I’m starting to think November is the most bookish month. Don’t believe me? Hold my book; I’ll state my case.

1. It’s chock-a-block with literary holidays.

National Author’s Day is in November (November 1), as is Book Lovers Day (November 5), Young Readers Day (November 8) and I Love to Write Day (November 15). Even the very niche Chicken Soup for the Soul Day (November 12) spreads a little literary love. Plus, we all know that November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. I’ve also heard people challenging themselves to Novella November or Non-Fiction November to direct their reading attentions.

2. It’s full of big book awards announcements.

The Writers’ Trust Prizes were announced November 2. The Giller Prize named its winner just two days ago. The Governor General’s Literary Awards will be announced on November 16. That’s a lot of big, influential prizes all conveniently awarded just as the holiday shopping season hits.

3. It’s prime cozy reading time.

Inspired by literary holidays and awards announcements, many of us have begun to amass a teetering to-read list. And the time could not be better! With Daylight Saving Time ending, it gets dark quicker. And who wants to run out in to the cold, dark world when there’s a stack of books to be read. Without the frenzy of holiday shopping and gatherings, we’re still able to enjoy a slower pace. And colder temperatures practically beg for a warm beverage and hot blanket. With a stage set like that, it’s hard to resist the lure of a bit of cozy reading.

4. There are lots of book events to attend.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all of the bookish events the Porcupine’s Quill has going on. We were pleased to have a great turnout for the PQL Books & Brews Bash down in Windsor on November 1, as well as the All Lit Up Indie Reading Room event on the same day. Wesley W. Bates had a very good response to his Open Studio event on November 5 and 6. And don’t worry—there’s more on the way with the PQL Fall Literary Fiesta in Toronto on November 23.

What’s happening this month…

At PQL.

Poetry fans will be pleased to know that The Essential Eugene McNamara is now officially available in print! First copies were ready for Phil Hall’s reading and signing as part of our Books & Brews Bash in Windsor last week. The collection displays McNamara’s empathetic and emotional poetry, which shines the spotlight on small, non-eloquent, delinquent, unpopular and wayward places—and the people who inhabit them. It’s a wonderful read and a must-have for poetry fans.

Up next on the docket, the latest issue of the Devil’s Artisan, DA 91, is headed to the press. This issue will explore the work of Richard York, a Salt Spring Island-based woodcut artist whose complex reduction prints have been influenced by a wide variety of forms, movements and artists.

In Toronto.

All are invited to attend the PQL Fall Literary Fiesta  at 7:00 p.m. on November 23 at TacoTaco in Toronto. We’ll be celebrating with readings by Ross Breithaupt (Midland), Daniel Bryant (Rerouted), Susan Glickman (Artful Flight), Karl Jirgens (The Razor’s Edge), Bruce McDougall (Urban Disturbances), and Ed Seaward (Fair). This free event will include refreshments, and the authors will be selling and signing copies of their books. It promises to be a fun night—be sure to plan to attend!

Also mark your calendars for upcoming bookish events in December—Richard York will be delivering an artist’s talk at the Mira Godard Gallery on December 9, and the Porcupine’s Quill will be participating in the Bound Book Arts Fair at the Arts and Letters Club on December 11.

In the World.

The five literary events I shared above wasn’t enough for you? Have no fear—I’ve got you covered.

November 11 is World Origami Day, which seems appropriate for paper lovers like us!

November13 is World Kindness Day, and well, these days I just think we all ought to do a little more to spread it around if we can.

November 24 is apparently All Our Uncles are Monkeys Day. Which is an adorable way to refer to a holiday dedicated to educating people about evolution. Seriously good marketing.

From the porcupette’s corner.

Is anyone else still off kilter from the time change? In theory, with everything being an hour later, I should be bounding out of bed in the morning ready to slay literary dragons. Instead I’m tired, cranky, hungry at odd hours, and generally feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. Not ideal for my productivity so far this week, to say the least.

But temporal woes aside, I’ve been making some progress on some editing, accomplished lots of event planning, and I had an absolute blast at the Books & Brews Bash last week. I can’t wait to enjoy the next event in Toronto. Who else is ready for a fiesta?

Thanks for stopping by to see what we’ve been up to this last month. We hope to see you at one of our exciting book events this November and December!

Cheers,