 New in 2009!
Shivers and Shakes
- The 6th book in the Salt & Pepper Chronicles by David A Poulsen
... details
Published by
Key Porter Books |
 A Day in the Life of....
As we roll on into 2012, there are exciting things afoot. I will be starting my tenure as Writer in Residence for the Chinook Arch Library System in a few days. The three month term—February through April--(co-sponsored by the Writers Guild of Alberta) will enable me to do something I love—mentor emerging writers and offer workshops to adult writing groups (and even a couple of sessions for teen writers as well).
As I reflect back on 2011, there were so many highlights in a year I will never forget. At the top of the list is the time I spent in Asia—one week in Japan and one week in South Korea. The trip, which involved my giving presentations to students in the International Schools in the two countries, came about as a result of my teen/Young Adult novel, Numbers, having won the Sakura Medal—a reader’s choice award among the high school students in the International Schools of Japan.
The hospitality I enjoyed in both countries was amazing. The tour organizers, Anne-Marie Thinnes in Japan and Kris Feller in Korea were the absolute best and all of the teachers and librarians in all of the schools I went to were a delight. And, best of all, of course, was the students—all of them friendly, polite, talented and fun. And when you factor in the food of both countries, the two cultures I was able to experience firsthand and the beauty and grace of the places and the people I encountered—it was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable times of my life
I can’t wait to go back. I hope one day to be able to do that. And whether you are a writer or just someone who enjoys seeing and experiencing wonderful parts of our world—don’t, for a minute, overlook Asia. You will love it.
Another exciting part of 2011 was the long-awaited arrival of my picture book, I Wish I Could Be Like Tommy Blake, illustrated by the brilliantly talented Ron Desnoyers. The response to the book from teachers, parents and kids has been a joy. And my tour of schools with then Education Minister, Dave Hancock, who distributed the book to every grade one student in the province of Alberta in June of last year, was an absolute blast.
And the rodeo side of my dual-direction life was not without its great moments as well—the biggest and best being my announcing the Calgary Stampede for my 25th consecutive year. And when the committee and Stampede staff completely surprised me by stopping the rodeo one afternoon to present me with a bronze while running highlights of my quarter century at the Stampede on the huge video screen in the arena—I was truly, for one of the few times in my life—speechless!! I have been so honoured to be a part of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and the coming year, 2012, might just be the best yet as the Stampede celebrates its 100th anniversary. Can you say par-tay!!
All of the rodeos and Bull Ridings I was blessed to be a part of in 2011 hold a special place in my heart. As I head into my 33rd year as a rodeo announcer, I am constantly reminded of how truly fortunate I am to have been able to do something I love for all this time.
I am writing this from my winter home in Arizona where I have been busy proving once again that golf is a game I shall never master and enjoying working with our horses who seem to love it here almost as much as I do. That said—I am totally looking forward to getting back to Canada and getting started on that Writer in Residence program.
And to all of you, I wish a 2012 filled with peace, love, joy…and lots of great books.
... David
Site updated Feb, 2012 |
