/02/01/first-blurb-is-in-for-one-brother-shy/) - I'm thrilled that Gary Barwin, the brilliant and funny author of Yiddish for Pirates, a Giller Prize and Governor-Generals Award finalist, has offered up a lovely blurb about One Brother Shy. At least a phrase or two will likely appear on the front or back covers when my sixth novel hits bookstores in late May. I'm always
- [Ten years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2017/01/05/ten-years-later/) - Early January is traditionally when I take a reflective look back across the preceding year and give thanks for all the good fortune that still seems to be trailing me around in my now ten year old life as a novelist. I do find it hard to believe that a decade has elapsed since I
- [On sale date advanced for One Brother Shy](https://terryfallis.com/2016/11/28/on-sale-date-advanced-for-one-brother-shy/) - I'm pleased to report that the powers that be at McClelland & Stewart have advanced the publication date for One Brother Shy from June 20th to May 30th. Yay! The earlier the better.
- [The cover art for One Brother Shy](https://terryfallis.com/2016/11/22/the-cover-art-for-one-brother-shy/) - Well here it is, the cover art for my sixth novel, One Brother Shy, due in bookstores in June 2017. Clearly Penguin Random House/McClelland & Stewart is trying to give my novels a certain recognizable look and feel, as this design is similar to the covers of my last two novels. My deep gratitude to
- [One Brother Shy is finished!](https://terryfallis.com/2016/07/26/one-brother-shy-is-finished/) - True to my pledge, I'm doing my best to keep you all up to date on the progress of my sixth novel, One Brother Shy. I started the actual writing of this manuscript back in early March, having spent the preceding six months or so conceiving the story and then mapping it out in what eventually became an
- [Thrilled to sign on with M&S for two more novels](https://terryfallis.com/2016/06/27/thrilled-to-sign-on-with-ms-for-two-more-novels/) - This has been in the works for a while now, but it's just being announced today. I'm happy to report that I recently signed a contract with McClelland & Stewart for two more novels. The first, One Brother Shy, will be published sometime in 2017, while the second, (whatever it ends up being!) should be out
- [A wonderful evening with Margaret Atwood](https://terryfallis.com/2016/06/15/a-wonderful-evening-with-margaret-atwood/) - I'm a little tardy recording this memorable event, but better late than never. Back in May, Margaret Atwood invited me to be the speaker at an annual fundraiser in Windsor in support of the Pelee Island Bird Observatory, an organization to which Margaret and her husband, Graeme Gibson, are deeply committed. I was honoured to be there.
- [Susan Juby wins 2016 Leacock Medal](https://terryfallis.com/2016/06/13/susan-juby-wins-2016-leacock-medal/) - What a weekend we just had in Orillia. For the first time in the 69 year history of the Leacock Medal, the winner was not announced until the night of the annual Leacock Gala this past Saturday. The three finalists, Susan Juby, Sarah Mian, and I, were stressing out the entire evening as the crowd
- [Poles Apart is a Finalist for the 2016 Leacock Medal](https://terryfallis.com/2016/05/06/poles-apart-is-a-finalist-for-the-2016-leacock-medal/) - I'm having trouble breathing right now. I just discovered that Poles Apart is one of three finalists for the 2016 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. I can hardly believe it. I was thrilled to be on the long list unveiled last week, but had convinced myself that I would not be among the finalists
- [2016 Leacock Long List includes Poles Apart](https://terryfallis.com/2016/04/26/2016-leacock-long-list-includes-poles-apart/) - I was thrilled to learn yesterday that Poles Apart has been long listed for the 2016 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. I'm in great company this year with Patrick DeWitt, Charlie Demers, Stuart McLean, and Susan Juby all in the running, along with some other fine writers. The short list of three will be unveiled on Friday,
- [I've started writing the manuscript for novel #6](https://terryfallis.com/2016/03/05/ive-started-writing-novel-6/) - Yes, it's time to dust off my traditional starting blocks metaphor, that I think I've used for nearly all of my novels. How very creative of me. It may be tired and shopworn, but it feels like the perfect analogy for my writing process. Olympic sprinters train for a very long time just so they can then
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 16](https://terryfallis.com/2015/11/11/poles-apart-chapter-16/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel published by McClelland & Stewart. This week, the final chapter. We skip ahead three months as Everett heads to California on a mission in memory of Beverley Tanner, and then he pays a visit to the person who started all of this in the first
- [A new edition of No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2016/01/12/a-new-edition-of-no-relation/) - I just received a few copies of the new edition of No Relation. It's due to hit bookstores in the next couple of weeks. I'll miss the bears on the front cover of the original edition, but it seems the folks at McClelland & Stewart are trying to create a common look for my novels as
- [Globe and Mail reviews Poles Apart](https://terryfallis.com/2015/12/19/globe-and-mail-reviews-poles-apart/) - When the Globe and Mail review of your novel is longer than expected, it's even harder to read the entire piece while holding your breath. I was very happy after I exhaled. To save you from squinting to read the review in the image above, here's what went down in the paper: Check your privilege
- [Poles Apart Bestsellers List Roundup](https://terryfallis.com/2015/11/11/poles-apart-bestsellers-list-roundup/) - In the first few weeks of its life, it's been very gratifying to see Poles Apart grace a number of bestsellers lists in various positions. I just wanted to note them here for posterity's sake, as this blog is a kind of digital scrapbook of my writing life. Here's hoping Poles Apart hangs on for
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 14](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/31/poles-apart-chapter-14/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart. This week, Everett flies to Washington D.C. to put Beverley's plan into action. Then in the glare of the media, he goes public to keep Mason Bennington at bay. Of course, your comments on Poles Apart are always welcome here
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 15](https://terryfallis.com/2015/11/05/poles-apart-chapter-15/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart. This week, Everett entertains a job offer, is laid low by some very bad news, and launches a hail Mary in a bid to reconnect with Megan Cook. Of course, your comments on Poles Apart are always welcome here on
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 13](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/23/poles-apart-chapter-13/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart. This week, Everett comes face-to-face with Mason Bennington. Lewis does a number on Ev. And Beverley cooks up a plan to help Everett out of a very sticky situation. Of course, your comments on Poles Apart are always
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 12](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/16/poles-apart-chapter-12/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart next week. This week, Everett's role in the Eve of Equality blog is finally uncovered. He is stalked and caught by one of Mason Bennington's henchmen, and finally, Everett discovers there's been an intruder in his apartment.
- [Happy Poles Apart Publication Day](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/21/happy-poles-apart-publication-day/) - Yesterday, Poles Apart officially became a book on its formal release date. You should now be able to find it in bookstores across the country. I celebrated last night by helping our ball hockey team, and I use the word "helping" loosely, win our second consecutive championship before heading off to the hospital ER to
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 11](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/09/poles-apart-chapter-11/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart in just a couple of weeks. This week, Everett and Megan have dinner together, he almost comes clean about the blog, and it seems someone is very committed to discovering exactly who writes Eve of Equality.
- [Taiwan edition of No Relation to be released](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/07/taiwan-edition-of-no-relation-to-be-released/) - The Taiwan edition of No Relation hits bookstores in, as you might expect, Taiwan, on October 21st, just one day after my fifth novel, Poles Apart, is released in Canada. And no, I have no idea why we landed a publishing deal in Taiwan, I mean beyond the tireless efforts of my literary agent, Beverley
- [No Relation to get new cover for 2nd edition](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/05/no-relation-to-get-new-cover-for-2nd-edition/) - The second edition of No Relation is due to be released in paperback form (with no flaps) on April 26, 2016. While I love the front cover of the original edition and its clever bear metaphor, I quite like the new cover the design wizards at McClelland & Stewart have come up with. As I
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 10](https://terryfallis.com/2015/10/01/poles-apart-chapter-10/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel, published by McClelland & Stewart. This week, The Eve of Equality blog breaks through into the mainstream media, Everett tries his hand at babysitting, and then misreads a certain situation with Shawna Hawkins. Of course, your comments on Poles Apart are always welcome here on the blog. You
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 9](https://terryfallis.com/2015/09/26/poles-apart-chapter-9/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel, published by McClelland & Stewart. This week, Everett unexpectedly hangs out with Mason Bennington's lawyer, signs a book deal, and lands a date. Of course, your comments on Poles Apart are always welcome here on the blog. You can also follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis)
- [The Best Laid Plans: A Musical](https://terryfallis.com/2015/09/17/the-best-laid-plans-a-musical/) - It's been four years in the making, but opening night is just two days away. This is the novel that keeps on giving. After the CBC Television miniseries, I never dreamed I'd be flying with my family to Vancouver for the premiere of The Best Laid Plans: A Musical. But we leave tomorrow morning. We'll attend
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 7](https://terryfallis.com/2015/09/12/poles-apart-chapter-7/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel, to be published by McClelland & Stewart next month. This week, Beverley Tanner figures out just who is writing the Eve of Equality blog, Mason Bennington raises his voice, and Everett spends some more quality time with Shawna Hawkins. Of course your comments
- [I've officially started writing novel #3](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/23/ive-officially-started-writing-novel-3/) - After a couple years with the idea steeping in my brainpan, and a few months outlining the story, yesterday, I officially started writing novel #3. It is such a relief to be out of the starting blocks. (I've just discovered that this is not my first use of the track and field metaphor. Check out
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 6](https://terryfallis.com/2015/09/04/poles-apart-chapter-6/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel, to be published by McClelland & Stewart in about six weeks. This week, Everett finally discovers what's going on in the establishment below his apartment. He also has an encounter with Wonder Woman before spending some time with his mother in the rarefied air
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 5](https://terryfallis.com/2015/08/28/poles-apart-chapter-5/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel. This week, Everett's mother makes a surprise visit to the hospital to visit her ex-husband, and then all hell breaks loose in Ev's online world. Of course, your comments are welcome here on the blog. Feel free to send me an email
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 4](https://terryfallis.com/2015/08/20/poles-apart-chapter-4/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel. This week, Everett maps out his return to the feminist crusade, and then spends more time getting to know the aging feminist icon, Beverley Tanner. Of course, your comments are always welcome here on the blog, or via email to tfallis@gmail.com. You're also
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 3](https://terryfallis.com/2015/08/15/poles-apart-chapter-3/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart. This week, with his interest in feminism rekindled through meeting aging feminist icon, Beverley Tanner, Everett rejoins the fight for equality while the construction work in his building actually enters his own apartment. Incidentally, the photo above is of my own first U.S. edition of
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 2](https://terryfallis.com/2015/08/09/poles-apart-chapter-2/) - Welcome back to the podcast edition of Poles Apart. In this episode, Everett heads down to Orlando to help his father recover from a stroke and is caught off guard by a chance meeting with one of his father's fellow patients at the rehab hospital. Here's Chapter 2. Of course, your comments are always welcome here on the
- [Poles Apart: Chapter 1](https://terryfallis.com/2015/08/03/poles-apart-chapter-1/) - Welcome to the first chapter in the podcast edition of Poles Apart, my fifth novel, published by McClelland & Stewart and due in bookstores in October, 2015. It's the comic tale of a young man with an unusual but serious commitment to feminism. he has certainly not chosen an easy path, and as usual,
- [Poles Apart cover unveiled](https://terryfallis.com/2015/07/02/poles-apart-cover-unveiled/) - Well, here you go! As promised, I'm proud to unveil the cover for my fifth novel, Poles Apart, due to hit bookstores on October 20th. I think the design team at Random House/McClelland & Stewart, led by Scott Richardson, have done a great job on the cover. It's playful and cryptic, and captures the tone and
- [The Leacock Medal: Humbled in Orillia](https://terryfallis.com/2015/04/30/the-leacock-medal-humbled-in-orillia/) - I didn't think I could be any more shocked than when I miraculously won the 2008 Leacock Medal for The Best Laid Plans. Wrong. When my name was called from the podium this afternoon in Orillia as the winner of the 2015 Leacock Medal for No Relation, I really didn't know what had hit
- [No Relation to be published in Taiwan](https://terryfallis.com/2014/07/29/no-relation-to-be-published-in-taiwan/) - Well, it's official. Last week, we inked our first foreign publishing deal through the international network of my wonderful agent, Beverley Slopen. The respected publishing house Shui-Ling Culture and Books will translate the novel and publish it for the Taiwanese market. They hope to use the same cover design. My heartfelt thanks to Beverley Slopen
- [The 2015 Leacock Medal Shortlist - I'm honoured](https://terryfallis.com/2015/04/01/the-2015-leacock-medal-shortlist-im-honoured/) - Up in Orillia this morning, the wonderful folks who kindle the Leacock flame in this country unveiled the shortlist for the 2015 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, one of Canada's oldest literary awards. I was thrilled to see No Relation on the shortlist along with some very funny books by some very accomplished
- [Poles Apart manuscript is finished...](https://terryfallis.com/2014/12/14/poles-apart-manuscript-is-finished/) - It's always nice, even a thrill, to write the words "The End" at the bottom of the page. I finished the manuscript for my fifth novel, Poles Apart, last night. It comes in at just under 98,000 words, and so is a touch longer than my last novel, No Relation. I wish this meant I
- [Eight years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2014/12/31/eight-years-later/) - It's hard to believe, but eight years after writing my first blog post in this space, it's time for my annual look back across the past year to reflect on how fortunate I've been in my writing life: It was a very busy year on the talks/readings front. I gave 142 talks and/or readings in
- [My talk to the Ontario Writers' Conference](https://terryfallis.com/2014/10/29/my-talk-to-the-ontario-writers-conference/) - Earlier this year, I was invited to give the closing address at the Ontario Writers' Conference. It was not one of the standard talks I often give about one or another of my books or my strange journey to the published land. So I was a little nervous about it. Anyway, for what it's worth,
- [Update: TBLP - the stage musical](https://terryfallis.com/2014/10/27/update-tblp-the-stage-musical/) - Yesterday, at the Vancouver Writers Fest, I had the honour of participating on a panel discussing the adaptation of my first novel, The Best Laid Plans to the stage as a musical. This has been underway for over two years, now. But it's really happening. It will premiere in September of 2015 at the
- [Tag, I'm it, on the CanLit Blog Hop](https://terryfallis.com/2014/09/01/tag-im-it-on-the-canlit-blog-hop/) - My friend and fellow writer Farzana Doctor 'tagged' me for this CanLit blog hop challenge. No ice bucket is required. I'm to answer the four questions below (check), and then 'tag' two other writers (still working on it) to take the challenge. So here goes: 1. What am I working on? I'm about 20,000 words
- [I'm out of the blocks on my 5th novel...](https://terryfallis.com/2014/08/20/im-out-of-the-blocks-on-my-5th-novel/) - Looking back through the archives of this blog, I seem to have a tradition of announcing when I've actually started writing the manuscript for each of my novels. You see, the writing is the very last step in the process for me. I spend a long time, many months, concocting the story, mapping it out,
- [Hanging in on the bestsellers list](https://terryfallis.com/2014/07/28/hanging-in-on-the-bestsellers-list/) - No Relation has now been on the market for ten weeks. So you can imagine how thrilled I am that for the tenth straight week, it's still hanging in there on the Globe and Mail Bestsellers list. Honoured, humbled, and grateful.
- [Kicking Off the STELLAA Blog Tour](https://terryfallis.com/2012/09/08/kicking-off-the-stellaa-blog-tour/) - I'm very pleased to be participating in the STELLAAÂ blog tour in support of literacy and education projects in sub-Saharan Africa. It's a great organization committed to a very worthy cause. STELLAA! STELLAA! STELLAA. That's right, STELLAA. Why not shout it? STELLAA! I know what you're thinking, and no, Marlon Brando is not about to
- [A No Relation Book Trailer](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/27/a-no-relation-book-trailer/) - Book trailers are all the rage these days in the publishing world. My great publisher, Random House/McClelland & Stewart has just produced this book trailer for No Relation. I think it captures the spirit and tone of the novel very well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUPO1FKetmY
- [No Relation is a Number One Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/23/no-relation-is-a-number-one-bestseller/) - I think this may be the first time a novel of mine has occupied the top spot on the bestsellers list. I doubt it will happen often, so I've commemorated it here for posterity's sake. The source is the official bestsellers list of the Canadian Booksellers Association (part of the Retail Council of Canada). No
- [National Post reviews No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/13/national-post-reviews-no-relation/) - Here's the review of No Relation that will appear in the National Post on Saturday, June 14, 2014. My stomach is always in knots when I know a major media outlet is reviewing one of my novels. But those knots are untangled now. No Relation By Terry Fallis McClelland & Stewart 395 pp; $22.95 Only
- [Montreal Gazette Reviews No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/04/montreal-gazette-reviews-no-relation/) - While I was in Montreal for a day last week, I sat down with Bill Brownstein of the Montreal Gazette. A photographer was also there, just to add a little more stress. Anyway, Bill was wonderful and the resulting article/review in today's Gazette is faithfully reproduced below. (Breathing a little easier now...) Terry Fallis
- [No Relation: Chapter 16](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/11/no-relation-chapter-16/) - Here's Chapter 16 of No Relation, my new novel published by McClelland & Stewart. In this penultimate episode, Hem and Marie cross another threshold in their budding relationship, and Hem's father and sister arrive unexpectedly for an important family meeting. You're invited to follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis), leave a comment here on the blog, or drop
- [No Relation: Chapter 15](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/04/no-relation-chapter-15/) - Here's Chapter 15 of No Relation, my new novel published by McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, there's a major confrontation at The Hemmingwear Company, followed by a media briefing. Then, Mario Andretti tries to pass his driver's test a record fifth time. You're invited to follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis), leave a comment here on the
- [Week 2: Climbing up the Globe Bestseller List](https://terryfallis.com/2014/06/01/week-2-climbing-up-the-globe-list/) - I was surprised and delighted to see that No Relation had climbed from number five on last week's Globe and Mail Bestsellers list to number two this week. Only Joseph Boyden's The Orenda is ahead of No Relation, and I suspect always will be. I'm honoured to be on the same list with my friend Joseph
- [Today's the day: No Relation is published](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/20/todays-the-day-no-relation-is-published/) - May 20, 2014 seemed a long way off when I finished the manuscript for No Relation late last summer. But it's here, now. My thanks to my friend and editor, Douglas Gibson, my publisher, McClelland & Stewart, my awesome publicist, Frances Bedford, and my wonderful agent, Beverley Slopen, for making this happen. And of course
- [No Relation: Chapter 14](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/28/no-relation-chapter-14/) - Here's Chapter 14 of No Relation, my new novel published by McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Hem and his sister, Sarah, confront their father with compelling evidence that something is afoot that threatens the very future of The Hemmingwear Company. You're invited to follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis), leave a comment here on the blog, or
- [No Relation a Globe and Mail Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/24/no-relation-a-globe-and-mail-bestseller/) - It was thrilling to learn yesterday that just three days after being published, No Relation debuted at number five on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list. I well remember when Up and Down was published, it opened at number seven. So this feels good. Of course, it happened because so many friends, family, and yes,
- [No Relation: Chapter 13](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/20/no-relation-chapter-13/) - Here's Chapter 13 of No Relation, my new novel published this very day by McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, at Sarah's urging, Hem goes all clock and dagger with a little help from Hat and Mario Andretti to try to divine just what might be going on inside the Hemmingwear Company. Then it's off to Chicago
- [Humbled by my university...](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/09/humbled-by-my-university/) - Last night, my wife, Nancy, and I got all dressed up for a big formal shindig in Hamilton. It was the annual Applause and Accolades awards dinner for McMaster University's Faculty of Engineering. Though it may seem strange to some, I earned my degree in mechanical engineering from McMaster and have always been proud to
- [No Relation: Chapter 11](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/07/no-relation-chapter-11/) - Here's Chapter 11 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem says goodbye to Marie Antoinette in Paris and heads for Pamplona, Spain, for the running of the bulls, a passion of Ernest Hemingway's. Then he meets Hat in Miami and the two travel to
- [No Relation: Chapter 10](https://terryfallis.com/2014/05/01/no-relation-chapter-10/) - Here's Chapter 10 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem meets Marie Antoinette in Paris for the second leg of the Ernest Hemingway Exorcism World Tour. You're invited to follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis), leave a comment here on the blog, or drop me
- [The first copy of No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2014/04/25/the-first-copy-of-no-relation/) - It's always a thrill when the first copy of your new book arrives. This is the fourth time I've had this experience and it never gets old. I found a package from Random House waiting for me at home last night and had an idea of what might be inside. I ripped it open and
- [No Relation: Chapter 9](https://terryfallis.com/2014/04/23/no-relation-chapter-9/) - Here's Chapter 9 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem heads to Toronto with Professor James Moriarty on the first leg of the Ernest Hemingway Exorcism World Tour, while sister Sarah holds the family fort in Chicago. You're invited to follow me on Twitter
- [No Relation: Chapter 8](https://terryfallis.com/2014/04/16/no-relation-chapter-8/) - Here's Chapter 8 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem considers the intriguing idea his friends from the NameFame support group proposed to end his case of severe writer's block. The group hits the ball diamond for their second game, and Hem takes a
- [No Relation: Chapter 7](https://terryfallis.com/2014/04/10/no-relation-chapter-7/) - Here's Chapter 7 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem meets again with his therapist, and then gives Mario Andretti a rain-soaked driving lesson. Finally, as his writer's block seems to worsen, he's touched when his friends in the NameFame support group propose a
- [No Relation: Chapter 6](https://terryfallis.com/2014/04/03/no-relation-chapter-6/) - Here's Chapter 6 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem pays another visit to his therapist before convening the second meeting of the NameFame support group at the Y. Finally, he leads his merry band of famous-named friends onto the softball field in Central
- [No Relation: Chapter 5](https://terryfallis.com/2014/03/27/no-relation-chapter-5/) - Here's Chapter 5 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem makes his dreaded trip back to Chicago to visit his father, and his sister Sarah gives him a crash course on the future of The Hemmingwear Company. You're invited to follow
- [No Relation: Chapter 4](https://terryfallis.com/2014/03/17/no-relation-chapter-4/) - Here's Chapter 4 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20, 2014. In this episode, Hem attends the gathering he's organized with a little help from the New York Times Classifieds. You'll meet several new characters in this chapter, and some of them have accents. I'm not
- [No Relation: Chapter 3](https://terryfallis.com/2014/03/12/no-relation-chapter-3/) - Here's Chapter 3 of No Relation, my new novel to be published by McClelland & Stewart on May 20th. In this episode, Hem enjoys a visit from his little sister, Sarah, and they hatch a plan that they hope will serve both their interests. Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis) and you can
- [No Relation: Chapter 2](https://terryfallis.com/2014/03/05/no-relation-chapter-2/) - Here's Chapter 2 of No Relation, my fourth novel due in bookstores on May 20, 2014. In this episode, we learn a bit more about our narrator, his forbears, and a family tradition that hangs around his neck like a millstone. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@TerryFallis) or
- [No Relation: Chapter 1](https://terryfallis.com/2014/02/28/no-relation-chapter-1/) - Welcome to Chapter 1 of the No Relation podcast. As I have with my other three novels, I'll be podcasting No Relation chapter by chapter, one week at a time, until it's finished. No Relation is a comic novel about family, fame, identity, corporate espionage, and, oh yes, men's underwear. I hope you like it.
- [The cover of No Relation... unveiled](https://terryfallis.com/2014/01/29/the-cover-of-no-relation-unveiled/) - Well, here it is-- the cover of No Relation, my fourth novel, due in bookstores on May 20th. I really like what the wonderful designers at McClelland & Stewart have come up with. But don't be confused or misled, no bears were harmed, or even mentioned for that matter, in the making of the novel,
- [A new author photo for No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2014/01/19/a-new-author-photo-for-no-relation/) - My patient twin brother, Tim, who knows a thing or two about photography, spent a good chunk of this afternoon taking dozens of shots of yours truly in the nearly vain quest for a new author photo that doesn't make me look like a crazed serial killer. Here's the one we'll probably go with. My
- [Nice TBLP segment on CBC's Our Toronto](https://terryfallis.com/2014/01/04/nice-tblp-segment-on-cbcs-our-toronto/) - This was shot a few weeks ago but aired today on CBC Television as we get ready for episode 1 of The Best Laid Plans miniseries tomorrow night, Sunday, January 5th at 9 p.m. on the CBC national network. The more Canadians who tune in, the more likely it will be that the series will
- ["Blurbs" for No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/2014/01/03/blurbs-for-no-relation/) - 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
- [Seven years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2014/01/01/seven-years-later/) - While it seems impossible that seven years have escaped since I created this blog, the date staring back at me on my iPhone must be right. It's New Year's Day, and time for the annual accounting of my literary blessings in the gift that was 2013. Here are at least some of the highlights that
- [A three-book e-bundle for the holidays!](https://terryfallis.com/2013/12/09/a-three-book-e-bundle-for-the-holidays/) - Just in time for the season of giving, McClelland & Stewart is making a three-novel omnibus ebook available starting December 10th. It seems to be priced at $29.99 for The Best Laid Plans, The High Road, and Up and Down, all in one package. But wait, there's more! They're even including an excerpt from my
- [A behind-the-scenes look at the TBLP miniseries](https://terryfallis.com/2013/12/13/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-the-tblp-miniseries/) - Here's a very cool mini-documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Best Laid Plans miniseries airing on CBC Television in January 2014. http://vimeo.com/81601734
- [Up and Down somehow wins Evergreen Award](https://terryfallis.com/2013/11/18/up-and-down-somehow-wins-evergreen-award/) - I am feeling very lucky. I may just pick up a lottery ticket on my way home from the office. I found out late last week that Up and Down had been named the winner of the Ontario Library Association's 2013 Evergreen Award for the best in fiction or nonfiction as voted by library patrons
- [Yikes! A cameo in the CBC Television series](https://terryfallis.com/2013/10/21/yikes-a-cameo-in-the-cbc-television-series/) - A few weeks ago, Matt Code, the Associate Producer on The Best Laid Plans CBC Television series being produced by PDM Entertainment, contacted me and invited me to Ottawa to shoot a cameo appearance in a particular scene. I was nervous about it but decided it was one of those once in a lifetime/show off
- [On the set of the TBLP TV miniseries: Surreal](https://terryfallis.com/2013/08/23/on-the-set-of-the-tblp-tv-miniseries-surreal/) - This past Monday, my wife Nancy, older son Calder, and I drove up to Ottawa to spend the afternoon on the set of the TV miniseries based on my first novel, The Best Laid Plans. I really didn't know what to expect. You see, like most of us, I've never been on the set of
- [Thrilled to sign with M&S for my next two novels](https://terryfallis.com/2013/07/05/thrilled-to-sign-with-ms-for-my-next-two-novels/) - This happened a while ago, but the news was just released today. I've signed a two-book deal with McClelland & Stewart, under the Douglas Gibson Books imprint. Doug Gibson will still be my editor. My fourth novel, No Relation, is written and edited, and is already in M&S's hands for copy-editing, layout, and cover design.
- [New TBLP cover promoting the TV series](https://terryfallis.com/2013/06/28/new-tblp-cover-promoting-the-tv-series/) - McClelland & Stewart has added a little flourish to the cover art for the next printing of The Best Laid Plans to tie it in to the upcoming CBC TV series. Here's the result:
- [Up and Down hits the U.S. market tomorrow...](https://terryfallis.com/2013/06/24/up-and-down-hits-the-u-s-market-tomorrow/) - 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
- [Say what? A CBA Author of the Year Finalist?](https://terryfallis.com/2013/05/16/say-what-a-cba-author-of-the-year-finalist/) - I'm not quite sure how to process this, but it seems I'm a finalist for the Canadian Booksellers Association Author of the Year Libris Award. It's an annual honour handed out by the independent booksellers to a "Canadian author of an outstanding literary work published in the previous year that makes a significant contribution
- [Wow... still reeling...](https://terryfallis.com/2013/06/08/wow-still-reeling/) - This past Monday evening, I was emceeing the 2013 Canadian Booksellers Association Libris Awards at the Toronto Congress Centre. It was wonderful meeting, and having dinner with, the legend Alice Munro, and spending time with Will Ferguson, one of the nicest and funniest (he's a three-time Leacock Medal winner) writers we have in this country.
- [Congrats to Cassie Stocks on her Leacock win](https://terryfallis.com/2013/05/14/congrats-to-cassie-stocks-on-her-leacock-win/) - I know how Cassie Stocks feels. Late last month, Cassie won the 2013 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour for her debut novel, Dance, Gladys, Dance. I was there, too. The look on her face when her name was announced from the podium was priceless, and confirmed that she had no expectation of winning. I'm
- [Be a Project Bookmark Page Turner and win...](https://terryfallis.com/2013/04/04/be-a-project-bookmark-page-turner-and-win/) - ...and CanLit wins, too! If I were to utter the words “Canadian Literature” in your presence, what would spring to your mind? Of course the question is only relevant for those of you who did not run screaming from the room or nod off into a deep coma at the sound of that phrase. But
- [Wow... Up and Down a Leacock Medal Finalist](https://terryfallis.com/2013/04/01/wow-up-and-down-a-leacock-medal-finalist/) - I'm still catching my breath from the news today that Up and Down has been named a finalist for the 2013 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. What a thrill to be amongst such talented and funny writers as Jonathon Goldstein, Andrew Kaufman, Cassie Stocks and William Whitehead. Some of you may already know how I
- [CBC "green lights" TBLP TV miniseries](https://terryfallis.com/2013/03/10/cbc-green-lights-tblp-tv-miniseries/) - Last week we received some very good news from the powers that be at CBC Television. After reviewing the six scripts written by the accomplished writing team of Susan Coyne and Jason Sherman, CBC has given PDM Entertainment the green light to start production this summer of the miniseries based on the first half of
- [Mr. August reporting for duty...](https://terryfallis.com/2013/03/02/mr-august-reporting-for-duty/) - Amanda Leduc and Allegra Young posing in solidarity. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â I tend to remember when I've been asked to take all of my clothes off and pose for a photographer. It hasn't happened that often. So I vividly recall the day Amanda Leduc and Allegra Young contacted me many months
- [A wonderful story from my Orangeville gig](https://terryfallis.com/2013/02/12/a-wonderful-story-from-my-orangeville-gig/) - This past Sunday, I joined two other Leacock winners, Trevor Cole and Dan Needles, friends both, at Theatre Orangeville for an afternoon of laughs celebrating the legacy of Stephen Leacock. It was a wonderful afternoon before a soldout audience of nearly 300. At the book signing thereafter, a couple approached me and pulled out a
- [Up and Down shortlisted for Evergreen Award](https://terryfallis.com/2013/02/07/up-and-down-shortlisted-for-evergreen-award/) - I was thrilled to learn earlier this week that Up and Down has been shortlisted for the 2013 Ontario Library Association Evergreen Award for "the best in adult Canadian fiction and non-fiction." I am truly honoured. It's wonderful to be on the list with such amazing writers as Eva Stachniak, Susan Swan, Robert J. Sawyer,
- [BookManager releases bestsellers list for 2012](https://terryfallis.com/2013/01/09/bookmanager-releases-bestsellers-list-for-2012/) - This is a thrill and a half. The fine folks at BookManager, the organization that tracks sales from independent booksellers across Canada, has released their annual list of the top-selling books of 2012. Narrowing the focus to this country, what an honour it is to have two of my books among the ten topselling Canadian
- [I'm out of the gate... on novel #4](https://terryfallis.com/2013/01/05/im-out-of-the-gate-on-novel-4/) - Well, it's official. Having spent the fall taking the ever-evolving idea for my fourth novel from my head, where it's been steeping for a year, and mapping out the story in a 46 page outline, I have now started writing the actual manuscript. In fact, I've already written a first draft of Chapter 1, just
- [Six years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2013/01/02/six-years-later/) - Each year for the last six, I've been enumerating the blessings in my writing life in an annual blog post. This is it for 2012. I have much for which to be thankful. In 2012, I gave 121 talks and/or readings (up from 95 in 2011) that took me from Moncton to Victoria, and what
- [Visiting the literary hotspots of Paris](https://terryfallis.com/2012/11/28/visiting-the-literary-hotspots-of-paris/) - If you're a writer, Paris tends to be a very special city. The Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris, captures the heady days of the 1920s in Paris when the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and many others gave the city a literary mystique that persists to this day. I've visited
- [Go west young man... ](https://terryfallis.com/2012/10/25/go-west-young-man/) - So I did. I've just returned from a 12-day book tour through western Canada, organized by the incomparable Frances Bedford, my publicist at McClelland & Stewart/Random House. It was really the first time in my writerly life that I've spent 12 consecutive days as a writer, without my day job intervening (well, mostly). And it
- [Up and Down Update](https://terryfallis.com/2012/10/08/up-and-down-update/) - Yes, I know, I've been slow in getting back to the blog now that the final podcast episode has been uploaded. No excuses beyond a very busy schedule while still trying to shoehorn my day job around it all. But just to bring you up to date, the new novel, Up and Down, seems to
- [Up and Down: Chapter 17](https://terryfallis.com/2012/09/21/up-and-down-chapter-17/) - In Chapter 17, the final chapter in the novel, David Stewart makes an unexpected trip out to Cigar Lake B.C. The novel is now available in bookstores or through online retailers including Amazon and Chapters-Indigo. The voiceover that opens each episode of the podcast was provided by my friend, Roger Dey. Comments are always invited
- [Up and Down: Chapter 16](https://terryfallis.com/2012/09/14/up-and-down-chapter-16/) - 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
- [Up and Down: Chapter 15](https://terryfallis.com/2012/09/07/up-and-down-chapter-15/) - In Chapter 15, the shuttle Aeres docks with the International Space Station and Landon is forced to dust off some skills she hasn't used for a very long time. Next week, Chapter 16 as crew of the shuttle Aeres makes a triumphant return to the Kennedy Space Centre. The voiceover that opens each episode of
- [Up and Down: Chapter 14](https://terryfallis.com/2012/08/31/up-and-down-chapter-14/) - In Chapter 14, the scene shifts to the Kennedy Space Centre where David greets an unexpected visitor, and Landon suits up for the ride of her life. As they say at NASA, "it's time to light this candle!" Next week, Chapter 15, as Landon finds herself at the centre of high drama aboard the International
- [Neil Armstrong](https://terryfallis.com/2012/08/27/neil-armstrong/) - As we enter the final countdown to the launch (pun intended) of my third novel, Up and Down, many people have been asking me about the origins of this story. (I have written about it before on the Indigo Fiction blog.) Well, in no small part, you can trace the roots of Up and Down
- [Up and Down: Chapter 13](https://terryfallis.com/2012/08/24/up-and-down-chapter-13/) - In Chapter 13, Landon and Eugene catch a ride on the famed "Vomit Comet" and then fly to California for a spin on the 20 G centrifuge. Next week, Chapter 14, as Landon, Eugene and David head to the Kennedy Space Centre for final preparations to light the candle on the shuttle Aeres. The voiceover
- [Up and Down: Chapter 12](https://terryfallis.com/2012/08/17/up-and-down-chapter-12/) - In Chapter 12, Landon sparks a rally at the gates of the Johnson Space Centre, but not in a good way, the two Citizen Astronauts undergo fitness testing, and there's a major shake-up at Turner King. Next week, Chapter 13, as Landon and Eugene take a ride on the aptly-named "vomit comet" before taking a
- [Up and Down: Chapter 11](https://terryfallis.com/2012/08/11/up-and-down-chapter-11/) - 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
- [Up and Down: Chapter 10](https://terryfallis.com/2012/08/01/up-and-down-chapter-10/) - In Chapter 10, we discover whether or not David Stewart's brinksmanship in Chapter 9 actually pays off. Next week, Chapter 11 as Landon takes a little trip with someone in tow who never expected to accompany her. The voiceover that opens each episode of the podcast was provided by my friend, Roger Dey. Comments are
- [Up and Down: Chapter 8](https://terryfallis.com/2012/07/20/up-and-down-chapter-8/) - In Chapter 8, David makes a valiant attempt to convince his colleagues at Turner King that Landon Percival would make the perfect Canadian Citizen Astronaut. As well, there's bad news on the home front. Next week, Chapter 9, as David does some soul searching that leads him to an important decision. The voiceover that opens
- [Up and Down: Chapter 7](https://terryfallis.com/2012/07/14/up-and-down-chapter-7/) - In Chapter 7, David hears the rest of Landon Percival's remarkable story. Then she shows him something that makes his head, and every other part of his body, spin. Next week, Chapter 8, as David tries to persuade his colleagues at Turner King that Landon is the perfect Citizen Astronaut. The voiceover that opens each
- [Up and Down: Chapter 6](https://terryfallis.com/2012/07/05/up-and-down-chapter-6/) - In Chapter 6, David makes a harrowing journey out to Cigar Lake, British Columbia, and comes face-to-face with the elusive Landon Percival, the Canadian winner of the Citizen Astronaut contest. Landon is neither the winner David was expecting, nor the one Crawford Blake directed him to find. Next week, Chapter 7 as we learn more
- [Up and Down: Chapter 5](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/28/up-and-down-chapter-5/) - In Chapter 5, David endures an uncomfortable telephone conversation with Crawford Blake, the head of TK's Washington office, and the threat of a national postal strike hangs over the Citizen Astronaut contest. Next week, Chapter 6, as David heads west in search of the Canadian winner of the Citizen Astronaut contest. The voiceover that opens
- [Up and Down: Chapter 4](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/23/up-and-down-chapter-4/) - In Chapter 4, David is swamped at the office and can't spend as much time as he'd like with his ailing mother. As well, he and his Turner King colleagues organize and execute the Toronto news conference to launch the Citizen Astronaut contest. Next week, Chapter 5, as David has a strange call from Crawford
- [Up and Down: Chapter 3](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/16/up-and-down-chapter-3/) - In Chapter 3, David and his Turner King colleagues make their big pitch to the senior executives of NASA. The presentation doesn't quite unfold as they had rehearsed it. Next week, Chapter 4 as Turner King in Toronto throws a news conference to launch the Citizen Astronaut contest. The voiceover that opens each podcast episode
- [Up and Down: Chapter 1](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/06/up-and-down-chapter-1/) - Welcome to Chapter 1 of the Up and Down podcast. In this chapter, we meet the narrator, David Stewart, who has just joined the Toronto office of the international Public Relations agency, Turner King. The novel opens with his first day on the job. All does not go quite as planned. Next week, Chapter 2.
- [Up and Down: Chapter 2](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/10/up-and-down-chapter-2/) - In Chapter 2, David Stewart spends more time with his ailing mother, tries to build bridges to his colleagues at Turner King, and heads to Washington, DC for the big pitch to NASA. Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 3, as the Turner King team makes their big presentation to the senior leadership at NASA.
- [Up and Down Podcast coming soon...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/05/up-and-down-podcast-coming-soon/) - I'm pleased to announced that the first chapter of the podcast version of my new novel, Up and Down, will be released in the coming days. As I did for my first two novels, The Best Laid Plans and The High Road, I'll be uploading one chapter of Up and Down each week until it's
- [Behind Up and Down](https://terryfallis.com/2012/06/04/behind-up-and-down/) - Between now and the launch of my new novel, Up and Down in September, I thought I might periodically share some thoughts on what led me to write this story. I wrote a piece for the Indigo Fiction blog that traces some of the roots of Up and Down. In particular, it reveals how I
- [Heading to Winnipeg later in June...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/05/30/heading-to-winnipeg-later-in-june/) - On June 18th, I head out to Winnipeg for a couple of events. The first night I'll be doing an on-stage interview with a popular local CBC Radio host, Terry MacLeod at the famous McNally Robinson Grant Park flagship store. I've heard so much about this independent bookstore and look forward to a fun
- [The cover of Up and Down revealed](https://terryfallis.com/2012/05/09/the-cover-of-up-and-down-revealed/) - Earlier today on the Indigo Fiction blog, the cover for my third novel, Up and Down was unveiled. Somehow seeing the actual cover of the novel makes it all seem so much more real. While we're still four months away until it hits bookstores, it's nice to cross this threshold. I hope you like the
- [Years later, TBLP & THR are still hanging in there](https://terryfallis.com/2012/04/24/years-later-tblp-thr-are-still-hanging-in-there/) - I happened to check BookManager last night and was surprised and delighted to see both The Best Laid Plans and The High Road still in the top ten Canadian Fiction bestsellers list. It's been four years since TBLP won the Leacock Medal, and coming up to two years since THR hit bookstore shelves. I couldn't
- [From one end of the country to the other...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/04/01/from-one-end-of-the-country-to-the-other/) - My speaking/reading schedule has been quite intense of late and shows no sign of slackening as we head into the homestretch and the release of my third novel, Up and Down, in September. A week or so ago I started in Toronto on Monday, headed to Woodstock, New Brunswick on Tuesday, back to Toronto for
- [Up and Down has "blurbs!"](https://terryfallis.com/2012/03/26/up-and-down-has-blurbs/) - 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
- [Remembering Vicki...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/02/29/remembering-vicki/) - My wife Nancy and I have been in a wonderful book club for nearly 20 years. There are about 15 or so of us, from all walks of life, and we meet the third Monday of each month. It's something I look forward to month in, and month out. Vicki joined our book club, by
- [TBLP was Canada's #3 novel in 2011](https://terryfallis.com/2012/02/14/tblp-was-canadas-3-novel-in-2011/) - 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
- [My first virtual e-book signing...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/02/02/my-first-virtual-e-book-signing/) - This was kind of neat. Margaret Atwood has a stake in a company called iDolVine that has created software and a social networking site that allows authors to meet virtually with book lovers, and then inscribe their ebook remotely. I tried it out yesterday for an event organized by the bookstore at Wilfrid Laurier University
- [It's shaping up to be a busy spring/summer...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/01/30/its-shaping-up-to-be-a-busy-spring/) - With my role as resident blogger for Canada Reads winding down, I've started to look ahead to what's coming up for me on the book front in the next several months. It's going to be a very hectic, but fun, time. I'm on the road a bit (Moncton, Vancouver Island, Winnipeg, Moose Jaw, and
- [CanLit is Sexy? Who knew...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/01/19/canlit-is-sexy-who-knew/) - CanLit is Sexy, an anonymous blog, has just popped up twisting the titles of selected Canadian novels in rather suggestive ways. Now, the National Post has jumped on board, too. Some of these are hilarious. Have a scroll through and perhaps suggest others. I'm honoured to have been included in this august list. Although, I
- [Five years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2012/01/01/five-years-later/) - Time to look back on my writing year, as I've done annually since starting this blog back in January, 2007. It was another year of counting my literary blessings. Here are a few highlights that made 2011 such a memorable year for me: I did 95 talks and readings over the course of the year,
- [Just one more surreal TBLP moment...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/12/26/just-one-more-surreal-tblp-moment/) - A few weeks ago at the Writers' Trust Gala, I chatted for a few minutes with Margaret Atwood. Yes, Margaret Atwood. If you'd told me three years ago that in November of 2011 I'd actually be speaking with Margaret Atwood, I'd have scoffed until I had no scoffs left to offer. I'm still amazed that
- [CBC TV mini-series based on TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2011/11/25/cbc-tv-mini-series-based-on-tblp/) - I've been sitting on this news for a few months now, but it's finally official. The Best Laid Plans is in development as a six-part mini-series to be aired on CBC television. Jian Ghomeshi made the announcement as part of the big reveal this week of the five finalists for this year's Canada Reads
- [My Canada Reads posts now in one place](https://terryfallis.com/2011/12/22/my-canada-reads-posts-now-in-one-place/) - I'm more than halfway through my stint as this year's Canada Reads resident blogger. Each week I've written a post for the Canada Reads site, which partly explains why I seem to be posting on my own blog less frequently lately. I'm enjoying the role after surmounting the weekly moments of anxiety as I try
- [Woodstock Reads chooses The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2011/12/02/woodstock-reads-chooses-the-high-road/) - I was thrilled to learn recently that The High Road has been chosen as the Woodstock Reads 2012 selection. I'm honoured and will definitely be making the trip down to Woodstock, in southwestern Ontario, whenever the organizers would like me to be there. I have such fond memories of my One Book One Community experience
- [Quill and Quire on CBC-TV TBLP miniseries](https://terryfallis.com/2011/11/25/quill-and-quire-on-cbc-tv-tblp-miniseries/)
- [My piece in the engineering magazine, The Voice](https://terryfallis.com/2011/11/11/my-piece-in-the-engineering-magazine-the-voice/) - Not every one of my friends and acquaintances knows that I actually have an engineering degree, and at one point in my life, planned to make engineering my career. Much has happened since my university days, but I still wear my iron ring with pride. A month or so ago, I spoke to a group
- [I'm the Canada Reads 2012 resident blogger](https://terryfallis.com/2011/11/06/im-the-canada-reads-2012-resident-blogger/) - This is going to be fun. In fact, it's already been fun. Winning Canada Reads last February quite literally changed my life as a writer. I am so grateful for the experience. So I'm thrilled that I get to hang on to Canada Reads a little longer as the resident blogger for the 2012 annual
- [Steve Jobs helped make me a writer...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/10/07/steve-jobs-helped-make-me-a-writer/) - In the two days since Steve Jobs passed away, there has been no end of worthy trubutes to an extraordinary visionary. Most of the eulogies have rightly focused on how he changed our way of life and how we interact with technology. He changed our world with the wonders he dreamed up in Cupertino, California,
- [Lovely Eden Mills...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/09/20/lovely-eden-mills/) - I spent a good part of the weekend in the picturesque village of Eden Mills less than an hour's drive west of Toronto, for the 23rd annual Eden Mills Writers' Festival. What a wonderful festival. I drove down on Friday night with the hilarious writer, playwright, and broadcaster Erika Ritter. We both read at the
- [There's still space open in my course at U of T...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/09/07/theres-still-space-open-in-my-course-at-u-of-t/) - Starting next Wednesday evening, September 14th, I'll be teaching a course at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies in the Creative Writing program. The course is called How to Build an Audience for Your Writing. It runs for five Wednesday evenings and covers a range of techniques including blogging, podcasting, YouTube, Facebook, speaking
- [I'm back from vacation and back to the blog...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/09/01/im-back-from-vacation-and-back-to-the-blog/) - My apologies to the dedicated readers of this humble blog, a small but mighty community, for the rather lengthy interregnum since my last post. (Sorry, I've always liked the word "interregnum"Â although that's not why I haven't posted since August 9th.) I've been down in Nova Scotia (or in the car driving to and from
- [The Sunshine Coast Festival was amazing...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/08/09/the-sunshine-coast-festival-was-amazing/) - I've just returned from a few days in Brisith Columbia where I presented at the 29th annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts in Sechelt. It was a wonderful trip from start to finish. I arrived in Vancouver last Wednesday and spoke to an audience of about 100 at Simon Fraser University. I actually
- [The High Road cracks the top 10](https://terryfallis.com/2011/07/05/the-high-road-cracks-the-top-10/) - Okay, you know when I wrote in an earlier entry that I would try not to be quite so self-indulgent in my blog posts? Well, I'm still committed to that, but am requesting special dispensation to record the good news that The High Road has for the first time, cracked the BookManager Canadian Fiction Bestseller
- [Q & A with The Mark](https://terryfallis.com/2011/07/04/q-a-with-the-mark/) - I've been scanning The Mark ever since discovering that my friend Mark Lefebvre is a regular contributor. Last week, they called and we did a Q&A that went live this morning. We covered a fair bit of turf in the interview and I hope you find something of interest in it. My thanks to The
- [TBLP makes Samara/Writers' Trust Shortlist](https://terryfallis.com/2011/07/01/tblp-makes-samarawriters-trust-shortlist/) - What a thrill. The Samara Foundation and the Writers' Trust of Canada have joined forces to find the "Best Canadian Political Books of the Last 25 Years." Over the last couple of months, nominations were sought from Canadians and nearly 200 books were submitted. Yesterday, a shortlist of 12 finalists was unveiled. Canadians are now
- [Speaking gig round-up](https://terryfallis.com/2011/06/28/speaking-gig-round-up/) - I've been on the road quite a bit lately doing readings and talks. As I've noted before in this space, I truly enjoy getting out and meeting readers, talking about my novels and sharing my rather unexpected publishing journey. My dance card continues to be filled nearly to capacity. It seems that as one gig
- [Self-indulgent screen grab for posterity's sake](https://terryfallis.com/2011/06/17/self-indulgent-screen-grab-for-posteritys-sake/) - I think of my blog partly as a digital scrapbook of this wild and wonderful writing journey I've been on since finishing the manuscript for The Best Laid Plans back in 2005. So when I come across news items that help to put my experience into some kind of context or perspective, I'll post it
- [Trevor Cole picks up his Leacock Medal](https://terryfallis.com/2011/06/12/trevor-cole-picks-up-his-leacock-medal/) - I drove to Orillia yesterday afternoon in what has become a June ritual for me. It was my fourth consecutive Stephen Leacock Gala dinner at which the Leacock Medal is presented for the funniest book published in the previous year. This year, Trevor Cole won for his darkly comic novel, Practical Jean. I snapped the
- [A great tour through the west...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/06/10/a-great-tour-through-the-west/) - I've been remiss in not posting for a week or so but I've been a bit under the gun at the office and writing novel #3. But a couple of weeks ago I headed west to Vancouver and then on to Whistler for a reading at a fundraiser in support of the Whistler Readers and
- [I'm thrilled to sign on with M&S for novel #3](https://terryfallis.com/2011/05/28/im-thrilled-to-sign-on-with-ms-for-novel-3/) - I'm very happy to announce that last week, my wonderful literary agent, Beverley Slopen, and I agreed to a publishing deal with McClelland & Stewart, under the Douglas Gibson Books imprint, for my third novel. I could not be more thrilled to be staying with M&S, the only publishing home I've ever known. I'm grateful
- [The High Road on CBC's The National](https://terryfallis.com/2011/05/15/the-high-road-on-cbcs-the-national/) - Courtesy of a Tweet from Halifax on Friday night, I learned that The High Road snuck into a story on CBC's The National about young people and their reading habits. It was a great piece that talked about a new enthusiasm for reading among young Canadians. One very articulate young boy mentioned that he was
- [Still space open in my U of T evening course...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/05/12/still-space-open-in-my-u-of-t-evening-course/) - I'll be teaching a five week course on Wednesday nights starting June 1st for the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies as part of their Creative Writing program. The course is less about writing than it is about how to build an audience for your work. We'll be exploring various ways to elevate the
- [A fun trip out west to Calgary and Banff](https://terryfallis.com/2011/05/11/a-fun-trip-out-west-to-calgary-and-banff/) - I spent last weekend in Calgary and Banff on a brief book-related trip. I flew out Friday morning and made it to the beautiful Indigo store in the CrossIron Mills mall in Calgary for a signing. Gillian Rushbrook and her staff were wonderful and had everything set up. I gratefully signed the store's stock (of
- [Congrats to Trevor Cole on his Leacock Medal](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/29/congrats-to-trevor-cole-on-his-leacock-medal/) - I have a pretty good idea how Trevor Cole was feeling yesterday afternoon. He'd just won the 2011 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour in Orillia for his darkly hilarious novel, Practical Jean. (I still pinch myself every 20 minutes or so about my own win, and that was three years ago!) I'm thrilled for him
- [My recent reading in Keswick](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/22/my-recent-reading-in-keswick/) - A week or so ago, I made the easy drive north to the shores of Lake Simcoe for a reading at the Keswick branch of the Georgina Public Library. They had organized a wonderful event in their beautiful branch. The reading was very well attended and we had some great discussions during the Q&A after
- [After nearly four years, it's finally happened...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/16/after-two-and-half-years-its-finally-happened/) - For that last few years, particularly in the last three months, friends and colleagues have often told me that they'd seen someone on the bus, or subway, or plane, reading one of my novels. Yet, despite riding subway frequently and flying a couple times a month, I have never ever seen someone reading TBLP or
- [Speaking of Leacock...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/14/speaking-of-leacock/) - My mother-in-law was sorting through some photographs the other day and came across these two shots taken a few years ago when we visited the Leacock home on the shores of Brewery Bay in Orillia, Ontario. If you're ever in the area, it's well worth a visit to the beautiful home Stephen Leacock built as
- [Speaking gigs a plenty...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/14/speaking-gigs-a-plenty/) - I've been very busy in the evenings and weekends with readings and speaking gigs and am really enjoying them. I know I've written about it before, but I'm always struck by how rewarding it is to spend time with readers who have really enjoyed the novels. It's a pleasure to talk with them and answer
- [Leacock Medal Shortlist: Thrilled all over again](https://terryfallis.com/2011/04/02/leacock-medal-shortlist-thrilled-all-over-again/) - Yesterday, in an annual ritual freighted with wonderful memories for me, the five finalists for the 2011 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour were unveiled in Leacock's beautiful home on the shores of Brewery Bay in Orillia. At about noon, in between meetings, I discovered via Twitter that The High Road was among the finalists.
- [One reason I write...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/03/25/one-reason-i-write/) - I've never written to an author whose book I enjoyed reading. I probably will in the future. After The Best Laid Plans somehow won the Leacock Medal in the spring of 2008 and was republished by McClelland & Stewart, I started to receive emails and letters from complete strangers who had read and enjoyed the
- [My weekly literary podcast regimen...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/03/20/my-weekly-literary-podcast-regimen/) - In a circuitous and convoluted way, I owe at least some of my writing career to podcasting. How? Well, in early 2006, I bought my first iPod nano and loaded it up with, not music, but podcasts. I trolled through iTunes and discovered a treasure trove of content. I stopped listening to the car radio
- [M&S creates a cool poster for book stores](https://terryfallis.com/2011/03/18/ms-creates-a-cool-poster-for-book-stores/) - I'm one lucky author. Check out this poster that will soon be hanging (I hope) in bookstores across the country. My publisher M&S has created it and it appears that CBC and Canada Reads are in the play on it too. My twin brother, Tim will be pleased with the poster. If you look closely,
- [My guest post about ebooks for the KOBO blog](https://terryfallis.com/2011/03/10/my-guest-post-about-ebooks-for-the-kobo-blog/) - The folks at KOBO asked me for a brief thought or two about ebooks. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm a big fan of all books, including ebooks. Here's my brief guest post from the KOBO blog:
- [The High Road: Chapter 20](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/08/the-high-road-chapter-20/) - This week, Chapter 20, the final chapter in The High Road, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this last chapter, Angus and Daniel, and all Canadians, learn what is in the federal budget. My sincere thanks for all the support for this podcast. If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider buying a copy of the
- [Quick Hits...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/03/07/quick-hits/) - I just thought I'd do a round up of quick hits today... Sharing space with Mordecai Richler A Nova Scotian podcasting friend, Bruce Murray, sent me this Kobo ad last week, noting that I am keeping pretty good literary company these days. I couldn't agree more. I never expected to see a novel I'd written
- [Another great Grimsby event...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/03/04/another-great-grimsby-event/) - Back in April 2009, I made my first visit to the very popular Grimsby Author Series in the company of one of my literary heroes, Paul Quarrington. I believe it was Paul's last public reading before he was diagnosed with lung cancer. But neither of us knew anything about that shocking news at the time
- [Canada Reads two weeks later...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/02/26/two-weeks-after-canada-reads/) - I promise to write about something other than Canada Reads at some point in the not-too-distant future, but until then, my writing life is being profoundly affected by Canada Reads, and it just seems wrong, even ungrateful, not to record the experience. Before Canada Reads, The Best Laid Plans had been selling quite well, thank
- [The Canada Reads Effect...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/02/13/the-canada-reads-effect/) - There has been much discussion lately of the so-called "Canada Reads Effect." In past years, the Canada Reads winner has gone on to sell tens of thousands of copies, sometimes even when it was out-of-print when named as a finalist. In fact, publishing industry insiders say that Canada Reads sells more books than any other
- [Canada Reads event at Toronto Reference Library](https://terryfallis.com/2011/02/05/canada-reads-event-at-toronto-reference-library/) - Last night, over 350 people crammed into the atrium of the Toronto Reference Library for a Canada Reads event. Fellow finalists Angie Abdou and Jeff Lemire were also there. Mary Ito from CBC interviewed each of us. Then we signed books and communed with the assembled book lovers. There was such a wonderful vibe in
- [TBLP on CBC Radio 2's Shift](https://terryfallis.com/2011/02/04/tblp-on-cbc-radio-2s-shift/) - I had a great time a week or so ago with my old friend Tom Allen, the celebrated host of CBC Radio 2's Shift. His encyclopedic knowledge of music is just one reason to listen to his show. He is a pro. He interviewed me in the CBC studios about my Canada Reads odyssey and
- [Yet another spasm of self-indulgence...](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/30/yet-another-spasm-of-self-indulgence/) - It's nice to have both my novels ahead of the much-talked about "O" (A Presidential Novel) by that well known writer, Anonymous, on the Amazon "political" bestsellers list. They update the list hourly, so I'm sure it won't look like this for long. Luckily, that's why we have the "Print Screen" function key on our
- [Canada Reads 2011 - The home stretch](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/29/canada-reads-2011-the-home-stretch/) - Well, we're less than two weeks away from the great Canada Reads 2011 debates (February 7, 8, 9). This year the debates will held live with an audience at the CBC Broadcast Centre here in Toronto. If you're interested in attending, here's the info. You can also watch live streaming of the debates, with live
- [Steve Paikin invites me back to The Agenda](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/19/steve-paikin-invites-me-back-tvos-the-agenda/) - Back in February, 2007, seven months before The Best Laid Plans was even in print, Steve Paikin, the thoughtful and articulate host of TVO's, The Agenda, one of the finest public affairs show on the air, invited me on to talk about what was then, just a podcast novel. It was very kind of him.
- [TBLP Reader Review Round-Up](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/17/tblp-reader-review-round-up/) - I have received a few requests to include more reader reviews on this blog. So every once in a while I`ll offer some links to blogger reviews of both novels. To start, here are three recent TBLP reviews from book bloggers. You might be wondering whether I will link to any negative reviews, and there
- [Ali Velshi talks about The Best Laid Plans](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/16/ali-velshi-talks-about-the-best-laid-plans/) - 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,
- [5th printing of TBLP with the Canada Reads logo](https://terryfallis.com/2011/01/04/a-5th-printing-of-tblp-with-the-canada-reads-logo/) - I received an envelope today from McClelland & Stewart. I wasn't expecting anything from my publisher so it was with some curiosity that I ripped it open. Out fell a newly-minted copy of The Best Laid Plans, but with the Canada Reads logo emblazoned on the front cover. I checked inside and discovered that this
- [Fours years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/30/fours-years-later/) - Yes, it's time for that annual ritual of looking back across the last twleve months as a way of steeling oneself for the onslaught of the upcoming year. I've done this for the last four years on this blog, starting in December 2007, one year after I decided, as a last resort, to self-publish The
- [My interview with the amazing Shelagh Rogers ](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/27/my-interview-with-the-amazing-shelagh-rogers/) - Long time listener, first time caller. I've been a Shelagh Rogers fan for more years than I care to remember - right back to her early days on Peter Gzowski's Morningside. I've always loved the tone she strikes and the chemistry she unerringly finds with her guests. (And I can confirm, the Shelagh you hear
- [My Canada Reads Gift Guide](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/24/my-canada-reads-gift-guide/) - CBC asked all of the Canada Reads finalists to answer a kind of holiday gift guide questionnaire. Today was my turn. (Excuse the crazed photo. It's not CBC's fault. It's tough to get a good shot of me. Tell me I don't always look like this...)
- [Thanks Canada Reads - TBLP now a #6 bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/20/thanks-canada-reads-tblp-now-at-6/) - 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
- [TBLP cracks the National Bestseller list at #13](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/19/tblp-cracks-the-national-bestseller-list-at-13/) - I've been told by a number of folks in the publishing biz that Canada Reads really does move books in this country. The Canada Reads books sell. Well, I certainly believe it. The impact of being a Canada Reads finalist has been swift and significant for my novel. BookManager, a supplier of software and data
- [Unveiling TBLP as a Canada Reads Finalist](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/20/unveiling-tblp-as-a-canada-reads-finalist/) - 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!)Â and then me (it went downhill from there). You
- [Jim Cuddy and Ali Velshi plug THR on CBC's P&P ](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/07/jim-cuddy-and-ali-velshi-plug-thr-on-cbcs-pp/) - What a thrill it was to watch Jim Cuddy and Ali Velshi square off against NDP MP Pat Martin on Evan Solomon's show Power & Politics on CBC News Network. You can watch it here (fast forward to start at 1:19:09 into the show). The sometimes heated discussion revolved around my second novel, The High
- [Canada Reads moves the sales needle](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/05/canada-reads-moves-the-sales-needle/) - I was trolling through Amazon tonight and happened upon the Top 100 Bestseller list for Literature and Fiction. Clearly, the hoopla surrounding Canada Reads has been having its impact. It seems that The Best Laid Plans is moving up the list. I was actually surprised to see that it has actually been on the Top
- [A belated thank-you for the Ottawa THR launch](https://terryfallis.com/2010/12/05/a-belated-thank-you-for-the-ottawa-thr-launch/) - A couple of weeks ago, my wonderful colleagues in our Ottawa office organized a fantastic launch event for The High Road. It was held in the all too appropriately named Parliament Pub on Sparks Street, just steps from the Hill. We were raising money for the Jaimie Anderson Parliamentary Internship, a very worth cause. My
- [Ali Velshi plugs TBLP on Strombo](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/30/ali-velshi-plugs-tblp-on-strombo/) - The headline above may mean little to you if you don't live in Canada and watch our national broadcaster, CBC. A popular late night talk show, called George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, is led each weeknight by the one and only George Stromboulopoulos (which is quite convenient, given the name of the show). He's hip and topical
- [The GG and TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/27/the-gg-and-tblp/) - A few weeks ago, Mandy Brouse from the wonderful Waterloo book store, Words Worth Books, emailed me to say she would soon be at a reception at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the residence of the Governor General. Our new GG is David Johnston, the former President of the University of Waterloo, and he was a
- [My Canada Reads Top 10 Q&A](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/16/my-canada-reads-top-10-qa/) - Every day in the run up to November 24th, when the five Canada Reads finalists and celebrity panelists are announced, CBC is posting a Q&A with one of the Top 10 authors. Today, my Q&A ran. Fun...
- [Ottawa launch of THR, November 23rd...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/14/ottawa-launch-of-thr-november-23rd/) - My colleagues in our Ottawa office are very kindly organizing a launch event for The High Road to be held the evening of November 23rd. We'll be meeting, appropriately enough, at the Parliament Pub on Sparks Street, just a stone's throw from the Hill. All are welcome. We'll be raising money for the Jamie Anderson
- [I've run out of words for "shocked"](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/11/ive-run-out-of-words-for-shocked/) - Ten minutes before the 10:30 announcement of the Canada Reads Essential Top 10 Canadian Novels of the Decade this past Tuesday, our internet at the office died. Yes, it did. I waited to see if it were just a momentary glitch. Alas, no. So with a couple minutes to spare, I grabbed my iPad and
- [Canada Reads - Whatever happens, I'm thrilled...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/11/07/canada-reads-whatever-happens-im-thrilled/) - The announcement of the Canada Reads Top 10 is coming this Tuesday, so I thought I'd better dip my oar in the water one final time on the subject. Having the The Best Laid Plans declared one of the Canada Reads Top 40 Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade was such a wonderful surprise. I
- [I'm speechless - TBLP made CBC's Top 40 List](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/28/im-speechless-tblp-made-cbcs-top-40-list/) - Wow. The Best Laid Plans has been voted onto the CBC Canada Reads Top 40 Essential Novels of the Decade list. I'm blown away and very grateful for all the support. I didn't dare dream of making the cut. But now, the slate is wiped clean again, and the voting begins anew as the Top
- [Back from a great couple of days in Vancouver](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/24/back-from-a-great-couple-of-days-in-vancouver/) - I arrived on Vancouver's funky and artsy Granville Island on Thursday afternoon for the 23rd Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival. The fun for me actually started in Toronto's Peason airport. I was grabbing a bite to eat before my four and a half hour foodless flight when I struck up a conversation with a
- [The Edmonton Journal reviews The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/24/the-edmonton-journal-reviews-the-high-road/) - Just when I thought we'd finished with the reviews, the Edmonton Journal pops with a nice take on The High Road. While the headline looks like the Ottawa Citizen review, the actual article itself is completely different.
- [Nice article from a popular news site in BC](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/20/nice-article-from-a-popular-news-site-in-bc/) - On the eve of my departure for the Vancouver International Writers Festival, a popular news site in BC, The Tyee, has run quite an long article on my humble writing odyssey. You can read the piece on The Tyee website here without taxing your eyesight, or by clicking on the article below.
- [Still spots open in my U of T evening course...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/20/still-spots-open-in-my-u-of-t-evening-course/) - There remain a few spots open in the evening course I'm teaching at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. As you can see from the description above, the course is all about using social media and other techniques to build an audience for your writing, whether you're published or not. The course is
- [National Post Q&A re upcoming VIWF](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/19/national-post-qa-re-upcoming-viwf/) - I'll be leaving for Vancouver on Thursday for the Vancouver International Writers Festival. I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be doing two readings and speaking on two panels on Friday, October 22nd. The first panel is on Friday afternoon and is called Day Job. It will revolve around that familiar challenge of fitting writing
- [Fond reflections on One Book, One Community](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/18/fond-reflections-on-one-book-one-community/) - About a month has passed since my whirlwind week in the Waterloo Region for the One Book, One Community celebrations, and it's high time I wrote about it. It was such a thrill to have had The Best Laid Plans selected for OBOC this year, particularly in view of the amazing authors who preceded me,
- [THR seems to be popular at Indigo](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/16/thr-seems-to-be-popular-at-indigo/) - My wife, Nancy, and I were out running errands this morning when my twin brother, Tim, emailed me a couple of photos he'd just snapped, with his funky iPhone 4, at a nearby big box Indigo book store. Needless to say, it made my day. Here are the photos he sent me. If you look
- [The Hill Times runs a Q&A with yours truly...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/17/the-hill-times-runs-a-qa-with-yours-truly/) - The Hill Times is a weekly paper in Ottawa that focuses on politics. It's read religiously by the political power brokers on Parliament Hill. I did a Q&A style interview with Kate Malloy while I was in Ottawa a few weeks ago promoting The High Road. This past week, the interview ran in the latest
- [Warning: Shameless Canada Reads plug ahead](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/14/warning-shameless-canada-reads-plug-ahead/) - I'm usually a bit uneasy about online campaigns, particularly if it means asking friends, family, acquaintances, and people I don't even know to step up and help me promote my humble novels... (can you feel the "but" coming? Well here it is...), BUT, the benefits to any writer of breaking through on Canada Reads has
- [THR is propping up TBLP!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/07/thr-is-propping-up-tblp/) - I've wondered whether the release of The High Road might spark more sales of The Best Laid Plans. I was thrilled to have this question partially answered today by way of the Amazon.ca political bestsellers list. This list changes almost hourly so I haven't bothered to link to it, but still it seems to show
- [The Ottawa Citizen reviews THR](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/03/the-ottawa-citizen-reviews-thr/) - Hot on the heels of The Halifax Chronicle Herald review, the Ottawa Citizen also read The High Road and published a review today. Memorable lines for me were: "Fallis is actually intent on making a serious point, or maybe a few serious points." "Fallis writes in pictures and even his bit players are well-defined characters
- [Looking back at the launch of The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/02/toronto-launch-of-the-high-road/) - I've been remiss in not writing sooner about the wonderful launch of The High Road back on September 8th at the Dora Keogh pub on the Danforth here in Toronto. I've just been so swamped with work and book-related events that I just haven't had time to reflect on the great night we had at
- [Halifax Chronicle Herald reviews THR](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/03/halifax-chronicle-herald-reviews-thr/) - My father-in-law called me this morning from the Annapolis Valley to let me know that I'd "made the big time" with a review in The Chronicle Herald. When I found it online, the PR guy in me looked for positive, cover-worthy phrases that could be pulled out for future promotional use. I can't help it.
- [The High Road: Chapter 19](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/01/the-high-road-chapter-19/) - This week, Chapter 19, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus and Daniel take their message to the Cabinet table, and then "go public" with their final report, much to Bradley Stanton's rage. The music that opens each episode of the podcast is Game Day, by Jon Schmidt, and is available at Music
- [My CBC Book Club Podcast episode](https://terryfallis.com/2010/10/01/my-cbc-book-club-podcast/) - A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from one of the literary producers at CBC Radio about coming in to record a segment of their great CBC Book Club Podcast (longtime listener, first time... guest!). So in I went to the CBC Broadcast Centre, slapped on the headphones, and answered a series of
- [Registration open for U of T course I'm teaching](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/30/registration-open-for-u-of-t-course-im-teaching/) - In November, I'll be teaching a four session night school course through the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. The course is for writers, published or not, who are looking to build an audience for their writing. We'll be covering a range of emerging techniques including blogging, podcasting, YouTube, Twitter, readings etc., etc. Registration
- [Winnipeg Free Press reviews THR (Wow!)](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/27/winnipeg-free-press-reviews-thr-wow/) - Reading reviews is often a heart-wrenching, stomach-turning exercise that can leave you elated, enraged, or any point in between. I'm happy to report that I'm squarely in the "elated" category after reading the Winnipeg Free Press review of The High Road that ran this past weekend. One line in particular is already etched in stone
- [I work with wonderful people...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/17/i-work-with-wonderful-people/) - When I arrived in the office this morning, I had a sense something was up. Eventually, I was summoned to our lunch area and was greeted with the sight of the most amazing cake I have ever seen. A reproduction of the cover of my new novel in cake form. I have no idea how
- [The High Road: Chapter 17](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/17/the-high-road-chapter-17/) - This week Chapter 17, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart as Angus and Daniel host the most powerful couple in the world. Things don't quite unfold exactly as planned... but what else is new? The music that opens each episode is Game Day, by Jon Schmidt, and is available through Music Alley. The voiceover at the
- [A great time in Thunder Bay](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/13/a-great-time-in-thunder-bay/) - A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Thunder Bay to participate in the Sleeping Giant Writers Festival. I did a reading (from The High Road!) on the Friday night along with my editor/publisher Doug Gibson, who read from his soon to be published memoir of sorts, and with Canlit superstar, Miriam Toews who read
- [The High Road: Chapter 15](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/03/the-high-road-chapter-15/) - This week, Chapter 15, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus and Daniel put the finishing touches on their bridge report, and spend some time with the U.S. Secret Service. Sounds like fun. The music that opens each episode is Game Day, by Jon Schmidt, and is available at Music Alley. The voiceover
- [The High Road: Chapter 16](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/10/the-high-road-chapter-16/) - This week, Chapter 16, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Daniel and Angus inflame the Prime Minister's Office and get ready to go it alone with their bridge report. And Daniel skates his way into a confrontation with the Secret Service. The music that opens each episode of this podcast is Game Day,
- [Guelph Mercury Reviews THR](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/06/guelph-mercury-reviews-thr/) - When we dropped off my older son for his first year at University of Guelph this past Saturday, we picked up the local paper, the Guelph Mercury. I was delighted to see that the very positive review of The High Road that ran in the Kitchener Waterloo Record, also ran in the Mercury. It's wonderful
- [The Record in KW the first to review THR](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/03/the-record-in-kw-the-first-to-review-thr/) - Books: Angus McLintock, the reluctant MP, is back in Terry Fallis’ sequel to The Best Laid Plans September 03, 2010 By Jean Mills The High Road by Terry Fallis (McClelland & Stewart, 352 pages, $19.99 softcover) When we last saw political aide Daniel Addison, the narrator of Terry Fallis’ Leacock Medal-winning novel, The Best Laid
- [THR excerpt in Canadian Government Executive](https://terryfallis.com/2010/09/03/thr-excerpt-in-canadian-government-executive/) - Earlier in the summer, I got an email and then a phone call from Toby Fyfe, Editor-in-Chief of the fine trade magazine, Canadian Government Executive (CGE), to discuss The High Road. He's a smart guy and a nice guy. He asked permission for the September issue of CGE to carry an exclusive excerpt from The
- [Heading up to Thunder Bay for Sleeping Giant](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/26/heading-up-to-thunder-bay-for-sleeping-giant/) - I'll be on a plane tomorrow afternoon (Friday) for beautiful Thunder Bay for the Sleeping Giant Writers Festival. I'll be reading with my friend and editor/publisher Doug Gibson, and with the wonderful Miriam Toews on Friday night. Then on Saturday, I'll be delivering two workshops on how to build and sustain an audience for one's
- [20 Writerly Questions with BookLounge](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/25/20-writerly-questions-with-booklounge/) - A couple of weeks ago, Julie Forrest, leading literary blogger, digital maven at Random House, and all-around nice person, passed along a series of 20 questions on behalf of BookLounge, and asked for my responses. I was happy to oblige. If insomnia plagues you, please feel free to check out my not always thoughtful answers.
- [How surreal...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/21/how-surreal-im-on-the-cover-of-a-magazine/) - I've been blessed to have many wonderful and utterly unexpected experiences through my writing. I've spoken and/or read at nearly 100 events, from bookclubs to writers festivals, public libraries, to conferences. But I've never ever had my mug take up space on the front cover of a magazine... until now. I can only describe it
- [The High Road: Chapter 13](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/20/the-high-road-chapter-13/) - This week, Chapter 13, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus and Daniel pull out all the stops to determine why the Alexandra Bridge suddenly fell into the Ottawa River. They meet with the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Canada, and the new Liberal Prime Minister appoints his Cabinet. The music that opens each
- [Back from BC and what's waiting at home?](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/19/back-from-bc-and-whats-waiting-at-home/) - It always seemed so far off, but it's finally time. I'm just back from two weeks in the wilds of BC with my family, and waiting for me at home from my publisher, McClelland & Stewart, was the very first copy of The High Road. It feels great and looks great, at least to my
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 12](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/13/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-12/) - This week, Chapter 12, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus and Daniel hover up the frozen Ottawa River to examine the collapsed Alexandra Bridge, while the newly-elected Liberal Prime Minister and his Chief of Staff hatch a plan to keep Angus occupied and out of trouble. The music that opens each episode
- [Cool new Facebook App from M&S](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/05/cool-new-facebook-app-from-ms/) - The New Canadian Library is a special series of books in Canadian literature started in 1958 by Jack McClelland and Malcolm Ross. If you're looking for important works of Canadian literature, look no further than the New Canadian Library. A few months ago, M&S asked me to identify my five favourite books from the New
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 11](https://terryfallis.com/2010/08/06/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-11/) - This week, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart, Chapter 11 brings to a close Part One of The High Road as we experience the tension of Election day. Lots happening in this episode, including a last minute look at the numbers in C-P, a polling station photo-op, enduring the election returns on TV, and the Angus
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 10](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/30/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-10/) - This week, Chapter 10, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus seems a bit depressed and his mood is not lightened when the Liberal Leader makes a surprise visit to Cumberland, on very short notice, to do a little mainstreeting with the local maverick MP. The election is now just around the corner.
- [The High Road Toronto Launch: September 8](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/26/the-high-road-toronto-launch-september-8/) - If you're going to be in the Toronto area on September 8th, or even if you're not, you're all invited to the launch of The High Road. As we did for the launch of The Best Laid Plans in the fall of 2007, we'll be gathering at the wonderful Dora Keogh pub on the south
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 9](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/23/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-9/) - This week, Chapter 9, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Daniel is briefed on some fascinating public opinion polling data, and Angus makes it through his second all-candidates meeting with a little help from the GOUT squad. The chapter ends with an unexpected discovery at the McLintock campaign headquarters. Hope you're still with
- [Doing Word on the Street in Kitchener & Toronto](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/19/doing-word-on-the-street-in-kitchener-toronto/) - Sunday, September 26 is going to be one busy day for me, but happily so. I'll awake that morning in Florida, where I'll be attending a family event. Then I'll board a 7:30 a.m. Delta flight out of Tampa, change planes in Atlanta, and land in Toronto at about noon (please let me not be
- [The High Road podcast - steadily growing](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/17/the-high-road-podcast-steadily-growing/) - For the last two months, I've been recording and uploading one new chapter of The High Road podcast per week. I've had fun doing it and by the look of the numbers, a growing group of listeners has been enjoying the podcast too. Recording a new chapter each week is quite straightforward and it gives
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 8](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/16/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-8/) - This week, Chapter 8, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus tries his hand at door-to-door canvassing with mixed results and then attends an editorial board meeting of the Cumberland Crier. Daniel gets a heads up from the Liberal party pollster. Enjoy! The music that opens and closes each chapter is Game Day
- [Headwaters Arts Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/06/headwaters-arts-festival/) - This past Friday night, I particpated in the Headwaters Arts Festival in Caledon, Ontario. What a wonderful evening it was. Billed as Armchairs, Authors and Art, I joined two very accomplished authors, Joseph Boyden and Drew Hayden Taylor for an evening of talking and reading before an audience of over 200 book lovers. Then afterwards,
- [Heading back to the Headwaters Arts Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/13/heading-back-to-the-headwaters-arts-festival/) - Shortly after McClelland & Stewart published The Best Laid Plans in September 2008, I was invited to appear at the Headwaters Arts Festival in Caledon, Ontario alongside Giller winner Joseph Boyden, and prolific writer Drew Hayden Taylor (on whose new book Motorcycles and Sweetgrass, a blurb from me appears). I was over the moon to
- [Heading to Thunder Bay in August](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/12/heading-to-thunder-bay-in-august/) - I've been invited to read and speak at the Sleeping Giant Writers Festival over the final weekend in August. Even better, my editor/publisher from McClelland & Stewart, Doug Gibson will be speaking as well. I'll be developing, and twice presenting, a two hour workshop on self-promotion for aspiring writers. Doug will be doing a session
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 7](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/09/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-7/) - This week, Chapter 7, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Muriel creates an undercover geriatric political SWAT team, and Angus survives his first All-Candidates meeting, barely. Hope you're all still with me. The music that opens this podcast is Game Day by Jon Schmidt and is available through Music Alley. The voiceover at
- [A humour night at the Leacock Summer Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/06/a-night-of-humour-at-the-leacock-summer-festival/) - On Friday, July 23, I'll be hosting and participating in a night of humour at the Leacock Summer Festival in Orillia, Ontario. Joining me will be 2010 Leacock shortlisted author Kathryn Borel Jr. reading from her hilarious travelogue Corked, and 2003 Leacock winner Dan Needles who will undoubtedly have us all in hysterics whatever he
- [Wow! More signs of the power of OBOC...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/07/wow-more-signs-of-the-power-of-oboc/) - Sitting at the office this morning I saw the following OBOC Tweet fly by on Twitter. Very cool. Here's hoping that library users actually like TBLP when they get it in their hands...
- [The 2010 Leacock Gala -- A wonderful night](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/01/the-leacock-gala-another-wonderful-night/) - It was truly an honour to return to Orillia a few weeks ago for my third consecutive Leacock Gala to celebrate the winner of the 2010 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. I was asked to "emcee" the evening so I was a little anxious about it all. I need not have been. The Leacock
- [National Post story about self-publishing](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/04/national-post-story-about-self-publishing/) - A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by Mark Medley for a story on self-publishing in the National Post. It seems I forgot to mention it here on the blog (at least I think I forgot). It ran in many Canwest papers across the country. In any event, here's the piece. Thanks Mark.
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 6](https://terryfallis.com/2010/07/03/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-6/) - (Update - July 4, 2010: I just noticed that shortly after the 23 minute mark in the original Chapter 6 audio file that I uploaded, I sound like I injested a dragon fly, coughed it back up, and then restarted the sentence. If you had to endure that version, my humble apologies. If this corrected
- [One Book, One Community really works!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/29/one-book-one-community-really-works/) - It is truly wonderful to have had The Best Laid Plans chosen as the 2010 One Book, One Community selection in the Waterloo Region. Here's some tangible evidence of the power of this program to mobilize an entire region to read the chosen book. Here are the "hold requests" in the three major public libraries
- [Nice piece in the Cambridge Times](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/28/nice-piece-in-the-cambridge-times/) - Other than my rather crazed look in this photo, alongside Leah McQuire, Event Coordinator at Queen's Square Library in Cambridge, Ontario, this is a very nice article in the Cambridge Times from last week. Thank you One Book, One Community!
- [TBLP radio interview on CKWR in Waterloo](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/25/tblp-radio-interview-on-ckwr-in-waterloo-2/) - A few weeks ago, I did a radio interview with Waterloo librarian and CKWR Monday Night with the Arts contributor Alannah d'Ailly. This was related to my One Book, One Community good fortune. It was a phone interview so the sound quality on my end is not always great, but you get the idea. Many
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 5](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/25/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-5/) - This week, Chapter 5, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this chapter we learn a little more about Angus's past... and Daniel is not happy about it. Many thanks for downloading and subscribing to The High Road podcast. Last week, The High Road was the number one podcast on the iTunes Literature charts. The music
- [A great TBLP day in Waterloo with TNQ & OBOC](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/24/a-great-tblp-day-in-waterloo-with-tnq-and-oboc/) - Last Sunday I spent an amazing day in Waterloo participating in a series of events organized by Bruce Johnstone in conjunction with the respected literary journal, The New Quarterly, and One Book, One Community. I had a blast and it's always wonderful to spend time with book lovers. They're my kind of people. My deep
- [My "blurb" on Don Gutteridge novel makes cover](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/23/my-blurb-on-don-gutteridge-novel-makes-cover/) - When Simon & Schuster Canada asked me if I'd read an advanced copy of Don Gutteridge's fine historical thriller Turncoat, I readily agreed. I love anything historical and Don does a wonderful job evoking life in 1830s Upper Canada. The story reels you in and holds you till it's done. I really enjoyed the story
- [Great TBLP Book Club gathering in September](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/23/great-tblp-book-club-gathering-in-september/) - My good friend and fellow book club member, Peter Nosalik, has colloborated with the organizers of One Book, One Community to organize a wonderful gathering of book clubs in Waterloo this September. Peter is hosting the event at his Waterloo home on the evening of Monday, September 20th, calling it "our region's biggest book club
- [Brief TBLP mention in the July Chatelaine](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/23/brief-tblp-mention-in-the-july-chatelaine/) - There's a fascinating self-publishing story in the July Chatelaine about the extraordinary publishing journey of Mary-Ann Kirkby and her memoir, I Am Hutterite. She self-published in June 2007 and the book has taken off. She's sold 75,000 copies! That is just amazing. She's a Canadian bestseller 15 times over. There's a brief sidebar to the
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 4](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/18/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-4/) - Here you go, Chapter 4 of The High Road podcast, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, the new year dawns and Angus is officially nominated as the Liberal candidate for Cumberland-Prescott.The battle is on. The download and subscriber numbers for the podcast are steadily growing, gathering more than 10 times the listeners that
- [TBLP joins THR in the iTunes Literature Top 5](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/14/tblp-joins-thr-in-the-itunes-literature-top-5/) - Okay, I promise to stop doing this but I thought it was neat that The High Road podcast seems to have rekindled interest in, and listenership of, the original podcast of The Best Laid Plans, the last chapter of which was uploaded more than three years ago! It's also kind of nice to have my
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 3](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/11/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-3/) - Here is Chapter 3 of The High Road podcast, courtesy of McClelland & Stewart. In this episode, Angus makes an important announcement and we learn who the surprise Tory candidate is likely to be in Cumberland-Prescott. The response to the podcast so far has been thunderous. Thank you all. The music that opens and closes
- [THR podcast moves to #1 on iTunes](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/10/thr-podcast-moves-to-1-on-itunes/) - I confess I was not expecting this. The High Road podcast hit #1 today on the iTunes Literature hit parade. I'm really not sure what it all means but it sure is nice to see it sitting at the top.
- [THR Podcast moving up the iTunes charts](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/09/thr-podcast-moving-up-the-itunes-charts/) - I just checked iTunes to see where The High Road was sitting in the Literature podcast rankings and was pleased to discover that it's now at number five on the charts. The THR podcast also seems to have breathed new life into The Best Laid Plans podcast, now more than three years old. The TBLP
- [Thrilled to appear at the Elora Writers' Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/04/thrilled-to-appear-at-the-elora-writers-festival/) - I'm really looking forward to participating in the Elora Writers' Festival this coming Sunday, June 6 in the picturesque village of Elora, Ontario. I'm humbled to be included among such a stellar constellation of Canadian writers. I'll be one of six writers reading at the event. The others are this year's Giller winner Linden MacIntyre,
- [TBLP quoted in organization's Annual Report](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/31/tblp-quoted-in-organizations-annual-report/) - I received an email this afternoon from a good friend who had just perused a copy of the Annual Report of the Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy. Much to my surprise and delight, on the inside back cover of the annual report is the following quotation from The Best Laid Plans: "The engineer's
- [Flurry of coverage from THR podcast story](https://terryfallis.com/2010/06/02/flurry-of-coverage-from-thr-podcast-story/) - I was not expecting the news release McClelland & Stewart issued yesterday morning to attract as much media attention as it did. The idea was simply to announce that M&S would, for the first time, release a book (in this case, The High Road) in a serialized, chapter by chapter format, as a podcast, as
- [The High Road Podcast: Chapter 1](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/29/the-high-road-podcast-chapter-1/) - Here it is, at long last, the first episode of The High Road podcast. You can of course also find it on iTunes. It's been more than three years since I started to podcast The Best Laid Plans so it's nice to be back in front of the microphone. I'll be uploading episodes one chapter
- [OBOC contest tests your knowledge of TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/28/oboc-contest-tests-your-knowledge-of-tblp/) - One Book, One Community announced a contest yesterday testing your knowledge of TBLP and offering two tickets to an upcoming taping of the hilarious Rick Mercer Report. Check out the contest here and good luck!
- [Radio interview re One Book, One Community](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/24/radio-interview-about-one-book-one-community/) - The Chair of the One Book, One Community initiative in the Waterloo Region, Katherine Seredynska, was recently interviewed on FM 98.5 CKWR about the program and the selection of The Best Laid Plans as this year's OBOC choice. She does a great job promoting OBOC and I'm happy to post the interview here. I'm really
- [TBLP and THR to hit the US market](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/20/tblp-and-thr-to-hit-the-us-market/) - Even though I'm away in Virginia golfing, through the wonders of scheduled post publishing I can still update my blog. I can't remember if I mentioned this in an earlier post, but McClelland & Stewart recently secured the U.S. rights for both The Best Laid Plans and The High Road. I was very happy when
- [Offline until after the weekend...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/18/offline-until-after-the-weekend/) - I'm headed to Virginia for our annual golf pilgrimage with my twin brother and our brother-in-law. It's a 20 year tradition that I start looking forward to as soon as the last trip ends. See you on the other side...
- [Behold the new blog design!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/17/behold-the-new-blog-design/) - Well, it's here! Thanks to the efforts of my colleagues at 76design, you're looking at the new design for terryfallis.com. What do you think? I really like what they've done. With The High Road coming out in September, it was time to ditch the TBLP-focused design. Not all the pieces are in place yet, particularly
- [Thanks for the plug, McClelland & Stewart](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/15/thanks-for-the-plug-mcclelland-stewart/) - I just noticed that my publisher, McClelland & Stewart, has given TBLP a plug on their homepage in the "Books in the News" section. Very nice!
- [TBLP sales up in Waterloo thanks to OBOC](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/13/tblp-sales-up-in-waterloo-thanks-to-oboc/) - A good friend in our book club was sauntering through a mall in Waterloo the other day and came upon what I'm told is called an "end cap" display in a local bookstore. He immediately snapped a photo and sent it to me. It seems that the One Book, One Community choice of TBLP as
- [Hang gliders & hovercraft: Tracing my roots](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/11/hang-gliders-hovercraft-tracing-my-roots/) - About a month ago, I was approached to write an essay for The New Quarterly, a well-established Canadian literary journal, as part of their "Magazine as Muse" series. Writers are invited to reflect on what magazine captured their imagination in their early teenage years and perhaps shaped their future in some way. I was delighted
- [Back cover design for The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/07/back-cover-design-for-the-high-road/) - Here's an early peek at the back cover of THR. There may still be some minor tweaks to make, but you get the idea.
- [TBLP a hot seller among single women?](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/05/tblp-a-hot-seller-among-single-women/) - I'm not sure what to make of this, but for the last few months, on Amazon's hourly bestseller update lists, TBLP has been lurking in the middle of the pack of the Women's Fiction/Single Women bestseller list. I just noticed that at the time of this post, TBLP had slipped up into the #2 position.
- [Ontario Writers' Conference talk](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/05/ontario-writers-conference-talk/) - Last Saturday, I attended the Ontario Writers' Conference near Oshawa, Ontario. My friend and fellow writer, Evadne Macedo, was kind enough to drive me. It was a great and inspiring day. To be amongst 100 or so passionate writers was a pleasure. I was thrilled to hear Wayson Choy and Robert J. Sawyer speak. As
- [New blog design coming soon...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/04/new-blog-design-coming-soon/) - One of the problems with the current design of this blog is that it appears to be a book site about The Best Laid Plans, one novel, rather than an author site. At the time, this made sense as I only had one novel and I kind of wanted it to be about the book
- [Will Ferguson wins the Leacock...again!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/03/will-ferguson-wins-the-leacock-again/) - Will Ferguson won the 2010 Leacock Medal last Thursday, his third. He is now the fourth writer in the history of the award to earn a trio of Leaocks. Very impressive. I would have been in Orillia for the announcement had I not been so fortunate to be in Cambridge for the announcement that TBLP
- [Waterloo Record OBOC editorial](https://terryfallis.com/2010/05/02/waterloo-record-oboc-editorial/) - I met Lynn Haddrall, the Editor-in-chief of the Waterloo Record at the One Book, One Community launch last week. She is funny, smart, and charming and spoke very well at the event. The Record has always been a big a supporter of OBOC. The Record ran a great article the day after the launch. Here's
- [One Book, One Community = one thrilled writer](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/29/one-book-one-community-one-thrilled-writer/) - Waterloo Region chooses The Best Laid Plans as its 2010 selection for One Book, One Community My cup runneth over. For the last two years, after what I have come to call my "Leacock shock," I've noted on several occasions that I surely have exhausted my lifetime supply of good fortune. Clearly, I was wrong.
- [Sherlock Holmes -- A favourite literary figure](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/26/sherlock-holmes-a-favourite-literary-figure/) - I don't think I've ever confessed to my longstanding affection for Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's extraordinary Victorian sensation. It was probably 25 years ago when I finally picked up a Sherlock Holmes story and fell headlong into one of literature's most famous and timeless creations. I promptly read the entire canon in very
- [Elora Writers' Festival starts to promote](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/22/elora-writers-festival-starts-to-promote/) - This is shaping up to be a great event. What an honour it is to appear with such stellar writers. Getting to meet writers has been one of the many benefits of my little journey into the literary world. I'm really looking forward to this event. Elora is just a lovely town -- extraordinarily picturesque
- [TBLP hits KOBO](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/20/tblp-hits-kobo/) - It took a little longer than with the Kindle store and the Sony Reader bookstore, but TBLP has just landed on KOBO, the Canadian ebook retailer. I've really enjoyed reading novels on my Sony Pocket Reader and I think many others do too. I'm glad that readers can get TBLP, and soon, The High Road
- [Blue Heron "Books and Brunch" event](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/18/blue-heron-books-and-brunch-event/) - Last weekend, I spoke, read, and signed at a "Books and Brunch" event organized by Shelley Macbeth and Blue Heron Books in Uxbridge, Ontario. Unlike most of the readings I've done, this time it was more of an interview led by the prolific writer, journalist and broadcaster, Ted Barris. Ted and I shared the stage
- [Reading TBLP as an ebook](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/12/reading-tblp-as-an-ebook/) - I've blogged before about how much I love my Sony Reader. So when TBLP was recently issued as an ebook, I thought I'd better buy a copy and see how it looks on my Reader. So here it is. Whether you like to read on your BlackBerry, iPhone, Kindle, or countless other electronic devices, you
- [Author photo change for The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/11/author-photo-change-for-the-high-road/) - My identical twin brother Tim, an accomplished photographer in off-hours, took the author photo for TBLP and, we thought, took the shot that was originally to have graced the back of The High Road. I quite liked the new photo but some have said that I look a little too serious for the writer of
- [Books & Brunch event in Uxbridge tomorrow](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/10/books-brunch-event-in-uxbridge-tomorrow/) - I'll be in Uxbridge tomorrow for brunch and a reading oragnized by Shelley Macbeth and her wonderful Blue Heron Books store. Apparently, more than 100 tickets have been sold for the event so I can feel my abdominal butterflies assembling. I have some family and friends kindly attending the brunch so there'll be a few
- [The 2010 Leacock Medal finalists unveiled](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/02/the-2010-leacock-medal-finalists-unveiled/) - This time of year always brings back vivid memories of March 27th, 2008. I was in Montreal on business, in between client presentations, when I discovered via Google that The Best Laid Plans had been shortlisted for the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. I thought I'd had a stroke. Seldom can we point to
- [TBLP can now be downloaded as an ebook ](https://terryfallis.com/2010/04/02/tblp-can-now-be-downloaded-as-an-ebook/) - I recently reported that The Best Laid Plans was going to be made available as an ebook. Well, TBLP has just now appeared in the Amazon Kindle store and in the Sony Reader store. It has yet to appear in the Kobo ebook store here in Canada but it shouldn't be too much longer. When
- [TBLP is now available as an ebook!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/27/tblp-is-now-available-as-an-ebook/) - I knew this was happening, but I didn't think it would be done this fast. I've just discovered that TBLP will soon be available as an ebook in any one of the typical formats for smartphones or electronic readers. The McClelland & Stewart website and the Random House website now list TBLP as both a
- [Reading at the Elora Writers' Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/20/reading-at-the-elora-writers-festival/) - I'm already looking forward to this great event in early June. I've been invited to read at the Elora Writers' Festival along with an amazing line-up of authors. I'm definitely punching above my weight class among these wonderful writers. I'll be on the program with this year's Giller winner, Linden MacIntyre, 1999 Giller winner Bonnie
- [Jessica Grant wins Canada Also Reads!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/18/jessica-grant-wins-canada-also-reads/) - A great writer and a great book have won the first Canada Also Reads, organized by the National Post's Afterword blog. Jessica Grant and her fantastic novel Come Thou Tortoise won the crown in a walk. It was wonderful being among the extraordinary list of finalists for Canada Also Reads and it gave me a
- [Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy blurbs The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/12/blue-rodeos-jim-cuddy-blurbs-the-high-road/) - I'm very fortunate. First, the great and hilarious writer Ian Ferguson blurbed The High Road. Now, my ball hockey teammate, the amazing, Juno-winning, Blue Rodeo-founding, singer/songwriter Jim Cuddy, offers a wonderful THR blurb of his own. As I said, I'm one lucky writer. Both Ian's and Jim's contributions will appear somewhere on, or in, The
- [New author photo for The High Road... uh boy...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/10/new-author-photo-for-the-high-road/) - There seems to be no end of little details to address as the new novel makes its way to publication in September. Today, after procrastinating for weeks, I was finally forced to undergo that often humiliating experience, at least for me, of having my photo taken. I need a new shot for the back of
- [Voting for Canada Also Reads opens! So VOTE!](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/05/voting-for-canada-also-reads-opens-so-vote/) - Vote early and vote often. But seriously, if you have a moment, head over to Canada Also Reads and register your vote. The polls are open until March 12th at 1:00. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 15th. Consider this to be part of your obligation as Canadians! Canlit needs your support!
- [The great Ian Ferguson "blurbs" The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/05/the-great-ian-ferguson-blurbs-the-high-road/) - Ian Ferguson is wonderful writer and a very funny guy. I read his Leacock-winning book, Village of the Small Houses, some years ago, so I was thrilled to meet Ian at last year's Leacock Luncheon. What a great guy. We've maintained contact via email and Facebook ever since. In a cool twist, Ian's book and
- [Enjoyed Toronto Premiere of Robertson Davies Play](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/04/enjoyed-toronto-premiere-of-robertson-davies-play/) - As I've noted several times already in this space, Robertson Davies is one of my literary heroes. His novels were among the first to show me that literary prose, compelling stories, and deeply developed characters could coexist with a heaping helping of humour. John Irving also helped enlighten me on that score. That Robertson Davies
- [Wow! TBLP a "Canada Also Reads" Finalist](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/09/wow-tblp-a-canada-also-reads-finalist/) - You may recall a blog post I wrote at the end of December about being long-listed for the National Post's Canada Also Reads competition. I was really happy to be among the more than 60 books on the list. So imagine my delight late this afternoon at finding The Best Laid Plans on the shortlist.
- [Quill & Quire quotes authors' rules for writing](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/28/quill-quire-quotes-authors-rules-for-writing/) - Quill & Quire has assembled on its blog some quotations from several authors capturing a selection of writing rules. Not sure how I made the list but Q&Q is clearly excerpting the Canada Also Reads piece the finalists were asked to submit last week for the National Post's Afterword blog. I'm delighted to be there
- [Canada Also Reads TBLP essay by Andy Maize](https://terryfallis.com/2010/03/02/canada-also-reads-tblp-essay-by-andy-maize/) - The essays in defence of the Canada Also Reads shortlisted books started yesterday. Two essays each day are posted on the National Post's Afterword blog. This afternoon, Andy Maize's defence of The Best Laid Plans appeared. Andy Maize, co-founder and lead singer/songwriter with The Skydiggers has written a wonderful piece in support of TBLP. I
- [Fiction writing rules in the National Post online](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/26/fiction-writing-rules-in-the-national-post-online/) - Taking a cue from the Guardian's Rules for Writers series in the U.K., Brad Frenette, at the National Post and its Afterword blog, asked the authors of the eight shortlisted books for Canada Also Reads to submit their own fiction writing rules. My contribution, hastily considered and created to meet the National Post's deadline, appeared
- [The world is a strange place...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/24/the-world-is-a-strange-place/) - I quite like The Best Laid Plans. I have a soft spot in my heart for it. In fact, I've even read it a few times. But even I wouldn't pay this price for it. The seller on eBay is a book store in Hammond, Indiana, clearly a veritable hotbed of Canadian political interest! I
- [Tonight, I'm in Waterloo...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/23/tonight-im-in-waterloo/) - I'm really looking forward to speaking at the Waterloo Public Library (McCormick Branch) tonight. The branch's book club has been reading TBLP. As I've noted before on this blog, I'm happy to speak about TBLP pretty well anywhere, and to anyone, but it's particularly enjoyable to be amidst a group of book lovers who have
- [THR cover now appearing in online retailers](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/19/thr-cover-now-appearing-in-online-retailers/) - Okay, so now it's really official. The cover is out there on the M&S website and in online retailers. As well, I've just received the "proofs" of the novel, as it will appear in book form. A few copies of the "proofs" will be bound and sent to our list of reviewers from whom we
- [As requested, a shameless tour of five years](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/14/as-requested-a-shameless-tour-of-four-years/) - It may be because it usually takes me about an hour to tell the tale of what I often call my unorthodox journey to the published land, but I've fielded many requests for a brief and visual overview of the odyssey. "Put something on YouTube!" is a regular refrain at readings. So, in a spasm
- [A sneak peek at the cover of The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/12/a-sneak-peek-at-the-cover-of-the-high-road/) - Well, here it is, the cover design for The High Road. I have to say that I'm very happy with it. I particularly like how the designers captured the look and feel of The Best Laid Plans, leaving the bookstore browser without any doubt that this is a sequel to The Best Laid Plans. The
- [Late year spike in TBLP podcast downloads](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/13/late-year-spike-in-tblp-podcast-downloads/) - I have no idea what the heck happened in November and December to trigger such a big spike in podcast downloads but the graphic speaks for itself, and I'm thrilled. And judging by the pace of downloads in January, the peak may be even higher come the end of the month. Monthly downloads were chugging
- [Jump in podcast downloads continues...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/05/jump-in-podcast-downloads-continues/) - I blogged a couple of weeks ago about a mysterious leap in TBLP podcast downloads as 2009 drew to a close. I still have no explanation for the sudden uptick in listeners (not that I'm complaining). Well, it seems the surge continued in January, topping out at just shy of 2800 downloads. You can see
- [Speaking in Newfoundland in April](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/05/speaking-in-newfoundland-in-april/) - Later in April, I'll be heading east to St. John's to speak to the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs about social media as part of their annual conference. My talk will likely lean more heavily on my day job in PR but I often use my writing odyssey as a social media case
- [Another step taken on The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2010/02/04/another-step-taken-on-the-high-road/) - All of sudden, The High Road seems more real. The good folks at McClelland & Stewart have been busy. Both Chapters/Indigo and Amazon now feature preliminary listings for The High Road. It's also listed on the M&S site. As soon as cover design and cover copy are completed, These listings will be filled out with
- [Hello February! -- Two readings this month](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/31/hello-february-two-readings-this-month/) - It's hard to believe that January is over. Seems like the New Year's Eve countdown was just a few nights ago. After a quiet January on the talks/readings front, there are two gigs planned in February. (I'd love to see you there if you're in the neighbourhood.) Then events pick up again in May and
- [I'm going to be the MC for the 2010 Leacock Gala](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/29/im-going-to-be-the-mc-for-the-2010-leacock-gala/) - In the last couple of years, I've really enjoyed the time I've spent in Orillia at various Leacock-related events, and getting to know the folks at the Leacock Association who do so much to breathe life into the great Canadian humourist's legacy. I've been to two Leacock luncheons, one Friday night soiree, two Leacock Galas,
- [THR official publishing date: September 7, 2010](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/24/thr-official-publishing-date-september-7-2010/) - Well, I guess it's really official now. I was checking BookManager a few minutes ago. This is a site used primarily to track book sales to and through independent book sellers. I check it periodically to see whether TBLP is still in demand. Tonight when I looked, lo and behold, The High Road has magically
- [Paul Quarrington 1953-2010](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/21/paul-quarrington-1953-2010/) - Like so many other Canlit lovers, I'm torn up today. There will no new Paul Quarrington novel to anticipate. Not any longer. Every few years there would be another, and we would line up to buy it. Then we would line up to hear him read sections to us (so much better than reading it
- [Evadne Macedo posts a Q&A with me](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/20/evadne-macedo-posts-a-qa-with-me/) - Last year, I did a reading at a public library in Toronto's Beach community. When it was over, a young woman approached to have her book signed and to ask some writing-related questions. Our conversation carried on out onto the street after the event, and I got to know Evadne Macedo, aspiring novelist and all-round
- [Waterloo Public Library reading coming up...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/16/waterloo-public-library-reading-coming-up/) - Next month, I'll be heading down the 401 for an hour to the lovely community of Waterloo, home of the wonderful Words Worth Books, where I spoke last fall. I'll be speaking and reading at the McCormick Branch Book Club that was kind enough to select TBLP as their pick for February. Should be fun...
- [Trying my hand at teaching next fall...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/14/trying-my-hand-at-teaching-next-fall/) - There's an old adage that "those who can't do, teach." Thankfully, I've never really subscribed to that notion. In fact, I'm going to try teaching a night course next November as part of the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies' Creative Writing program. I'm not sure what the official name of the course will
- [TBLP makes another "Decade's Best" list](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/07/tblp-makes-another-decades-best-list/) - This is quite unexpected. Okay, I'm shocked and thrilled at one and the same time. The Mark is a respected daily online forum for news, commentary and debate. One of their regular arts/books contributors is Mark Leslie Lefevbre, a writer and bookseller in Hamilton, and he has compiled a list of his favourite books of
- [Books & Brunch with Blue Heron Books](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/06/books-brunch-with-blue-heron-books/) - I'm looking forward to this event, although it's not until April. Blue Heron Books, another wonderful independent bookstore, is located in Uxbridge just north east of Toronto. I met Shelley Macbeth, at a reading I did in November. She invited me to participate in Blue Heron's Books & Brunch spring series along with Marina Nemat,
- [My article runs in Writers' Union of Canada mag](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/05/my-article-runs-in-writers-union-of-canada-mag/) - Early in the fall, I was asked to write a piece for the fall/winter edition of WRITE, the official magazine of the Writers' Union of Canada (WUC). The magazine is now out there, with Paul Quarrington on the cover, and focuses on Canadian humour. I was only too happy to oblige. I joined the WUC
- [TBLP makes the "Canada Also Reads" longlist](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/29/tblp-makes-the-canada-also-reads-longlist/) - This morning, the National Post's Canada Also Reads longlist was released. There was some criticism of the annual CBC Canada Reads selections this year. Not because they weren't all great books, but because many of them were well-known, already-recognized CanLit offerings. So the National Post, using Twitter, solicited nominations for an alternative program dubbed Canada
- [TBLP on "Biased Best Books" of the decade list](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/05/tblp-on-biased-best-books-of-the-decade-list/) - Wow, what an honour! In an article in today's Orillia Packet & Times, TBLP was noted as the "funniest Leacock winner" of the decade. The list was compiled by the staff of the Manticore Books, a wonderful independent bookstore in downtown Orillia, home of the Stephen Leacock Museum. I've spent several hours in the last
- [Writing Update: Final manuscript submitted](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/03/writing-update-final-manuscript-submitted/) - My editor, Doug Gibson, dropped by yesterday morning with the final version of the manuscript for The High Road. He'd wanted me to see and approve a couple of dozen or so added commas and other punctuation changes to put the book to bed. It took me less than an hour last night to walk
- [It's amazing what you can find on the Internet...](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/01/its-amazing-what-you-can-find-on-the-internet/) - A friend just pointed me to this image on the Internet. I'd never seen it before. Believe it or not, it's from a cool photoblog, called PICPU, that focuses on eyewear. Clarence Johnson is the photo buff behind the blog. I can't tell for certain where this shot was taken. If the date on the
- [Stellar entry list for 2010 Leacock Medal](https://terryfallis.com/2010/01/01/stellar-entry-list-for-2010-leacock-medal/) - Now that entries have closed for the 2010 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, I decided to check out the list. Wow! Sixty-one books entered this year. That's a larger field than usual. It may well be the largest field since the award was established in 1947. There are some really big names in the
- [It's a sad day for Toronto book lovers...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/30/its-a-sad-day-for-toronto-book-lovers/) - It was a shock to learn yesterday that the wonderful McNally Robinson bookstore, open less than a year ago, has closed as part of bankruptcy proceedings. I've been to the MR Toronto store many times, most recently a week or so ago for last minute Christmas shopping. It was a beautiful haven for book lovers.
- [My first blurb...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/09/my-first-blurb/) - Another threshold crossed in my unexpected literary journey. I was directed to the Random House/Knopf Canada website today where I found Drew Hayden Taylor's new novel listed. It's due out in March. Drew is a very funny guy and an accomplished writer. I've shared the stage with him several times in the last year at
- [Three years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/25/three-years-later/) - For the last two years, on Christmas Day, I've posted about what has happened in my humble life since I signed up with iUniverse on Boxing Day in 2006 to self-publish my first novel. Every year at this time I re-read those two annual posts, One year later... and Two years later.... This year is
- [PeopleTalkRadio interview posted](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/24/peopletalkradio-interview-posted/) - Earlier in December, I did an interview with Nigel Killick, who produces PeopleTalk, a great podcast, out of England. He has a considerable following in North America and in Asia. In our conversation, we talk about my publishing journey, politics and social media. You should check out some of the other interesting interviews posted on
- [I swear it feels just the same...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/23/i-swear-it-feels-just-the-same/) - I don't generally get hung up on milestone birthdays. It didn't me bother when I turned 30 or 40. I'm pleased to report that turning 50 hasn't sent me into a melancholy tailspin of nostalgic pining for years gone by. I just feel the same. I know whenever I go to my ABM and happen
- [Literati Lounge - great event, great cause](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/21/literati-lounge-great-event-great-cause/) - A week or so ago, I was pleased to participate in a great event at the wonderful Re: Reading bookstore on the Danforth here in Toronto. The reading was organized by a group of students in the PR program at Centennial College and it was in support of Frontier College. Also reading at the authors
- [Wow... good news from Amazon.ca](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/18/wow-good-news-from-amazon-ca/) - While this list changes every hour or so, it seems that TBLP has again risen to number one on the "Political" bestsellers listing at Amazon.ca, at least for a few minutes. Perhaps someone in my family is doing their last minute Christmas shopping. However it happened, it's good news. As I often do in such
- [Quill & Quire note publishing deal](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/18/quill-quire-note-publishing-deal/) - If you're a Canadian writer (published or unpublished) or an avid reader interested in the book world, Quill & Quire is a great publication. I buy it at the newstand but it's time I subscribed. They also have a great blog called the Quillblog. Check it out. If you look closely, you'll see that the
- [McClelland & Stewart to publish The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/13/mcclelland-stewart-to-publish-the-high-road/) - It's official. The paperwork is done, and I'm thrilled to announce that next September, McClelland & Stewart will publish the sequel to TBLP, entitled The High Road. Even better, Douglas Gibson will again be my editor and publisher, under his own M&S imprint. There's none better than he (he's edited Alice Munro, Robertson Davies, W.
- [My recommendation made the Advent Book Blog](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/10/my-recommendation-on-the-advent-book-blog/) - I noticed through this Twitter tweet that the Advent Book Blog just posted my recommendation. I love this idea of soliciting and then posting book recommendations from folks connected to the writing/publishing world. I've really enjoyed reading the various book picks and learning a bit more about the people behind them. If you haven't visited
- [Words Worth Books puts TBLP on gift list...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/07/words-worth-books-puts-tblp-on-gift-list/) - The staff of the wonderful Words Worth Books in Waterloo, Ontario have just added TBLP to their list of gift ideas for the holidays. How kind of them. It's wonderful to be on the same list with the next volume of John English's biography of Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Just 17 more days of shopping left.
- [Love this new blog...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/12/05/love-this-new-blog/) - Ami McKay, author of The Birth House directed me (via Twitter) to the Advent Book Blog, a great new blog created by Sean (Books on the Radio) Cranberry and Julie (Book Madam) Wilson. They're inviting members of the writing/publishing/bookselling communities to submit short but spirited recommendations for their favourite books published in the last year.
- [A reading for the party faithful...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/27/a-reading-for-the-party-faithful/) - On Monday evening, December 7th, I'll be travelling to Dundas, Ontario, just outside of Hamilton, to give a talk and reading to a group of Liberals. Hamilton is my old university stomping ground so I'm really looking forward to going back. My friends at the wonderful local bookstore, Bryan Prince Bookseller, will be on hand
- [Back to McMaster for Mac Reads](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/22/back-to-mcmaster-for-mac-reads/) - McMaster will always be a special place for me. I spent six years there earning a mechanical engineering degree and immersing myself in student politics. My McMaster experience led directly to my pursuit of politics after graduation and stints on Parliament Hill and Queen's Park. Jumping ahead, the first official book event I did was
- [Leacock Dinner... an unforgettable night](https://terryfallis.com/2008/06/08/leacock-dinner-an-unforgettable-night/) - My wife, two sons and I have just returned from Orillia, Ontario where we've spent the weekend attending a number of events surrounding the Leacock Medal for Humour. It was a wonderful time spent with the incredibly warm and welcoming people who manage one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious literary awards. I was presented
- [Bookseller has enlightened digital view](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/21/bookseller-has-enlightened-digital-view/) - Mark (Leslie) Lefebvre is a writer, blogger, booklover, and a bigwig at the McMaster University Bookstore. I met him first more than two years ago when he kindly organized a book launch event at the store for TBLP. We've stayed in touch ever since. He's a smart guy with a very enlightened view of the
- [Stephen King and David Cronenberg](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/21/stephen-king-and-david-cronenberg/) - On Thursday night, I took my younger son to the beautiful Canon Theatre to see a rare public appearance by the prolific Stephen King. (Check out the brief clip someone has loaded up to YouTube.) He was interviewed on stage by David Cronenberg, acclaimed Canadian film director who brought King's The Dead Zone to the
- [Breakfast with the WCDR](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/15/breakfast-with-the-wcdr/) - Quite some time ago, I was invited to address a breakfast meeting of the The Writers' Circle of Durham Region (WCDR). I've thoroughly enjoyed virtually all of the 50 or 60 talks/readings/signings I've done since the Leacock shock some 19 months ago, but I particularly look forward to speaking to groups of writers. Yesterday in
- [Yes, I'm on Twitter too...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/13/yes-im-on-twitter-too/) - I've been on Twitter now for several months but am not as frequent a "tweeter" as I'd like to be. If you're on Twitter, and you suffer with insomnia, you're certainly welcome to follow me (@TerryFallis). I use Twitter to comment on various and sundry topics related to my day job in public relations and
- [Thanks Thornbury!](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/13/thanks-thornbury/) - A few weeks ago, I drove up to Thornbury, Ontario, near Collingwood, to do a Sunday talk and reading at the wonderful Blue Mountains Public Library. It was a glorious autumn day and the drive up was very relaxing. A great crowd turned up and we all had lovely time -- at least I did,
- [McMaster's Historical Perspectives on Canadian Publishing](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/06/mcmasters-historical-perspectives-on-canadian-publishing/) - I've just stumbled upon a fascinating resource for anyone interested in the history of publishing in Canada. Created at McMaster University, my beloved alma mater, Historical Perspectives on Canadian Publishing is a web-based cornucopia of information, letters, essays, articles, photographs, and audio recordings about publishing in Canada. There are nearly 100 interesting case studies in
- [Manuscript has been submitted...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/11/01/manuscript-has-been-submitted/) - Last weekend, I finished polishing the manuscript of The High Road, the sequel to TBLP. It felt very good to close the document and send it off to my agent Beverley Slopen. My wonderful editor/publisher Douglas Gibson at McClelland & Stewart still has to read the second half of the novel and I'm sure he'll
- [John Irving on stage in Toronto](https://terryfallis.com/2009/10/31/john-irving-on-stage-in-toronto/) - Last Sunday I snuck away from regular family weekend activities to see John Irving at the International Festival of Authors (IFOA) here in Toronto. Regular readers of this blog (both of you) may recall that John Irving has been an inspiration to me. The emotional impact of his writing and the laughs along the way
- [Kim Echlin and the Giller Prize](https://terryfallis.com/2009/10/24/kim-echlin-and-the-giller/) - My wife Nancy and I have been in a wonderful book club for something like 15 years (so long that I've lost track of exactly how long). Because of a connection to one of our members, the wonderful writer, Kim Echlin, has come to our book club for each of her novels, Elephant Winter, Dagmar's
- [Writing Update: Eureka!](https://terryfallis.com/2009/10/13/writing-update-eureka/) - I'm really happy to report that over the weekend, I finished the draft manuscript for The High Road. Yep, the process that began last December when I started to create the outline for the TBLP sequel, has now, some 10 months later, crossed another major threshold. I must confess, after such a long process of
- [Thornbury library talk, reading and signing ](https://terryfallis.com/2009/10/14/thornbury-library-talk-reading-and-signing/) - This coming Sunday afternoon, October 18th, I'll be in Thornbury, Ontario, near Collingwood for a reading, talk, and signing, at the L. E. Shore Memorial Library. The good folks from Jessica's Book Nook will have copies of TBLP available, so I'll have something to sign. I'm looking forward to it and appreciate the efforts made
- [Thanks Fort Erie and Pelham...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/10/10/thanks-fort-erie-and-pelham/) - I've been remiss in not reporting on my two stop tour of the Niagara region a couple of weeks ago. It was a great day. First, I gave an afternoon talk and reading at the Fort Erie Public Library. The people were wonderful. Several of them had already read TBLP while many of the others
- [Writing Update: Getting so close now...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/09/29/writing-update-getting-so-close-now/) - I've told my editor/publisher Douglas Gibson that I'll have the completed manuscript to him by October 31st. So I thought it was time for another update. (Anything to distract me from actually finishing the book!) I'm actually quite far along now and feeling good. It seems to go faster when the finish line is in
- [Getting ready for a short Niagara tour](https://terryfallis.com/2009/09/24/getting-ready-for-a-short-niagara-tour/) - Next week I'm off to speak about, and read from, TBLP at the public libraries in Fort Erie and Pelham, in the Niagara region. It's been in the works for a while now and I'm looking forward to it. I've done a couple of interviews with the local media down that way and the resulting
- [Now this was a thrill...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/07/29/now-this-was-a-thrill/) - Nearly 24 years ago, I left Parliament Hill in the nation's capital to return to Toronto and Queen's Park to join the political staff of Robert Nixon, who had just been named Treasurer (now known as Finance Minister) in the newly formed Liberal Ontario government of Premier David Peterson. I was Mr. Nixon's Legislative Assistant
- [Artist, writer, photographer, friend Peggy Lampotang reviews TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2009/09/17/artist-writer-photographer-friend-peggy-lampotang-reviews-tblp/) - My friend and fellow hockey parent Peggy Lampotang has kindly reviewed TBLP on her blog. She's an accomplished photographer, artist, and a very good writer too. I really hope more readers will get to see her short stories sometime in the future. Thanks Peggy...
- [Two Niagara region readings coming up...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/09/11/two-niagara-regions-readings-coming-up/) - I'll be taking a vacation day on September 30th for readings at the public libraries in Fort Erie, in the afternoon, and then in Pelham, in the evening. After a very quiet August, my autumn dance card is rather full. Feels good to get back out there...
- [Muskoka writer reviews TBLP on her blog](https://terryfallis.com/2009/09/04/muskoka-writer-reviews-tblp-on-her-blog/) - Jenn Jilks is a Muskoka educator, writer, poet, and photographer who writes a blog populated with her musings, reflections and photographs. She was kind enough to read and review TBLP. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating. What has struck me over and over again, throughout this writing adventure I'm on, is
- [Reader reviews are what it's all about...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/08/29/reader-reviews-are-what-its-all-about/) - TBLP doesn't generate a ton of reader reviews on Chapters-Indigo or Amazon but it's sure nice to get them, particularly if they're positive. I don't know about you, but I always scan the reader reviews before I buy a book. they're often more meaningul to me than the Globe and Mail or New York Times
- [Writing update: nearly two-thirds in](https://terryfallis.com/2009/08/21/writing-update-nearly-two-thirds-in/) - There's been not much to report of late. I'm quite busy at the office with lots of stuff on the go and less time to blog and/or write. Thought I'd give you a very quick writing update on the sequel to TBLP, tentatively entitled The High Road. It seems to go in fits and starts.
- [My CEO TV Debut...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/07/17/my-ceo-tv-debut/) - About a month ago, the good folks at CEO TV shot a segment about TBLP and my day job as a PR professional. They also sent a camera crew up to Orillia for the Leacock Award weekend to help round out the segment. Well, it aired nationally on Global a week or so ago and
- [TBLP in the news...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/08/11/tblp-in-the-news/) - I've done a few interviews lately for broader stories about self-publishing, and the results are here. The Globe story was apparently trimmed quite a bit to fit the space they had available. But it's always nice to be in the Globe. I did the Financial Post interview while standing on a pier in Digby, Nova
- [Winnipeg Sun audio interview](https://terryfallis.com/2009/08/11/winnipeg-sun-audio-interview/) - Yesterday, I did a phone interview with the very funny Ian Shanley at the Winnipeg Sun. It's a good thing he's funny, because he's the paper's celebrated humour writer, and well worth reading. Check out his columns and prepare to chortle and guffaw. We talked about TBLP and you can have a listen here if
- [Amazon update: TBLP hits #1 (for at least an hour anyway)](https://terryfallis.com/2009/08/07/amazon-update-tblp-hits-1-for-at-least-an-hour/) - I promise not to keep showboating but I really did have to record this. Besides, this humble blog doesn't have legions of readers so I really consider it a bit of an online scrapbook of my unexpected tour of the publishing world. Anyway, now that I've discovered that I can track TBLP on Amazon's Bestseller
- [TBLP an Amazon 'Political' genre bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2009/08/07/tblp-an-amazon-political-genre-bestseller/) - I'd never actually noticed that you can check sales rankings on Amazon.ca based on the category in which the book has been placed. TBLP is categorized as Literature and Fiction/Genre Fiction/Political. When I realized this, I had a quick look at the Political genre Bestseller list and much to my amazement found TBLP at number
- [Words Worth Books and TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2009/07/15/words-worth-books-and-tblp/) - There's a wonderful bookstore in Waterloo, Ontario called Words Worth Books, that is well-known for its passionate and knowledgable staff, not to mention events that attract top-rank authors. In fact, in May, Anne Michaels and Wayson Choy visited. I was delighted to see that TBLP has been recommended on the Words Worth website as one
- [Booked for the 2010 Ontario Writers' Conference](https://terryfallis.com/2009/06/17/booked-for-the-2010-ontario-writers-conference/) - This should be an interesting event. I've just been booked to run a session on self-promotion at the 2010 OWC next May organized annually by the very active Writers' Circle of Durham Region. I've heard wonderful reports about this conference and I look forward to the event, even though it seems like a long way
- [TBLP in Maclean's Magazine](https://terryfallis.com/2008/04/25/tblp-in-macleans-magazine/) - Earlier this week I did a very hurried interview with Maclean's Magazine (for you non-Canadian readers, it's our TIME magazine). It was for the Newsmaker section and of course was driven by Leacock Medal for Humour. Here's the story:
- [Heading to Nova Scotia for two weeks](https://terryfallis.com/2009/06/25/heading-to-nova-scotia-for-two-weeks/) - Tomorrow afternoon, we're starting our family driving trip out to beautiful Nova Scotia to visit my wife's family. We make this trek every few years or so and it is always a great and restful time. My older son may even lend a hand with the driving if the traffic is quiet. I hope to
- [Thanks McNally Robinson for a great event](https://terryfallis.com/2009/06/25/thanks-mcnally-robinson-for-a-great-event/) - Last night I gave a talk and reading at the wonderful new McNally Robinson Toronto bookstore in Don Mills. Carla and her team at MR know how to put on an event. There were amazing posters hanging throughout the store and public address announcements before the reading started. They have an events area on the
- [Mark Leiren-Young picks up his Leacock](https://terryfallis.com/2009/06/14/mark-leiren-young-picks-up-his-leacock/) - Last night I was back in Orillia, Ontario, for the annual Leacock Dinner at which the 2009 Leacock Medal was presented and I guess you could say I officially surrendered my sash as the 2008 winner. Mark Leiren-Young was as wide-eyed as I was a year ago as he signed his winning book, Never Shoot
- [CFUW Author Night a blast in Bracebridge](https://terryfallis.com/2009/06/14/cfuw-author-night-a-blast-in-bracebridge/) - Last Friday night I was in beautiful Bracebridge, Ontario in the heart of Muskoka for the Canadian Federation of University Women's 11th annual Author's Night. I didn't really know what to expect although the organizers heavily promoted the event in the weeks leading up to it. There were posters hanging around town and a great
- [Thinking of Paul Quarrington today...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/06/01/thinking-of-paul-quarrington-today/) - As I wrote recently in one of my little "Writers I revere" posts, I've been a fan of Paul Quarrington for over 20 years. I've read all of his novels and have first editions of each one. I've always admired him and his writing. So it was wonderful to share the stage with him in
- [Bracebridge event coming up](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/20/bracebridge-event-coming-up/) - I have a talk/reading/signing coming up in beautiful Bracebridge, Ontario in a couple of weeks. I always enjoy these events although I'm still not used to seeing my face on a poster. And really, what's not to like? It's always extraordinarily gratifying to meet fellow book lovers who have read and enjoyed TBLP. It will
- [McNally Robinson reading set for June 24th](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/24/mcnally-robinson-reading-set-for-june-24th/) - If you live in western Canada, you need no introduction to McNally Robinson. MR is the leading chain of independent bookstores west of Ontario. They are wonderful large stores with knowledgable staff, an amazing selection of books, and an unrivalled commitment to in-store author events. Well, last month, McNally Robinson opened their first Ontario store
- [TBLP in Cambridge Library book club program](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/24/tblp-in-cambridge-library-book-club-program/) - This is a very interesting initiative offered by the Cambridge Public Library in Cambridge Ontario, about an hour west of Toronto. They've created a Book Club in a Bag program as a support to local book clubs. Included in the kit are eight copies of the book, a discussion guide, and a discussion leader's tracking
- [Grimsby Authors Series - a great night](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/04/grimsby-authors-series-a-great-night/) - This past Wednesday, late in the day, my wonderful publicist, Frances Bedford, picked me up at my office for a drive to Grimsby. I piled into the back seat because the one and only Paul Quarrington was in the front seat. Yes, I drove to the Grimsby Authors Series night with one of my Canlit
- [Writers I revere: Paul Quarrington](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/23/writers-i-revere-paul-quarrington/) - I first read King Leary, Paul Quarrington's 1987 Leacock winning novel, shortly after it was published, and then proceeded to read everything else Quarrington has written before and since. I loved King Leary. Its mix of humour and pathos is masterful. And, it's about hockey! Sports figures in a number of Quarrington's earlier works that
- [The eh List Author Series on May 27th](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/21/the-eh-list-author-series-on-may-27th/) - I'm thrilled to be appearing as part of the very Canadian eh List Author Series at the North York Central Library next week on Wednesday, June 27th. It's wonderful and a little intimidating to be included in a literary series that features such great Canadian writers as Miriam Toews, Nino Ricci, Austin Clarke, Andrew Davidson,
- [New Cover for TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/07/23/new-cover-for-tblp/) - Well, after much debate and some last minute tweaking, here's the new cover of TBLP. It's quite a bit different from the version I submitted but if you look closely, all of the original elements are still there. The photo is the same, although it's been treated and turned into what looks more like a
- [Off the grid for a few days...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/11/off-the-grid-for-a-few-days/) - I'll be in Virginia for a few days for our annual golf pilgrimage. Each year in mid-May, my twin brother Tim and my brother-in-law Tony head south to play an insane amount of golf in a very short period of time. We come back much more exhausted than when we left. But we have a
- [Summing up a very special week](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/04/summing-up-a-very-special-week/) - There is not nearly enough distance from the Leacock ceremony for me to offer any kind of perspective on what winning the Leacock Medal for Humour means or will mean to my life as a "writer." I think I can say with certainty that life after the Leacock will, almost by necessity, be different. In
- [TBLP cracks CBC Book Club's top 10 funny books ](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/30/tblp-cracks-cbc-book-clubs-top-10-funny-books/) - Wow! What an honour. There are some wonderful books on this list. Barney's Version is among my favourites. I know this list wasn't generated through elaborate market research, but I figure any time you're on a list with A Confederacy of Dunces, it's a good thing. In a cool twist of fate, I was in
- [My first writers' workshop](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/07/my-first-writers-workshop/) - I've never been to a writers' workshop, so it goes without saying that I've certainly never led a writers' workshop. This past weekend, I did both, with the indulgence and patience of four very friendly, patient, and avid writers. My friend, Peggy Lampotang, a talented artist, photographer and writer, organized this writers' retreat with her
- [TBLP back on the iTunes charts](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/03/tblp-back-on-the-itunes-charts/) - Who'd have thunk it! Nearly two years after the final episode of The Best Laid Plans podcast was posted, it's reappeared on the iTunes Arts and Literature charts at #17. I figure my GlobeBooks essay and the CBC Book Club's Top 10 Books to Make You Laugh list last week have had a hand in
- [2009 Leacock Award Announced](https://terryfallis.com/2009/05/03/2009-leacock-award-announced/) - I travelled to Orillia this past Thursday to complete my year as the 2008 Leacock Medal winner in the very same room where it all started twelve months ago. It was wonderful to be back in Swanmore Hall for the Leacock Luncheon. I helped out during the presentations to the finalists and got caught up
- [TBLP essay in Globe Books online](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/29/tblp-essay-in-globe-books-online/) - As part of celebrating the 2009 Leacock Medal presentation later this week, I wrote a piece for the Globe and Mail on what a wild ride the last year has been. It appeared today in the Globe's great online book section. You can read it at the Globe Books site or to make it even
- [A wonderful day at the Port Hope Public Library](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/21/a-wonderful-day-at-the-port-hope-public-library/) - This past Saturday, I drove an hour east of Toronto to the beautiful town of Port Hope on the shores of Lake Ontario. Alex Mahabir, the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Port Hope Public Library had invited me to participate in an author event called The Writer Next Door. I sat on a panel with
- [TBLP on CBC Radio Book Club](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/20/tblp-on-cbc-radio-book-club/) - Over at the CBC Book Club webpage, Canadians have been invited to submit favourite funny books. Towards the end of the month, a list will be compiled and released. As part of the CBC Book Club's celebration of humour, I did a brief interview with host Hannah Sung. You can listen to the interview here.Â
- [CPRS Hamilton Pinnacle Awards Dinner](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/17/cprs-hamilton-pinnacle-awards-dinner/) - A week or so ago I spoke at the Canadian Public Relations Society (Hamilton) Pinnacle Awards dinner in Stoney Creek, about an hour southwest of Toronto. I was very pleased to have been invited and it was a great evening. I've never given a book talk to an audience of my public relations peers, so
- [Indigo Lists, good for readers and writers](https://terryfallis.com/2009/04/10/indigo-lists-good-for-readers-and-writers/) - I've always been a fan of the various lists that can be created and offered by and through most online book retailers like Indigo and Amazon. With so many books out there from which to choose, I can use any help I can get in sifting through them all to find the ones I'll like.Â
- [Reading at Toronto's oldest library branch](https://terryfallis.com/2009/03/27/reading-at-torontos-oldest-library-branch/) - This past week I gave a talk and reading at the oldest library branch in the city of Toronto. The Yorkville branch opened in 1907 and she carries her age well. It's been beautifully restored. Stepping in through the main doors at the front is like stepping back in time. The head librarian, Tiziano Vanola,
- [One year ago...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/03/26/one-year-ago/) - On March 27th, 2008, I was in Montreal on business doing a few presentations for one of our clients. I'd remembered that morning that it was also the day that the shortlist was being announced for the 2008 Leacock Award for Humour. I was sitting in a boardroom after my first presentation and had about
- [How I write:  Humour](https://terryfallis.com/2009/03/20/how-i-write-humour/) - I have no idea where I'm going with this post so I thought I'd just start and see where it takes me. I have always loved reading and collecting funny novels. I think good novels that are also funny are hard to find. I also feel strongly that when wielded skillfully, humour can a very
- [TBLP designer Scott Richardson interviewed](https://terryfallis.com/2009/03/09/tblp-designer-scott-richardson-interviewed/) - In my daily travels online I stumbled upon a very interesting three part video vignette on book design by Scott Richardson. He's the awarding novelist and designer who is responsible for the way the eye-catching McClelland & Stewart edition of TBLP looks, inside and out. (In case you're wondering, Random House owns a chunk of
- [Writers I revere: Robertson Davies](https://terryfallis.com/2009/03/07/writers-i-revere-robertson-davies/) - I was a late convert to Robertson Davies. Unlike most Canadian teenagers, I never encountered Davies in my high school English classes. So I was well into my twenties when I read my first RD novel. Like many, I started with the Deptford Trilogy, comprising Fifth Business, The Manitcore, and World of Wonders. I was
- [The Authors Show interview airs March 3rd](https://terryfallis.com/2009/03/02/the-authors-show-interview-airs-march-3rd/) - Several weeks back I did a phone interview about TBLP with The Authors Show, a popular web-radio site. It airs officially on March 3rd (tomorrow), and should be available to listen to for at least a few weeks thereafter. The site seems to provide opportunities for authors to help promote their books. I don't know
- [100 years ago the Silver Dart flew...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/25/100-years-ago-the-silver-dart-flew/) - If you've read TBLP, you'll know that I'm a big fan of Alexander Graham Bell. In the novel, Angus reveres Bell and honours him by naming his hovercraft Baddeck 1. Bell summered in Baddeck in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It was the site of many of his triumphs as an inventor. Whether building his record-breaking
- [It's going to be a busy few months...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/20/its-going-to-be-a-busy-few-months/) - I've just updated the Appearances page with a raft of new speaking/reading/signing gigs that have been coming in recently. Many of the new ones are from public libraries, which I think is wonderful. I'm thrilled that most libraries across the country seem to have stocked TBLP. I always enjoy meeting book-lovers in general and TBLP
- [I'm now on the Speakers' Spotlight roster](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/03/im-now-on-the-speakers-spotlight-roster/) - I'm now part of the roster of speakers available through Canada's leading agency, Speakers' Spotlight. One of their executives came to hear me talk about TBLP at the Women's Canadian Club of Toronto a week or so ago and the invitation came shortly thereafter. I'm chuffed about it as they only take on a handful
- [Sony e-Reader update: Reading is reading](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/04/sony-e-reader-update-reading-is-reading/) - Back in June, I wrote about my purchase of a Sony e-Reader. Now, six months later, I thought it was time I reported back. Let's get one thing straight right off the top. I love books. I've loved them for a long time and can't imagine not loving them for my remaining days. I enjoy
- [Writers I revere: Stephen Fry](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/07/writers-i-revere-stephen-fry/) - As threatened on this blog earlier, here's the first in a periodic series of posts on a handful of my favourite writers. They are writers who have made me laugh, made me think, made me happy, and in some cases, made me write. The living writer with whom I would most like to have dinner
- [A special podcast episode: TBLP is a book](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/30/a-special-podcast-episode/) - In this brief special edition of TBLP podcast, listeners are updated on the publication and availability of the novel in book form. To purchase The Best Laid Plans, see the "Buy it online" links in the right hand sidebar of the blog near the top. After all, the holiday gift-giving season is nearly upon us...
- [A special podcast episode](https://terryfallis.com/2009/02/01/a-special-podcast-episode-2/) - It's been about 16 months since the last special episode of The Best Laid Plans podcast but so much has happened in my side-line life as a writer that it's high time I brought all of you up to date. So here's a talk I did recently at the Women's Canadian Club of Toronto about
- [The Women's Canadian Club of Toronto](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/23/the-womens-canadian-club-of-toronto/) - This past Thursday, I spoke at the monthly gathering of the Women's Canadian Club of Toronto. What a wonderful group of interesting women from all walks of life. This club has been serving its members and the community for over 100 years having ccelebrated their first century anniversary in 2008. I found their mandate to
- [CPRS "newperspective" reviews TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/24/cprs-newperspective-reviews-tblp/) - Newperspective, the publication of the Canadian Public Relations Society (Toronto), offers up a review of TBLP in their Fall 2008 issue. I hadn't actually seen this until a colleague mentioned it to me. While the review features the cover of the self-published, iUniverse edition of TBLP, I'm grateful for the profile and the positive words.
- [Library blog promotes TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/14/library-blog-promotes-tblp/) - Welcome to My Crystal Blog, a blog associated with the Burlington Public Library was kind enough to recommend TBLP as their Wednesday Pick this week. Many thanks for the plug! I've lately received a number of speaking/reading invitations from public libraries, which is wonderful. I'll try to keep the "Appearances" page of my blog up
- [My Leacock winner collection is complete...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/14/my-leacock-winner-collection-is-complete/) - My Aunt Nancy is rare book dealer who operates Thornley Point Books out of Iroquois, Ontario. Shortly after the Leacock shock last April, she wisely suggested I collect all of the Leacock winning books from the inauguration of the award in 1947. I thought this a wonderful idea and she set to work hunting down
- [How I write:  Outlining](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/11/how-i-write-outlining/) - I've just this past weekend finished outlining the sequel to TBLP. Hallelujah! It's a relief to have it done. So I thought it would be a good time to write the first of a few posts under the heading "How I write."  I focus on outlining in this first installment. I listen to a lot
- [Who was that mystery guest on The House?](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/10/who-was-that-mystery-guest-on-the-house/) - Just before Christmas I had a call from the producer of CBC Radio's wonderful public affairs program, The House. It was time for their annual book show and I was asked if I would be their "mystery guest" for the show. She went on to say she would record me over the phone giving some
- [Book Lovers' blog worth reading](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/09/book-lovers-blog-worth-reading/) - Thanks to a blurb in the Quill blog on the Quill and Quire website, I discovered a cool blog for lovers of Canadian literature. Roughing it in the Books appears to have started up in October (so I'm three months late to the party) and is written by two CanLit fans, Melanie Owen and Alexis
- [If I'm dreaming... don't wake me up](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/27/if-im-dreaming-dont-wake-me-up/) - 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
- [Where I write...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/02/where-i-write/) - I've always been interested not only in how, why and when writers write, but also where. I know I need a quiet space to write where I can close the door and feel very comfortable. I've always loved being surrounded by books so it's been a longstanding dream to have a library in our home
- [New Year's Resolutions...](https://terryfallis.com/2009/01/01/new-years-resolutions/) - Tis the season for new year's resolutions. For many years, a mainstay of my annual list of resolutions had been "get started writing the novel." I took that one off my list in 2006 as I tweaked and fiddled with what was essentially a completed manuscript for TBLP. But here we are on the eve
- [Reflections on self-publishing](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/30/reflections-on-self-publishing/) - Self-publishing TBLP was not my first choice. After I finished writing it, I spent the better part of a year peddling my manuscript around to agents and publishers with nary a flicker of interest. To many experienced writers, a year doesn't seem a very long time, but I confess it did to me. In December
- ["Browse and Search" with cool new feature](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/29/browse-and-search-with-cool-new-feature/) - McClelland & Stewart has introduced a cool new feature on their catalogue website that allows visitors to browse and even search through a book online. This is the virtual equivalent of picking up a novel in the book store and flipping through its pages. For TBLP, there are 35 "preview pages" including the title and
- [A favourite Christmas present...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/27/a-favourite-christmas-present/) - I received many wonderful gifts from family and friends this Christmas and I have much for which to be thankful. But my in-laws outdid themselves with this amazing photograph of one of my literary heroes, Robertson Davies. The photo shows Davies at a booksigning at Upper Canada College (which he attended from 1926-32), likely back
- [TBLP and public libraries](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/26/tblp-and-public-libraries/) - Back in March 2008, I discovered that the Ottawa Public Library had ordered 15 copies of TBLP for its various branches. I was thrilled given that at the time I was just another self-published novelist trying to find readers. Obviously the Ottawa setting of the novel helped. I confess that before that time, I'd been
- [One year later...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/12/25/one-year-later/) - Exactly one year ago tomorrow, after months of futility and frustration with traditional publishing, I signed on with iUniverse to publish The Best Laid Plans. It was not the course I'd hoped to pursue. Like most first-time novelists, I had hoped to find an agent and a mainstream publisher. Alas, like thousands of other rookie
- [Two years later...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/25/two-years-later/) - Exactly twelve months ago today, I wrote a post on this blog entitled "One year later..." The year before that, on December 26, 2006, I keyed in my Visa card number in the appropriate spaces on the iUniverse website and signed up to publish TBLP. So in my post one year ago, I was reflecting
- [Second Watchmojo.com segment](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/18/second-watchmojocom-segment/) - I see now that there is a second watchmojo.com segment available from the interview I did while in Montreal back in October. In case you haven't had enough of my argyle sweater (which seems to turn up often when I'm promoting TBLP), here's the second clip. (The static opening frame shot that sits there until
- [TBLP among top 20 Indigo online sellers ](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/17/tblp-among-top-20-indigo-online-sellers-today/) - I just discovered that Indigo online tracks their top-selling products on a daily basis. TBLP ranked as the 17th top-selling product today, at least until the ever-shifting list is updated. It's possible that someone made a large one-time online order and that has perhaps thrust TBLP onto the list temporarily. (Our commercial realtor for instance
- [TBLP in The Suburban's Gift Guide](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/18/tblp-in-the-suburbans-gift-guide/) - Quebec's largest weekly newspaper, The Suburban, ran a nice little piece in early December about TBLP. I did a phone interview with Julia Gerke when I was in Montreal back in October, and this article is the result. Nice.
- [TBLP sales seem to be ticking along...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/15/tblp-sales-seem-to-be-ticking-along/) - I've been keeping one eye on this cool site call BookManager since another author suggested I monitor it. It apparently tracks independent book stores' orders of every book available in Canada. Anything ranking in the top 5,000 is considered to be in "High Demand." As we approach the all-important holiday season, TBLP checks in at
- [TBLP a "rare" book? (I don't think so...)](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/15/tblp-a-rare-book-i-dont-think-so/) - Okay, this is a little strange. Someone pointed me towards this on the Indigo website. I can't imagine why anyone would pay this kind of money for the original edition of TBLP. It's very strange. I think it's probably just a computer program that correlates the number of copies of the book printed and the
- [Update on the sequel... Angus and Daniel return](https://terryfallis.com/2008/12/05/update-on-the-sequel-angus-and-daniel-return/) - I've been getting a lot of inquiries lately about a sequel to TBLP, so I thought I'd bring you all up to date. Doug Gibson at M&S has been quietly and gently encouraging me to write a sequel and that certainly fits in with my own thinking. Now that I know my characters a little
- [Thanks for the plug Metro Mama!](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/28/thanks-for-the-plug-metro-mama/) - A Toronto blogger, Metro Mama, has included TBLP on her recommended list of "Books for Him." Very kind words. Many thanks. The other books on her list are wonderful too. It's great to be in their company.
- [Tag, I'm it... eight things about me...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/03/tag-im-it-eight-things-about-me/) - My friend and fellow blogger and podcaster Donna Papacosta has tagged me to reveal eight things about myself that you may not know. I never say no to Donna, so here goes: I have an identical twin brother, Tim, who is eight minutes older than I. In the hustle and bustle of Toronto, where Tim
- [Publishing Update: A new cover coming](https://terryfallis.com/2007/06/29/publishing-update-a-new-cover-coming/) - Well, even though I really love what Steve Palmer at 76design developed for the cover, it seems I may not be the best judge of such things. The official iUniverse review of my submitted cover is in and it looks like we're heading back to the drawing board, literally. The design experts at iUniverse made
- [TBLP interview on WatchMojo.com](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/26/tblp-interview-on-watchmojocom/) - When I was in Montreal a few weeks ago for a day of media interviews about TBLP, I shot an interview for the popular video site, WatchMojo.com. For what it's worth, here it is:
- [BookManager says TBLP is selling well...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/24/bookmanager-says-tblp-is-selling-well/) - For writers, it's not always easy to know how well your book is selling. Yes, you'll eventually get sales reports from the publisher and ultimately a royalty cheque or two. But in the interim, beyond tracking how many copies are sitting on the shelves in the many Chapters/Indigo stores across the country (which you can
- [Doug Gibson conversation on Booklounge.ca](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/22/doug-gibson-conversation-on-bookloungeca/) - A few weeks ago, my friend and editor/publisher Doug Gibson and I met to record a podcast for Booklounge, a great website that brings together offerings for the book lover from a number of Canadian publishers, including McClelland & Stewart. Â Doug is a stellar conversationalist and as I hope you can tell, we had
- [McClelland & Stewart to publish TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/07/mclelland-stewart-to-publish-tblp/) - I'm certain I've now exhausted my lifetime allocation of good fortune. Yesterday my wonderful agent, Beverley Slopen, confirmed that McClelland & Stewart will publish TBLP as one of its fall releases. M&S is the heavyweight Canadian publishing house with a long and rich history. What's more, Douglas Gibson, yes the Douglas Gibson, will not only
- [CanLit Roundtable transcript available](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/10/canlit-roundtable-transcript-available/) - As promoted earlier this morning, I did in fact participate in the National Post's first live blogging experiment with a host of prominent authors and publishers today. It was a little surreal sitting at my desk over the lunch hour typing in my modest contributions and enjoying the insights of my fellow live bloggers. Towards
- [Creativity conversation with Shawn Hewson](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/08/creativity-discussion-with-designer-shawn-hewson/) - Back in the summer, Matt Austin, an actor, writer and film maker contacted me about a series of short videos he is producing for Open Book Toronto, a great site that chronicles all things literary in my home town. His idea was to shoot "artists" from different fields in conversations about the creative process. I
- [National Post Canlit LiveBlog today at noon](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/10/national-post-canlit-liveblog-today-at-noon/) - Today at noon, I'm thrilled to be participating in a live blogging session with some very big names in Canadian Literature (I'll be representing the little names in Canlit!). Also on the panel will be: Nino Ricci, author of The Origin of Species, 2008 Governor General's Literary Award finalist Vincent Lam, winner of the 2006
- [TBLP sneaks back into the Globe and Mail](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/02/tblp-sneaks-back-into-the-globe-and-mail/) - I was flipping through my Saturday Globe and Mail yesterday, as usual leaving the great Books section until the end. Towards the end of the 16 page Books section I stumbled upon the brief weekly section entitled "Paperbacks" that provides quick descriptions of recent trade paperback books of note. I was pleasantly surprised to see
- [TBLP in Booklounge.ca Gift Guide](https://terryfallis.com/2008/11/05/tblp-in-bookloungeca-gift-guide/) - As Halloween recedes and the dying strains of pumpkin carols fade, yes it's time to start thinking about... (I know, I can't believe it either)... the Holiday Season! In my day job in public relations, our team has been pitching clients' stories and products to holiday gift guides for several weeks already. In short, 'tis
- [Mac Reads Book Club... a great evening](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/30/mac-reads-book-club-a-great-evening/) - I spent last evening at McMaster University, my alma mater, in the original President's residence, a lovely old home on the edge of the campus. I and about 20 Mac alumni book club members gathered in the stately living room, complete with grand piano, to discuss TBLP. I had a wonderful time. Everyone was so
- [Day Two of OIWF](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/26/day-two-of-oiwf/) - Here's my second post from the Booklounge Insiders' Blog about the Ottawa International Writers Festival. I had a wonderful day at the Ottawa International Writers Festival on Sunday. At 2:00 p.m., Sarah Dearing chaired our panel on Canadian literature. Bill Gaston started things off with a wonderful reading from his new novel, The Order of
- [Mixed reviews from the Montreal Gazette](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/28/mixed-reviews-from-the-montreal-gazette/) - Last Saturday, the Montreal Gazette reviewed TBLP. It's a mixed review at best, but a review nonetheless. Here's the highlight line: "...it has a certain charm, some clever turns of phrase, and a well-honed appreciation for the absurdities of political life." I'll take it. In the end, mixed reviews are better than no reviews! You'll
- [My first Chapters signing...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/27/my-first-chapters-signing/) - I snuck away from the Ottawa International Festival of Writers to do a book signing at the Chapters Rideau store just a stone's throw from Parliament Hill. The riot police were there in force to contain the crowd that spilled out onto Wellington Street. Yeah right... in my dreams. As I expected, it was a
- [My first Ottawa International Writers Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/26/my-first-ottawa-international-writers-festival/) - I wrote this blog post for the Booklounge.ca Insiders' Blog and thought I might as well cross-post it here. Appearing at readings and writers' festivals is still a new and wondrous experience for me, as is bearing the surreal label of "writer." If you'd have told me six months ago that this past weekend I'd
- [Thanks Montreal... on to Ottawa for OIWF](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/23/thanks-montreal-on-to-ottawa-for-oiwf/) - The Montreal media day yesterday went very well. I did four radio interviews that will run in the coming week or so (I think the CJAD interview may already have aired), along with a video shoot for a popular website and a print interview for The Surburban. The Montreal Gazette is expected to review TBLP
- [TBLP featured in Torontoist four-part series](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/17/tblp-featured-in-torontoist-series/) - Jaime Woo, a staff writer at Torontoist, the popular website about all things Toronto, has written a four-part series, In the Skin of a Writer, built around interviews with fellow Toronto writer Judy Fong Bates, and moi. At the time of this post, three of the parts have been posted with the fourth and final
- [Off to Montreal for a TBLP media day](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/21/off-to-montreal-for-a-tblp-media-day/) - This afternoon, McClelland & Stewart is flying me to Montreal for a day of interviews tomorrow. After having spent a good part of my career coordinating media interviews for our clients, this will be my first experience spending the day with the microphones in my face. At last count, there are six interviews set up
- [Federal Election: Going negative... again](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/15/federal-election-going-negative-again/) - I usually stick to blogging about my writing but I cannot let yesterday's federal election pass without comment. While the hard-fought campaign yielded a predictable result, another Tory minority government, a troubling trend emerged, as it has more or less in the last few elections. Voter turnout continued its decline setting a new record for
- [Another McMaster event, but in Toronto...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/10/01/another-mcmaster-event-but-in-toronto/) - Shortly, this e-mail invitation will be sent to hundreds of Toronto-area McMaster Alumni in the hopes of persuading some of them to come down to the beautiful Distillery District in downtown Toronto for an evening meet and greet, talk, and reading. I'm really looking forward to it. As I've mentioned before, McMaster had a hand
- [Word on the Street Festival](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/28/word-on-the-street-festival/) - This morning, I did a talk and reading as part of Toronto's Word on the Street Festival. Despite being first up in the morning, a modest crowd showed up including friends, family, and a group of students doing a school assignment. (Whatever fills the seats!) I thought it went well.
- [A wonderful evening in Port Colborne](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/28/wonderful-evening-in-port-colborne/) - Thursday evening, Doug Gibson and I drove to Port Colborne for Readings at the Roselawn, a wonderful author series with over 300 subscribers. I had a great time and my hour long talk, reading, and Q&A went very well (at least it seemed to from my vantage point on stage). Here's what the Welland Tribune
- [Harbourfront Update: I survived...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/25/harbourfront-update-i-survived/) - What a wonderful night it was. I enjoyed a leisurely dinner beforehand with the other two accomplished writers on the program, Fred Stenson and Andrew Davidson, the host of the event Geoffrey Taylor, and Alison Pick, a respected poet and writer who introduced the writers on stage. They are all warm and engaging people. Then
- [Harbourfront butterflies are circling...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/24/harbourfront-butterflies-are-circling/) - Tonight's the night and my butterflies are already exhausted from abdominal flying. I'm reading at Harbourfront as part of their International Readings program and will be sharing the stage with Andrew Davidson and his debut blockbuster novel, The Gargoyle, and Fred Stenson and his new novel, The Great Karoo. What wonderful and respected company I'm
- [Behold the blog redesign!](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/18/behold-the-blog-redesign/) - If you've been here before, you'll have noticed that this blog has now been completely redesigned to match the new cover of TBLP and to make it more convenient and functional for the visitor. I love what my colleagues at 76Design have done under the leadership of Aimee Deziel and Jordan Boesch. Thanks for the
- [Publishing Update: Cover design](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/27/publishing-update-cover-design/) - The publishing ball is currently in iUniverse's court. By earning the Editor's Choice designation, iUniverse gives me free professional art direction for my book cover design. While I'll certainly consider what they come up with, I really like the cover design already created and submitted to iUniverse by my friend and colleague Steve Palmer at
- [What a thrill this will be...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/15/what-a-thrill-this-will-be/) - No this isn't an April Fool's joke, though I feared it might be when my wonderful publicist Frances Bedford proposed it. On April 1, 2009, I'll be sharing the stage with fellow Leacock winner Paul Quarrington for a reading as part of the respected Grimsby Author Series. I'd have been thrilled to be in the
- [My "15 minutes" with Steve Paikin](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/08/my-15-minutes-with-steve-paikin/) - This was very cool, but a little nerve-wracking. Steve Paikin is a good friend and I've long been a fan of his earlier TV Ontario public affairs show Studio 2, and his outstanding new program The Agenda. When Steve caught wind of this little podcasting experiment, he was kind enough to invite me in for
- [TBLP on European Satellite Radio](https://terryfallis.com/2007/10/19/tblp-on-european-satellite-radio/) - Now this is kind of cool. Back in the summer I got an e-mail from Thomas Volkner from Radioropa, a leading provider of satellite radio services in Europe. He wanted to broadcast The Best Laid Plans during the evening as part of their English language programming. I said sure but wasn't really certain whether it
- [Positive review of TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/10/20/positive-review-of-tblp/) - The arts and entertainment pullout section from McMaster University's very respected newspaper, The Silhouette, ran a full page review on TBLP a couple of weeks ago. (Regrettably, it's not available online as they're overhauling their website and are offline for the time being.) To be fair and up front, a friend of mine, Dave Moore,
- [The Hill Times notes TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/10/22/the-hill-times-notes-tblp/) - The must-read weekly newspaper that chronicles the political and policy machinations on Parliament Hill featured a short blurb about TBLP. If I want to reach politically-oriented (or obsessed) readers, and I definitely do, The Hill Times is a great vehicle. Thanks to Paddy Tornsey for helping making this happen.
- [iUniverse issues TBLP news release](https://terryfallis.com/2007/12/03/iuniverse-issues-tblp-news-release/) - Stop the Presses! I was pleasantly surprised to read this news release issued today about TBLP and its Publisher's Choice designation. As a veteran PR professional, I don't expect it will generate much, if any, coverage but it sure is nice to have the recognition. Standing by to schedule interviews... just kidding. Thanks to iUniverse
- [Key political blogger reviews TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/14/key-political-blogger-reviews-tblp/) - This past December, Jason Cherniak, a prominent political blogger who draws some 12,000 readers each week, reviewed TBLP. It's a great review and I'm certainly grateful that Jason took the time to read the novel and provide such a thoughtful (and mercifully positive) assessment. Given Jason's readership (in size and interest), his review likely hit
- [CPAC "Talk Politics" interview airs](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/12/cpac-talk-politics-interview-airs/) - 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
- [Media coverage in Leacock's wake](https://terryfallis.com/2008/04/11/media-coverage-in-leacocks-wake/) - Since TBLP was named a finalist for the Leacock Medal for Humour, there's been a trickle of media coverage beyond the initial shortlist stories. A story appeared in the McMaster University Online Daily News written by the writer Mark Leslie (Lefebvre) who plays a senior role at the McMaster University Bookstore called Titles. Mark's been
- [TBLP in the Toronto Star](https://terryfallis.com/2008/04/28/tblp-in-the-toronto-star/) - I'm sure my 15 minutes must soon be up. Because of the Leacock Medal shortlist, the Toronto Star ran a nice piece in the Sunday Star this past weekend. They even teased the story on the front page of the Entertainment section. I'd done the interview and photography last week. I'm amazed at how many
- [Globe and Mail on TBLP and the Leacock](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/01/globe-and-mail-on-tblp-and-the-leacock/) - As my wife Nancy and I were driving home yesterday from Orillia where the Leacock Medal luncheon was held, James Adams of the Globe and Mail called my cell phone. We did a quick interview as I tried to drive down highway 400 while still floating off the ground.  Anyway, here's the result: Stay tuned.Â
- [Editorial in the Orillia Packet & Times](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/01/editorial-in-the-orillia-packet-times/) - A friend passed this on to me this afternoon. What a lovely editorial in today's Orillia Packet & Times: EDITORIAL A Wonderful Orillia story for the nation Sometimes big things come in little packages. Such is the case with the Stephen Leacock Associates. On Wednesday, this small group of hard-working, dedicated volunteers brought national attention
- [The Globe Review (...I can breathe again)](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/03/the-gobe-review-i-can-breathe-again/) - The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, reviewed TBLP today in its wonderful Books section. My stomach has been in knots since I learned today would be the day. I can breathe again. It's not bad: More satire, please, we're Canadian D. GRANT BLACK May 3, 2008 THE BEST LAID PLANS By Terry Fallis iUniverse,
- [Love this headline...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/05/love-this-headline/) - I am going to stop posting media coverage. It does seem kind of self-congratulatory but I love this headline so much. It's pithy, to the point, and oh so accurate. This story appeared on the front page of the wonderful Orillia Packet & Times on Thursday, May 1st, the day after the Leacock luncheon.
- [TVO's Steve Paikin blogs about TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/07/steve-paikin-blogs-about-tblp/) - Back in February 2007, Steve Paikin, the outstanding host of The Agenda, TV Ontario's great nightly public affairs program, was kind enough to interview me about the then unpublished TBLP. Here's the blog post Steve wrote in the wake of the Leacock Medal announcement: The Funniest Book In Canada Back in February of 2007, I
- [TBLP in Canadian Bookseller Magazine](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/28/tblp-in-canadian-bookseller-magazine/) - My friend and fellow writer Mark Leslie Lefebvre just wrote an article for Canadian Bookseller magazine about the rise of free podcasting as a way of building a pre-publication audience for a book. This is the approach I tried out with TBLP. The TBLP podcast was up and available in its entirety many months before
- [Chapter 18: May 9, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/09/chapter-18-may-9-2007/) - This week, Chapter 18 including: Environment Canada and the media pay a visit to Ottawa River Aggregate Inc.; Reaction to the mini-budget rolls in; Debate rages in the House; Angus and Daniel confront UFDs (unidentified flying doughnuts); Daniel and Linsday tour the National Gallery and then are snowed in at the Chateau Laurier; Angus writes
- [Chapter 16: May 1, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/01/chapter-16-may-2-2007/) - This week, Chapter 16 including: Daniel dines with Lindsay and Muriel (and closes a chapter in his life); Muriel visits the House of Commons; Angus attends his first hostile sod-turning (and returns fire); Daniel and Angus have fun with a slick American branch plant executive; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here
- [Chapter 15: April 27, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/27/chapter-15-april-27-2007/) - This week, Chapter 15 including: Daniel drives Lindsay home the morning after the night before; Angus and Daniel spend a quiet day in Cumberland; Angus is feted at an Engineering Society dinner; the economy drops like a stone and the government's hand is forced; Angus and Daniel test Baddeck 1 on the frozen Ottawa River;
- [Chapter 13: April 13, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/12/chapter-13-april-13-2007/) - This week, Chapter 13, including: Daniel takes the heat for Maverick Angus; Angus makes his debut performance in Question Period; A day in the constituency office; Angus outlines a plan to save the Sanderson Shoe factory; Norman Sanderson doesn't know what hit him; Daniel and Lindsay make a date; Angus writes in his diary. Comments
- [Chapter 10: March 23, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/23/chapter-10-march-23-2007/) - (Saturday, March 24th: Apologies, but I made an editing error when mixing this Chapter so some of you early risers may have downloaded a version that has me talking over myself at about the 20 minute mark. I've now re-edited and re-posted the file.) This week, Chapter 10, including: On election day, Daniel and the
- [Chapter 9: March 16, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/16/chapter-9-march-16-2007/) - This week, Chapter 9 including: Daniel watches too much television; Daniel goes on TV to staunch the bleeding; the Prime Minister cuts Cameron loose; Daniel and Lindsay lunch together; Daniel and pollster Zaleski discuss some new C-P numbers; Angus writes in his diary and starts the long trip home from Papua New Guinea. Comments are invited right here
- [Chapter 8: March 9, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/09/chapter-8-march-9-2007/) - This week, Chapter 8 including: Daniel confronts an Internet-happy student; Daniel talks with the two Petes; Andre Fontaine breathlessly calls Daniel; Fire at Petra Borschart's house; Eric Cameron is collared; Daniel watches the news and assesses the damage; Angus writes in his diary in Papau New Guinea. Comments are invited right here on the blog
- [Chapter 7: March 1, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/01/chapter-7-march-2-2007/) - This week, Chapter 7 including: Daniel attends a polling presentation at the national campaign office; Daniel visits with Muriel; Daniel briefs Angus on the numbers (Angus laughs till he cries); Daniel marks book reports while Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to tfallis@gmail.com.
- [Chapter 6: February 24, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/24/chapter-6-february-24-2007/) - This week, Chapter 6 including: Daniel, Muriel and Lindsay attend a luncheon speech by Eric Cameron; Lindsay and Daniel bond at Starbucks; Daniel holds office hours on campus; Daniel and Angus play chess and discuss the campaign so far; Angus skinnydips, then writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or
- [Chapter 5: February 17, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/17/chapter-5-february-17-2007/) - This week Chapter 5 including: the election is called; we meet Andre Fontaine, reporter for the Cumberland Crier; Daniel and the two Petes start the McLintock door-to-door canvass; Daniel makes a clandestine midnight run to the University; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail
- [Chapter 4: February 11, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/11/chapter-4-february-11-2007/) - This week, Chapter 4 including: Daniel's debut teaching English for Engineers; the first meeting of the Cumberland-Prescott Liberal Campaign in the new headquarters; Angus and Daniel hammer out positions on the local issues; and Angus writes in his diary. Feel free to leave a comment right here on the blog or send me an e-mail
- [Chapter 3: February 4, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/04/the-best-laid-plans-chapter-3/) - This week, Chapter 3 including: Angus and Daniel pay a visit to the Dean of Engineering; Daniel visits Muriel and is introduced to Lindsay, her granddaughter; Angus schools Daniel on English for Engineers, and chess; Angus writes in his diary. Feel free to leave a comment right here on the blog or send me an
- [Chapter 2: January 28, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/01/27/chapter-2-january-28-2007/) - This week, Chapter 2 including: Daniel gets to know his landlord, Angus McLintock; A mutually beneficial deal is negotiated; Daniel endures his first hovercraft lecture; Daniel and Angus tangle on the chess board; Angus writes in his diary. Feel free to leave a comment right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to
- [Prologue:  January 14, 2007](https://terryfallis.com/2007/01/14/prologue-january-14-2007/) - Welcome to the first episode of The Best Laid Plans podcast. This is the prologue of the novel. It introduces the narrator, Daniel Addison, and sets up the back story. I hope you come back for Chapter 1 in a week's time. There will be 20 episodes of this podcast series, covering the Prologue and
- [Sunday, January 14, 2007:  Standing on the edge of the abyss](https://terryfallis.com/2007/01/09/hello-world/) - I'm feeling a tad nervous. After a decade of procrastination and a couple years of perspiration, I've finally penned the novel that was rattling around in my head. To say that it's tough in this day and age for a first-time novelist to interest an agent, let alone a publisher, would be the understatement of
- [TBLP ships to bookstores!](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/12/tblp-ships-to-bookstores/) - Well, we're almost there. I've was informed today that McClelland & Stewart started shipping TBLP to bookstores on September 8th, this past Monday. Delivery normally takes about seven days for retailers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and about 14 days for the rest of Canada. So the M&S edition of the novel should start
- [It's going to be a busy TBLP fall!](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/02/its-going-to-be-a-busy-tblp-fall/) - As I've been threatening to do, I thought I'd list the readings and other speaking events I'm doing this fall in support of the release of the McClelland & Stewart edition of TBLP. Being on the author circuit will be a new experience for me but I'm really looking forward to it. In the next
- [A peek at the spine and back cover](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/04/a-peek-at-the-spine-and-back-cover/) - You've seen the new front cover already in an earlier post here but here's a first look at how the spine and back cover will appear when the M&S edition of TBLP is released on September 23rd, 2008. I really like what award-winning book designer (and novelist!) Scott Richardson has developed, and renowned publisher/editor Doug
- [At last I have it in my hands...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/09/02/at-last-i-have-it-in-my-hands/) - My friend and editor/publisher Doug Gibson dropped by unexpectedly tonight bearing the first copy of the M&S edition of TBLP. What a thrill it is to hold it. It's much thicker than the original iUniverse version. A much better "package" in every respect. I'm over the moon. If the forces that be at M&S are
- [Harbourfront Reading Launches TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/08/27/harbourfront-reading-launches-tblp/) - I'll be doing a reading at Harbourfront as part of their International Readings program on Wednesday, September 24th. This is the unofficial launch of the M&S edition of TBLP as it should be on bookstore shelves that week. I'm thrilled to be on the program with Andrew Davidson and his debut blockbuster novel, The Gargoyle,
- ["Word on the Street - Toronto" Booked](https://terryfallis.com/2008/08/20/word-on-the-street-toronto-booked/) - Frances Bedford, the wonderful PR pro at M&S with whom I've been working has managed to land me a reading on the Great Books Marquee stage at Toronto's amazing Word on the Street festival. I've attended the event for years as an ardent reader and never thought I'd ever be appearing on the program as
- [Headwaters Arts Festival Confirmed](https://terryfallis.com/2008/08/08/headwaters-arts-festival-confirmed/) - I'm thrilled to be on the bill for a reading as part of the Headwaters Arts Festival in Caledon, Ontario on Friday, October 3rd. I'll be sharing the stage with the award winning novelist Joseph Boyden and the seriously funny playwright and humourist Drew Hayden Taylor. The evening is called "The 4th Annual Armchairs, Authors,
- [Another great bookstore stocks TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/21/another-great-bookstore-stocks-tblp/) - 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.
- [Summer Leacock Festival Reading](https://terryfallis.com/2008/07/27/summer-leacock-festival-reading/) - This past Friday night I joined two great Canadian writers for a public reading as part of the Leacock Summer Festival in Orillia. The festival is Ontario's largest summer literary gathering and this year's edition was another great success. The Friday night program was held at Swanmore Hall, just steps away from the home of
- [I'm back online after two weeks up north...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/07/13/im-back-online-after-two-weeks-up-north/) - I've just returned from the family cottage on Georgian Bay where I've just spend two weeks offline with my family. It was wonderful despite an unusually high mosquito count. I read several books, swam, slept, ate, and watched movies at night with my two sons. It was strange being completely discounted for two weeks (although
- [Reading in a different way...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/07/18/reading-in-a-different-way/) - Well after several months of debating with myself, I broke down today and bought the Sony Reader PRS-505. I love books and reading so much that I wanted to experience how we might be reading and storing books in the future. This little device uses very cool electronic ink technology that makes the experience almost
- [Out of town and offline for two weeks...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/06/26/out-of-town-and-offline-for-two-weeks/) - After a very eventful yet wonderful spring, I'm off to the cottage for two weeks with my wife and two sons for our summer vacation. I'm looking forward to reading and continuing my fledgling efforts to map out the sequel to TBLP. In the meantime, the M&S edition of TBLP is well into the production
- [My first public reading...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/06/14/my-first-public-reading/) - A couple of weeks ago, I appeared on stage at the Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto's historic Distillery District, to do a reading for a People for Education fundraiser. It was a great evening. Also on the bill were Nicholas Campbell, Paul Gross, Claudia Dey, and Molly Johnson. I was way out of my league but
- [New cover from M&S](https://terryfallis.com/2008/06/02/new-cover-from-ms/) - Here's the new cover from Douglas Gibson and the great creative team at McClelland & Stewart. I love it. I really like the way the Globe and Mail quotation free forms its way around the cover. I also think the wordplay on "Plans" with the "s" scrunched in at the end because of bad planning,
- [More good news... an "Ippy" Gold Medal](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/22/more-good-news-an-ippy-gold-medal/) - On a whim last fall, I submitted TBLP to the Independent Publisher Book Awards in the U.S. in the regional category, Canada-East Fiction. Well many months later, the results were finally announced today. As if winning the Leacock Medal weren't enough good news, TBLP just won the gold medal. Known as the "Ippy" awards, they
- [TBLP is an Indigo Online Bestseller](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/18/tblp-is-an-indigo-online-bestseller/) - I was browsing on Indigo today when I noticed an "Online Bestseller" banner across the top of TBLP. I have no idea exactly what it indicates, beyond I suppose that sales lately have been strong. I'm curious to know what it really means and have e-mailed Indigo in the hopes of finding out. In the
- [TBLP #1 on the iTunes chart](https://terryfallis.com/2008/05/03/tblp-1-on-the-itunes-chart/) - The power of a little media coverage. On a lark, I checked iTunes this morning and was shocked (for the second time this week) to find the TBLP podcast sitting at the number one spot (Arts and Literature). Certainly a Leacock halo effect. I grabbed a screen shot as I don't imagine it will stay
- [The Globe and Mail to review TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/04/18/the-globe-and-mail-to-review-tblp/) - Well, things are starting to happen courtesy of the Leacock Medal shortlist. The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, will soon be reviewing TBLP in the pages of its wonderful weekend Books section. I'm thrilled but ever since I found out, my stomach has been in knots. My agent, Beverley Slopen, told me not to
- [Ottawa public libraries stock TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/24/ottawa-public-libraries-stock-tblp/) - 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. For what it's worth, here's a partial screen shot of the New
- [TBLP arrives in Hanoi](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/24/tblp-arrives-in-hanoi/) - Another country heard from as they say. Friend and fellow PR podcaster in Melbourne, Jon Hoel, recently visited Vietnam and took this shot in a Hanoi market. I must say it is simply surreal to see TBLP against such exotic backdrops. Thanks Jon!
- [TBLP interview taped for CPAC](https://terryfallis.com/2008/02/27/interview-taped-for-cpac/) - I was in Ottawa earlier today for a client meeting. Man it was cold but at least the sun was shining. Before my meeting, I did a 20 minute studio interview on Talk Politics, a leading talk show on CPAC (Cable Public Affairs Channel or Canada's answer to CSPAN in the U.S.). I'd contacted Ken
- [Shel Holtz blogs about POD publishing](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/19/shel-holtz-blogs-about-pod-publishing/) - 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
- [Speaking gig at the Arts and Letters Club](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/15/speaking-gig-at-the-arts-and-letters-club/) - 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
- [The Hon. Elinor Caplan and TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/02/29/the-hon-elinor-caplan-and-tblp/) - The Honourable Elinor Caplan has had a distinguished career in public service in both the Ontario Legislature and the federal House of Commons. She was Ontario Health Minister in the government of Premier David Peterson, and eventually was elected federally and sat in Prime Minister Jean Chretien's cabinet as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. She
- [CBC's Tom Allen on TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/03/06/cbcs-tom-allen-on-tblp/) - 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
- [TBLP podcast keeps on chuggin'](https://terryfallis.com/2008/02/12/tblp-podcast-keeps-on-chuggin/) - The audience for the podcast version of TBLP continues to grow daily. I just happened to check my stats on Libsyn, my podcast hosting service, and noticed that we've cracked a thousand listeners. I had no expectations when the podcast launched in January 2007. I really had no idea whether anyone would listen. Well, it
- [Great Hamilton bookstore picks up TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/02/06/great-hamilton-bookstore-picks-up-tblp/) - I was on my way to McMaster University this past Monday evening to give a social media talk to a group of bright young MBA students, and I arrived a little early. With a bit of extra time on my hands, I stopped in at my favourite off-campus bookstore in Hamilton, Bryan Prince Bookseller, just
- [Forgive me but...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/25/forgive-me-but/) - I had one of those moments this evening. It felt kind of what I imagine it must feel like for an independent recording artist to be innocently driving to work and then suddenly hearing their own song on the car radio. I took my younger son Ben to a movie and then afterwards, browsed through
- [Parliament Hill Chapters displays TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/09/chapters-near-parliament-hill-displays-tblp/) - I noted in an earlier post that the great Chapters store (part of the Indigo empire in Canada) just off Parliament Hill in Ottawa is stocking TBLP. Well, I was in the nation's capital yesterday for a client meeting and slipped over to the store to confirm that my humble novel is in fact available.
- [TBLP on display at Indigo in February](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/07/tblp-displayed-at-indigo-starting-february-19th/) - One of the great benefits of earning the Publisher's Choice designation through iUniverse is that TBLP will be showcased on a front table at a at least one Indigo store. I've now been given the information so I'm dutifully passing it on to you. Starting on February 19th, for two months, TBLP will be on
- [TBLP, a bullet train, and Mount Fuji...](https://terryfallis.com/2008/01/06/tblp-a-bullet-train-and-mount-fuji/) - My good friend and fellow podcaster, Jon Hoel, just sent me this shot of TBLP taken from his seat on a Japenese bullet train, with the famous Mount Fuji in the background. Another very exotic locale (at least my Toronto perspective) in which to see the novel. As always, thanks Jon.
- [TBLP in Singapore!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/12/03/tblp-in-singapore/) - Loyal listener in Asia, Paul Gallagher, has just posted these two cool photos of TBLP in Singapore on the Facebook Group page. This novel is much better travelled than its author! Just to recap, building on Australian Jon Hoel's original idea, we now have photos featuring TBLP and well known local landmarks in Melbourne, Kingston,
- [Two Ottawa bookstores stock TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/12/03/two-ottawa-bookstores-stock-tblp/) - The massive Chapters store just a few hundred yards east of Parliament Hill now has a full display of TBLP just in time for the holiday season. Given the novel's setting, it makes sense that bookstores a stone's throw from the House of Commons stock TBLP. As well, the SmithBooks store (part of the Chapters-Indigo
- [Hanging in on iTunes](https://terryfallis.com/2007/12/01/hanging-in-on-itunes/) - Every once in a while, even though the final chapter of TBLP podcast was uploaded nearly seven months ago, I check to see where the novel sits in the iTunes rankings in the Arts and Literature category. On a whim, I had a peek today and was delighted to see it up at #44. I
- [Dallas and Boston check in...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/24/dallas-and-boston-check-in/) - Mary Stanley in Dallas has posted photos of TBLP against various Dallas landmarks. Here's the famous Texas School Book Depository from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots that took JFK's life 44 years ago this week. A museum now occupies the space. My fellow podcaster Bryan Person has also checked in with some
- [Toronto TBLP launch a success!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/21/toronto-launch-a-success/) - The official Toronto launch of TBLP unfolded this past Monday evening at the Dora Keogh pub on the Danforth. The venue was perfect and comfortably accommodated the 90-100 guests who passed through the event. Books were selling like hotcakes with the hardcover editions moving even faster than the less expensive trade paperbacks. Several different circles
- [TBLP Photo Challenge](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/12/tblp-photo-challenge/) - My friend and fellow PR podcaster (PR Junction) Jon Hoel in Melbourne Australia has been a big supporter of TBLP from the outset and I'm grateful. His latest idea to build profile for the novel is to have photos of the novel sent in to the TBLP Facebook group page against the backdrop of whatever
- [Toronto TBLP launch event set!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/05/toronto-tblp-launch-event-set/) - Well, we've finally set a date, time and location for the Toronto launch of The Best Laid Plans. So if you're anywhere near Toronto on Monday, November 19th you're welcome to join us at the Dora Keogh pub at 141 Danforth Avenue (south side of Danforth, just east of Broadview). We'll keep the speeches to
- [IPAC CEO reviews TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/05/ipac-ceo-reviews-tblp/) - The CEO of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) is a good friend of mine. Gabriel Sekaly and I have know each other since our days in university politics when he was at the University of Ottawa and I was at McMaster University inthe early 80s. He is one smart guy who has
- [New Indigo review...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/03/new-indigo-review/) - I awoke this morning to discover a new TBLP review on Indigo courtesy of Mark Leslie Lefebvre. Mark is an author who plays a senior role at the McMaster University Bookstore where he hosted my first book launch. Here's Mark's complete Indigo review: "When I first picked up Terry Fallis' novel, which is described on
- [McMaster TBLP launch a success](https://terryfallis.com/2007/10/17/mcmaster-tblp-launch-a-success/) - Â Â Last Wednesday I traveled to Hamilton, Ontario and McMaster University where the campus bookstore hosted my first book launch and signing. Mark Lefebvre organized the event and promoted it in various ways including posters around campus and a Facebook event page. It's been nearly 25 years since I left Mac so I was
- [Nicholas Hoare stocks TBLP too!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/03/nicholas-hoare-stocks-tblp-too/) - One of the most beautiful and interesting independent bookstores Toronto has ever had is Nicholas Hoare, run from when its doors opened in the late 1980s until a year ago by Ben McNally who left to open Ben McNally Books. Affectionately knows as "Nicholas" in our household, I have spent many an hour immersed in
- [Two more Book City stores carry TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/11/02/two-more-book-city-stores-carry-tblp/) - I know that reporting on every new bookstore that stocks TBLP may be getting a bit tired, but getting the book onto store shelves is very important in building its profile. Besides, the thrill of walking into a bookstore and seeing your novel on display does not fade quickly (or at all yet for me).
- [Another Book City store picks up TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/10/30/another-book-city-store-picks-up-tblp/) - The brand new Book City on Yonge Street just south of St. Clair opened this week and they are stocking TBLP. Book City is a great independent bookstore chain in Toronto with very knowledgeable staff and a terrific selection. It's very gratifying to be on their shelves. TBLP is also available at two other Book
- [First Book Launch at McMaster University](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/28/first-book-launch-at-mcmaster-university/) - McMaster University, my alma mater, will host my first book launch event on October 10th. Mark Lefebvre, a writer in his own right (under the name Mark Leslie), and the Book Operations Manager at Titles, Mac's great bookstore, has been amazing in developing and promoting the event. We're still working out how it will actually
- [Ottawa "Chapters" stocks TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/26/ottawa-chapters-stocks-tblp/) - I was in Ottawa on business earlier this week and confirmed that the Chapters store at the corner of Rideau and Wellington, just a stone's throw from Parliament Hill, will stock TBLP. An initial shipment has been ordered and anyone in the Ottawa area should be able to find it on the shelves there in
- [Another two bookstores stock TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/21/two-more-bookstores-stock-tblp/) - Another Book City outlet (that’s two and counting) near Bloor and Yonge in downtown Toronto is not only carrying The Best Laid Plans, but they’ve actually put it in the front window! I couldn’t resist snapping a photo. Who knows how long it will be there? Then, late this afternoon, I spoke with Mark Lefebvre
- [Two more bookstores pick up TBLP!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/20/two-more-bookstores-pick-up-tblp/) - Two more bookstores in Toronto have joined the ranks of Ben McNally Books (see the previous post or just scroll down) in offering The Best Laid Plans for sale. As my 15 year old son would say, "sweet." Â Â Â Â The Book City store at 348 Danforth Avenue, a great independent bookstore in the heart of
- [Ben McNally Books first to carry TBLP!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/18/ben-mcnally-books-first-to-carry-tblp/) - Ben McNally is leading figure in Toronto's literary firmament. And I'm proud to count him as a friend. I met him first nearly 20 years or so ago when he was the manager of one of Toronto's finest bookstores, Nicholas Hoare. Well, in the last week, Ben has launched an exciting new venture, Ben McNally
- [Amazon.ca lists TBLP with a reader review](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/14/amazonca-lists-tblp-with-a-reader-review/) - It took an extra week or so but Amazon's Canadian site has just listed TBLP eliminating any cross border issues for Canadian buyers. It's available to order in hardcover and trade paperback. As well, my good friend Peter Nosalik has already posted a positive review. Here's what he kindly wrote: "The Best Laid Plans is
- [Chapters-Indigo lists TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/08/chapters-indigo-lists-tblp/) - WooHoo! I just checked this morning and TBLP has just appeared in the online catalogue of Chapters-Indigo (Canada's version of Barnes and Noble). I had feared that it would take many more weeks for this to happen. The full description of the novel is not yet appearing but that should happen soon. Apparently the new
- [TBLP is now officially a book](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/06/tblp-is-now-officially-a-book/) - Yesterday was a big day in the life of this humble endeavour. Not only did Amazon list The Best Laid Plans, but later in the afternoon, a box arrived bearing my author copies of the published novel. I opened the box and found 20 trade paperbacks and one hardcover. It's hard to describe the feeling.
- [Amazon.com first to list TBLP!](https://terryfallis.com/2007/09/05/amazoncom-first-to-list-tblp/) - Sometime in the last 24 hours, Amazon.com has listed TBLP for sale. I immediately ordered a hardcover copy just to prime the sales pump. I confess that it feels very strange to see my novel listed on Amazon. Very cool. It's also listed on the Amazon sites for Canada, UK, Japan, France, and Germany. Only
- [Publishing Update:  The home stretch...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/08/19/publishing-update-the-home-stretch/) - Well we're very close now. I've just approved all of the professional proof reader's corrections and added a few of my own. I will get to check to see that they have all been implemented properly but beyond that, there can be no more changes made. We're heading into production. By mid September, I should
- [Publishing Update: Cover Design](https://terryfallis.com/2007/08/12/publishing-update-cover-design-2/) - I recently received the full cover designs for both the hardcover and trade paperback versions of TBLP. As time has passed, I've become quite accustomed to the new cover design. The full layout (including the spine, back cover, and front and back inside flaps on the hardcover) really brings the cover design together nicely as
- [Sneak peek at the Acknowledgements](https://terryfallis.com/2007/08/11/sneak-peek-at-the-acknowledgements/) - As I await the results of the professional and final proofread of what they call the "book block," I thought I'd share the Acknowledgements section that will appear at the front of the novel. I figure the folks who deserve my thanks and gratitude should not just read about in the novel but here in
- [TBLP Publishing Schedule (tick tock tick...)](https://terryfallis.com/2007/07/30/tblp-publishing-schedule-tick-tock-tick/) - The dog days of summer seem to drag even slower when you're navigating the labyrinthine publishing process. Everything seems to take a very long time. Here's where we are in the process, what remains to be done, and some general timelines: - Production (laying out the pages of the novel - now in process) -
- [TBLP earns Publisher's Choice](https://terryfallis.com/2007/07/19/tblp-earns-publishers-choice/) - The folks at iUniverse have just informed me that The Best Laid Plans has now earned the Publisher's Choice designation. This means a new cover design has been approved. With the Publisher's Choice designation, TBLP will now be featured on a prominent display table in at least, one Indigo location (Canada's equivalent of Barnes and
- [Publishing Update: Cover copy polish](https://terryfallis.com/2007/06/18/publishing-update-cover-copy-polish-stage/) - It's been very interesting to learn about the various steps in the publishing process. I've just reviewed and tweaked the copy the team at iUniverse proposes to put on the front and back covers of the novel. When it comes to the description of the book on the back, it's a balancing act. We need
- [So what about the hovercraft in TBLP?](https://terryfallis.com/2007/06/10/so-what-about-the-hovercraft-in-tblp/) - I've had a number of listeners (well, one is a number!) ask me about Baddeck 1, the hovercraft Angus designs, builds, and ultimately flies in the novel. Regrettably, no such hovercraft yet exists in the real world. I've always had an interest in hovercaft. In my misspent youth, a classmate and I designed and built
- [TBLP earns iUniverse Editor's Choice ](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/15/tblp-earns-iuniverse-editors-choice/) - Well, I'm feeling quite chuffed right now so forgive me if I strain my shoulder patting my own back for just a moment. I was just informed that The Best Laid Plans has been granted the Editor's Choice designation by an editorial review board at iUniverse. I'm not completely sure what it all means (kind
- [My head swelleth and I doth blush...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/15/my-head-swelleth-and-i-doth-blush/) - Dan York is a friend and fellow social media aficionado from Burlington, Vermont. He's a regular contributor to For Immediate Release, one of my "must listen" podcasts, related to my day job in the public relations world. Dan writes the very good Disruptive Conversations blog and hosts the Blue Box: Voip Security Podcast related to
- [Novelist Mike Tanner "blurbs" TBLP](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/10/novelist-mike-tanner-blurbs-tblp/) - I am blessed with good friends and strong supporters. Mike Tanner is an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, a former member of Canada's National Field Hockey Team(!), a corporate language trainer, and if that weren't enough, a great writer to boot. He has published two novels, Acting the Giddy Goat and Resurrection Blues, and a
- [Yep, TBLP now has a Facebook Group](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/09/yep-tblp-now-has-a-facebook-group/) - Under the heading of "leap before you look," I signed up on Facebook yesterday and promptly created a Friends of "The Best Laid Plans" Podcast group. So if you're a Facebook member, join the group. You can check in on the TBLP's Facebook page for udpates and conversation. Let's see where this takes us...
- [Veteran MP Paddy Torsney delivers TBLP "blurb" ](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/06/veteran-mp-paddy-torsney-delivers-tblp-blurb/) - My good friend the Hon. Paddy Torsney, veteran Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, who will soon be back in the House where she belongs, was kind enough to read TBLP and provide a suitably glowing quotation that I'll be including on the back cover of the novel. Her acute eye also caught a few
- [Publishing Update:  Copy Editing](https://terryfallis.com/2007/05/05/publishing-update-copy-editing/) - I've just received the manuscript back from the iUniverse copy editor and I'm very impressed. Every page is like the one above. Dozens of tiny little formatting and style errors on every page! I can understand now why this part of the process took nearly five weeks. It's a ton of work. I'm now reviewing
- [TBLP cracks the iTunes Top 25 (Arts/Lit.)](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/28/tblp-cracks-the-itunes-top-25-artslit/) - I still don't know what this really means, but in the Arts/Literature podcast category on iTunes, The Best Laid Plans hit #24 today. Who knows where it will sit in half an hour, let alone tomorrow, but it sure is nice to be on the list at all. Thanks for all the support.
- [Podiobooks back up and running](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/22/podiobooks-back-up-and-running/) - After dealing with some daunting server challenges, the good folks at Podiobooks are back up to date. All chapters of The Best Laid Plans so far released, are available at Podiobooks. Many thanks to Evo and Matt for their efforts.
- [Podiobooks Update: New chapters coming April 14th](https://terryfallis.com/2007/04/11/podiobooks-update-new-chapters-coming-april-14th/) - For those listeners subscribing through Podiobooks, new chapters will be coming by April 14th I'm told. They are changing their servers to be able to provide an even better service and are a little behind posting new chapters. In the interim, you can always download Chapters 11 and 12 directly from this site. Many thanks.
- [Publishing Update:  Editorial Evaluation](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/31/publishing-update-editorial-evaluation/) - In some senses, I suppose self-publishing is a supreme act of self-indulgence. Nevertheless, I actually thought it might be helpful for other budding writers, whose books might not neatly align with what mainstream publishers are looking for (like satirical novels of Canadian politics for instance), to tag along on my little self-publishing journey, such as
- [We're shooting up the iTunes rankings...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/23/were-shooting-up-the-itunes-rankings/) - A friend just pointed out that The Best Laid Plans is number #32 in the Canadian iTunes Top Podcasts listing, in the Arts category and Literature subcategory. Apparently, we also sat for some time in the "New and Notable" window. I have absolutely no idea what it means or how it's measured. I just think
- [Publishing Update: Manuscript submitted](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/14/publishing-update-manuscript-submitted/) - Just to keep you up to speed on my publishing travails, I am self-publishing The Best Laid Plans through iUniverse. I've just submitted the manuscript and have finalized the cover design, thanks to my good friend Steve Palmer at 76design. (The jpeg above doesn't quite do it justice. As noted in an earlier post, and
- [The Hon. Allan Rock is in the house...](https://terryfallis.com/2007/03/02/the-hon-allan-rock-is-in-the-house/) -      "This is a funny book that could only have been written by someone with firsthand knowledge of politics in Canada, including its occasionally absurd side. It is a great read for anyone thinking of running for office, and especially reassuring for those who have decided not to.” The Hon. Allan Rock, former Justice Minister
- [Audio Comment from Bryan Person](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/19/audio-comment-from-bryan-person-in-boston/) - Friend, podcaster, and all-round social media guy Bryan Person checks in from Boston with a very kind comment about The Best Laid Plans. Thanks Bryan.
- [The Best Laid Plans now at Podiobooks](https://terryfallis.com/2007/02/05/the-best-laid-plans-now-available-at-podiobooks/) -                             Well, word seems to be spreading. The Best Laid Plans is now available over at Podiobooks, a leading online provider of book podcasts. You'll find the Podiobooks edition of The Best Laid Plans here. Very cool.Â

## Pages

- [Home](https://terryfallis.com/) - Find out more about Terry Fallis, his novels, appearances, podcasts, and writing life.
- [Appearances](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/) - Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m.: A talk on The Marionette at the Pickering Lakeside Probus Club, Pickering, Ontario. Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19, 2026: Appearing at the Lakefield Literary Festival, Lakefield, Ontario. Friday, August 14, 2026, 8:00 p.m.: Featured author at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, Sechelt, B.C. Sunday, August 23,
- [2026](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2026/) - Past Appearances Thursday, January 8, 2026, 4:30 p.m.: Zooming into a book club to discuss The Best Laid Plans. Friday, January 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m.: A book talk on The Marionette hosted by The Badminton and Racquet Club, Toronto. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 7:00 p.m.: Presenting a talk called The Writer's First Responsibility, to the
- [2023](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2023/) - Past Appearances Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 7:00 p.m.: Interviewing John Irving on stage about this latest novel, The Last Chairlift, at the Badminton & Racquet Club, Toronto. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 10:00 a.m.: A talk about Operation Angus for the Newmarket Ladies Probus Club in Toronto. Thursday, January, 26, 2023, 10:00 a.m.: A talk about Operation Angus for the Credit River Probus
- [About the Author](https://terryfallis.com/about-the-author/) - A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis is the award-winning author of ten national bestsellers, including his most recent, The Marionette (2025), all published by McClelland & Stewart (M&S). His eleventh novel, An End in Itself (2026) will be released November 3, 2026. His debut novel, The Best Laid Plans (2008), won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for
- [Awards](https://terryfallis.com/awards/) - Awards
- [2025](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2025/) - Past Appearances Friday, January 10, 2025, noon: Meeting with the winners of an Olympic sailing fundraising auction item that includes lunch with me and signed copies of all nine of my novels, Royal Canadian Yacht Club, downtown club location, Toronto. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m.: A book talk on A New Season for a
- [Contact](https://terryfallis.com/contact/) - You can reach Terry at: tfallis@gmail.com Terry Fallis is represented by Carolyn Forde at Transatlantic Agency.
- [2024](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2024/) - Past Appearances Monday, January 8, 2024, 10:00 a.m.: A talk, reading and signing at the Women's Probus Club of Burlington, Burlington, Ontario. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m.: A talk, reading and signing for the Pickering Lakeside Probus Club, Pickering, Ontario. Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 7:00 p.m.: A visit to a book club to discuss
- [2018](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2018/) - Past Appearances Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 7:00 p.m.: A visit to a "Read for the Cure" book club in Toronto. Saturday, January 13, 2018, 8:00 p.m.: A guest on Monkey Toast: The Improvised Talk Show, Toronto, ON. Sunday, January 14, 2018, 1:00 p.m.: A talk to a book club in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Wednesday, January 17,
- [2019](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2019/) - Past Appearances Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 7:00 p.m.: A talk, reading, and signing for the Oshawa chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, Oshawa, Ontario. Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 7:00 p.m.: A talk and signing for the Red Oak Club in Oakville, Ontario. Sunday, February 10, 2019, 2:00 p.m.: A talk at the Iceland Travel
- [2020](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2020/) - Past Appearances The COVID 19 virus has changed everything. Many literary festivals, book clubs, library readings, and other gatherings where I'd been booked to speak and read have, for very good reason, been cancelled. So this list of appearances is thinner than in other years. But we'll all be back when we've slayed the Corona
- [2022](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2022/) - Past Appearances Wednesday, January 5, 2022, 8:00 p.m.: A virtual visit with a private book club in Ottawa to discuss Operation Angus. Thursday, January 13, 2022, 10:00 a.m.: A talk about Operation Angus to the combined Probus Club of North Oakville, Oakville, Ontario. Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 6:30 p.m.: A virtual visit to a book
- [2021](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/past-appearances-2021/) - Past Appearances The COVID 19 virus has changed everything. Many literary festivals, book clubs, library readings, and other gatherings where I’d been booked to speak and read have, for very good reason, been cancelled. So the list of appearances is thinner in the last three years than in the pre-pandemic days. But we’ll all be
- [2008](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2008/) - Past Appearances Sunday, May 25, 2008: Reading at the People for Education Benefit at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto's Distillery District . Friday, July 25, 2008: Summer Leacock Festival reading along with Scott Gardiner and Drew Hayden Taylor . Wednesday, September 24, 2008: Harbourfront Reading Series, a reading at 7:30 in
- [2009](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-archive/) - Past Appearances Thursday, January 22, 2009: A talk, reading, and signing for The Women's Canadian Club of Toronto. Monday, February 9, 2009: A talk to a Toronto-area book club that is reading TBLP. Tuesday, February 10, 2009: Another talk to a different but just as wonderful book club that has chosen TBLP as its monthly
- [2010](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2010/) - Past Appearances Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 6:00 p.m.: A talk, reading and signing at the Long Branch Public Library in Etobicoke. Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 7:00 p.m.: A talk at the Waterloo Public Library (McCormick Branch) Book Club in Waterloo. Sunday, April 11, 2010, 11:00 a.m.: A talk, reading, and signing with Blue Heron Books
- [2011](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2011/) - Past Appearances Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m.: A breakfast talk for the Brantford Rotary Club, Brantford, Ontario. Thursday, January 13, 2011, 2:00 p.m.: Live Canada Reads online chat. Friday, January 21, 2011, 7:00 p.m.: A talk and discussion at a private book club in Georgetown, Ontario. Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 7:00 p.m.: A talk
- [2012](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2012/) - Past Appearances Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 10:00 a.m.: A talk, reading, and signing at the Scarborough Probus Club, Scarborough, Ontario. Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 10:00 a.m.: A talk, reading, and signing at the Women's Probus Club of Newmarket, Ontario. Friday, January 27, 2012, 7:00 p.m.: Participating in the Toronto Celebrates Canada Reads 2012 event with
- [2013](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2013/) - Past Appearances Thursday, January 10, 2013, 11:00 a.m.: A talk, reading, and signing for the North Burlington Probus Club, Burlington Art Centre, Burlington, Ontario. Monday, January 14, 2013, 7:00 p.m.: A talk, reading, and signing for the Canadian Federation of University Women, Brampton, Ontario. Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 11:30 a.m.: A talk, reading, and signing
- [2014](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2014/) - Past Appearances Saturday, January 11, 2014, 7:00 p.m.: An address to the annual John A. Macdonald Dinner in Orillia, Ontario. Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 7:30 p.m.: A lecture about the roots of my novel Up and Down for the Heliconian Club, Toronto. Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 2:00 p.m.: A talk to the staff of the Parliamentary
- [2015](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2015/) - Past Appearances Thursday, January 8, 2015, 7:00 p.m.: A talk, reading, and signing for the Toronto University Women's Club, Toronto. Monday, January 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m.: A talk, reading, and signing for CFUW Brampton, at the Brampton Public Library, Brampton, Ontario. Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 7:30 p.m.: A talk to a private book club in
- [2016](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2016/) - Past Appearances Monday, January 11, 2016, 7:00 p.m.: A reading at the Grimsby Author Series, Grimsby, Ontario. Thursday, January 14, 2016, 7:00 p.m.: A talk to a private book club in Toronto. Wednesday, January 20, 2016, 9:00 a.m.: Emceeing the Ontario Media Development Corporation's annual Digital Dialogue Conference, Toronto. Thursday, January 21, 2016, 11:00 a.m.:
- [2017](https://terryfallis.com/appearances/appearances-2017/) - Past Appearances Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m.: A talk to a private book club in Port Credit. Wednesday, January 18, 2017, 7:00 p.m.: A talk, reading and signing at the Pointe-Claire Library, Montreal, Quebec. Thursday, January 19, 2017, 7:00 p.m.: A talk at a reception announcing the naming of the new rink at Leaside Memorial

## Books

- [An End in Itself](https://terryfallis.com/books/an-end-in-itself/) - From bestselling author Terry Fallis comes a slim parable of a novel that imagines a world where literature rules—and one humble writer discovers that success can be the strangest fiction of all.
- [The Best Laid Plans](https://terryfallis.com/books/the-best-laid-plans/) - #1 BESTSELLER WINNER OF CBC CANADA READS WINNER OF THE STEPHEN LEACOCK MEDAL FOR HUMOUR
- [The High Road](https://terryfallis.com/books/the-high-road/) - NATIONAL BESTSELLER This deeply funny satire continues the story of Honest Angus McLintock, an amateur politician who dares to do the unthinkable: tell the truth.
- [Up And Down](https://terryfallis.com/books/up-and-down/) - NATIONAL BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE 2013 OLA EVERGREEN AWARD The author of the Stephen Leacock Medal-winning The Best Laid Plans brings his trademark humour and sharp storytelling to a new novel set in the high-stakes world of a global public relations agency.
- [No Relation](https://terryfallis.com/books/no-relation/) - #1 BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE STEPHEN LEACOCK MEDAL FOR HUMOUR
- [Poles Apart](https://terryfallis.com/books/poles-apart/) - #1 BESTSELLER Hilarious and smart, and offering timely commentary on a subject that is flooding our headlines, newsfeeds, Twitter streams, and conversations, Poles Apart is Terry Fallis at his best, confirming his status as a king of CanLit comedy.
- [One Brother Shy](https://terryfallis.com/books/one-brother-shy/) - #1 BESTSELLER From the two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour: a story about a man tormented by an event from his youth, and the journey he finds himself on to heal and to learn who he is.
- [Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/books/albatross/) - #1 BESTSELLER From two-time Leacock Medal winner Terry Fallis comes a funny and smart new novel about destiny—and what it means to forge your own path.
- [Operation Angus](https://terryfallis.com/books/operation-angus/) - NATIONAL BESTSELLER From bestselling author Terry Fallis comes the long-awaited follow-up to The Best Laid Plans and The High Road—a comic spy story that heralds the return of Angus McLintock.
- [A New Season](https://terryfallis.com/books/a-new-season/) - #1 BESTSELLER From beloved and bestselling author Terry Fallis comes a novel unlike any of his others. A thoughtful exploration of aging, loss, family, friendship, and love, all with his trademark humour and heart.
- [The Marionette](https://terryfallis.com/books/the-marionette/) - Bestselling and beloved author Terry Fallis' tenth novel, The Marionette, introduces readers to a new hero, James Norval: a world-famous thriller writer whose life takes an unexpected turn from the pages of his novels into the perilous world of espionage.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://terryfallis.com/category/uncategorized/)
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- [Bhavna Chauhan](https://terryfallis.com/category/bhavna-chauhan/)
- [Albatross](https://terryfallis.com/category/albatross/)
- [Audiobook](https://terryfallis.com/category/audiobook/)
- [Linwood Barclay](https://terryfallis.com/category/linwood-barclay/)
- [les Editions de l'Homme](https://terryfallis.com/category/les-editions-de-lhomme/)
- [Operation Angus](https://terryfallis.com/category/operation-angus/)
- [Vancouver Sun](https://terryfallis.com/category/vancouver-sun/)
- [Beggars Banquet Books](https://terryfallis.com/category/beggars-banquet-books/)
- [1000 Islands Writers Festival](https://terryfallis.com/category/1000-islands-writers-festival/)
- [Substack](https://terryfallis.com/category/substack/)
- [Canadian Independent Bookstore Day](https://terryfallis.com/category/canadian-independent-bookstore-day/)
- [Blue Heron Books](https://terryfallis.com/category/blue-heron-books/)
- [Terry Fallis Newsletter](https://terryfallis.com/category/terry-fallis-newsletter/)
- [Writing Life](https://terryfallis.com/category/writing-life/)
- [TBLP Reviews](https://terryfallis.com/category/tblp-reviews/)
- [A New Season](https://terryfallis.com/category/a-new-season/)
- [The Marionette](https://terryfallis.com/category/the-marionette/)
- [An End in Itself](https://terryfallis.com/category/an-end-in-itself/)