Tons of stuff happening. So, last night was the Dora Mavor Moore Awards. This was basically the Toronto equivalent to the Tonys, and it was a huge party and ceremony. Angelwalk was nominated for three awards, and well, we didn't win. But this was okay, we were just thrilled to be there. I had a new dress, and was armed with bookmarks. I only gave out one though. Didn't want to be pushy. Maybe I need to work on that. We were there with a large chunk of our casts from both Off Broadway On Stage and I Love You Because, and together, we had a blast, especially at the street party afterwards. Lots of music, lots of food, lots of dancing. It was awesome.

As you can see, I have my bookmarks, and my poster is in the process of being designed. I also have sent a copy of The Dybbuk's Mirror off to the amazing Liz Man so she can design a cover for that as well. Things are moving ahead on all fronts! So excited! Anyway, I'll check back in here, and add to this when I have downloaded my pictures from last night.

So, I am pleased to announce the title of my next book. After much hemming and hawing, I have decided to call Book Two The Dybbuk's Mirror. It is so difficult trying to find a title that conveys what your book's about without constituting a spoiler, show a reader that your book is the book they MUST read, and give a taste of the feeling, the genre, the very vibe that your book has. I honestly think that naming my kids was a touch easier than this. Ridiculous, I know, but it was tough work. I have also drafted a good friend of mine to design the cover. I liked what the publisher did last time for The Strings of the Violin, but I think for this one, I want an experience that feels more collaborative, and quite honestly, more fun. And so, to celebrate the naming of The Dybbuk's Mirror, I am unveiling a new contest: Tweet with the hashtag #TheDybbuksMirror and I will give one random follower a free copy of the book that started it all:  The Strings of the Violin! You have until August 1st, so tweet away!

The Dybbuk's Mirror will be available early 2013.

As I work on finalizing my summer, designing bookmarks, looking at poster ideas, coming up with possible SWAG thoughts, I am realizing one little thing: If I do go to these festivals as a vendor, I will be sitting behind my lovely folding table for hours on end trying to do something that is a little bit scary. I will have to sell my book. Why is this scary? Well, I can tell you all the pros: I get to meet all the wonderful readers out there. I get to see first hand how they select what they read. I get to interact with them, and answer questions, and look into all of their happy shining faces. Ah, but there's the rub. Those things are also scary. Also, I have to sit at my lovely folding table for hours on end. (Also, I seem to be using also a lot today.) The crux of the matter is this: I think I need help. People are coming out of the woodwrok to volunteer for FanExpo, but methinks this may have something to do with the guest list. (Confession time: I kinda want Patrick Stewart to sign my DVD of Hamlet starring him as Claudius. How many people will bring THAT to FanExpo? My guess: Me.) However, I want a partner for the Pirate Festival. That is August 4-6. The catch is that you must be in period appropriate garb. Now, I have an extra outfit, (those who know me are now rolling their eyes saying "of course you do.") however, you must be no more than 5"1 and a little petite. Also, if you're a boy, you can't be afraid to wear a dress. Any takers? (Olivia, I'm kinda looking at you. You know you want to.)

I am looking forward to all of this. Really! However I am nervous about my new role as salesperson. Yet, I'm sure there are those out there saying that I've been doing that all this time, trying to get reviews, social networking, etc. etc. But it's different when you have that degree of anonymity afforded to you by the computer. I suppose it'll be fun at least while in wench wear. Right? Right.

P.S. My bookmarks look awesome!

First things first: This week has been amazing in the amount of news I have to share with all of you guys! I don't know how many of you follow the Toronto theatre scene, but Angelwalk has been nominated for three Dora Mavor Moore Awards! This is too awesome! I Love You Because has been nominated for Outstanding Production, and Jeff Madden has been nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male. Also, Off Broadway On Stage has been nominated for Outstanding New Musical/Opera. This is amazing! In other news, I will be returning to the stage. I am so excited about this. I got offered the role of Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and can't wait to start! I have always loved Shalom Alekhem's Tevye stories, and the musical that is based on them is phenominal. So much to be excited about. Yay!

This summer is gearing up to be a busy one. This August, I have FanExpo, and earlier that month, I may be appearing at The Pirate Festival. This looks to be a fun opportunity to dress up, meet readers, sell books, play with pirates! When I know more, I will definitely pass on the information.

As for the new book, I have added a page for it on the website. If you want to check out a short teaser, feel free to click the link on the header. Yes, I have not unveiled the title as of yet. I am strongly leaning towards one in particular. I will be making an annoucement shortly. I promise. No Leo, it is not called The Keys of the Piano, although I will admit I had a good chuckle over that suggestion. Stay tuned for more updates.