June 2026 Newsletter

“Without labour, nothing prospers.” Sophocles

I remind myself of Sophocles’ quote as I work and continue to rework my novel and each of my two graphic novels, still in progress. All projects demand focus and perseverance, which at times can be difficult because a writer doesn’t necessarily have a date by which something has to be completed or anyone to answer to but herself. Still, as I have said to anyone who will listen and as I remind myself for the umpteenth time, you must show up. Even when I don’t know where I’m going with a novel, what will happen next, standing at my desk, opening my document, and staring at my screen, I know words, and eventually story will come. Here is an old blog I wrote about finding the spark. As I looked through my former blogs for another assignment, I found and reread this one and appreciated the reminder. I seem to still need them.

Writing:

I reread my novel,Disruption , in the latter part of May and made further edits and revisions. Yup, this process never seems to stop. It does, eventually, once the novel is published. And I continued to work on Book 2 ofBouboulina, my graphic novel, completing seven chapters. Still a long way to go. But after each writing day, I outline what I have so far and ask myself questions about what comes next. This ensures I have something on the page and hopefully a way forward.

Awesome Achievements:

Friend and author, Veronique Darwin launched her new collection of short stories, Mom Camp at the awesome North Vancouver bookstore, Helicon Books on May 22nd and I was so fortunate to be there along with several other writerly friends and readers. Veronique gave us a wonderful reading from her book and the discussion led by author, Jacquelyn Zong-Li Ross was engaging and lively. Veronique’s next reading is on July 20 at TYPE Queen West in Toronto. So, to my Toronto friends, hope you’ll make it to Veronique’s reading. You can order Veronique’s book at Armchair Books if you are in Whistler or find your local independent bookstore through the following website Indie Bookstores.

Upcoming Events:

Just a reminder that the Whistler Writers Festival is putting on an awesome event as part of its spring reading series on June 13th at the Rainbow Theatre starting at 7:00 p.m. Join l ocal physician and mountain rescue technician, Dr. Renata Lewis , in conversation with emergency room doctor Dr. Brian Goldman (CBC’s White Coat, Black Art), about his book The Casino Shift: Stories of an ER on the Edge, an hour-by-hour account of a healthcare system at a critical inflection point. The bestselling expert’s new book discusses the frustration and burnout of colleagues, and their passion for saving lives in a system that is on the edge. Hope you’ll be able to join us for promises to be an awesome event. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Book Recommendations:

Here are the books I read in May.

Set in the 17th century, this fantasy novel follows the travels and lives of two sisters who leave Normandy for New France (Quebec). Elizabeth is certain she is haunted by a demon, so when she encounters a woman, she believes to be a witch, she proceeds to stalk her, later betraying the woman to rid herself of the curse. The story moves along quickly, and the reader comes to understand how fear and misunderstanding can lead to disaster, not unlike some of the unjust wars being fought senselessly today. Oops, there I go again, being political. Here is a review from The Miramichi Reader.

Following the format of the Japanese Manga graphic novels, this Haida Manga is the retelling of an oral story. We meet Red and his sister early on, before she is abducted. Later when Red discovers his sister has been found, he vows revenge and, in the process, hurts all those around him. This graphic novel with its theme of the senselessness of violence and vengeance has some incredible graphics and moves along seamlessly. I did read it twice to capture its full essence and enjoy the detailed graphics. Here is a review from CM Magazine.

Words such as Democracy, Freedom and Truth have been distorted and as the book cover notes, “weaponized” by many groups and individuals, including some of our world leaders. In this must-read book, Ms. Off gives us the definitions and historical context of these words and how they have been manipulated by individuals to implement their agenda. Again, as the cover notes: Ms. Off “also shows what happens when we lose our shared political vocabulary: we stop being able to hear each other, let alone speak with each other in meaningful ways. This means we stop being able to reckon with the complexity of the crises we face, leaving us prey to conspiracy theories, autocrats and the machinations of greed.” Again, an excellent must-read for all who are trying to understand the various crisis and illegal wars currently happening in our world today. Here is a review from The Literary Review of Canada.

Recommended to me by Sarah at our wonderful local bookstore, Armchair Books, this novel is the story of Florence, a woman who hides her identity in order to settle into a comfortable life away from the harsh realities of her past. A stranger recognizes her, and while she makes many attempts to avoid him, her past threatens to upend the life she has built for herself. Beautifully written, this is a story of rediscovering family and home and who you truly are. Here is a review from Quill and Quire.

A graphic memoir of love, loss and how we cope after the death of a spouse. The memoir chronicles the author’s life after the death of her partner of 22 years. The illustrations are beautiful and the story poignant and emotional. Here is a review from Plenitude Magazine.

This collection of prose poems was written on the various trails the author hiked alone after her return to the mountains following a leg injury. The poems are interspersed with factual and historical information as well as snippets of hersatellite communications with family and friends while hiking. Preece’s poems reflect her experiences both in words and fluctuating poetic format, inviting us to experience the majesty of the mountains. As the poet, Robert Bringhurst notes on the back cover of this collection, “Every woman I know who owns a pair of hiking boots will want to read this book. Male hikers and climbers should be equally eager to read it—”

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Talk to you soon. Take care. Stella