Title update: who wins free books?

This is not what you were expecting to hear and certainly not what I want to be writing.

The original publishers of my book, Harvest of Salmon, are adamantly hanging on to what they claim is their right to republish. They’re going to go ahead with or without my input. The Writers Union of Canada letter of support for me was not strong enough to make them back off. There may be further avenues to explore; all of them take time, energy, money. Will I go for any of these? I can’t tell you yet. I’m feeling disheartened and weary of the conflict.

Oh good, it’s the black-bellied, black-legged swamp monster!

There’s a legal organization in BC that supports artists’ rights; I was in touch with them a month and a half ago and was informed they’ll get back to me. I’ve had to tell the editor of Caitlin Press, who was going to republish, that, given the situation, it would be best to leave the book alone.

Now, I promised a draw to win free books for those who weighed in a new title. Thanks to everyone who emailed me privately as well as posting comments. Interestingly, the consensus among readers was pretty much the same as the Caitlin Press’ response: don’t stray too far from the original name. I’m pretty sure that Caitlin was going to put a subtitle along the lines of A Woman’s Journey Fishing, but it was never decided on.

 This was a draw, not a selection for a winning entry. And the winner is. . . drumroll. . . Marlet! I’ll email you about this, Marlet. Thanks to everyone who participated.

 For me, this has been a summer of deep concern about the environment, wars and health challenges, now on the road to being taken care of. The kindness of my friends, neighbours and family has been outstanding. I feel I’ve been learning to walk with angels. “That’s so poetic,” a friend said to me. I laughed. “No, I meant it practically.” If I’m able, I’ll write about it another time.

I take great consolation from my garden, and as always, from books. I’m amused to notice I want a high level of comfort from my reading material. Right now I’m re-reading an old Diana Wynne Jones book, Deep Secret. I spend a lot of time out on my deck, usually with my four-footed companion pressed up against my chaise, keeping me company. That’s when Kira’s clean and not a swamp monster.

Every afternoon two turkey vultures circle. Ravens call from the forest below. A friend pointed out to me there’s a special Pender Island dialect; it’s quite different from the Desolation Sound raven calls. This has been a magical summer for Western swallow-tail butterflies; I’ve never seen so many. I keep looking up from my book, and thinking, what do we have, really, but the love of family, of friends, and our world?

Coming soon: the cover reveal for my next book of poetry, Sigrene’s Bargain with Odin. Inanna Press has done an outstanding job!

How has your summer been? What reading has been sustaining you?