George, Lydia and Madie visit me in the comfort of my own library courtesy of technology. I also get a great view of the Hazel Mackey Community Library ceiling.
Gosh it’s fun being able to chat with some bookclub readers of The Best Mistake Mystery all the way in Roberts, (population 1,651) Wisconsin. Our first scheduled meeting was delayed by the same wind and and rain storm so I was able to snail mail the librarian autographed bookmarks. On the new date the kids met Mortie, the inspiration for Ping in The Great Mistake Mysteries.
Worf, my brown granddog wasn’t availabl for the Skype visit. But Mortie was happy to visit Wisconsin bookclubbers.
We chatted about where ideas came from and I talked about writing block. (And suddenly nothing happens!) Then a few weeks later, I received actual snail mail thank you notes. So retro.
If it weren’t for the computers and miles between us, the experience itself was old school, an author chatting with her readers, almost one  on one. It’s how real reading connections are made.
How can I not give my own series five stars, right? What’s not to love, plenty of animals, mystery and mayhem. But what differentiates these humorous dog walking, crime solving stories for middle grade kids is that they celebrate mistakes.
I noticed how much energy I put into feeling bad about my own mistakes and how kids were getting too anxious about trying new things. They want to be good at something before even trying it.
Putting the first three in the series in this e-package is genius. Because when you’re hooked on characters you want to gobble up more stories about them, immediately. So convenient. These make great family read alouds for ages 8-12. Enjoy!
The excitement never ends. Mortie has agreed to appear at my Family Literacy Day Signing at Chapters 3050 Vega Blvd in Mississauga at 11. He’ll stay longer if his fans insist.
Second video where my dog star Mortie aka Ping appears to help me celebrate the release of The Snake Mistake Mystery. I will be singing at Chapters @ 3050 Vega Blvd, Saturday, January 27 11-5. A Different Drummer Books 513 Locust St. Burlington already has your signed copy waiting.
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