Lesley Livingston in Nova Scotia

My TD Canada Book Week experience in Nova Scotia was nothing short of wondrous! I’d heard about the legendary hospitality of the Nova Scotians (Nova Scots?) and the natural beauty of the place. I saw tides come in and tides go out, I walked on a pebbled beach and saw deer and eagles. I passed through a Faerie door in the fort walls of Annapolis Royal (at least, that’s what my host called it, and it certainly felt magickal). Good weather followed me all over the province (although, apparently forsaking anywhere I wasn’t at the time—sorry Halifax!). The ocean never felt far away, even when I couldn’t see it. It really is an extraordinary place.

With extraordinary people. I was greeted with such warmth and enthusiasm from teachers, librarians, booksellers and my wonderful hosts. But the teens—the readers—were really the best. One young man told me I was his favourite author and was well-versed in all of the folklore behind my tales. One young lady warned of dire consequences if things didn’t turn out well at the end of the story for my characters (she was only chapters away from the end—I hope she was satisfied!).

Another young lady was scribbling away furiously in a notebook during my presentation and I thought maybe I hadn’t quite captured her full attention. Except that, after I was done, she came up and presented me with a sketch of the very scene I had been reading out of my book—complete with a verbatim quote! How awesome is that? Fan Art While-U-Read!

Speaking of scribbling away, after most of my readings, I was asked to sign things. Books, bookmarks, scraps of note-paper, a… leg. Yup. That’s right. One young man cheerfully proffered a Sharpie and asked if I would sign his leg. I said sure and then looked down, expecting to see a cast. But no, he wanted me to sign his calf. Even apologized for not having had the foresight to shave. I hope that wasn’t permanent marker! I really kind of adore teens… especially the ones in Nova Scotia! Thanks, guys, for making my week!