Brace yourselves kids: it’s about to get all lovey-dovey up in here.

I wouldn’t normally do this, but given the season, I just have to gush a little bit about the love of my life. I know, I know–it’s tacky. But Valentine’s Day is coming up, and what better romantic gesture could there be than to shout my adoration from the rooftops?

My love has always been there for me—has made me laugh, made me cry, has comforted me in bad times and helped me celebrate the good times.

If you haven’t realized by know that I’m talking about books, you seriously don’t know me at all.

But really, who among us hasn’t sought escape from a particularly heinous day by curling up with a battered paperback? Who hasn’t staved off loneliness or despair by immersing him or herself into a world of adventure? Who hasn’t treated themselves to some “me” time with a steaming hot beverage, a cozy blanket, and a favourite book?

Nowadays, we tend to be all about our smartphones and tablets—about Facebook posts and YouTube videos and other distractions. I read the other day that the average American could read 200 books with the time he or she spends on social media.

It makes me think that our relationships with books could use some serious couples counselling. But with a little care and attention, I have no doubt that we’ll all find that we can nurture a loving and mutually beneficial relationship with our books.

What are you waiting for? Go hug a book. Read!

 

What’s happening this month?

At PQL.

We’re starting to think about books for the fall already, so we’ll be hard at work pulling together a new list for you to covet very soon. In the mean time, the shop will be a-hoppin’ as The Essential Jay Macpherson is on the press. This is a wonderful addition to our Essential Poets series and features a positively fantastic introduction to the book by volume editor Melissa Dalgleish. You’ll definitely want a copy for your poetry collection. Stay tuned for copies coming your way soon!

In Brampton.

The Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives will be hosting an exhibition on the work of the comic artist Seth. The exhibition shares its roots with Tom Smart’s recent book, Palookaville: Seth and the Art of Graphic Autobiography. Check out the opening reception on February 19, or stop by to see the exhibit between February 6 and March 19.

In Toronto.

The University of Toronto will be hosting a fascinating interdisciplinary panel on the ethical dimensions of Leonard Cohen’s life and work. Stop by the Larking Building at Trinity College on Thursday, February 9 at 12:15 p.m. for this event. It should be of interest to fans of George A. Walker’s The Wordless Leonard Cohen Songbook!

In … Your Home!

That’s right—you heard me. Our very own Tim Inkster will be interviewed on Christine Cowley’s radio show “Storylines” on Hunters Bay Radio (88.7 FM The Bay). Be sure to tune in at 10:00 a.m. on February 16 to hear about the past, present and future of the Porcupine’s Quill—and undoubtedly a number of legendary anecdotes from Tim’s 40 years in publishing.

In the world.

February 5 is Superbowl Sunday. Whether you’re watching for the awesome displays of athletic performance or just in it for the commercials, at least you’ll get a great party out of it!

February 22 is International World Thinking Day. Given the craziness going on in the world, I bet we can all benefit for a nice, long think.

February 24 is Tortilla Chip Day. How did I not know this was a thing? Given my deep and abiding love of these blissfully crunchy, salty snacks, it should have been circled on my calendar already!

 

From the procupette’s corner.

What. Have I. Done.

Last year, I decided that apparently my life wasn’t challenging enough, so, with Tim’s full and enthusiastic support, I signed up for two continuing education courses in digital marketing from McMaster University.

Now, on the one hand, it is fascinating and I’m starting to learn some truly unexpected things (did you know Instagram has the highest engagement rates among social channels?). But on the other, how in the world did I think I was going to fit in 20+ hours of schoolwork into my schedule?

Good thing I don’t like to be idle.

It will certainly be a challenge to balance all this new learning being crammed into my noggin with the regular, day-to-day demands of the job—particularly with TIP sheets around the corner! BUT, my studies have reminded me just how important you, our loyal followers, are to all our efforts here at PQL. I appreciate each and every one of your replies and your random messages regarding what’s up in the book world. I’m always open to hearing your ideas to better serve you—not only as publishers, but as fellow book lovers.

So get in touch! I’d love to hear from you.

 
Thank you as always for stopping by to see what we’ve got in the works for you. Keep warm, Quill fans!