Manticore Books: Christmas Book Signing for Shine Your Light, Book 3, Paige Maddison Series

Lee and J.R. are pictured at their first book signing for Shine Your Light at Manticore Books, Orillia, ON. Thank you for having us. It was fantastic. Merry Christmas everyone.

Lee and J.R. are photographed at their first book signing for Shine Your Light at Manticore Books, Orillia, ON. Thank you for having us. Merry Christmas everyone.

J.R. Matheson and I were so honoured to have our first book signing for Shine Your Light at Manticore Books, downtown Orillia. We had a great afternoon! First of all, we were happy to share the day with local author Sherry Lawson and her new book. She made bannock from her grandmother’s recipe. It was tasty! Thank you Sherry!

We had many book lovers stop by our table and supported us, too! We thank you ever so much for your interest in the Paige Maddison Series. That is why we do what we do! We love talking to readers and those sharing the love of reading to their family members. Some surprises are in store on Christmas day 🙂

And we had many surprises. Frank Matys of Orillia Today stopped by and gave us an interview and took our photos. He may have an interesting take on the Paige Maddison Series. Also, Mehreen from The Packet and Times stopped by. She also interviewed us and took photos. Thank you to both reporters for taking the time out of your busy pre-Christmas schedule on the weekend, no less. We are truly thrilled you came by. And we had a visit from local Rogers TV and news reporter John Swartz and celebrity Deborah Wagner. John mentioned us twice in his regular column advertising the Manticore Books author signings. Thank you for the support fellow Sarnia-born native!

Our first set of business cards for Shine Your Light.

Our first set of business cards for Shine Your Light.

Next up, to our surprise, the original store owner, Don Ross, dropped in. He stocked my first novella, Wake Me Up Inside, Book One, in the series when it was released in 2012 and Destiny’s

Here we are with Don Ross, the original owner of Manticore Books. Thanks for coming by and for your words of encouragement.

Here we are with Don Ross, the original owner of Manticore Books. Thanks for coming by and for your words of encouragement.

Gate (released in 2014 with coauthor J.R.) and continued to do so until he sold the store to Michael Fredson who now stocks our series at Manticore Books. Mr.Ross was delighted to see the best seller ribbon on the poster for Shine Your Light and that we’ve continued Paige’s journey as a Mom-Son writing team. He said what an accomplishment this is especially in today’s market. Thank you Don! We also had our dear friends, Brenda and Joe Watt, stop in. It was a very hearty conversation and lots of laughter too. Thanks for coming!

Here is the sort of weather we're having this week. We had to shovel out our driveway before attending the book signing at Manticore Books. Roads were sloshy and slippery. But we made it!

Here is the sort of weather we’re having this week. We had to shovel out our driveway twice before attending the book signing at Manticore Books. Roads were sloshy and slippery. But we made it!

J.R. had to get special permission to attend the book signing as he was supposed to be working in the lab in Toronto. Thank you so much to Dr. Bruna Brands and Vivian for taking over J.R.’s responsibilities for the day. We cannot thank you enough. It wouldn’t have been the same without our son, my coauthor, at the first book signing for Shine Your Light. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holiday Season, and a very Happy & Healthy New Year to Everyone.

 

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Shine Your Light, Book 3, Paige Maddison Series, is STILL listed in the Top 100 Best Sellers on Amazon.com for Teen & Young Adult Ghost Stories

Wake Me Up Inside won a Literacy Award and Destiny's Gate, both books, were entered into the Battle of The Books, Simcoe County, 2012-16.

Wake Me Up Inside won a Literacy Award and Destiny’s Gate, both books, were entered into the Battle of The Books, Simcoe County, 2012-16.

J.R. Matheson and I are delighted to share the journey of Shine Your Light, Book Three, Paige Maddison Series. It is still listed in the Top 100 Best Sellers in Teen and Young Adult Ghost Stories and was listed for a month in the HOT NEW RELEASES on Amazon.com for our

Our novel, Shine Your Light, is highlighted here on Amazon.com with Stephanie Meyer's new release. Unbelievable to us. It's for our paperback edition.

Our novel, Shine Your Light, is highlighted here on Amazon.com with Stephanie Meyer’s new release. Unbelievable to us. It’s for our paperback edition.

paperback edition. We had no idea this would happen for us. We are jumping up and down that Paige gets to share her journey with book lovers this Christmas. What an honour, indeed. Our names have come up with Stephanie Meyer of the Twilight Saga, too!

In the initial press release for Wake Me Up Inside, Book One, my book promotion specialist from FriesenPress wrote: “The advent of strong female examples in popular culture is now apparent, with more appearing every day. Bold young characters like smart and rebellious Gwen Stacy of The Amazing Spiderman, skilled archer Merida in the new Pixar movie Brave, and strong-willed Katniss of the tremendously popular novel and film Hunger Games, make powerful statements about the capabilities of teen girls. With this current wave of strong feminine ideals, there is sure to be a ground swell of empowered young women out there. Orillia author, Lee Bice-Matheson continues this positive trend with her debut novel to be released in August.” Since this was written, we are pleased to say Paige is a hero to boys and girls. In fact, 49% of our Facebook friends are boys and 51% are girls.

J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson after our event held at Furby House Books, Port Hope, ON.

J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson after our event held at Furby House Books, Port Hope, ON.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our supporters. We’re happy to see Paige’s success story. Up next, we’re at Manticore Books this Saturday, December 17th at Noon until 3-4 pm and we’re on the air ‘live’ with Lynda Brown on Sunday night, 6 pm EST. Thank you for allowing us to continue our passion.

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Shine Your Light, Book Three, Paige Maddison Series is ‘live’ on the FriesenPress Bookstore

Released Tuesday, November 15th, written by Lee Bice-Matheson and J.R. Matheson. Mom-Son supernatural series writing team. Congrats J.R.!

Released Tuesday, November 15th, written by J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson. Mom-Son supernatural series writing team. Congrats J.R.!

Hot off the Press! Please click on: Press Release It was issued today for Shine Your Light. J.R. Matheson and I couldn’t be happier to announce our third novel in the Paige Maddison Series, is now available for sale on the FriesenPress Bookstore. It’s been two years writing Shine Your Light and we feel it’s our best one yet. Thank you to authors JR Colombo, David D Plain, and Philip Henry for the awesome book blurbs you’ve written. They are included in the novel and were posted in full in an earlier blog post. Read them here by clicking on: October 25th blog post. Our supernatural series is full of twists and turns at every corner. Paige has been called ‘the Nancy Drew of the realm of high spirits and dreams and visions, traumatic experiences and out-of-body trips, all convincingly described! It is “a keeper.”‘ Written by JR Colombo, Author and Anthologist of over 200 books. Shine Your Light has been described by Award Winning Author David D Plain as ‘Shine Your Light is a heart stopper. I enjoyed it thoroughly.’ Philip Henry, Author and Film-maker. says ‘It’s a very enjoyable and deeply spiritual addition to the Paige Maddison Series.’ Thank you for your kind words and support to all of you.

Our beta reader says:  Where do I start? This book was so exciting and detailed from beginning to end! In Shine Your Light, authors Lee Bice-Matheson and J.R. Matheson pose the question: what would happen if one does not fulfill their destiny and allows darkness to prevail? This novel is electrifying, fast-paced and full of genuine emotion as it transcends matters such as self-doubt and evil. The authors explore and expose details from various sources allowing the reader to learn and grow alongside the heroine. We meet new characters who are gratifyingly developed, namely the villain who aided the plot in becoming the most thrilling and inspiring novel of the trilogy. Paige is transformed throughout her explorations and conquers all with the help of her gifts, angels, respected mentors, family and friends. I definitely had the chills in a few spots. The authors wrote from such a place of love and that jumped right off the page! They leave us with a final notion that we must trust our own instincts and ultimately come from a place of love. Beta Reader, Katy S. Thank you so much Katy! We are honoured and delighted to read how much you enjoyed Shine Your Light.

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November Love

As I look out my window to write this post, snow covers our backyard … beautiful, crisp, snow. It’s October 27th and many

As I wrote this post, it snowed! My, my. Seems early.

As I wrote this post, it snowed! My, my. Seems early.

neighbouring communities have experienced their first snowfall already. My task today is a post for a special person who declared to me, “I hate November! It’s gloomy, nothing much happens, and walking outside is no longer fun. It’s too cold and unpredictable.”
After listening to why my friend, Debra, doesn’t like November, I chuckled, happy to hear her honest opinion, and replied, “I love November!” I promised her I would write a post on my top ten reasons why we can all love November:

1/ November 1st is All Saints’ Day. We don’t have to be religious to observe this tradition, and it is a positive note to begin the month of November. It is a day to remember all the Saints who dedicated their lives for us to make the world a better place. It is the fundamental belief that there is a prayerful spiritual bond between those in heaven and the living.

2/  November 2nd is All Souls’ Day and on this special day, we celebrate our dearly departed loved ones. Anyone who misses their family or friends that are deceased, can pray and speak to them, wishing them well in their journey and give thanks for all they did to make our lives extra special.

3/ November is the month, the quiet, longed-for month, after the hectic, busy spring, summer, fall months. It is the lull

Our manager, my husband, Kevin at Chapters Barrie book signing

Our manager, my husband, Kevin at Chapters Barrie book signing … reading 🙂

between Thanksgiving and Christmas, where we can catch our breath. We can slow down, and do what is needed to fulfill our souls. Whether it’s writing – think of #NaNoWriMo2016, reading, listening more to uplifting music, or redecorating indoors.

4/ As social engagements, outdoor fun, and yard work slows down, it is the month where you can turn your attention to something you’d like to do, such as a hobby.

5/  I love to plan for Christmas! And yes, I begin in November. My husband and I sort out our Christmas decorations, put up the cheery Christmas outdoor lights, and start to display a few favourite decorations indoors.

See the small red tree in the background? It is the first decoration to be displayed.

See the small red tree in the background? It is the first decoration to be displayed.

We love our small, red Christmas tree adorned with decorative bulbs! Always turned on nightly with its beauty filling the room.

6/ Social engagements in the better weather months often include a bit more food and drink than usual. We can minimize this in November to get ready for the upcoming, and fast-approaching Christmas holiday season. Thank goodness! It’s time to work off the extra calories from the summer! Construct a new work-out schedule and stick to it! One of my favourite things to do is hula-hoop. It is so much fun! Play some funky music too. And ski season begins!!

My sanity saver in the colder weather.

My sanity saver in the colder weather.

7/ We can ‘busy’ ourselves so much, that we forget to sit in silence, meditate, and obtain a perspective on where our lives are headed. Never be afraid to sit alone, and listen to the wind howling around your house. The wind gives us a positive energy that is invigorating, and makes you feel good. Set goals for yourself to be completed over the winter months. Have a purpose 🙂

8/ In my career, it’s when I plan for the next year. Yes, it’s the only month where it’s so quiet on the calendar, that it enables business meetings, author book signings, or interviews to be booked.

9/ Mostly, November is known as Movember in Canada and around the world. This is near and dear to our hearts raising funds for men’s health from prostate cancer to mental health. It’s also Crohn’s and Colitis awareness month, Osteoporosis Month and National Child Day. Perhaps help to raise monies and participate with many who are trying to make our world a better place.

10/ And if November is just too quiet for you, it’s known for many arts festivals, craft festivals, film festivals, festival of lights celebrations, Christmas gift shows, Santa Claus parades,  and more. There’s a myriad of ways to celebrate in our communities with our families and friends:

Orillia Events    Simcoe Events    Ontario, Canada, Events

The Top 10 Events Happening This November

#sharethelove in November. Look for the days when the sunrise is so spectacular you skip a breath, or the sunlight glistens on the dewy ground or snow-covered valleys, or the sunset radiates across the sky, and later the full moon and stars shimmer against the backdrop of the pitch-black night. Let’s learn to love November because simply put … it makes you feel better. There’s something for everyone! Just click on events in November and you’ll see for yourself. Or you can curl up and read a good book! Enjoy it everyone! I hope this list makes you smile Debra. 🙂

Happy Birthday Mom! We love November. Happy Birthday to all of the November babies. It's a month that shines brightly with the stars highlighted in the sky.

Happy Birthday Mom! We love November 🙂 Happy Birthday to all of the November babies. It’s a month that shines brightly with the stars highlighted in the sky.

This post is also dedicated to my Mom and birthday partner, Janie Bice. Her birthday was November 19th and I was born on November 20th. We celebrated as many birthdays as we could together. May you Forever RIP, Mom. I hold you in my heart and celebrate for both of us each year. xo

 

 

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Shine Your Light, Book Three, Paige Maddison Series is Done!

Thank you to all of our Paige Maddison Series supporters. We thank you for staying with us and for all of your DMs, emails, and continued support. J.R. Matheson and I love it every time we hear, “When is the next book coming out?” Without your direct interest, we may not have continued the series.

We had a bit of a setback with our third novel, but have no fear it’s been handled and we are back on track! J.R. Matheson and I are happy to announce Shine Your Light should be published by Christmas, after all!  FriesenPress is working diligently with us to make our dream come true. We have already signed up for several book signings!

We are forever grateful to the genuinely talented group of authors that have written blurbs for Shine Your Light. JR Colombo has endorsed every book in our series! Philip Henry has endorsed two of our novels. And we have David D. Plain who endorsed Shine Your Light. Exceptional of all three authors. J.R. and I are forever grateful!! Here are their blurbs:

IN PRAISE OF “SHINE YOUR LIGHT”

WRITTEN BY LEE BICE-MATHESON & J.R. MATHESON 

Book signing held at Indigo Eaton Centre, March, 2015.

JR Colombo pictured with J.R. Matheson.  Book signing held at Indigo Eaton Centre, March, 2015.

Shine Your Light is a delightful and insightful novel, one that sheds light on all that it surveys. It beautifully describes the incredible adventures of the youthful Paige Maddison (familiar from the authors two previous and popular novels) who while still a high-school student is wise beyond her years. As well, she is an intuitive person whose feet are firmly planted on the ground, though at times she seems to have her head in the clouds, where she communes with the spirits of Archangels Raphael and Michael, King Solomon, Grey Owl, and even the dreaded Beelzebub! Like many of her high-school girlfriends, Paige is a well-rounded and purposeful personality, so much so that I found myself thinking about her as the Nancy Drew of the realm of high spirits and dreams and visions, traumatic experiences and out-of-body trips, all convincingly described! She almost single-handedly sets the world aright. Readers who enjoy learning about “medicine bundles” and “earth religions,” as well as being carried along by descriptions of lively human beings with whom it is easy to identify, will find this well-wrought work of fantasy to their liking. In my opinion, it is “a keeper.” It is also (risking a pun) a Paige-turner.

John Robert Colombo, Author and Anthologist – http://colombo.ca/about-the-author/

Shine Your Light is a unique blend of Biblical quest and supernatural adventure, as Paige Maddison experiences her

Author of Dreamwalker, The Dead Room, Vampire Dawn and many more. Film short 'Love Bites.'

Author of Dreamwalker, The Dead Room, Vampire Dawn and many more. Film short ‘Love Bites.’

spiritual awakening and joins forces with angels and shapeshifters to fight the most important battle of her life. A very enjoyable and deeply spiritual addition to the Paige Maddison series.

Philip Henry, Author and Film-maker – http://www.philiphenry.com/

Shine Your Light, the third instalment of the Paige Maddison Series is a heart stopper. The ongoing struggle between good and evil plays itself out on the O’Brien Estate with ever-increasing intensity. The protagonist is Paige, a seventeen-year-old young woman who has spiritual powers and helpers revealed through a crescendo of events. The antagonist is the

David is pictured with Lee at the book signing for Destiny's Gate held at The Book Keeper, Sarnia, ON.

David is pictured with Lee at the book signing for Destiny’s Gate held at The Book Keeper, Sarnia, ON, September, 2014.

mysterious Ariana desperate to locate the ancient Seal of Solomon and its accompanying grimoire. Helped by black magic and the prima-demon Beelzebul the struggle ends in an epic battle between Paige and Ariana. The epilogue provides a lesson in life sure to be beneficial to all young adults. I enjoyed it

thoroughly.

David D. Plain, Award Winning Author – https://www.facebook.com/Books-by-David-D-Plain-149682714184/

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The Bookshelf Book Fair, Writers’ Community of York Region Invites J.R. Matheson & Lee Bice-Matheson

J.R. and I at the Bookshelf, WCYR

J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson at The Bookshelf book fair in Newmarket. We are ready for the day to begin.

J.R. and I were delighted to be invited to the inaugural book fair held on Saturday, June 25th, in the Newmarket  Community Centre and Lions Hall, next to the Farmer’s Market. We’d never been to Newmarket and what a booming place it has become. Bookshelf-Postcard_Vertical-frontThrough-out the day, we took turns navigating our way through the farmer market vendors and bought some of their goodies. We loved the live music. Thank you to the band. Awesome guys! And there were other entertainers too. 🙂

Juggler and animal balloon artist. He worked very hard in the heat entertaining the kids and the adults. Thank you kindly!

Juggler and animal balloon artist. He worked very hard in the heat entertaining the kids and the adults. Thank you kindly!

Set-up began for us at 8:10 am. Our drive from Orillia took over an hour but an easy drive it was. After setting up our Table B6, I noticed the author directly across from us. It was none other than the supernatural thriller author, Dr. Lawrence Segel.

Dr. Lawrence Segel, author of supernatural thrillers. Medical doctor too. He supports animal charity through the writing of his books. Incredible Dr. Segel. Great to meet you .

Dr. Lawrence Segel, author of supernatural thrillers. Medical doctor too. He supports animal charity through the writing of his books. Incredible Dr. Segel. Great to meet you .

After  a nice chat, I asked him if he would like to take a photo with me, and our ghost, and he gave an enthusiastic yes! Here we are pictured with his four novels. Dr. Segel expects nothing but a small donation to animal charity in return for buying one of his books. Admirable to say the least!! We cannot wait to read them ourselves.

I noticed a rather tall gentleman next to us, his table angled adjacent to us on the next aisle. I rounded his display and introduced myself. I was surprised to discover it was Dr. John Moss, author of the Quin and Morgan mystery novels. He is also a university professor at the University of Ottawa. Kevin’s scooped two of these novels we picked up for his ‘to read’ shelf. We had a great time chatting with Dr. Moss about writing, his novels, & quickly found out we have mutual friends, too.

Lee is pictured with Dr. John Moss. Author of Quin and Morgan novels.

Lee is pictured with Dr. John Moss. Author of  the Quin and Morgan novels.

Startled by the time, I walked around the room trying to meet as many authors as I could before the 9 am opening of the book fair. First up was Clair McIntyre, author of the Halsin Chronicles. Did you know she began

Author Clair McIntyre of the Halsin Chronicles. Based on the Four Horsemen.

Author Clair McIntyre of the Halsin Chronicles. Based on the Four Horsemen

writing her first novel at the age of 13? How fantastic is that? Her display and the passion for her series was awesome. Next up was an author I am familiar with, Allison Cosgrove. She is the author of the Stan Brookshire novels. So happy to meet her. I also met Rivka Ringlestein, coauthor of a non-fiction book that her husband started, and after his death, Rivka finished writing Together Forever: Being a Hero to Your Family. It is a heart-wrenching, intriguing, personal account. I also met one of Rivka’s friends, Lina Savio, author of My Life: Then and Now, a book on her life in Italy and in Canada. Soulful works, indeed.

Mags Storey Author of Dead Girls Don't

Pictured here is Mags Storey, author of Dead Girls Don’t.

Winner of the Paige Maddison Series Jelly Belly Bean Contest

Winner of the jelly belly bean contest. Congratulations again! Great to meet you and your sister too.

Okay, time to get to work. We had decided to hold a jelly belly bean guessing contest. Our neighbours were Silly Dolls Canada and they guessed a few times. Thank you for starting the ball rolling, guys! Then a teacher dropped by our table with his two young daughters and when they saw the jelly belly beans contained in the light bulb, they began guessing. Interestingly enough, our series is for Ages 11+ The young lady who won is 11 and soon-to-be 12 in three short days. She won the limited edition posters of both books: Wake Me Up Inside + Destiny’s Gate, paperback copies, and the jelly belly beans. That was the highlight of our day. Exactly our target audience, who we write for in other words, won the contest. Honestly, I could have packed up and returned home, happy that this very excited girl won our prizes. She skipped away…it really was the cutest thing and several authors commented ‘now that was a moment’. 

Wonderful to have J.R., my coauthor, with us as sometimes he is working in his lab and cannot get away on the weekends. We had interested readers drop by through-out the day. Many took our pamphlets or cards for later exploration. We also had a newspaper reporter stop by and take our card. His father owns a Toronto magazine and he said my dad will be very interested in the two of you – Mom-Son supernatural fiction series writing team. That’s great because J.R. lives in Toronto.

Elyse Kishimoto Author of Divine Intervention

Elyse Kishimoto author of YA series The Dining and Social Club for Time Travellers: Divine Intervention, Book One. See you at WOTS.

We met Deborah of Campo Studio Arts and Gallery with her beautiful artwork; James Forrest of a sci-fi series with his latest work soon to be released in August entitled Orion Surfacing; Cameron S. Currie, author of Shiv released in February this year; and Elyse Kishimoto of Divine Intervention, a new YA series. Every author has fascinating works and what an honour to meet them. Lucky for us, we attend our book signings with my husband, Kevin, J.R.’s Dad, and he stays at our table while we are networking and texts us when we are needed. Thank you a million times over Kevin!

It's a family affair in our world. Coauthors J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson with husband, dad, manager, Kevin. Thank you so much Dear.

It’s a family affair in our world. Coauthors J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson with husband, dad, manager, Kevin. Thank you so much Dear. Another great day…at The Bookshelf book fair.

Overall, it was a highly successful day. We love to meet book lovers and other authors. It was wonderful to meet the winner of our contest. Happy early Birthday. Thank you to author MJ Moores for the highly organized day and wonderful, air-conditioned venue. There were also author readings and a silent auction going on through the day. We were delighted the Paige Maddison Series was annointed as a clue on the scavenger hunt. Everything went smoothly without a hitch. Thank you from J.R. and I to the Writers’ Community of York Region. It was wonderful to connect with many of you. Sorry we didn’t get to meet everyone.  Next year! 🙂 #grateful

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Title Release, Cover Reveal, oh my! Paige Maddison Series, Book 3, Fall 2016 Release

We’ve been busy this past winter into spring. J.R. Matheson and I completed the third manuscript in the Paige Maddison Series entitled Shine Your Light. We did a cover reveal on Facebook that resulted in over 20,000 likes. We were happy

Cover Reveal for Shine Your Light, Book 3, Paige Maddison Series

Cover Reveal for Shine Your Light, Book 3, Paige Maddison Series

to relay the good news to our book cover designer, Nancy Batra  She lives in New Delhi, India, and she is an Illustrator / Graphic Designer. It was a marvelous interaction in the creation of the cover. Thank you so much Nancy for your beautiful design.

J.R. Matheson and I created the title, Shine Your Light, based on a conversation in the book. You’ll have to read it to understand the backstory in our novel. It has been described as, “Your third novel is the best one yet. I had goosebumps reading it as the story jumped to life for me. I couldn’t wait to read until the ending. Congratulations Lee & J.R.! Your audience will love it.” We thank this beta reader kindly. We will be releasing Shine Your Light this Fall, 2016.

In the meantime, we had another awesome book signing at

Indigo Bay Bloor sign for Mom-Son Coauthors Lee Bice-Matheson and J.R. Matheson

Indigo Bay Bloor sign for Mom-Son Coauthors Lee Bice-Matheson and J.R. Matheson

Indigo Bay Bloor in March. Many book lovers stopped by and we learned a lot from them. Thank you for your interest and thank you to those who bought our series. Truly appreciated.

I was interviewed in April on Laney Smith’s and Fre Thought’s Blog Talk Radio show called ‘Writing Under the Influence’. For us, it’s writing under the influence of the characters in our series; they talk to us. 🙂 Our series is written for ages 10+ and our books are considered ‘clean reads’.  We were invited to Ad Astra this year but unfortunately we were unable to attend. We will be happy to attend next year in 2017. And more recently, we’ve been invited to The Bookshelf book fair hosted by The Writers’ Community of York Region. They have partnered with the Newmarket Farmers’ Market and it will be held on June 25th, Saturday, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. at the Community Centre and Lions Hall.

Upon completion of the third novel, both J.R. and I are taking a much-needed rest. J.R. has completed his first year in his PhD at the University of Toronto and works 6 out of 7 days a week, year round, at CAMH. Imagine, he coauthored a novel as well. That’s amazing J.R. and I thank you for your hard work and dedication to our series. I couldn’t be a happier or prouder Mom. As it looks now, it is our last novel coauthored together. J.R.’s schedule is full while he completes his PhD. And I am eternally grateful for the two novels we wrote together. For those of you new to our blog, I work with my husband as the Office Manager in our Chiropractic Clinic. I love helping patients in any way I can. So many of our patients have been highly supportive of our series. Thank you so much!

We walked through an ancient forest in New York. What a beautiful place to walk. There are many national parks in the state of New York.

We walked through an ancient forest in New York. What a beautiful place. There are many national parks in the state of New York.

My husband and I travelled to Niagara Falls and New York for last-minute research for Shine Your Light. Writers have to get out and experience life, research facts, and make sure, even though it’s fiction, facts are accurate concerning artifacts or historical events.

My loving and supportive husband, Kevin Matheson. Thanks for all of your help.

My loving and supportive husband, Kevin Matheson. Thanks for all of your help.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls, Canada

Soon, we will be heading off to the Bahamas for our nephew – Tyler’s wedding to his beautiful bride-to-be Ekaterina. It will be the first time in years where I am not writing, marketing, planning, or otherwise, on this 5 day holiday. I want to be there for this wonderful couple, fully present. It’s called ‘live in the now’! (Think of Eckhart Tolle.) Of course, I cannot guarantee that in the back of my mind, I won’t be thinking of Paige’s next adventure. 🙂

Our book is currently with our editor in Toronto. I have enjoyed reading several non-fiction books, watched a few mom-son documentaries, finished the maintenance of our gardens with my husband.

Lilac trees with our garden by the Gazebo

Lilac trees with our garden by the Gazebo

Our pool-size garden. I'll post another when in full bloom. You won't believe it.

Our pool-size garden. I’ll post another when in full bloom. You won’t believe it.

Did you know we have a pool-size garden in our backyard along with 7 other gardens on our property? It takes a lot of work to maintain them. Our backyard is full of nature from chickadees, robins, Wilson’s Warblers, to finches of all kinds, and I believe I’ve heard an Oriole. Soon the hummingbirds will be here. Many, many song birds live in our 100-year-old trees. We are lucky indeed. Enjoy your Spring everyone. 🙂

Our first year with this canoe. We cannot wait to see nature as we quietly paddle through Algonquin Park.

Our first year with this canoe. We cannot wait to see nature as we quietly paddle through Algonquin Park.

The better weather has arrived in Central Ontario and we will soon be canoeing in Algonquin. I saw my first beaver on Sunday in a stream situated next to our favourite hiking trail. He was beautiful with his thick brown coat of fur and black flat tail. We surprised him. Then we saw a beautiful swan

Trumpeter Swan posed for a photo-op

Trumpeter Swan posed for a photo-op

swimming alone. Ahhh… Nature. It is awe-inspiring for this author.

Thank you kindly to all of our supporters. We have more events planned that will be announced at a later date.

Paige Maddison Series hits Indigo Bay Bloor

Paige Maddison Series hits Indigo Bay Bloor

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2016 is Off to a Great Start for Coauthors J.R. Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson

I have to admit after our big year in 2015 with lots of travel for our series to bookstore signings in Ontario, I was left exhausted and happy. Between working in our Clinic and managing it, writing book 3, marketing the first two books, and providing support to those who needed it, I was thankful our last book signing just before Christmas was postponed until the Spring. J.R. and I always want to present our best selves for those kind enough to come out and meet us. Now our schedule looks busy again with radio interviews booked, Chapters Book signings, Independent bookstore signings, and our manuscript due on our editor’s desk, April 11th. Thank Heavens for holidays, right everyone?

Christmas 2015 with Lee, J.R., and Kevin Matheson.

Christmas 2015 with Lee, J.R., and Kevin Matheson.

I know there are many authors much busier than we are, and our hat’s off to you. Keep on going. We don’t know how you do it. We are in awe of you. It’s a wonderful life, a busy life, and I know I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. I love, and I know J.R. you do too, meeting the book loving public in person. This is why we write to connect with book lovers and hear their stories. There is an exchange of information that shapes who we are as writers. Lucky indeed. Let’s hope book lovers are ready for our next novel, right J.R.? There’s a few times when I’m reading a scene, and I get up and walk away from the computer. Tears, laughter, joy, pain, and the haunting tale of good vs evil. Have a great week to all. Thank You to our supporters.

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Have a Happy, Healthy, and Positive New Year Everyone, in 2016. Follow your heart, aim for the stars.

J.R. Matheson, my son and coauthor, and I are so grateful for a recent Youtube post by Siobhan’s Book Corner. Click on the link here. We couldn’t be happier with your words of support and encouragement Siobhan. Thank you so much. What a beautiful message to receive on New Year’s Eve day from our Super Fan Siobhan. You support ?#?Indie? ?#?authors? loyally. Siobhan’s Book Corner highlights the Top 15 best novels or series she’s read in 2015 written by Independent Authors. I would like to share Siobhan’s thoughts with all of our friends on Goodreads. So happy you are doing well, my friend. Thank you for mentioning Wake Me Up Inside and Destiny’s Gate, Paige Maddison Series. Cheers to all of the #Indie #authors mentioned. Well done! Happy New Year’s Eve, Siobhan. Have the best one yet to you and your family. Happy NYE to All! 

We wish everyone a healthy, happy, and joyous 2016. Lee and J.R. pictured with Kevin Matheson, husband and father, manager.

We wish everyone a healthy, happy, and joyous 2016. Lee and J.R. pictured with Kevin Matheson, husband and father, manager.

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Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy St. Nicholas Day

Around the world, people celebrate many different occasions in the month of December. But they all have one thing in common. Children around the world string colourful lights, filling their homes with festive decorations, and lighting candles. This does indeed brighten up the darkest month of the year. We’ve had our Winter Solstice, the shortest, darkest day and now we look forward to our days growing longer and brighter. We must acknowledge our multicultural world and grow to understand one another. That is my Christmas wish, 2015. From our family to yours, we wish you the Merriest of Holiday Seasons. Thank you to everyone who so generously supported J.R. and I in our Paige Maddison Series adventure.

My son and coauthor J.R. Matheson at his graduation from McGill University, Montreal, June 2015.

My son and coauthor J.R. Matheson at his graduation from McGill University, Montreal, June 2015.

We are all pictured here at J.R.'s graduation. Lee on the left and husband Kevin on the right. Proud parents. Shoot for your dreams.

We are all pictured here at J.R.’s graduation. Lee on the left and husband Kevin on the right. Proud parents. Shoot for your dreams.

From our home to yours. Happy Holidays.

From our home to yours. Happy Holidays.

 

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