Getting ridiculously excited Five Rivers’ debut at Word on the Street on Sunday, September 27!

The book festival is one of Canada’s largest consumer book fairs. The Toronto venue is held annually at Queen’s Park and this year marks 20 years. I remember attending the first WOTS when it was held near the old Bakka Books. Spider Robinson was there that year, and when I had him sign one of my books he looked up, smiled and asked if I was that Lorina Stephens. Knowing he referred to my infamy as being the only person to walk out on the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Workshop, I confirmed, with some embarrassment, that yes indeed I was she. He went on to say I left him with quite the storm to deal with for his week as workshop leader.

Ever since then Gary and I have been trying to get back to WOTS, but somehow never managed it. This year we’re back as an indie publisher, which is more than a little ironic. To quote Bilbo Baggins, “You just never know where your feet are going to take you.”

Five Rivers’ booth number is FB18, on Queen’s Park Crescent East.

Not only is this Five Rivers’ debut at WOTS, but it also marks the official launch of my cultural fantasy novel, From Mountains of Ice. We’ll have lots of copies on hand.

The novel is about Sylvio di Danuto, who has spent the past decade banished from Simare’s court, stripped of land, ancestral home and title – from Minister of National Security to back-country bowyer. But he isn’t just any bowyer; Sylvio creates bows from laminations of wood and human bone, bows that are said to speak, bows known as the legendary arcossi.

And now, after a decade, he is called back to the capitol, summoned by his Prince whom he suspects is a patricide and insane. His very life is in danger and with it the country he has served through all his days.

From Mountains of Ice is a story of love, endurance and the meaning of honour.

Five River’s is also pleased to host the official launch of two books from Paul Lima Presents, which we distribute: Harness the Business Writing Process and (re)Discover the Joy of Creative Writing. Paul Lima will be on hand to discuss his books and sign copies.

From Mountains of Ice, by Lorina Stephens

Shadow Song, by Lorina Stephens

And the Angels Sang, by Lorina Stephens

Recipes of a Dumb Housewife, by Lorina Stephens

How to Write a Non-fiction Book in 60 Days, by Paul Lima

Harness the Business Writing Process, by Paul Lima

(re)Discover the Joy of Creative Writing, by Paul Lima

Elephant’s Breath & London Smoke, by Deb Salisbury

The Long Journey Home, by Marian Ritchie

We can accept Visa, Mastercard and cash.

Look forward to seeing you there, and hoping the forecasted showers evaporate.