Heather

The Word Guild Members Make Waves with Biggest Launch Ever of a Canadian Christian Book

November 7, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Sometimes all you need is a reminder that there is something good in the world. A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stimulate the Mind and Delight the Spirit is a combination of short stories, poetry, and works of memoir picked for their inspirational nature, dedicated to finding a shining light in our lives that so often turn dark. The stories within are touching and poignant, and will help readers remember that there is something after the worst of it all. A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cideris a follow up to the previous acclaimed volume, and the sequel executes the original’s purpose masterfully.”

Midwest Book Review, June 11, 2011

Markham, Ontario—Thirty-seven Canadian writers are making history by conducting the most extensive launch ever done for a Canadian Christian book. Since A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stimulate the Mind and Delight the Spirit was released in May, the book’s writers have participated in more than 150 readings and signings in seven provinces.

A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is an all-Canadian book that is receiving five-star reviews. The inspirational collection of stories by writers who share a Christian faith perspective contains short fiction, poetry, and personal experience articles, all of which provide hope and encouragement.

The contributing writers have held launch events at venues ranging from bookstores, public libraries, churches, and conferences to farmers’ markets, craft shows, summer camps, and apple harvest festivals. The authors are carrying out promotional events throughout autumn—the perfect season for relaxing with a heart-warming book while enjoying a cup of hot apple cider.

Michaels Family Books in Pickering, Ontario, has hosted a number of in-store events featuring readings by some of the Hot Apple Cider writers. Staff member Carrie Jeffrey says, “A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is a warm, cozy read on a cold night. Filled with inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction, it is guaranteed to identify with readers of all ages. It is so refreshing to have a Canadian-authored book that all Canadians can be proud of! A Second Cup is a wonderful gift—just in time for the Christmas season!”

Everyone involved in the Hot Apple Cider anthology series is a member of The Word Guild, a national association of almost 400 Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Editors N. J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles co-founded this organization in 2001.

The first book in this groundbreaking series, Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul, has nearly 45,000 copies in circulation. A Second Cup is well on its way to bestseller status as well.

Both books are published in Canada by That’s Life! Communications.

To download and print free Study Guides for individuals or groups, find out about author signings or readings in your area, or book one of the writers for your store, church, or discussion group, for Hot Apple Cider, go here, and for A Second Cup go here.

Go here to download the complete press release as a Word document.

… could keep Janet Sketchley's spirits down, or customers from coming out to Chapters in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Despite heavy rain and high winds, the Chapters Dartmouth (NS) signing on October 30 went ahead. The lights only flickered twice! Attendance was down, but the store staff were very kind and there were always a few customers to talk with. (Janet)

This was my "home" Chapters, and my husband and son came to help.

Appearances and book signings are popping up across the country. Be sure to check out the Meet Us page to find out where.

Even though contributor Bonnie Beldan-Thomson couldn't make it out to Michaels Family Books, she organized a book signing event that ran as smooth as cider, Hot Apple, that is. Good conversations, prize draws and delighted recipients of gift bags and signed copies of the book were just part of the fun. Brian Reynolds, the store manager, who came out on his day off to greet the girls and ensure they had everything they needed, and the bookstore staff were friendly and helpful.

Kimberley Payne, A. A. Adourian, Vilma Blenman and Marguerite Cummings at Michaels Family Books in Pickering, Ontario.

Word On The Street

Oct 142011

On September 25, The Word On The Street national book and magazine festival celebrated literacy and the written word in communities across Canada, and many Second Cup contributors were part of the celebration. The Word Guild members set up booths and tables in Halifax, Saskatoon and Toronto.

Here's a little peek:

"Word On The Street"

Drayton Library

Oct 072011

Glynis Belec and a gregarious group of A Second Cup contributors were at the Drayton Public Library back in July. She shares some of the highlights with us.

"Drayton Library"

What a super Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider signing at the Drayton Library (say that ten times fast!) Sadly, due to a sudden family health concern, Bonnie Beldan-Thomson was unable to attend. But, we did honour her, and Adele Simmons skilfully read Bonnie’s story to a rapt audience. We had a great evening of song and readings. My dad was there and was reduced to tears after Donna Dawson’s story. As Adele followed up by singing “Try a Little Tenderness” (my mom’s favourite song), his heart was full.

Ruth Smith Meyer made us laugh and assess our own attitudes towards marriage, and then left us hanging…so that the curious would have to read ‘the rest of the story!’ Donna not only stirred our hearts with her words, she shared her musical gifts and tag-teamed with Adele throughout the evening. I shared my story and was glad that Sue (who made an appearance in my story,) dropped by to support us. We had cider and apple crisp, coffee, tea and cookies galore. The door prize, which consisted of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Apple Chips, Lindt Chocolates, Special Cookies, books donated by Ruth and Donna, handmade apple-themed cards donated by my daughter, Amanda, and a copy of the first Hot Apple Cider book went out to the former librarian from the public school. I was thrilled she won it.

One of the other librarians thought the title was a wonderful one. She said the Hot Apple Cider original was in constant demand over the winter and she has a feeling the second one will be, too. So Nancy and Wendy, thanks for that. We were also asked to come back again in December.

Thanks to Ruth, Donna & Adele for coming and helping to make a joyful noise at the Drayton library.

Happy writing, all! Glynis Belec.

Recently, contributors, Paul Beckingham (from Hot Apple Cider), Ed Hird and Bill Bonikowsky were whooping it up at the House of James in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

"House of James"

Ed Hird has plenty to share about the evening over at his blog. We thought you'd want to see what all the buzz was about.

It's no secret, this year's best dressed orchards are flaunting their Delicious reds in a flagrant array of autumn's Gala colours, and we've fallen for the fashion too. Book signings and appearances are popping up in big cities and quiet communities across the country. Like the House of James bookstore in Abbotsford, Ontario, and Word on the Street Festivals in Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax; with Second Cups being served up in churches from Nackawic, New Brunswick, to Moorefield, Ontario, to Hatchett Lake, Nova Scotia.

There's something for everyone in this second season of That's Life! Communications' heart-stirring anthology, and we'd like you to be part of it, too. Find out where all the fun is by checking the Meet Us page regularly; and let us know how the stories have touched you by sharing something under the Reader Comments section. We've even included several recipes to keep your taste buds tapping while you read, too.

Staying in fashion has never been so much fun!

Recently, A Second Cup contributor, Rev. Ed Hird was featured in Vancouver's North Shore Outlook. Editor Martha Perkins aptly portrays his passion for healthy marriages, and has some uplifting words to share about the anthology.

"The stories in the anthology do not all have happy endings. There are people who write about devastating losses in their lives, or occasions that do not turn out as planned. Sometimes there are people of faith who make stunning breakthroughs; sometimes people of faith die. But through the grief, hope survives."

Read the article here.

*Martha Perkins/Black Press photo credit

Janet Sketchley hosted the East Coast portion of the Canada-wide launch of A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider in April at Regal Road Baptist Church, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Participants enjoyed servings of hot apple cider (the drink) and samples from A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider (the grace-filled and encouraging stories). Guest reader was local author Janet Burrill, who shared an excerpt from her novel on the Halifax Explosion, Dark Clouds of the Morning.

"JS"

Contributors Donna Fawcett, Denise Rumble, Ann Brent, Ruth Smith Meyer and Glynis Belec were busy having a good time spreading cheer and A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider at the Gospel Lighthouse bookstore June 25.

We thought you might like to take a peek.

"Gospel Lighthouse"

We'll keep you posted…