A Few Clarifications

Since my last blog posting I've had a clarification with regards to Word Nerd at Franklin Road School in Hamilton, from their librarian:

"Word Nerd has NOT been removed from the shelf at Franklin Road School...the teacher-librarian told the reporter from the Spectator that she would be pulling the book when the student returned it (he wanted to finish the book, by the way), so that she could read the book. She had not had a chance to read Word Nerd before it began circulating. All the schools with Grade 7 and 8 in HWDSB received a set of Red Maple books for their collection. The book will remain in circulation unless there is an official challenge and then the process will begin."

I just wanted to say thank-you Marilyn for giving me the low-down. And I appreciate that there are protocols in place. I also hope the protocols never have to be used in this case. Most of all, I'm delighted to hear the boy wanted to finish the book. For the record, librarians rock.

Also, I have egg on my face because the journalist who wrote the article did try to get in touch with me. She used my gmail account, which I rarely check - in fact I just found her e mail tonight. So Carmela, if you read my post below, SORRY!

Anyhoo. Thanks for all the feedback, for a blog with 13 followers I was amazed to discover I had four comments. That is a new personal record.

Word Nerd Ignites Controversy on a Slow News Day In Hamilton, Ontario

Imagine my surprise when I got a Google Alert re: "Word Nerd" - and the heading stated, "Book Starts War of Words." Please take a couple of moments to read this article. It's from the Hamilton Spectator.

I have to say, I'm flabbergasted that my book would ignite any controversy. And I certainly appreciate the statements from Meredith Tutching at the Ontario Library Association. I'm surprised the reporter didn't try to contact me, the author, for a response.

For the record, "Word Nerd" (you can read an excerpt on this blog) is a tender story about a 12-year-old boy who lost his father before he was born, and lives with his well-meaning but overprotective mother (I am not going to point out the obvious ironies here). He's an outcast, a self-described nerd who is bullied at school. But Ambrose (the protagonist) is a glass-half-full kid, and during the course of the novel he manages to find a community at the local Scrabble Club, with the help of his rather messed-up upstairs neighbour. The two men (one 12, one 25) help each other in unique and meaningful ways. Cosmo becomes an unlikely father figure or older brother to Ambrose, and Ambrose helps heal some of Cosmo's deep wounds - and helps him find love in the process. It is not a book about "boners" (which Ambrose mentions as one of the many things he'd be able to talk about with his dad if he were still alive), and the few references in the book to his burgeoning sexuality are within context, and, I believe, incredibly true and real. To think that our children aren't having these thoughts, or know this language, by the age of 12, is to live with one's head in the sand.

But that is just my opinion, and everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I have no qualms about that. However I am deeply disappointed that my book has temporarily been pulled from the shelves at Franklin Road School.

Censorship has been around forever, and will continue to be. In its own tiny way, "Word Nerd" joins the ranks of books like "The Catcher in the Rye," "To Kill a Mockingbird," and any of the "Harry Potter" series (and any of Judy Blume's books - and she's my idol). You can click on any of the links to see the controversy that surrounded all of these books. I know, how dare I put my book into such lofty company! But it's the same issues, different day.

New Author Photo

So I have a new book coming out in the fall of 2010. Despite the fact that it's a good nine months away, my manuscript is now completed and copy edited, cover art is done (and it's great - thanks again to Kelly Hill, who also designed the cover for "Word Nerd" - but no, I'm not going to reveal the cover art, not yet), dedications written, etc. because everything needs to be ready so the book can go to the printer's early in 2010.

This time around I decided I should get a professional photographer to take an author photo. Last time a friend took it for me when I begged him, in a panic, to do so.

I thought you might be interested in the true difference a) a professional photographer makes and b) a professional make-up artist. Here's what I look like in a regular photo, no make-up. I took this one myself, in my hotel room in Edmonton. If I do say so myself I think it's really brave of me to post this horrid picture, but I really wanted to pick one that showed you the contrast.

Now, here are two of the shots Tallulah took.

Yup. Uh-huh. I know. Same person! What I love about these photos is, it's still so very me - but a much much nicer version! The make-up artist she used was lovely, her name is Win Liu. (I think the link I have to her is a Twitter address). Anyway, if any of you ever need a professional photographer, for any reason (and if you live in Vancouver), I can highly recommend Tallulah and Win - their work speaks for itself!

My Other Life Writing for TV

When I'm not writing books, I write for television. Probably my best experience ever in the TV world (and I've had lots of good experiences) was working on "Robson Arms," a show I co-created with Gary Harvey.

Susin and Gary on the set of Robson Arms

We were the showrunners for three successful seasons, which basically meant we were in charge of all creative decisions, from the scripts to the casting to the production design, to overseeing the directors, to the final cuts of the shows, to the music. We worked with an amazing team of people - funny, smart, talented. It was fun to go to work every day, especially because we were proud of the show, which was set in an apartment building in Vancouver's West End and followed the tenants who lived there.

Anyway, I met a lot of Canadian stars working on the show. I thought I'd share, over time, some of my favourite photos from my years on the show.

One of the highlights for me from our first season was meeting Margot Kidder, a true Canadian icon (ie, the original Lois Lane, among other things). She was so lovely. The crew, and her fellow actors, loved her. I really wanted a photo taken with her, and she obliged. Problem was, I am severely "photo challenged," particularly if there's a flash involved - I blink every time. We must have taken about three photos, and I blinked every time. So finally Margot helped me out.

Me and Margot

What I find hilarious - and depressing - is that I'm quite a bit younger than Ms. Kidder. But you'd never, ever know it from this photo!