Like a lot of people, I’ve found 2020 to be more than a little challenging. Because so much of what I do is in front of a crowd or audience, and with group sizes severely limited, I’ve had a fair amount of time to catch up on work around the place that I don’t usually get do during the spring and summer, to reflect, and, of course, to write. I’ve completed a couple of drafts of a YA murder mystery that I’m kind of excited about, and am playing with some Cullen and Cobb ideas that I’ll be talking in more detail about soon.

The Young Alberta Book Society has been a God-send as Steph and Jenn have done an amazing job of keeping YABS authors busy doing online presentations for kids of all ages all over the province. Another edition of the terrific Calgary literary festival, When Words Collide (this one online) has come and gone and I was fortunate to be part of some pretty darn cool crime writing-themed panels. Great job Randy et al… you people rock!

This time away from readers and other writers has reinforced the realization of just how much all of you mean to me. I can’t wait until we are able to resume normal activity, to interact, laugh, look each other in the eye, and most of all, talk about books again. Until then, keep reading, keep writing, be well and stay safe. Let’s look after each other until this thing is over.