INSPIRATION

ByLee Ann

I’m currently immersing myself in the Ottawa International Writers Festival. At this, Canada’s Festival of Big Ideas, I am always moved, inspired, challenged and yes, entertained by conversations with some of the world’s best thinkers and authors.

We’re part-way through the “Fall Edition” and so far I’ve:

  • spent an evening in the Songwriters’ Circle with Jim Cuddy and Greg Keillor from Blue Rodeo, hearing about the inspirations and process of creating their album, “Five Days In July”;
  • learned from Cynthia Flood, Kelli Death and Giller-nominated Lynn Coady about the creation of short fiction;
  • shared in a chat with Michael Winter and the much-acclaimed Joseph Boydon about their newest novels and the issue of being true to yourself – as a writer, and as a person;
  • become aware of the fundamental shift happening around the world regarding women, thanks to  straight-talking journalist Sally Armstrong.

What’s that creaking sound? My mind opening…

NEW DATES FOR MUSKOKA ROAD TOUR!

ByLee Ann

Back by popular demand and thanks to the promotional efforts of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Museum, I will be conducting two more guided bus tours of the Muskoka Road!

Saturday, August 27

Saturday, September 7

Once again, we will leave from the docks in Gravenhurst and travel through the entire district, following the road that opened up Muskoka and changed it from “wild lands” to the thriving home and vacation mecca it is today.

We meet at 9am at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre, and will be back by about 4:30 for a book signing and draw for a free copy of Muskoka’s Main Street: 150 Years of Courage and Adventure Along the Muskoka Colonization Road.

Tickets are still available at a cost of $20.00 per person and can be purchased by calling Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre at (705) 687-2115.

Be sure to reserve your seat and join me for a day of history and adventure!

SECOND TOUR OF MUSKOKA ROAD

ByLee Ann

I’ve just received news that the June 9 guided tour of the Muskoka Colonization Road is sold out! But don’t despair! The organizers at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre are collecting names for a second tour. Just call 705-687-2115 to add yourself to the list.

And be sure to check back here for highlights from June 9.

Hope to see you soon on Muskoka’s Main Street!

A GUIDED TOUR OF MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET

ByLee Ann

On Sunday, June 9 I will be leading a bus tour of the Muskoka Colonization Road!

Organized by the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre, the tour will take us  from the docks at Gravenhurst to Washago, then north through Muskoka to just south of the Muskoka-Parry Sound border. Many stopping points will allow us a close-up view of Muskoka’s history as it unfolded along the Muskoka Road.

I get to tell all my favourite stories: the surveyors and their harrowing day jobs, the settlers who battled the Canadian Shield “farmland”, the entrepreneurs who built a transportation network of roads, steamboats and railway. We’ll stop at one of Muskoka’s best ghost towns and get refreshments at a 130-year old general store.

And that’s just after lunch!

We meet at 9am at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre. Participants should bring their lunch, comfortable shoes, a camera and rain gear. Water will be provided. We’ll be back at the Heritage Centre by 5pm, where there will also be a book signing and draw for a free copy of Muskoka’s Main Street: 150 Years of Courage and Adventure Along the Muskoka Colonization Road.

Tickets are still available at a cost of $20.00 per person and can be purchased by calling Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre at (705) 687-2115.

Step back in time and come explore with me!

WHEN READERS BECOME PROMOTERS

ByLee Ann

I’ve said many times that book stores are not the only place to sell books. Modern book marketing includes a careful analysis of the target market and some creative thinking about where those readers hang out. So: gift stores, tourist attractions, farmers’ markets, club meetings and events relating to the subject of a book – festivals and gatherings of all kinds – now often include author readings, or a table of enticing new books on offer that relate to the place or event.

What’s more, publishers are not the only people who distribute and sell books. Authors, even well-established, famous authors, have to actively initiate promotional activities, supplementing a publisher’s sometimes meagre promotional budget.

But when readers take on the role of promoting and placing a book in the reaches of potential readers, well, that’s a gift most authors and publishers only dream of!

Copies of Muskoka’s Main Street recently made their way to the staff room of the Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, courtesy of my friend Pam’s daughter-in-law Rae-Ann. Rae is a teacher at the school, which sits between Sundridge and South River, just east of the Muskoka Road in Parry Sound District. As they are neighbours to Muskoka, Rae feels that some fo the staff will certainly take an interest in the book. She even asked me for some promotional material to set up as part of the display, and I happily sent her a map which shows the location of the Muskoka Road.

Previously, thanks to the efforts of the publisher, copies of Main Street had made it as far as Burk’s Falls. Like the road itself, the book has now pushed a little farther north. I’m very excited about that!

Thank you, Pam! Thank you, Rae!

CHRISTMAS WITH MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET

ByLee Ann

Please join me on Sunday November 25 at Brantim Country Garden Centre Christmas Open House. Brantim is Ottawa’s premier grower of superior outdoor plants, and their seasonal hanging baskets are renouned throughout the region.

I’m thrilled to bring Muskoka’s Main Street to this annual event! Local vendors of fresh quality baking, Christmas crafts, candles, jewelry… and of course you can find a stunning outdoor winter arrangement or wreath, swag, or table arrangement!

So plan to take a drive in the country, just minutes from Scotia Bank Place. The greenhouses are truly gorgeous; you can browse from 9am to 4pm with a cup of coffee or apple cider. There’s even a draw for a $200 Brantim gift certificate.

I’m sure you will find something for everyone on your list. Hope to see you there!