March 2012

What's New?

• Winter is near an end but there's still nothing better than a gourmet bowl of soup.  I'm a little late in getting the site updated but that's kind of been my "song and dance" for most of the winter.  Sigh!  What can I say...attribute it all to the weather.  The sad joke of the day - courtesy of Mom - it's March 4 so it's the only day of the year when you can March Forth.  I know, I know - something she heard on CBC. 
  
•  Saturday, March 3 was an all day workshop with Saskatchewan Writers Guild - Talking Fresh.  It was a great opportunity to get out, hear what other authors have been doing and get the writing batteries recharged.
  
• Author, Harlow Coban, will be visiting my blog Once Upon a Time... on March 29 as part of her book tour with her latest release, Life in Death.  Stop by and chat with Harlow, learn more about her book and her new release - and enter for a chance to win, a yet to be announced, give away.
  

• What's on the Kindle this month?  The Burning Edge.  It seems edits on the latest stories and a stack of paperbacks has slowed down the kindle.  You can check out what else I've been reading at Goodreads. 

 February 2012

What's New?

• I suppose this is officially the doldrums of winter and even though the days are finally beginning to lengthen, enough winter already.  So it was a reprieve to have January's strange weather continue with some real upward spikes in temperature.  Sunny days are nothing new on the prairies, but above zero sunny days are pretty much nonexistent in the heart of winter.  Walking without wearing an unflattering, hair- mashing toque for a few days, a treat! 
  
• The Romance Studio is holding a Valentine Gala from February 10 to the 14.  There's a chance to win all sorts of prizes.  While I'm not participating as an author you may stumble on me browsing around wearing my other hat (not a toque) - reader.
• February  author Allie Pleiter will be visiting my blog Once Upon a Time... as part of her book tour with her February 2012 release, "Falling for the Fireman".  Stop by and chat with Allie, learn more about her book and her new release.
  
• It's Freedom to Read Week from February 26 to March 3.   I remember my first experience with book banning - Catcher in The Rye and it was grade nine.  For no other reason than I'd heard that the book was being pulled from the school library, I took it out and started reading it.  Unfortunately, I never finished it.  So Freedom to Read Week, you'll find me finally finishing Catcher in the Rye. 
  
• Have you ever seen an old-time grain elevator?  In Saskatchewan, every town used to have one.  But they're falling, one by one.  A friend of mine calls those historic icons - built heritage.  She's heading over to Rome this March as the only North American candidate to learn more about how we can preserve the world's built heritage.  It's knowledge she's expected to bring back and share with the people who can stop the wrecking ball from crushing any more history - and no, not just grain elevators.  If you happen to be in Regina on February 22 - there's a steak night being held to help fund this quest.   And if you're not in the area, there's other ways you can get involved.   Check it all out here.

 January 2012

What's New?

• January has made an interesting arrival to the prairies - we're setting record temperatures.  Which isn't abnormal for this time of year, except these aren't cold weather records.  Nope, it's been a lovely beginning to 2012 with melting snow and shaky ice.  Not great for ice fishermen but fantastic for the rest of us who just want to go out without freezing our ears.
  
• It's a slow start to the month - stop back later and there may be an update - another news item or two.
  

What's on the Kindle this month?  Blood and Bone.  Christmas caught me up, that and a paperback or two, and my December reading sprawled into January.  You can check out what else I've been reading at Goodreads. 

December 2011

What's New?

• Winter has settled in, the nights are longer and the days colder.  But Christmas lights and decorations have been making everything brighter, if not warmer.  The countdown to Christmas 2011 has begun!
  
• I'll be part of a New Year's Blog Hop beginning on December 30 through to January 3.  Start out at my blog Once Upon a Time... and enter to win - what you ask - be surprised.  Not that surprised.  I'll have the prize announced and details on my blog well before December 30.  So on the day, head on over - and begin hopping from blog to blog and entering to win some amazing prizes.  What a great way to begin the new year - and dare I say it? - 2012!
• Over at The Romance Studio from December 19 to December 23, there's another Christmas Party going on and while I'm not participating there as an author, I'll more than likely stop by.  There's some amazing prizes from all the authors participating as well as a grand prize of a nook tablet.   
  

  

 
November 2011

What's New?

• November arrived without much warning.  Halloween was rather quiet this year, at least from a trick or treating standpoint.  The children were rather sparse - possibly too many Halloween parties on the go.  Speaking of which, that's where I was busy - two different online Halloween parties.  Hope some of you got a chance to attend.   November doesn't promise to start out as busy - but who knows what will happen later in the month.
• The Spooktakular Blog fest ended and at Once Upon a Time... there was a winner - Congrats Caroln!
• The Spookapalooza Party at The Romance Studio is over but Sarah U - won an e-copy of my book, Ring of Desire.
• November 2 was the seventy-fifth anniversary of CBC Radio.  The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio shows are a piece of home when I'm lucky enough to catch it on my travels - never mind some great examples of excellent journalism.
• If you're interested in some fun and a few book related give aways check out this list of sites.
• November 25 - I'm featured author over at Small Blogs, Big Give Aways.
  

• What's on the Kindle this month?  The Hangman's Daughter.  You can check out what else I've been reading at Goodreads. 

October 2011

What's New?

• It's a busy month.  I can see lots of revisions ahead as a first draft of the latest story nears the end.  It's been one of those stories that has been as challenging as it's been pleasurable to write.  Is that a good thing?  I hope so.
• Friday, October 14 I'll be at the Saskatchewan Writers' Guild Fall Conference.  If you're in Regina this weekend, the conference runs October 14-16.  Check it all out at:  SWG Online
  

Mark Your Calendars...

• October 26 - 31  Again this year, I'll be participating in The Romance Studio's Spookapalooza.  It's becoming kind of a Halloween tradition for me.   There's plenty of prizes, authors and books including a chance or maybe two, to win a nook.  

• October 24 - 31  I'm part of the Spooktakular blog hop.  There are hundreds of blogs participating and all providing a give away of their own.  I'll post more details on what to expect at my blog Once Upon a Time... in the next few days - there'll also be a link there so you'll easily be able to start at Once Upon a Time... and travel to as many blogs as you want.  
  

• October 31 - I'm excited to host author Dawn Brown with her new book Blood and Bone on my blog Once Upon a Time...   New books are always exciting and I've heard that Blood and Bone is a mystery that threatens to give you vertigo.  Perfect Halloween reading!  Stop by for a chance to meet the author, talk about an intriguing new book and enter a comment for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card.      

What's on the Kindle this month?  Stiffs: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers.  A strange title to cover an equally strange topic but appropriate for a month that ends off with Halloween.  You can check out what else I've been reading at Goodreads. 

September 2011

                           

• The prairies are beautiful this time of year.  Everything just seems more mellow even though there's the rush of endings and new beginnings.  The air has an almost languid feel to it as summer edges to a close.  So, to celebrate the end of summer what about a give away?  I'll give away a signed, print copy of my book,  From the Dust.  Enter for your chance to win below.  Contest ends midnight Central Standard Time, September 30, 2011. 
  

 
A story of love and times past - From The Dust is right at home on a beach.

Don't forget to fill out the whole form including the "enter for a chance..." radio button.

• Name
  
  E-mail address
  
  Enter for a Chance To Win - From The Dust
  
  
  Good Luck!!
  
  

   
  
• What's on the Kindle this month?  Secret Adversary.   I didn't quite get to my Agatha Christie novel last month.  Hopefully, there'll be a few more hot days before the official summer change over happens and I can enjoy the story on the deck.  You can check out what else I've been reading at Goodreads. 

August 2011

• A first - I made the Quill and Quire, the Canadian magazine for books and news.  Check it out here.  It was my thrill for the summer.
• I'll be over at The Romance Studio for The End of Summer Bash on August 26 - 28.  End of summer - wait, is that something I want to celebrate?  Either way, a party is a party.  Lot's of give aways and chances to discover new reads.  I'll be giving away a copy of each of my books.  It's all happening here.
  
• What's on the Kindle this month?  Secret Adversary.   It's been a long time since I've dived into an Agatha Christie novel but what better way to enjoy a hot summer day on the deck? 

July 2011

Qu'Appelle River

• Summer is finally here and it's official, I've hauled out the roller blades.
• The City of Regina Writing Award came and went.  Check the news on that over at my blog, Once Upon a Time...
  
• July 14 I'll be hosting author, Terri Reed on my blog, Once Upon a Time.   Terri is on a virtual blog tour for the release of her book - The Innocent Witness.   
  
• Whats on the Kindle this month?  Damaged.  You can still check me and my book reading out at Goodreads.

June 2011

News for the month:

• If you've been keeping up with the news you'll know I won the Regina Writing Award 2011 for Absolute Zero - a book that will have "the end" penned sometime before the end of the year.  The award will be presented at a reception on June 8, 2011 at 7:30 at the Artesian on 13th in Regina.  So if you're in the neighbourhood, stop by.
• I'll be hosting author Anna Maclean June 15 on my blog Once Upon a Time...  Anna is on tour with her new book that is part of her Louisa May Alcott mystery series: Louisa and the Missing Heiress.  Get to know the author and enter for a chance to win a Victorian teacup and saucer courtesy of the author. 
• Last day to enter my Summer Solstice Contest and enter for a chance for a collector's edition of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, June 20.
  
• It's the Twentieth Anniversary of the Regina Dog Jog.  In previous years we got a team together of people and dogs com plete with common theme.  This year it's on a new date, June 12.  So check out the 20th Dog Jog if you're in the area.
  
• Whats on the Kindle this month?  Undertow.  You can still check me and my book reading out at Goodreads. 

• I won the 2011 Regina Writing Award with my current WIP - work in progress - a romantic suspense with a climate issue or two.  
  
• My Summer Solstice Contest officially begins May 5 and ends June 20.  A chance to win a copy of Stieg Larsson's awesome trilogy - a collector's edition.  Check the "Newsletter and More" sidebar for more. 
  
• What's on the Kindle this month?  The Man From Beijing.  And always check me out at Goodreads - as more than likely I'm reading two or three books, the rest in what I will always favour - paper.

April 2011

 
Grain elevator - against a spring sky.

• April has had a chilly beginning.  Snow is beginning to slip away but it's not gone yet.  And in the early days of the month we had another bout of what I call Hollywood snow, big fluffy and slightly unreal.  This year saw more snow than we had in a long time and the combination of ice, snow, water and mud isn't the best aspect of spring.  Three more weeks and maybe I'll be able to see the front lawn!
• I'll be over at The Romance Studio for their Staying Home Party from April 6 and April 8 - 10.  Stop by it'll be a great place to hang   out.  And - bonus - there's chances to win great prizes including a Nook, a copy of my most recent, Ring of Desire as well as many other books!  
• And the surprise good news, I won the City of Regina Writing Award to be presented June 1!  I'll post details later.
  
• Whats on the Kindle this month?  Unbroken.  It's been another busy month and reading has taken a hit.  You can still check me and my book reading out at Goodreads. 
  

• March is about to come in like a lion.  So we can only happen that the old saying is true - it will go out like a lamb.  In the meantime, winter shows no sign of letting up, not here on the Canadian plains. 
  
• To kick off a new month, I'm hosting Melissa McClone on March 1.  She's on a Virtual Book Tour for her latest release "Expecting Royal Twins."  She'll be at my blog Once Upon a Time... all day.  She's giving away a gift certificate to Amazon.com for one lucky commenter.  Maybe I'll see you there.
• Whats on the Kindle this month?  Fall of Giants and The Romanov Prophecy.   Still?  Yes, still!  Let's not even ask what happened to the reading.  Apparently, one can't write a book and read three (one in paperback, of course) at the same time.  Well, one can.  Not me.  So I'm finishing two good books and will update the Kindle next week.  You can still check me and my book reading out at Goodreads. 

January 2011



Weather + Place did not = Picnic We had one anyway.

• January has been the month for trips.  It seems I barely unpack my suitcase and I'm packing it all over again. It's been trips across borders of all kinds.  Unfortunately, none of it to warmer weather, at least not yet.
  
• When the temperature plummets, it's time to haul out those "to be reads" and light a good fire.  I've made a dent in that stack this last month.  It is definitely the month for me to renew my acquaintance with some online book sites.  You can check me out at Goodreads.
• The snow has been falling consistently.  We've had more what I call "Hollywood snow" then I can remember.  Big fat snowflakes, beautiful if they came with their own snow shovel - kind of a self removal kind of snow.  Wait, maybe that was a dream I had!
• Whats on the Kindle this month?  The Romanov Prophecy.  The fall of the Tsar of Russia, is there a better way to begin a story?  Such a tragic period in history and my interest is caught. 

The first November snow left two foot drifts on the deck.                                          At a craft sale.                                                                                                          Looks like the snow is here to stay.

December 2010

• Yes that's me wedged between two pictures of snow.  Something tells me it's going to be a long winter with an early snow that's settled right in for the long haul.  It's that time of year when those of us from the frozen north begin to eye warmer vacation spots.
  
• A quiet month as far as writing appearances, unless of course, another craft sale should catch my fancy.  Otherwise the usual Christmas festivities will take the month in a quick slide to Christmas.  Speaking of which, I have yet to begin shopping. 
  
• For those of you who subscribe to my newsletter, you can look forward to a new edition this month.  There you'll find the most current news.  If you don't subscribe, send me a note at my e-mail ryshia@ryshiakennie.com and I'll make sure you're not left out.
• What's on the Kindle?  Stieg Larsson's "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest".  I'm reading it slowly with a kind of bitter-sweet pleasure.  I've enjoyed the series so much and after this book, there is no more.
  

Edmonton, Alberta - Home of Grey Cup 2010


November 2010

• November is the month of beginnings and endings.  No matter what the calendar says - fall usually ends this month with the first snow that dusts the ground and has enough persistence to stay.  November is also Grey Cup month.  In a recent update - the Saskatchewan Riders beat the Calgary Stampeders and are off to Grey Cup.  Go Riders!
  
• This month I'm attending my first ever craft sale with books in hand.  Let's just say that for the first time ever I've been dragged into the pre-Christmas craft arena.  It'll be a fun event, one I'm sharing with the Regina Horticultural Society (a table that is).  So if you happen to be in Regina on November 26 or 27 head on over to St. Martin's Church Hall on Castle Road and you'll find me there.
  
• So despite my grumbling and slightly reluctant participation, the Christmas season is gearing up.  It's not that I don't love Christmas, I'm just adverse to the excess hype.  But what I do love - bookstores.  So without saying more, I'll say it in a picture -
• Other than that November is a quiet month, at least for writing.  I'm playing catch up with mailing lists and working on a WIP (work in progress) and thinking of another.  We need months like that from time to time.
  
• If you're out and about on the web you can find me at a few other places besides my blog and this site.  Check out Ryshia on Twitter, or Ryshia's Facebook.

News and Faves

• September the month for beginnings and endings. School starts and fall harvest begins, marking the end of the growing season.  Fall has a crispness to it - fortunately it hasn't begun yet as summer still lingers.  But it will - soon the mornings will be dew edged, crisp with falling leaves and each breath tangy with flavour.  In the meantime, if we're really lucky, there will be summer days lasting right through and hopefully past, the official day of fall. 
  
• The name of my blog has changed, Passport to Romance is now officially - Once Upon A Time...   Check out how I'm celebrating at Once Upon a Time.
  
• For All Time - hit the "Newsletter and More" tab on the sidebar and check out my Halloween contest.

July 2010  

• July began with a road trip.  A week spent in Calgary visiting friends.  And now that I'm back it appears that I missed the great Canada Goose roundup.  Apparently about 900 geese were rounded up and relocated into a northern community.
  
• "Rain rain go away..."  Yes that childhood song runs through my mind as the return home was met with what was so recently left behind - rain.  It's going to be a soggy July from the looks of things.  But the prairie has never looked greener.
• What else is up for July?  I'm playing this month by ear.  The usual novel in progress.  Beyond the writing, I'm not committing.  It's summer after all.
• If you're out and about on the web you can find me at a few other places besides my blog and this site.  Check out Ryshia on Twitter, or Ryshia's Facebook and if you're in the mood - friend me. 
  

June 2010

•  This year our provincial CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are celebrating 100 years.  Celebrations have begun everywhere.  The Queen City has draped the twin towers in matching green and white banners and many fans are outfitted it seems permanently in team colours - green.  The other day I saw a man mowing his lawn in head to toe green.  It's only going to get better - to a great year!
• Summer is almost here - I can hardly wait.  Summer is a time of renewal, recharging the batteries and finally change.  For me this year is all about change.  I've written about it over at my blog Passport to Romance.
  
• Summer Solstice contest – ends June 21, 2010 and there's some great prizes.  If you haven't entered already, you can still enter up to and including June 21, 2010. 
  
• The spring newsletter included the first ever short story Canning Gophers.  If the title has you at all intrigued, just subscribe and indicate in the comments that you’d like to be sent the Spring Issue.
• Next newsletter will be out later in the summer.  Unless of course there’s news to report beforehand!

February 2010
Ground Hog Day Approaches!

• Ground Hog Day is February 2 and it supplies the first hope that winter might be winding down.  Legend has it that if the ground hog emerges from his burrow and doesn't see his shadow, he'll hang around and winter will soon end.  If he sees his shadow, keep out the woolies, you're going to need them.
• This month in Saskatchewan we've made it through the required winter blizzard and bone chilling temperatures.  We've slogged through snow, frozen our fingers and pushed out our share of stuck vehicles.   On the upside, if you're looking for a fairy tale wonderland - that's pretty much every day when I look out the window.  Just don't step outside, at least not properly attired. 
  
• So with Valentine's Day just around the corner, if you haven't already, hop on over to my Valentine's Give Away page and enter for your chance to win.

Talk about Double booking - February's a busy month!

• I'm pretty excited, this month I'm going overseas to the British site Alternative-Reads where I'll be featured for the entire month of February.  Now if only I were physically going, sigh! 
  
• I'll be featured author at The Romance Studio for the entire month of February.
• February 2 I'll be blogging over at Night Owl Romance.  There I'll be giving away a chance to win an e-copy of my latest book "Ring of Desire".  The chance to win is open through to February 14.
• February 3 I'll be blogging at the Manic Readers.
• February 22 I'll be chatting at Night Owl Romance.  The chat will begin 5 p.m. PST/8 EST and last one hour.  This is a multi-author chat.  You'll have a chance to win an e-copy of "Ring of Desire."  To get there and join in the chat click here.
• Come on back - you never know if there might be updates...

January 2010
Happy New Year!

• Started 2010 with a visit to one of my favourite places on earth, the Rocky Mountains.  Who needs a resolution when you have inspiration?
  
• This is the year, actually the month that I read my first e-book!  I'm a late bloomer, what can I say? 
  
• What's exciting?  A Valentine's Give Away to wind up the launch of "Ring of Desire"runs through January, check out the sidebar for details.

Just outside the hotel in Inle Lake, Burma

November 2009

• "Ring of Desire" is officially released this month - November 15.  To celebrate that - check out what is planned and in the works by visiting the Ring of Desire Launches tab to the left and head over to that page. 
  
• It's the time of year when as winter nips at the edges of fall I begin to think of other places.  Places where flowers still bloom and a touch of the exotic is just around the corner.  Places where new characters might be anxious to spend some time and where I can begin a new story and a journey into romance just for them.   
• In the meantime, it's Nanowrimo month and that's enough to keep any writer busy.  I fear I haven't been keeping up much, not with the excitement of a new book and all that goes into that, and, of course, revisions required on others.  If you want to read more on that and what has been keeping this writer busy - head on over to Passport to Romance.
  

 




October 2009
"Ring of Desire" has a release date - November 15, 2009!

• I will be appearing at The Long and the Short of It from October 26 to 30.  I'll have a different topic posted every day and a chance to enter to win a print copy of "From the Dust" and an e copy of "Ring of Desire."  With a release date of November 15, the winner will be one of first to get a copy of this love story that meshes fantasy with medieval reality. 
  

• On October 20 The Outcomers Inc. will feature on my blog at Passport to Romance as part of their blog tour.

• With a release date creeping up on me - stay tuned for other announcements - follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace where all events will be posted as they're confirmed. 
  

• Yesterday the Saskatchewan Roughriders played in the snow.  And while the fans bundled up, many of the players were bare armed, some recently seeing snow for the first time!  I can't imagine playing in weather like that when even winter veterans are bundled up in the stands.

• It's that time of year - the maps are out - where in the world will I go? - and while I ponder I dust off my flip flops and ready Passport to Romance to share all the fun.

July 2009

• Update - I'll be chatting over at Coffee Time Romance with other authors from Black Lyon Publishing - July 21 at 6:00 PST - come on by and join in.
  
• There's a million things I love about summer.  One of my favourite things is getting out of the city and discovering those patches of still untouched prairie. 
  
• With summer comes football season and the local team has the streets awash in green for every home game. 
  
• I'm looking forward to at least a few vacation days where all I do is enjoy the out doors and catch up on that pile of books that I never got to all winter.
• Then there's the book I'm writing.  My laptop might be getting some sunshine too this summer!  China, a strange doll, a lost language and a mystery that takes my characters to the dark side and back again.
  
• You can find me on twitter, sending the occasional tweet, but really only getting my feet wet.  Come on by and help me out:  Ryshia at Twitter

And as July dwindles into August there are updates:

• My newsletter is currently a work in progress the plan is to deliver news and entertaining tidbits to your inbox in neither frequent nor lengthy bites.  So if you're interested in keeping up-to-date with my news sign up below.
• "From the Dust" has unique bookmarks with the cutest little clothes peg attached (symbol of the times - 1935).  So if you'd like one to mark your place in your current read again - fill out the form below.
• And the latest - most exciting news - just signed a contract for my historic fantasy with Black Lyon Publishing - a release date and new title are pending.

 

2009 Has Arrived!

January

• 2009 began with a bang, of cold weather that is.  Square tires are everywhere as cars limp and people shiver.
  
• I'll be keeping warm and blogging at Unusual Historicals on January 4.  Come on over, comment and maybe win a copy of "From the Dust".
• On January 14 "From the Dust"will be part of a one day contest at the Romance Studio.  Another chance to win if you didn't win on January 4.
  

December - should I remove the green font? 

Looks like the snow is here to stay!

• The Saskatchewan Roughriders didn't make it through November so there are no Whoo Hooo Grey Cup stories to regale you with.  Although, intrepid and fair fans that Saskatchewan's are celebration for Grey Cup went on and football fans partied anyway. 

• NaNoWrimo is over and I met my personal goal of 60,000 words and took three days to recuperate from those ridiculously early mornings.  But now it's December and the edits to the latest story, "Trouble Follows", set in Burma begin.  The rough draft for the latest wip is done now and it's on to polishing and editing, and rubbing and shining and...  A new wip is like a lump of plasticine.  Kneed and roll and twist and prod and eventually you have something you hope your reader will love.

• Stop on by The Romance Studio on December 14 for a chance to win a copy of my book "From the Dust".

Hard to believe but November is Here!

• November began with balmy weather, unexpected this time of year.  Maybe that's an omen of good things to come.
• I'm back from a month of a new day job, deadlines and short travel jaunts.  It's been weekends of Edmonton to Calgary to Regina and back again.  But I love to travel and no matter what the reason for the journey - every trip is an adventure!
• And Rourke still isn't wearing his Doggles.  It looks like he may have won the war - but was there ever any doubt.
  
• NaNoWrimo began November 1 and I'm signed on.  One month of writing nonstop to complete 50,000 words by the time the competition closes November 30.  Check out my progress at Passport to Romance.  I'll be keeping a daily word count there.
• And more news on the blog front - Passport to Romance will be hosting Jeff Rivera - author of Forever My Lady.  I'll let you know by posting on the blog, the date he will appear so that you can read all about his amazing story, from self-published to Warner published.
  

Rourke got doggles and while, to say he loves them might be an exaggeration,
let's just say he's reluctantly trial running them! 

• What's not to love about October?  In Saskatchewan it began with summery warm weather.  It marks mid-month with Thanksgiving, at least up here in Canada, and it ends with Halloween.  Yes, October is brilliant!
• It's a month of change and just to prove it, it began with a rush.  As old projects demand to be finished and new projects jockey for position, outside the fall leaves are turning splendid colours and slowly beginning to litter lawns. 
  
• Seems like everyone in the family has a birthday this month and to keep it all straight I have to resort to a calendar.
• October 18 is the Calgary RWA workshop featuring Rebecca York.  I'm making a weekend of it and visiting friends and shopping in the "big" city.
• Thanksgiving is almost upon us and with that brings the thought of turkey and, of course, family.  But in Saskatchewan there is also the Thanksgiving Pow Wow, October 11-13 in Prince Albert.
• The edits are over for now on one story and now I'm working on a new project.  Fresh projects are so exciting and what better time to start one than as one season is about to melt into another, as autumn moves into winter.  I hunker down this month in my basement office and type away.
• Don't forget the big ending for October - Halloween.  And yes, I am a Halloween person.  I will decorate and my one rule - all costumes, including visiting children, must be scary!  I absolutely love Halloween!  

September

• The Saskatchewan Roughriders continue to win and that is making a whole lot of people happy.  Games are sell-outs and demand is through the roof. 
  
• In Saskatchewan harvest continues.  Although I'm a city girl that doesn't know much about it, I can say that hubbie is helping out and driving a grain truck.
• I'm taking an online course this month - A Cop's Life.  While so far I've only been a silent participant, it's been fascinating stuff as our instructor takes us through the literal A to Z of what it means to be a cop.
• Writing projects are under various stages of construction and my office is what one might call a creative disaster zone.  But that's a good thing.
  
• Looking forward to October when the Calgary RWA are hosting a workshop with Rebecca York.  A chance to socialize with other writers and learn more about our craft is always an opportunity to look forward to.
• On another note, my mother has gotten a computer.  For the first time in her life she has e-mailed me.  I am so proud of her.  She is valiantly diving into a world she knew nothing about two weeks ago.  And doing so with aplomb on her new pink laptop.

August:

• I have an interview scheduled on The Long and the Short of It website on Tuesday, August 5.  To go along with the interview, a contest with "From the Dust" as a book give away is being offered all week.
• On Wednesday, August 6, I'm guesting on The Long and Short Reviews Yahoo group.  If you're a member come on by and, if not, sign up and join the fun.  It's a great group.
• I now have an agent.  At the end of June I signed with Greyhaus Literary Agency.
• "From the Dust" featured in the Fort Qu'Appelle Times which is where the story is set.  Although it featured near the end of May I am still getting lots of feedback. 
  
  

June:

• Other than some book reviews and a feature article in a local paper, I missed an entire two months.  I'm not sure what happened to April and here we are in June. 
  
• I've been busy.  Check out my blog and you can see how April and May disappeared without a word:  Travel Away With Me
  
• For the month of June I'll be featured author at the Aussie Writers.  Come on by and check my site and read my interview at:  Aussie Writers
  
• Summer Solstice is happening at the Calgary RWA on June 14.  A time to reconnect with writers and talk shop.  And although I could hardly wait - sometimes life changes the rules.  Looks like fall before a meet up with my writer friends - sigh.
  
• Check this out - From the Dust has her own website and Eva is so incredibly pleased.  For a taste of 1935 Saskatchewan Click here.

March:

• The month has quieted down.  The book signing at McNally Robinson in Saskatoon is now a thing of the past.  Check out the pics and the road story on my blog.
• "The One", my only paranormal, is trembling in the light.  A little dusting, a few light filters and it will be looking for a home for my medieval group of misfits that seem to have rewritten the history books. 
  
• It's a busy month for dusting off but "Last Man Standing" is also getting a polishing.  It's really Aiden's fault.  Our resident jungle hero was getting a little tired of standing on a dock in the middle of a Borneo rain forest.  So I'm sending the boat in and getting him out. 
  
• The new story has a name "Trouble Follows Her" and the characters are talking back and giving all sorts of advise as two reluctant travelers find themselves far off the samsonite path. 
  
• "From the Dust" has a trailer:   Click For A Step Back In Time
• As always, you can find me on MySpace. Here's the link; Ryshia's MySpace
  
• News that's not strictly writing related.  The bookmark said "Go Ahead - Blame the Dog".  I never thought to take that literally but yesterday my brand new bookmark was lodged tassle first down my feisty Irish Terrier's throat.  No - he wasn't choking.  Instead he was growling, refusing to relinquish his new prize.  Yes - and what remains is sadly no longer wanted by either of us, and yes - I will blame the dog!   Not that it matters because at our house - the dog always wins!