Journalism
Check some of my latest published stories. Click on each title to read more.
The Kids are Alright
While many independent booksellers have succumbed to the power of national chains, big-box outlets and online emporiums, local children’s book retailers have found their own path toward success.
from BC Business magazine
Happy hours are here to stay
Take a break from the economic bloodletting and visit Portland, Ore., for the best happy hour on the continent. Every weekday afternoon, Portlanders sip cheap cocktails and dig into ridiculously low-priced, well-crafted food. It’s the perfect way to sample gourmet dishes from some of the area’s top chefs and seriously thrifty prices.
From The Globe and Mail
12 to Watch
What does it take to stand out in the book business? Talent and hard work, of course. Not to mention professionalism, creativity, and a certain community-mindedness. Plus an ability to see the industry from different angles, understanding the needs of various players at the table.
From Quill & Quire
More CanCon? More or less
It was supposed to be a major step forward. Last summer, the B.C. Ministry of Education passed a new curriculum requirement mandating all Grade 8 to 12 language-arts courses to include at least one “significant” (i.e., full-length) Canadian text.
From Quill & Quire
E-books go to college
Electronic textbooks may soon get a big boost in Canada. A U.S.-based online marketplace for digital college textbooks is setting its sights on Canadian students, faculty, and booksellers as it aims to become the iTunes of e-text sales.
From Quill & Quire
The Art of the Deal
Succession planning is a hot topic in book circles these days. Linger at a publishing cocktail party and you’ll hear plenty of whispering about rumoured deals and retirement goals.
From Quill & Quire
Habits of a highly effective writer
Many writers are disciplined, with regimented schedules and 1,000-words-before-coffee rules, but Timothy Taylor is a special case.
From Quill & Quire
D&M has a road map — and now, deeper pockets
When an e-mail arrived from Douglas & McIntyre last week announcing that the company had been sold, I felt my stomach sink.
From The Vancouver Sun
Accidental Empire
Building a small publishing empire wasn’t what Pat and Rodger Touchie had in mind when they moved from Vancouver to Nanoose Bay back in 1996.
From Quill & Quire
The book club effect
In an episode of the cultish BBC series Absolutely Fabulous, Edina and Patsy host a book club meeting where they (barely) discuss OK magazine and a super-abridged pocket edition of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
From The Vancouver Sun