Category Archives: Brockville

4RV Publishing, Aberdeenshire, Appearances, Authors, Awards, Blog Tour, Book Launch, Books, Brand, Brockville, characters, Famous Five Plus, Gananoque, Independent Bookstore, Interviews, Liebster Award, Local Authors, loveahappyending, NaNoWriMo, Novel covers, Novels, Photographs, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Scotland, Writing

Happy Hogmanay!

December 31, 2012 Melanie 6 Comments

Dec 31st says goodbye to the current year in anticipation of what is to come in the next year. Known as New Year’s Eve in many countries, in Scotland, it’s a special celebration known as Hogmanay. Great street parties with entertainment take place in major cities. Edinburgh’s celebration is the most widely known. You can see what’s happening in Scotland’s capital to ring in 2013 here.

But before I pop the cork on the champagne, I want to take a look at 2012 and reflect on all the good things that happened to me during the year.

In early January, fellow Writers’ Ink member, Joe Mossman, and I did a spot for the local cable TV’s program, Readers’ Corner and talked about our group.

Joe Mossman, myself and host of Readers’ Corner, Doreen Barnes

A few days later, I was assigned my editor. We hit it off immediately which made the revision process a lot more fun. My gorgeous cover designed by Aidana WillowRaven was revealed here on January 18th.

My novel’s cover created by Aidana WillowRaven

In February, I was honoured with my First Book award from the Ottawa Romance Writer’s Association.

March came and with it, I received the Versatile Blogger Award from loveahappyending.com associate reader, Susan Livingston. I had been an associate reader for loveahappyending.com myself since June 2011 and on May 21, 2012 (my son’s birthday), I became a featured author!

June brought about the new Melanie Robertson-King “brand” reveal.

The weekend of Sept 14-17 (okay Friday to the following Monday – weekend plus) took me to Kansas for the debut of my novel… and best of all, I got to hold it in my hot little hands for the first time. It was brilliant meeting my editor, Carla, for the first time and my publisher, Vivian Zabel, and fellow 4RV Publishing authors Jacque Graham, Janet Brown and Galand Nuchols.

Janet Brown, me, and Galund Nuchols with our books that debuted at the Kansas Book Festival

My short story, Cole’s Notes, that had been accepted for publication became available for the Kindle in Carrick Publishing’s first cross-genre anthology – EFD1 – Starship Goodwords, and classed as literary fiction, no less!

Home from Kansas and the following weekend I hosted my hometown launch at the Wedgewood Retirement Resort in downtown Brockville.

One week later, I embarked on a 21-stop 15-day blog tour starting off at loveahappyending.com and ending at Author Roast and Toast.

In October, I created a blog for my character, Sarah, and filmed another program for Readers’ Corner – this time talking about my novel,

was invited to join Famous Five Plus and woo-hoo, I got my first 5-star review for A Shadow in the Past!

November came along and with it, my first kick at the can taking part in NaNoWriMo, and a number of appearances and signings – Ladies’ Night at Green Things Garden and Gift Shop, the Mallorytown Legion’s Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale, and finally downtown Brockville’s Christmas Open House at Leeds County Books.

December and another signing – this time in Gananoque at All About Books Internet Cafe and I was awarded the Liebster Award by Joanne Clancy.

A great year for sure, and now I’m looking forward to what 2013 brings! So now that I’ve rambled on long enough, it’s time to pop the champagne corks and ring in the New Year.

Happy New Year! Happy Hogmanay! Or Happy whatever you call it in your part of the world. May 2013 be good to you and yours! Cheers!

Brockville, Family

Is this an omen? Snowmageddon? Snowpocalypse?

December 27, 2012 Melanie 7 Comments

I know it’s only 27th December, but is 2013 going to come in like this? March is the month that’s supposed to go out like a lion, not December. This is the first time a a very long time, that I’ve missed work because of the weather. The last time was the 1998 ice storm. Thankfully, this is snow and not the wet, heavy stuff we got on the Friday before Christmas.

The snow started shortly before we went to bed around 11:00 last night and was well and truly accumulated when the son had to leave for work around 3:00 this morning.

Hubby did go to work this morning and called me when he arrived. The motorway hadn’t been plowed from Maitland east to Prescott and the on and off ramps hadn’t been touched. Since I have to work on New Years Day, it didn’t take a great deal of persuading to get me to stay home and use today as my day in lieu.

I finally ventured outdoors after 1:00 p.m. – first out onto the back step where I took this photo.

then out front so I could get my hat and mitts out of my car which was tucked safely away in the garage. The snow up against the garage door was deep enough that I had to cut out a section so I could step over it.

driveway dec 27 2012 — Son’s silver car (he got home between 9:30 and 10:00 this morning) in the partly shoveled driveway, and the shovel-width opening I cut in the snow to get into the garage

I could have been standing in the middle of the road when I took this. The snowbanks are well out into the road’s surface and cars can’t pass without one giving way by pulling over into the foot of a shoveled out driveway.

looking towards the river from the foot of our driveway

Jake was out front with the grandson and me while we took turns on the business end of the snow shovel. Earlier the dog wouldn’t set foot off the deck out back. But when I brought him in, the first place he headed was to the back door and into the yard.

Poor boy (and he’s a big boy) couldn’t get back up the steps. He stopped, circled in a number of attempts before he finally got almost all the way up the steps, then as his front feet reached the platform at the top, his back feet missed the last step and he was stranded. He’s back inside on his bed now – no worse for his experience.

We put our garbage and recycling out last night for this morning’s pickup but the garbage men haven’t come, probably can’t get out themselves so we may never see our garbage or recycling until containers until spring. Yikes!

Appearances, Authors, Brockville, Holidays, Independent Bookstore, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Publicity, Reading, Writing

Christmas Open House

November 27, 2012 Melanie 1 Comment

November 29 is the date for this years DBIA Christmas Open House in downtown Brockville. Stores will be staying open until 10:00 p.m. to offer a selection of Christmas shopping opportunities for that special gift for the hard to buy for person on your list.

There will be carolers to listen to, horse and wagon rides and tasty goodies to sample, too.

Participating business include Leeds County Books, 73 King Street West, Brockville, on Thursday evening where I’ll be signing copies of my novel, A Shadow in the Past.

You’ll find books by local authors, international best-sellers, and in every genre from childrens’ picture books to dark, gritty crime novels, to non-fiction titles.

A-Shadow-in-the-Past-by-Melanie-Robertson-King — My novel’s cover created by Aidana WillowRaven

I’ll be in the store from 7:00-9:00 p.m. signing copies of my debut novel – A Shadow in the Past.

So come on out on Thursday night. Support the downtown merchants.

Give the gift of reading this Christmas… to the avid reader on your list, or get that reluctant reader hooked.

Appearances, Authors, Brand, Brockville, Holidays, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Writing

My First Ladies Night Event

November 16, 2012 Melanie Leave a comment

I’m pleased with the results of tonight’s foray into the unknown realm of Ladies Night. Invited by the owner of Green Things Garden, Gift and Maintenance Services – Donna White – to come and sign my book, I arrived about 5:30 p.m. to get myself set up.

Business in the retail store, all decked out in its Christmas finery, was brisk and my book and I attracted a lot of attention. But best of all, by 8:45 p.m., I had sold… drum roll, please… six copies!

If you missed me tonight, I’ll be at the Mallorytown Legion on Sunday, November 18th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. signing copies of my novel, A Shadow in the Past.

Will I do Ladies Night again next year? YES! And maybe by this time next year, I’ll have two books out there to sell. Guess that means I best get my skates on and get book #2 submission ready.

Appearances, Authors, Brockville, Holidays, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Publishing, Writing

Ladies Night

November 15, 2012 Melanie Leave a comment

Tomorrow night, Friday, November 16th, I’ll be taking part in the 21st Annual Ladies Night.

Brockville and area businesses open Friday night until 10:00 p.m. with tax free savings.

I’ll be signing and selling my novel, A Shadow in the Past, at Green Things Garden, Gift & Maintenance Services from 6:00-10:00. I hope to see you there.

And be sure to visit all five stores to enter the draw for the Grand Prize!

There will be door prizes and refreshments at the various locations throughout the evening.

Appearances, Authors, Book Launch, Brockville, characters, General, Independent Bookstore, Interviews, Local Authors, Media, Novel covers, Novels, Photographs, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Writing

Another recording for TV…

October 26, 2012 Melanie 16 Comments

It’s been a busy day for me here today at Celtic Connexions. First of all, I’m taking part in Janice Horton’s Spellbindingly Fun Blog Party, celebrating the launch of her new novella How Do You Voodoo? And secondly, because it had been arranged some time ago that I would do a spot for our cable company’s program Reader’s Corner.

The show’s host, Doreen Barnes, and I chatted about my novel, A Shadow in the Past. What made me decide I would write a book? Why I set it where I did? We talked about my characters, Sarah & Robert, the research involved, and what my favourite scene is.

I could give you all the answers now in my blog post, but then you wouldn’t want to watch the program when it comes on next month.

At the end of our interview, I was asked to read a very short (about 30 seconds) passage from my book. So I picked one that I hope will entice you into purchasing your very own copy.

For those of you who are local to Brockville and have cable you’ll be able to watch it on local channel 10. I’ll post the date and air time when I get it, but with so many of my followers being scattered to the four corners of the world, the episode should be shown on their website. TV Cogeco Readers Corner. Once the show goes online, I’ll post the complete link.

Not quite the ear-to-ear grin that I had in Kansas but still looking pretty pleased with myself.

You can buy A Shadow in the Past from the following:

In Canada:

Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/Shadow-Past-Melanie-Robertson-King/dp/0983801886/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346607916&sr=1-1

ChaptersIndigo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/A-Shadow-In-The-Past-Melanie-Robertson-king/9780983801887-item.html?ikwid=a+shadow+in+the+past&ikwsec=Home

and if you’re local to Brockville, you can buy it from Leeds County Books, 73 King Street West or directly from me melanie@melanierobertson-king.com

In the US:

4RV Publishing: http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/robertson-king.php

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Past-Melanie-Robertson-King/dp/0983801886/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344434406&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-shadow-in-the-past-melanie-robertson-king/1112348992?ean=9780983801887

And in the UK:

Amazon.co.uk:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Past-Melanie-Robertson-King/dp/0983801886/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344434484&sr=1-1

Authors, Blog Tour, Book Launch, Brockville, Interviews, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Publicity, Publishing, Reviews, Writing

A Shadow in the Past International Blog Tour Day 7 – a day of rest???

October 4, 2012 Donald 4 Comments

Not as such. But, the three blogs I’m visiting today are all in my hometown of Brockville. I need an easy day like this to rest up after the hectic schedule I set myself up for. Yeesh… wouldn’t you think I could have been a bit more coordinated rather than jetting all over from point A to B and back again? Over and over again. Oh well, at least I’m only travelling virtually. If it were for real, I would have the UK and European stops together and the same with the North American ones.

So where am I today? Well, three members of my local writers’ group – Writers’ Ink – have agreed to host me.

*****

My first stop today is with Joe Mossman. Back in January, Joe and I were guests on the local cable company’s program Reader’s Corner. You can see his interview with me on his blog joe-mossman.blogspot.com. Hope Joe has the coffee on. After my hectic schedule, I’ll need the caffeine jolt to get me kick-started this morning.

*****

My second stop is at Chris Hanna’s My adventure in becoming at writer blog.

*****

My last stop is with Dorothy Bush. She’s invited me for high tea. Hmm… wonder what we’ll be having? No coffee at this time of day, but a tipple of something just in keeping with the occasion. Dorothy blogs at Twisting in the Wind. Maybe if she hasn’t put her motorcycle away for the season, she’ll take me out for a short ride.

Drop back tomorrow and see what part of the world I’ll be visiting.

Authors, Book Launch, Brockville, Interviews, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Photographs, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Writing

Today’s launch of A Shadow in the Past in the Wedgewood Author Series

September 22, 2012 Melanie 10 Comments

I couldn’t have scripted my hometown launch any better if I tried. Everything went so smoothly. Before the launch started, I was interviewed by Doreen Barnes for Brock News TV. I’m not sure when it will be available online but I will pass the link on when I get it. The interview took place in the library at The Wedgewood Retirement Resort, directly across the hall from the media lounge where my launch was held.

Now I decided that I couldn’t wear the same ensemble today that I wore in Kansas but footwear definitely worked into the equation. I mean a newly published author can’t always wear the same clothes to every event.

In the beginning there weren’t many people in the room but at 2:00, we started anyway. Doreen introduced me and I spoke about the background information on my book and then read an excerpt before the floor was opened up for questions.

Behind the podium during my presentation

While I was in my element in front of the crowd, the room began to fill up. Undistracted by the interruption, I carried on. By the time, I was wrapping up my reading it was practically standing room only.

Many of the people who came to my signing wanted to get their photo taken with me. Who woulda thunk it? People wanting to get their picture taken avec moi.

Sue Bowen (one of my beta readers of an earlier draft) and me

Anne’s (who I dedicated my book to) family

The day turned out better than I could have hoped for. Signed and sold 22 copies! Wow!

Authors, Book Launch, Brockville, Interviews, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Writing

A Shadow in the Past launches in The Wedgewood Author Series

September 22, 2012 Melanie Leave a comment

My novel’s cover created by Aidana WillowRaven

At 2:00 pm today, I’ll be at The Wedgewood Retirement Resort (corner of King and Market St East) in downtown Brockville talking about and reading from my debut novel, A Shadow in the Past,published by 4RV Publishing.

If you’re in the Brockville area, come down to The Wedgewood. Admission to the event is free. Enter via the Market St entrance.

I’d love to see you there… not to mention sell you a copy of my book and sign it for you.

Authors, Book Launch, Brockville, Interviews, Local Authors, Novel covers, Novels, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Writing

The Wedgewood Author Series

September 17, 2012 Melanie 6 Comments

Wedgewood Author Series:

Releasing her very first novel is author Melanie Robertson-King whose book launch of A Shadow in the Past will take place at 2 p.m., on Saturday, September 22 at the Wedgewood Retirement Resort.

Nineteen year old protagonist Sarah Shand finds herself in love with Blair, who cheats on her with Sarah’s best friend. Distraught and not knowing what to do, Sarah takes sleeping pills to mask the heartbreak. She leaves the family farmhouse and wanders out into the night, becomes disoriented and suddenly hears screeching brakes.

Waking up in the Victorian Era of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Sarah encounters strange customs, eccentric characters, and a sharp spoken granddad, but also a dashing suitor, the Laird of Weetshill.

Sarah struggles with the secret of her true identity. Will Sarah ever return to the 21st Century?

Has Sarah found true love? If so, at what cost?

This event is free to the public with entry into the Wedgewood Retirement Resort at 15 Market Street East, Brockville.