Arts in Northwest

See you at The Cabin!

/ Ev Bishop / Leave a comment

Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of having my own cabin (by a lake). Even very young, I loved the idea of “getting away from it all,” perhaps taking close friends or family with me, perhaps not . . . always having a ton of books to keep me company. When asked the age-old what-are-you-up-to-this-weekend question, I longed to be able to smile casually and say, “Oh, you know . . . heading to The Cabin.”

That dream (still not a reality, LOL), combined with e-mails from some of you earlier this year, wanting a way to connect and share life and bookish news and fun in a more frequent manner, with more back and forth interaction than newsletters allow – but who DON’T use Facebook – got me thinking. My literal cabin getaway might be a ways away . . . but nothing was stopping me from creating my own ONLINE CABIN and inviting you to all use it and enjoy it whenever you like.

So . . . let me present to you: The Cabin. A community for you, my treasured, so-appreciated readers, that’s ad-free and doesn’t infringe on your privacy or take liberties with your data and personal private information. For those of you who love other forms of Social Media, don’t worry, I’ll still have a presence on the big ones (especially Soul Sisters Book Chat). The Cabin is something for all of us, however, including those uncomfortable with (or tired of) Social Media – a safe and cheery online place for every book lover to hang out! Bookworms unite! 

What can you expect at The Cabin?

An awesome time, always! Visit The Cabin to:

  • Get exclusive content and conversations you can’t find anywhere else.
  • Meet people who share your interests who live near you, who do the same things, or who care about the same topics.
  • Swap stories, experiences, and ideas (not necessarily advice) around our shared love of books for the most part, but also about the good things in life, in general. (For example, I intuit lots of animal and pet posts, tons of odes to hot beverages, and nature-themed pictures . . . just saying! 😄)
  • Discover new-to-you authors and books to read.
  • Find a little inspiration, thought-provoking conversation, and encouragement each and every day.

Just one of the super fun things that’s happening at The Cabin right now – an easy April reading challenge. All participants will get entered in a draw at the end of the month and one lucky participant, chosen at random will win a signed paperback of one of my books – winner’s choice of which title! Fun, right? Pop over and join in the conversation and fun today!

 **Do go into your account/settings right away and set up your notifications. (I don’t know about you, but I hate getting a hundred e-mails . . . not that I think The Cabin will be that busy, LOL, but just . . . it’s way nicer and more chill and cabin-like to get a daily e-mail with any new posts, then to be notified, for example, every time someone ❤️’s something you’ve said.) Put a few details in your profile, add a picture of yourself (or something you love). Have fun with it! (And remember, The Cabin is a privately owned place, LOL – no adware, no bots taking your info, no data mining). 

I can’t live at The Cabin, unfortunately (books to write, dogs to walk, and all that 😁 ) – but I will be there a lot. And don’t worry, even when I’m not around, The Cabin will have lots to keep you busy (and help you relax) with. 

I can’t wait to visit with you there! Enjoy! 

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Brand?

/ Ev Bishop / Leave a comment

Calling all writers,

What are you doing next Sunday? Joining me for a fun and super informative workshop? Yay! 🙂 I can’t wait!

On Sun. Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. PST, let me help take the ick out of the concept of branding & offer practical tips on building YOUR brand today. Find all the details and get tickets here.

Why the “ick,” you ask? Well, as I suspect some of you know too well and/or still feel, “branding” yourself as an author, artist or person can seem . . . sort of slimy. Fake. Insincere. Gimmicky. Too “corporate” or something . . . All things that I sum up as . . . ick. LOL.

I definitely had some misconceptions (and negative associations) with the term, but when I figured out what branding for authors actually is, I grew a whole lot more comfortable with it and say (without exaggeration) that understanding (and embracing) brand has made my writing life easier and more rewarding in several surprising ways.

If you’d like a sneak peek at what changed my attitude about branding and an introduction to what we’ll be discussing in the workshop, please check out my recent guest post on Anne R. Allen’s blog, which is a wonderful resource for all things writing-related.

Just some of the things we’ll be discussing in more depth live during the workshop:

• Why every author needs a brand.

• What brand is and isn’t.

• How to determine what your brand is. (You probably already have one, just need to recognize it as such and consciously work to hone and build it.)

• How having a clear brand—and sticking to it and enhancing it—will help find you loyal, voracious readers.

• How knowing your brand can be a map to follow in terms of deciding future projects and a light to guide your marketing and promotion activities.

• What “on brand” means—and why keeping everything you do marketing and promotion-wise on brand is crucial!

• Why you might want a pen name or two or, or, or . . . (and why you might not!)

Appropriate for writers of every form and genre, this workshop will be particularly valuable to those who are new to publishing or who have a few published books but haven’t done a lot (if any) formal work on identifying and building their brand.

Please bring any questions you have!

Sign up here.

Special thanks to The Federation of BC Writers for sponsoring this workshop and being such a great support to writers across BC, the Yukon, and beyond.

#fbcw #fbcwevents #writersworkshop #eventsforwriters #write #bcwriters #yukonwriter s#writersevents

On Sun. Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. PST, let Ev Bishop help take the ick out of the concept of author branding & offer practical tips on building YOUR brand!

Thoughts on completing my first book series and life

/ Ev Bishop / 2 Comments

I spent much of January brainstorming and planning, tasks I always find slightly amusing because I “map” my new year every year, but then, pretty much without fail my well-laid plans run amuck because, well . . . squirrel! That said, even knowing much of what I dream or schedule may change, the time spent looking back—and imagining what might lie ahead—felt extra special this year because for the first time in a long time, I’m looking at the start of a brand new series, and that’s not only exciting. It feels symbolic.

The last “official”* River’s Sigh B & B novel (The Catch, Book 8) launched on January 9, and as I think back on the process of writing this series—what I went through and experienced book by book, chapter by chapter, heck, sometimes paragraph by paragraph—I am struck by how it’s a little like looking back at life.

Knowing what I know now, are there things I would’ve done differently? Oh yes.

Was there heartbreak and indecision and self-doubt a plenty? Absolutely. So much at times that I didn’t always know for sure that I wouldn’t just . . . give up.

Did I screw some things up and make some embarrassing mistakes? Uh huh, for sure—though thankfully, with help from people close to me—I rectified the most serious problems. (Or so I hope, LOL!)

During the writing of pretty much every book, I hit a place before it was finished where I felt I’d totally lost my way and that it was hopeless, that I’d never be able to muddle my way out. When that happened, I went for long walks and had big talks (whine fests!) with a few trusted souls—but I persevered. Eventually, as I tiptoed along in the dark, a light would suddenly go on. The way through would be perfectly clear—so clear that I wondered why on earth I hadn’t seen it before.

But the biggest takeaway from completing River’s Sigh B & B (which also echoes life) is that even if it was excruciatingly difficult at times or brought up painful things or my nerve threatened to fail me, there was simultaneously so much joy and laughter and growth (for me, not just my characters!) in the process, so many moments I’d never change for anything. So much fun.

I can’t share a lot of details about my new series yet (because they’re still coming together in my own head)—but even that feels fitting. After all, whoever truly knows how the future will unfold? But eeeei! I’m excited to see what the next chapters of life and writing hold.

Writing Romance – a FREE workshop with Ev Bishop

/ Ev Bishop / Leave a comment

Hello and greetings and tidings of exciting news!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be giving an Intro to Writing Romance workshop at the Terrace Public Library, Thursday, November 23rd from 6:00 – 8:30.

Admission is FREE (Yes, you read that right! 🙂 ), thanks to the generosity of the event’s organizers and sponsors, the Federation of BC Writers and the Terrace Public Library. However, you must register in advance and there are limited seats. If you’re interested, book your spot now: 250-638-8177.

Topics to be covered:

  • Romance as a genre and why writing (and reading) romance is so satisfying
  • Generating (or narrowing down!) ideas and writing the story
  • Editing Tips
  • Publishing Paths . . .  (I’ll try to give some marketing musts, too–but it’s not a super long workshop and we’ll have lots to tackle as it is. 🙂 It is going to be fun!)

If you’re currently writing romance (in the closet or out, LOL), have always wanted to but haven’t started yet, or are just curious about the genre in general, this workshop’s for you. We’ll have a blast, I’ll talk your ears off, and you’ll leave buzzing with energy, inspiration and information. (Or that’s my plan and hope anyway. 😉 ) I hope to see you there!

P.S. The writing life can be isolating (is of necessity, actually), yet at the same time, almost without exception, we accomplish more and feel happier when we’re part of a community. If you’re a writer yearning for a tribe or in need of fellow writerly chat and support, consider joining the BC Federation of Writers. They are an amazing source of information and opportunities, well worth their modest annual fee.

And a little closer to home . . . If you’re writing in Terrace, BC (or area) and want to be part of a dynamic, supportive writing network, check out the Terrace Public Library’s writing group. Contact Jess for more information: 250-638-8177.

P.P.S. I’ve had a few people ask if this workshop would be valuable for writers working in other genres. My answer is a hearty YES!  It is a romance workshop and that will be my total focus, but there will definitely be takeaway information and advice applicable to whatever you write.

A little something for readers and for writers

/ Ev Bishop / 2 Comments

Hello and happy post Valentine’s Day greetings,

I hope your belly is full of chocolate! Mine, sadly, is not. I only got in a few nibbles–but have no fear, I will treat myself tonight. My husband and I made our plans for this evening because we got to enjoy a brand new, first time ever experience this Valentine’s Day . . . grandbaby sitting. SO FUN.

I have two quick happy blurts today.

evbishop_hooklinesinker_200pxThe first (calling all readers): I’m excited to announce that I have a new book out – HOOK, LINE & SINKER (Book 4 in my River’s Sigh B & B series). I do hope you’ll grab a copy. 🙂  And no worries, if you haven’t read the rest of the series–though what are you waiting for, lol? Each book works great as a standalone.

Brian and Katelyn fall for each other hook, line and sinker—but real life isn’t a fairy tale. If they can’t solve the increasingly dangerous threat posed by Katelyn’s ex, they won’t get a chance to pick up the pieces from their pasts or to find out if true love is real.

Read the longer blurb and/or buy it today:

AMAZON ~ KOBO ~ iBOOKS ~ BARNES & NOBLE 

The second (calling all writers): Though it’s hard for me to believe, another year has passed and it’s time for Askew’s Foods’ Word on the Lake Writing  Contest. It’s a great contest and first prize includes a full conference package. I had the opportunity to go a few years back and it’s a wonderful event, featuring amazing presenters in a second to none venue. (The hotel is set on the banks of a gorgeous lake, near a bird sanctuary that you can explore in your down time.) Whether you enter the contest or not–and you should–definitely consider the Shuswap Association of Writers’ Word on the Lake conference. 

image

And that’s it for me! I’ll talk to you again in a few weeks and share my February 2017’s Terrace Standard column. In the meantime, happy living, writing, reading, being,

🙂 Ev

Newsy tidbits, plus an invitation

/ Ev Bishop / 6 Comments

Okay, so it’s mid-June and I keep thinking May’s just wrapping up, LOL. Oh well, at least it’s been mostly good things keeping me busy. 🙂 In fact, I had wonderful news in May, three times over!

One of my poems (“Irregular Shapes”) received an honourable mention in the Shuswap Association of Writers’ 2016 Askew’s Foods’ Word on the Lake Writing Contest (Poetry category), and my essay “Birthing Relationships” won second place in the same contest (but in the Non-fiction category). Woot, woot! I’m so grateful to all the industrious, art-minded folk who support and nurture literary arts.

I also found out that my novel HOOKED is a 2016 RONE finalist. I’ll find out in October if it’s the grand winner, but even making the final cut has me dancing around my office with honor and delight! 🙂

Last but not least, if you live in the Terrace area and fancy an evening of reading and chat for a good cause, I urge you to come out to “Words of Welcome,” a group reading/fundraising event, at the Terrace Public Library tomorrow night (7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2016).

Eden Robinson, Adrienne Fitzpatrick, Al Lehmann and I will each be reading a short excerpt or two from a published work or work-in-progress, and will be on hand for a question and answer period. Entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to the new families moving into Terrace from Syria. It promises to be an entertaining, thought-provoking night–and it’s for an excellent cause. Please come!

Words of Welcome_Syrian Refugee Fundraiser Reading

Wishing you . . . chutzpah!

/ Ev Bishop / 7 Comments
Happy New YearWhew, another year is almost behind us. Crazy. It feels like a week at most since I last sat down with my Year-At-A-Glance calendar and laid out what I wanted to accomplish in 2015, complete with a symbol key—but it’s time to do it again. And time to nag you to follow my lead, regarding whatever it is you want to do this year. Lucky you!
 
I was talking to someone recently about my writing life. She commented on my “dedication” and “organization”—and added, “You are so disciplined.” Even reflecting on her words makes me want to duck my head and deflect the compliment. Dedicated and organized? Who me? Nah. Disciplined—ahahahahahahaha—good one.
 
Except that it’s time—maybe past time, actually—that I face up to and accept this part of myself. I am dedicated to things I want to achieve and I love to work. I derive huge amounts of joy and satisfaction from what I do (whenever I’m not simultaneously overwhelmed by neuroses and insecurity, that is!), and I believe that whenever possible we should pursue those things in life that make us uniquely us and make us happy.
 
I used to worry this was selfish of me—but now I don’t believe it is. I’ve spent a lot of time around deeply unhappy people and . . . it’s sad and awful and takes years to recover from. Hopefully, I’m modeling something worthwhile to my children and miscellaneous other people. You don’t have to live between the lines drawn by other people; you can create your own.
 
And you don’t have to fly off the rails, quit your job and move to Mexico either. It really only takes small changes to start working on the secret dreams and passions that burn in your belly.
 
The person also asked if I had any tips or “secrets” about accomplishing what I set out to. I do, in fact. Three of them—and they’re all you’ll ever need. (Well, plus a magic feather, but those are more difficult to come by.)
 
1) Permission. If you need a formal okay, look no further: I give you permission. In fact, I insist. Take that class, do that practice, write those words, join that club, plan that new business venture, do that thing, whatever it is. And don’t worry about what your spouse, parents, kids, or friends think. Even if they’re resistant or resentful at first, they need you to be your most authentic self, too. They just don’t realize it yet. **Note: This permission bit is a trick. You really only need permission from yourself. Stop being so mean. Give it to yourself now.**
 
2) A 15-minute commitment at least three times a week. You can find fifteen minutes per day, no matter how busy you are. Yes, you can. (And if you won’t, you have to ask yourself if it’s really something you want to do or if it’s an old dream that you need to replace. It’s fine if it’s the latter. Don’t beat yourself up over changed goals. Embrace something new!)  

3) Resiliency, or as my parents used to call it, bullheadedness. Someone, or a lot of people, will say you’re wasting your time or kidding yourself. Worse, your own fears, insecurities, and guilt complexes are going to try to shut you down. Don’t give in. Practice, run, write, draw, sing, play through it. Resistance is the strongest and the negative voices are the loudest before you start for the day. Once you settle into your task, they’ll shut up and slink off until next time.
 
That’s it. No magic—but honestly, you don’t need magic. You just need desire, stubbornness, and the knowledge, hard as it is, that no one else cares if you do the thing you really want to do. Only you do. It’s not because they’re awful or because they don’t love or understand you. . . . It’s because some things are purely personal; no one else can truly know what you need to do. It’s up to you. Do it. 

Wishing you a wonderful New Year full of daydreams that shape reality, steps that become a path, and enough chutzpah that folks around say, Wow, what’s got into you?
 
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
“Wishing you . . . chutzpah!” by me, Ev Bishop, was originally published in the Terrace Standard, December 30, 2015 as my monthly column “Just a Thought.”
goals for 2016

In the Shadow of the Mountain

/ Ev Bishop / 4 Comments

Hello, all!

Just a short post today. This past Friday I had the delightful fun of taking part in a live radio interview with the wonderful and talented Sheila Peters. I was sooo nervous beforehand, but once we started talking it felt just like having coffee with a kindred spirit, discussing my favorite things. I could’ve gone on much longer–not that that surprises any of you!

I’d be honored if you poured yourself a warm (or warming!) beverage and had a listen. I hope you enjoy it, if you do! The podcast version is here: Ev on Sheila Peter’s “In the Shadow of the Mountain.”

Have a wonderful weekend,

🙂 Ev

Gorgeous Hudson Bay Mountain, casting the shadow the radio show is named for. :) Photo by Major James Skitt Matthews. Click the image for more info.

Gorgeous Hudson Bay Mountain, casting the shadow the radio show is named for. Photo by Major James Skitt Matthews. Click the image for more info.

Reading at Prince Rupert Library, Thursday, April 16, 7:00 – I hope you can come!

/ Ev Bishop / Leave a comment

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been invited to take part in some super fun events over the next few weeks: An author reading at the Prince Rupert Library, Spring Stirrings – a Poetry Workshop (that I’m co-facilitating with Joan Conway), and an Authors for Indie Bookstores event at Misty River Books. I’ll post full details for each in the days to come, so keep a kind eye out if you’re interested.

Kicking off the three, I’m calling for all Prince Rupert, B.C. readers and writers. The Prince Rupert Library has invited me to do a reading and question and answer session, Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. I’ll be focusing on BIGGER THINGS, but will also have copies of WEDDING BANDS on hand. It should be a fun, thought-provoking evening (and there are great door prizes, lol). I hope to meet you there!

P.S. Please like and/or share this post if you have friends or family in the Prince Rupert area–and if you have any questions, ask away. 🙂

Bigger Things Reading Poster PRINCE RUPERT

Calling all Terrace and area writers!

/ Ev Bishop / 1 Comment

I’m beyond excited to announce the birth of a new writing group, organized by the Terrace Public Library. It’s open to writers of every genre, form, and level of experience–from aspiring newbie to pro. Come out, make connections, grow in your craft, glean inspiration and motivation, WRITE. 🙂 (First meeting is Wednesday, October 15th.) TPL_Terrace_Writers_TAB_1