Année du Lapin Un roman

Mon Dieu!  As if I don't have enough projects on the go...

During 2013 and 2014, Flo would like to translate The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness to French.  A grand idea?  Crazy or what? I am going to need the help of kind, skilled people (for free).

Je voudrais traduire le roman en Français.  Ce sera un projet durant 2013 & 2014. Grande Idée?  C'est fou, non?  J'auras besoin des gens gentils avec des compétences (gratuit). 

Apologies for the weak translation.  I am learning. Excusez-moi pour la traduction mauvais. J'apprends.

This project is intended to improve my skills in speaking and writing in French.  It will connect me with nice, talented people.  It will keep my mind busy and hopefully improve my grey matter well into old age. 

Follow this web page for updates. Suivez-vous cette page pour lire quoi de neuf. 

Thank you.  Merci.

- - - - 

The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness  is indeed a story about fate, family and forgiveness.  It is about friendship, loneliness and hope. It is about teenagers, pregnancy and adoption.  Visit this page for a list of themes within the story.  Follow Flo for Twitter updates. 

Word Search Puzzle

Bored?  Confused if you should purchase a Kindle, a Kindle Fire, an iPad or Kobo?  Who isn't these days?  

Well, once you are able to decide on a new-fangled reading gadget, hop on over to this page.  You can get 75% off the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit until October 31, 2011!  No trees were harmed while publishing this Ebook.

Until then, just pull out the old fashioned stylus (a pencil) and print this Word Search Puzzle. Sit down somewhere comfy and enjoy an old-time favourite.  Thanks to http://www.worksheetworks.com. 

Have fun!  Remember to follow Flo on Twitter.  

Zodiacs and the Bible

This is a continuation of this Chapter 3 excerpt where nine year-old Sera Fletcher endures Gio's presence in the new sanctuary of her booth at the Red Hare:  http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/12/red-hare-family-restaurant.html

August 8th is Sera's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Sera! 

- - - 

He stirred, stirred and stirred, gently tapped the spoon on the edge of the cup then placed it on the saucer.  His pudgy hand took the cup’s handle and raised it to his mouth for a sip.

“So,” Gio asked as he set it back down, “What are you reading then?”

“A book.”

He breathed in sharply and then out slowly, “A book about…?”

“The Chinese Zodiac.”

“Ah, well, then that makes sense.  Are you familiar with the other Zodiac?”

"Yep, a little.  Dela and Gwen have a book on it too."

"So," Father Gio pondered, "Since your birthday is August 8th, that makes you a Leo.  Leo the Lion. An early Lion I am told."

"Yep," She lifted her gaze, impressed that he knew her birthday was coming up in a month but slightly creeped out, "How do you know that, Gio?"

"Because it's in the Baptism registry."

"Oh, yeah.  That."

Father Gio sipped his coffee, "You know, Sera.  In a few years it will be time for your Confirmation."

"So I've heard," she sipped her pop and leaned slightly to the left to look over at her parent's table.  Marie smiled back at her and waved.

Sera rolled her eyes and let a sigh puff out from her lips, "Did she tell you to come and talk to me about that again?"

"She may have.  Your father and Father O'Reilly also want you to be prepared... to grow within the Church."

"No offence, Father but I don't like church.  It’s boring.  It’s creepy.  I keep hearing stories about an embarrassing event with a pigeon and dropping my bible into the Seguin River.  Besides, I learn enough from Mrs. Johnson."

"You what?"

"I learn about the bible stories from Mrs. Johnson, and sometimes Mr. Johnson when he is — was — feeling up to it.  I used to read to him too."

"Really?"

"Yes, Gio.  I do know about some of the stories, although they don't always make much sense logically."

"I...I did not know the Johnson's were Catholic." Gio said quizzically.

"They're not.  They're Coptic — from her home country ... in Egypt."

Gio raised his eyebrows, impressed to hear this report from his precocious child.

She continued, "Well, she’s Coptic but he isn't. Wasn't. I think he was Catholic — or maybe it's Baptist."

Gio let out a loud roar of a laugh.  "Well, there IS a difference, Sera."

"Whatever.  They both believed in a God, read their bibles and didn't get into big arguments about the differences."

He sobered his tone, "Yes.  Yes.  That is important to keep in mind."

"Plus, Mr. Johnson told me that he'd rather see her less sad when he's gone than push for ... what was it .. 'geological differences'."

"You mean 'ideological differences'?”

"Sure."

"That's very big of him.  Very ... Christian.  And I think it was very compassionate, very Christian of you to read to him and play cards."

Sera's eyes widened, "Wha... no, I was just doing it to be nice, to help him feel better."

"Well, we can call it what we want but caring for others and easing their pain are Christian goals, Sera."  He frowned and lowered his voice, "Are you embarrassed by your religion, by your Church?"

"I didn't get to choose, now did I?"

Their debate was interrupted by a loud male voice from the front of the restaurant. "Hey, Carl!  What do I have to do to get a coffee around here?"

It was Daryl MacDonald, Victoria's father.  A chill went up Sera's spine.  She scowled in his direction, retreated into the corner of the booth, dragging the book and soda glass with her.

- End excerpt - 

For the Love of Libraries

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to work in the public library of my small Muskoka town.  Over the three-month work term I shelved books, helped with the children's reading circle, exercised my creativity and made friends.  I also got distracted with all the different books one could read.  There were just not enough hours in the day!  

I look back at that time with fond memories.   

In my novel, the public library was one of the places where Sera could seek comfort, familiarity and through reading - escape.  In her topsy-turvy world, she appreciated how it could also provide a sense of order.

~ ~ ~
Excerpt:

   Sera stood with an armful of books in front of the metallic shelves.  Ms. Perkins, the librarian was so pleased to have this girl helping out.  She could finally get caught up on her crossword puzzles. 

   Sera stood in the first aisle, re-shelving and re-organizing books on philosophy and religion.

   100 for Philosophy and Psychology.  She put three books back in their proper order.

   200 for Religion.  Two more books back into their proper place.

   She liked the feeling of order.  That Dewey guy must have had a lot of time on his hands.  I like this.  Things make sense here.  Every book has a place in relation to other books and topics.  It keeps my mind busy. 

   While she was in her trance, sorting and re-shelving, she didn't hear her Aunt enter the library.   A few of the teenaged boys who were studying at the tables turned to watch the attractive copper-haired woman as she peeled off her fur coat and strutted down the aisles of book cases.  Georgette thought to herself, I can't remember the last time I was in a library!  I like the hardwood floor though.  Reminds me of my dance studio days....

   Sera emerged from her trance by the sound of click, click heels making a steady tap dancing like sound on the hardwood floors.  She turned and smiled as she saw her aunt round the corner of shelves towards her. 

   "Aunt Georgette!" she exclaimed, "What are YOU doing in a library?"

  "Very funny, ma chérie.  I have been known to read a book or two, you know."

   "Sure..." Sera smiled as she slid the last book into its place and whispered,  "But really.. is everything okay?"
~ ~ ~
End excerpt

Women, Waitressing and the Art of Service - The Documentary

How did I miss this?  

TV Ontario aired this documentary on March 16th. I'm interested in seeing it since I waited on and bussed tables for a short period in a former life.  I was oblivious to any gender or pay inequality at the time. 

 

In the novel The Year of the Rabbit, Jenny and Amy Young wait tables at their family restaurant with the occasional help of hired staff.  Jenny enjoys her work, performing it with pride and finesse. Amy, being a teenager, helps out because it is expected by her Chinese Canadian parents.  It's husband and father Carl who gladly and expertly works in the kitchen.  The parents practically live the art of service and provide it with compassion. 

Young Sera Fletcher enjoys an inside view of the people who prepare and serve the food at The Red Hare restaurant.  It was was not only a third place for her community; it became her new home when her own family began to crumble. 

First proof readers provide advanced praise (unofficially...)

I was pleased in February when an older brother offered to read one of the printed novel proofs. Although he is not part of my target audience, he said he enjoyed it.  He picked up on some references from our home town and family history that I wasn't even aware existed. This is a story of fiction that contains no characters related to people living or dead. I better make sure I put that in the front flap!   I do though use my dear father's name for a character who helped turn around Matthew's wild ways and led him into the noble trade of carpentry and cabinetry. 

Next, a co-worker offered to read it one snowy weekend.  She didn't exactly tell me that she liked it but she said "I didn't want it to end."  Nice.  Then she declared, "You have to do a sequel!" Ack! No,  I loathe sequels.  I thought the ending was good enough to lead the reader into events that might transpire afterward.  Sigh.

Next, a technically inclined writing friend accepted my offer for him to read it.  Again, not in my target group but now I'm starting to wonder... Maybe men could enjoy this story especially if they would relate to Father Gio or even Matthew.  They may also enjoy getting to know sexy, outspoken Georgette. Aside from the spelling mistakes and consistency checks, he said he liked it and it kept him going.  He liked the themes and thought the ending was perfect. Yay!

So... once I have both proofs in my hot little hands, I will apply the recommended edits and submit once again for review.  Hopefully, I'll have this ready for the print on demand service and an e-book version by Easter. 

This has been a fun, stressful, rewarding project that I hope to see to fruition.  

Thanks for following along.  Do come back in a few weeks :o) 

T

Little girls and women on International Women's Day March 8th

This Deep Blonde Thoughts blog entry mentions feminine characters from the novel.  

I wish I could teach the little girls to scream. It was too late for one little girl...

Canadian Writers Speak Out on Copyright

Wow.  It's a little disturbing to know that if my novel gets picked up for high school reading lists (yes, yes, yes!!), that teachers could copy for free?  

Watch the video.  Learn how to take action:  http://www.writersunion.ca/C-32_video.htm

Year of the Rabbit Postage Stamps

Here's a pleasant and promising diversion aside from my novel progress reports :-)

Do you feel a state of calm coming over you? The Year of the Rabbit is a peaceful year, one that will be far more tranquil than the previous “Tiger” year, and give us the necessary rest to revive ourselves from a time of uncertainty and stress.

That excerpt was taken from the Canada Post page announcing the January 7th release of the stamps for The Year of The Rabbit.  Officially, this year does not begin until February 3, 2011.   I am really looking forward to it.  There's a lot I have to get over from the snarly Tiger year and life changes for this year coming. 

As they say "Rabbits '... are survivors—and can deal with anything life throws at them as long as they are at peace with themselves.' "  The next few months will provide me the opportunity to be at peace with myself, to understand myself as I learn to better understand the challenges experienced by my loved ones.  If I need to shift gears or take a different path,  I will take the advice of my friend Alberte in doing my best to continue in good work and make this a better world. 


As for postage stamps and the use of snail mail, I'd be interested to hear comments from readers and fellow bloggers on any continued, dedicated use.  


Cheers!