Dear Reader:
Joan Havelange, a woman small in stature whose big heart and wicked wit fills a room to overflowing, was at the Russell Library Gallery on November 1st with a recounting of her journey from iPad to laptop, spell-check nightmares and Beta readers to Best Selling author two years running and read aloud from her latest novel, Moving is Murder, a cozy mystery turned thriller. As many of you reading this article know, Havelange has a sparkle in her eye and a spring in her step that hints at the treasure chest of stories she has waiting in the wings of her imagination. After speaking about how she got started, Havelange opened the floor up to questions from the audience. When asked if she experiences writer’s block, Havelange replied, “I don’t get writer’s block. I have more stories in my head than I have time to write.” She went on to remark that: “if one does experience writer’s block, it might mean that one is trying to take the story in the wrong direction. Change direction and see what happens.” When asked about Romance, Havelange quipped: “It takes a certain kind of author and I’m not that kind of author, I’d rather kill ‘em I guess.”
A background in directing theatre gives Joan an enriched perspective on the art of writing: “Writing is like directing except all your characters know their lines and they always turn up on time…but they don’t always go where you think they should.”
Joan Havelange’s next book, Séance Murders, coming out in April is an Historical Mystery set in 1908 Regina, Saskatchewan. Be sure to check it out, Havelange does not disappoint.
Update on Open Mic Night. On November 15, we had a delightful return to the kind of Open Mic Night we so enjoy. A healthy turnout and an enthusiast participation by 80% of attendees. Looks like we are back in the proverbial saddle, Open Mic style.
Please join us for Story Tellers Unite: An evening around the fire, (figuratively speaking), on November 29th in the Russell Library Gallery. Call or stop in for more information.
For more information on any of our events, please contact the Russell Library at 204-773-3127 / ruslib@mymts.net or Binscarth Library at 204-532-2447 / binslb@mymts.net or message us on Facebook. Please visit our website at https://russellbinscarthlibrary.ca for more information.
Happy Reading, Until Next Time,
The Library Ladies