My idol, author Gail Bowen, talks about Love You to Death, an Orca Books 'Rapid Reads'

One of my favorite authors is Canadian mystery author Gail Bowen. I love her work, her generous spirit and I consider her a friend, though we've never met in person, just via the internet. Gail first caught my eye with her Joanne Kilbourn series, which has been made into TV movies starring Wendy Crewson.

Not long ago, Gail told me about a new venture she was involved in--Orca Book Publishing's new 'Rapid Reads', novelettes that are being used to promote literacy to reluctant readers. I am fascinated by this concept, since I don't always get through a novel in two days like I used to when I was a kid.

So I picked up Gail's 'Rapid Reads' offering--Love You to Death. I was immediately intrigued by the main character, a radio talk show host with a birthmark that covers half his face. Gail doesn't mince words. She doesn't waste them either. She made every syllable count. And I was hooked by page one.

In Love You to Death, Charlie the radio host has one hour to find a killer. Or more correctly, to lure a killer to--

Wait a minute! Here. Why don't I let Gail tell you more?



Check out Love You to Death. You won't be disappointed.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Major Canadian literacy campaign in the works

I am very pleased to announce that I am working on a major literacy campaign that has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of Canadians. I can't say too much about it right now, not until everything and everyone is in place, but this will be an inspiring campaign that I believe will be featured prominently in the news, via word of mouth and online.

I am the campaign creator and coordinator, and I'm looking for 5 or 6 major corporate partners who are interested in literacy in Canada. I have already contacted some potential partners, but if you or someone you know may be interested, please email me.

I am also planning to bring in a literacy partner, and so far I've been contacted by two organizations that are interested. I am looking to partner with an organization that has successfully promoted literacy in Canada and has worked with other sponsors on previous events or initiatives. If you're a Canadian literacy organization and you're interested in my campaign, please email me. cherylktardif(at)shaw.ca

How will this literacy campaign affect Canadians in general? It will bring literacy issues to the forefront. It will inspire people to read more. It will encourage some to learn to read or to increase their reading skills. It will educate the public about illiteracy issues in Canada and how these issues affect Canadians.

I am so excited about this project, which has been simmering in my brain for a couple of years.

Happy reading, everyone!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Join SFA and donate books to support international literacy

I recently became a member of Shadow Forest Authors (SFA), an organization that supports and promotes international literacy.

I am donating new and used books to SFA's various beneficiaries who then see that these books go to people around the world. What a wonderful movement to be involved in.

I invite all my fellow authors to consider doing the same. All that's required is a minimum 1 book donation. I've personally decided to donate more and will continue to do so throughout the year.

To readers, you can also get involved by sponsoring an author and purchasing their books to send to one of the beneficiaries. There is a list of authors on the SFA site.

I would be so pleased if you'd consider ordering Whale Song from Amazon. You can send it directly to any of the beneficiaries listed on SFA's site, including the Anthony Robbins Foundation and Book Aid International. Since Whale Song is already being used in schools and resource centres, I know it's the perfect book for helping those with lower reading abilities.

Please check out this awesome organization that donates books for charity and help us if you can.

http://www.shadowforestauthors.com/

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif