I’ve lived in Ottawa since 1995. The writing community here has helped me immensely as an artist — from the open mic nights at the Tree Reading Series where I first read my fiction in front of people, to the writers’ critique groups that have welcomed me, to the Ottawa International Writers Festival where I’ve been a host, a guest, a board member, to Can*Con and the other science fiction and fantasy writing events where I’ve made so many friends and learned so much. I would not be the writer I am if I lived somewhere else.

So it gives me great joy to see The Embroidered Book on the finalist list for the Ottawa Book Award! I had the pleasure of being on the jury for that award a few years ago, and I know how much work it is, so my thanks to the jurors and the administrators. And what company to be in! I’m looking forward to the ceremony on Oct. 11. The awards invited the finalists to read a little from their work on video; you can see mine here.