Cheryl has lunch with Canadian Idol Eva Avila

The lovely and talented Eva Avila, last season's Canadian Idol winner, is in Edmonton to kick off the Oil Kings hockey game. She will be singing the national anthem and some of her hit songs at tonight's game (Kootenay Ice vs. Edmonton Oil Kings), which starts at 7:30 pm.

Today I had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with Eva. We left her hotel (sorry, I'm NOT telling) and headed down Jasper Ave., battling a chilly wind, in search of sushi. Now there's something Eva has in common with my daughter Jessica. They are both sushi addicts. :) Well, we didn't find a sushi place and ended up instead at WOK BOX, where the food has a definite asian/indian flavour. YUM!

You're probably wondering what the heck I did to deserve an hour of this busy young woman's time. I think I'm wondering too...lol. Eva and I have been corresponding via email after I contacted her through her MySpace page. But this was the first time we've met. And what a sweet girl!

We spent an hour chatting about the similarities between writing novels and writing songs, the challenges of promoting and marketing, and the advantages of online marketing. Then I gave her a limited edition Whale Song mug to thank her, and asked a customer to take a pic. Hey, I needed evidence to show Jessica. Apparently, my "cool-scale" went up a few notches, she told me. And any mom knows how important that is when you have a teen daughter.

Eva and I talked about Whale Song, my bestselling novel and a novel that has captured a lot of movie interest. Currently, numerous film companies, including many from Hollywood, are reading it. We've have been talking about the possibility of Eva playing the lead role. I would be thrilled if a film company asked her to audition. The more I spoke with Eva, the more of "Sarah Richardson" I saw in her. Not just her dark coloring, but her spark and spirit. She brought Whale Song with her on the trip to Edmonton, and I was thrilled to hear that.

There are two women I can see playing the lead role of 'Sarah Richardson'. Kristen Kreuk and Eva Avila. And isn't it wonderful that they're both Canadian?

Visit Eva Avila's site.

Order Eva's CD Somewhere Else.

Order Whale Song.

Canadian Idol Eva Avila is reading Whale Song in Edmonton

Today I got quite the surprise. I was barely listening to an announcement on the radio--91.7 The Bounce, to be exact, and I heard Eva Avila's name come up. It didn't twig completely until they started talking about the Oil Kings game. (I just don't DO sports! ) Then it hit me.

Eva Avila was coming to Edmonton!

Now let me backtrack just a bit. Eva and I have been emailing for 2 or 3 months now. In fact, she was very interested in Whale Song, so I sent her a copy. We've been talking about the possibilities of her playing the lead role of "Sarah". I am hoping that when my publisher makes a movie deal that the film producers/directors will at least consider Eva. She fits my image of Sarah, and I think that girl has a ton of talent. Beyond singing.

Let me backtrack some more. I've been an Idol fan for a few seasons but it was Eva who actually got me voting more than once a night. In fact on the final vote night I spent 2 hours calling in my vote on speed dial. My Japanese daughter was doing the same thing from our other line. :) Ok, yes, I'm an Idol addict. But really, I was just so inspired by Eva.

I finally figured out why tonight.

Eva is 19, only 2 years older than my own daughter. Eva has always had a dream. And she has known that eventually it would happen. She is passionate about her goals and dreams and is working so hard to achieve them. She reminds me of someone.

Me.

Of course, a far younger "me", but all the same, she has the intense dreams of becoming a huge star, just as I have wanted to be a New York Times bestselling author. My dream also started at a young age. But it took me far longer to realize even part of my dreams.

I admire Eva for her spirit, and the 'Mom' in me is proud of her. Even though she's not my daughter. :)

Ok...fast forward. So Eva is coming to town. And I just had to email her. She emailed me back and we're getting together for lunch tomorrow. Not only that, she brought Whale Song with her. "To read in my hotel room before bed", she said. :)

Now that makes me feel like a New York Times bestselling author. Thank you, Eva.

Order Whale Song on Amazon or your favorite online retailer or bookstore.

Introducing Cheryl's Re-Vamped Website and New Frequently Asked Questions

I have re-vamped my main site at:

Cheryl Kaye Tardif - Canadian Suspense Author.

I have added some new features. You can now read some frequently asked questions on Whale Song, The River, Divine Intervention, and writing and publishing. I will be adding to them every month.

Have you always wanted to ask a writer something? Well, here's your chance! If you have a question you'd like to ask on any of the above topics, please email me.

Be sure to check out my new improved website and sign my guestbook! There is so much to explore.

http://www.cherylktardif.com

Book club, Whale Song and crab quiche

Two nights ago, I was very honored to attend a book club meeting held by 7 lovely ladies (Bev, Anne, Eve, Isabel, Gloria, Nancy and Joyce) in west Edmonton. It started at 7:30 and went until 10:00. I had a blast...especially since I was the 'guest author'. They had just finished reading Whale Song.

The first order of business--food. Hey, what's a good book club without good treats? And I tell you, these ladies know how to put on a spread. Crab quiche, made specially because of the ocean theme of Whale Song. I asked if we were having whale sandwiches next...hehe. Nope, but fresh veggies and strawberries, salsa and chips, cheese and crackers, chocolate, cashews...wine (darn, I don't drink!)...coffee. Why does book club food taste so awesome?

I'm thinking the next book I write should have a steak and lobster theme. Hmm, wonder which of the ladies will be BBQing...lol

We chatted about traveling as one of the ladies is off to Paris today or tomorrow and another is heading for Madrid. I told them I was going to Pennsylvania, but somehow that just doesn't compete with Paris and Spain.

Then they got down to business.

I am always very excited (and just a tad bit nervous) when attending book club meetings. After all, I expect them to be honest about their thoughts and reactions. The first thing they did was a thumbs up/thumbs down vote.

I held my breath.

8 thumbs UP!

I was told that doesn't often happen.

They began telling me how much they loved Whale Song and many of them said they cried. In fact, I was encouraged to give out packages of tissue with the book. Strangely enough, I have thought of that idea often.

The conversation around Whale Song was great! One woman started telling me about one of her favorite parts and she started crying. Next thing, we were all blinking away like crazy and talking about Whale Song. They asked a ton of very thoughtful questions, about the book, writing, my life, living on the Queen Charlotte Islands, native relationships, getting published. I wasn't surprised to hear that many of them really loved the native grandmother Nana.

What I found most interesting was when one of the ladies shared how she thought the story around the mother (Daniella) and her illness was going to go in a certain direction, and that all the clues and foreshadowing could lead to that conclusion. And she's right! Yet, I had never really thought of it...probably because I knew exactly where it was all leading. As a writer, I find it very satisfying to learn that I have delivered a twist, consciously or not, that works.

The ladies had me sign their copies of Whale Song and then they bought The River and Divine Intervention, which I had on hand for a special price.

In the end, I left feeling exceptionally inspired. It is one thing to write a book and know people are reading it; it is another to actually meet your readers. I have found that being a guest at a book club meeting is a wonderful way to see what people like and don't like. No matter how many industry reviews I get, there is nothing better than being reviewed by avid readers.

They want me to come back. I would love to! (And thank you, ladies, for such a wonderful time!)
P.S. Attention Edmonton book clubs: If you read any of my novels in your club, please email me. I would love to attend your book club meeting. Seafood, optional! :)

Read an excerpt from Whale Song.

Order Whale Song: A Novel

More 5 star reviews for Whale Song

Reviews are just 'swimming' in for bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif and her "compelling" novel Whale Song.

"One of the best books I have ever read..."

"Beyond Enjoyable!"

"Have a tissue ready.... this book is a real tear jerker."

"Whale Song is "elegantly written".

Read these reviews in full and many more!

Article: Authors Tour the World with Virtual Book Tours by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Over the years, authors who wanted to promote their books directly to the public had one main option; you had to physically travel across the country conducting book signings and readings in various bookstores and praying that people would show up. This meant spending money on flights, hotels, transportation and meals. This traditional type of book tour is expensive and very few publishing companies are willing to pay for them. But now, authors have a new method of ‘touring the world’―the virtual book tour.

Virtual book tours (also known as virtual author tours, guest blogging, blog tours, or VBTs) are a simple concept. The author tours various blogs and sites that pertain to a theme in the book or to writing in general. This way, you can potentially reach thousands of avid readers each tour day from the privacy of your office or home.

The goal of marketing your book is to expose it to as many people as possible in an exciting, cost-effective and entertaining way. Guest blogging can achieve that goal. Most blogs are archived, so your post becomes permanent and often viral, spreading from site to site. That is leverage. You are in essence leveraging your internet presence and duplicating yourself with every VBT stop. Your blog tour is working for you even while you sleep. Try doing that at a bookstore signing!

Read Cheryl's article Authors Tour the World with Virtual Book Tours on John Kremer's Book Marketing site.

Our new Canadian Idol - Brian Melo

Canada has another sensational singer destined for great things--Brian Melo of Hamilton, Ontario. Brian beat out Jaydee Bixby from my home province Alberta (Drumheller, in fact, which is spectacular and known as 'dinosaur' country). While Jaydee has the voice and mannerisms of a blond Elvis, Brian has the heart and soul of a true storyteller. His song choice has been dead on and the evolution of his personal and professional growth on stage resulted in Brian winning the hearts of Canadians (mine included) and the final most coveted prize--the title of Canadian Idol.

Congratulations, Brian! I know I'll be buying your album.

Some of this year's Idol mentors were: Paul Anka, Kelly Clarkson, Enrique Iglesias and Bon Jovi.
Avril Lavigne performed tonight. (I actually missed it since I wasn't paying attention to the time and missed the first 1/2 hour.)

The two hour finale also showcased the first ever live Canadian performance of Bon Jovi, a band I have loved for years. And I just have to say: Jon, you are looking as yummy as ever! :) Bon Jovi sang Lost Highway from their new (same name) album. They followed this with one of my favorites, It's My Life. Released in 2000, it was their first single in 5 years. And I tell ya, I sure missed them!

And my sweetie Eva Avila, last year's Canadian Idol performed. Eva, you looked BEAUTIFUL and as graceful as ever! I am so enjoying your album and played it today for about 4 hours in a row! lol

And for those who may not have heard or read, Eva has a copy of Whale Song, which she'll be reading when she gets a break. I can't wait to hear her thoughts. As mentioned in My Book, The Movie, Eva is someone I can definitely see playing the role of twenty-something Sarah Richardson when they make Whale Song...the movie. So, if there are any producers/directors out there looking to give Eva her first break in the movie biz, I have the story and you can contact my publisher at Kunati Books.

Tonight, the top 10 performed and I have to say, they sounded pretty good. I think many of them will be going on to immediate careers, especially Carly Rae Jepson, who was my personal favorite this season and who was voted off in the top 3. Congrats to all the contestants for following their dreams and dreaming big, something I am known to say often when giving advice to aspiring authors.

Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG!

Brian, you dreamed BIG and you made Canada proud! I can't wait for your first CD.

Tomorrow morning, Brian Melo's first single All I Ever Wanted, written by Chris Perry and Nicole Hughes, will hit the radio waves and take Canada by storm. I sense a #1! For more information on this year's Canadian Idol competition, please visit Canadian Idol on CTV.