New Year, New Projects

January 7, 2022

Even though the new year is looking very much like a repeat of the last one, I’m starting out ahead for once.

At this moment, I have so many different projects on the go, I hardly have time to think about the state of the world. I can do the majority of my writing and research from my covid-free bubble (fingers crossed it stays that way!) and only go out for the essentials. One thing this pandemic is good for: can’t say I don’t have time to write!

The history articles for the Lac du Bonnet Clipper are continuing for another year, except this time I am expanding my territory. Lac du Bonnet stories will be featured alongside tales from the Winnipeg River and Whitemouth. One thing I’ve noticed as I start preliminary research: these communities are all connected, whether it’s the people or industry bringing them together. Keep an eye out for a variety of history in the coming months!

I have also joined the team at the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in St. Georges. This museum, located 30 minutes north of Lac du Bonnet, is still a work in progress. After a fire destroyed their museum in 2014, they are making sure they return better than ever, focusing not just on their pocket of history, but showcasing the story of the Winnipeg River from the Ontario border all the way to Lake Winnipeg.

I am currently helping to create an exhibit on the “Greatest People of the Winnipeg River” and I expect there will be a lot more displays come!

There is also a secret project with the Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society, possibly coming out later this year, that’s keeping me busy.

And on top of all of this, I am still writing fiction. I’m drafting a mystery short story in spare moments. Planning all kinds of novel ideas, getting started on plot research. If I’m really organized, I may even take the publishing leap this year…

Plus, as a way to turn off my working brain before bed, I’m currently reading Forty Words for Sorrow by Giles Blunt. I’m only a few chapters in, but so far so good. Once I finish the book, I’ll have to look for the show.

I don’t want to jinx it, but I’ll say it anyway: the first week of 2022 has started out all right! (for me, not for the world…)