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15 Fascinating Facts About Canada

It’s big — the second-largest country in the world behind Russia — and it’s home to forests, mountains, beaches, rivers, streams and majestic wildlife. But there is much more to know about Canada than most people realize. For example, it has the largest coastline in the world, and it sits in six different time zones. Here are 15 more Canada facts about the country nicknamed the Great White North.

Canada does indeed have the largest coastline in the world. It would take the average person about four and a half years to walk all the way around the country, and that’s if they didn’t stop to eat or sleep. The entire country covers 3,855,103 square miles.

Donut Capital

If you’re a donut fan, you may want to head straight to Canada. The country is home to more donut shops than any other country in the world. That’s a lot of sugary goodness.

Polar Bears

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing polar bears in the wild, you better head to Canada. Out of the 25,000 left in the world, approximately 15,500 live in the country. The town of Churchill is the best place to spot them, as you’re likely to see more bears than people.

Land of Lakes

If you like spending time at the lake, Canada may be your dream vacation spot. The country is home to over two million lakes of all sizes. The biggest are the ones it shares with the United States: Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Most Famous Resident

Canada has produced many celebrities, including Drake, Justin Bieber, Celine Dion and Ryan Reynolds, but there’s one person who is more famous than any of those people combined. The Canadian government once declared Santa Claus a resident of the country, and kids can even send letters to him there and receive a response each Christmas.

Plenty of Forests

Despite the fact that Canada is the second-largest country in the world, nearly one third of it is covered by forestland. That’s 10 percent of the world’s forests in one country. Most Canadian residents live in urban areas.

Cold as Mars

It can get pretty cold in Canada. Anyone who has ever lived there or even visited knows that. But what you may not know is that, back in 1947, temperatures were recorded that were comparable to the surface temperature on Mars. That’s about – 81.4 degrees.

During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, French and English settlers built walls around Quebec City to help keep it safe from potential invaders. Those walls remain standing today, making Quebec City the only city north of Mexico to have a walled enclosure.

National Parks

Canada is home to 47 National Parks. Some of them are so big that they make other countries look pretty small. For example, Alberta’s Wood Buffalo National Park is so large that it takes up more space than countries like Switzerland and Denmark.

Northernmost

If you’ve ever wondered how far north people live on the Earth, wonder no more. A little settlement called Alert, Nunavut, which is about 500 miles from the North Pole, is the northernmost place where people live permanently on the planet. July temps are around 38 degrees, while it gets down to around – 26 in January.

Mac and Cheese

Americans consume a lot of macaroni and cheese, but not as much as their northern neighbors. Kraft reports that Canadians consume more of the comfort food than any other country in the world.

Frozen Ocean

It gets cold on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, but you probably don’t realize just how cold. Sometimes the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island freezes to a point that residents can actually skate on it and play hockey.

If Santa is an official Canadian resident, it only makes sense that he’d need to live in a place that has plenty of reindeer for him to choose from. The country is home to over two million caribou. No word on whether any of them have red noses.

Americans may be in love with basketball, be it the NBA, college hoops or even local high school teams. Many people don’t realize the beloved sport has Canadian roots. Dr. James Naismith of Ontario invented the game in 1891.

Snake Capital

Scared of snakes? You may want to avoid Manitoba. The Canadian province has more snakes than any other place in the world. Every spring, approximately 70,000 snakes come out of hibernation.

Dear Romance Writer Podcast dearromancewriter

DEC 6, 2022

Ep 75: Gratitude, Goodbyes, and Hellos

In the series finale, Avery is back for her final appearance on DRW, and she, Xio, and Roan exchange holiday traditions, discuss their favorite moments over the past season, and share what they're looking forward to in the next year.

NOV 24, 2022

Ep 74: If I Don’t Cash In My V-Card RIGHT NOW, Will It Really Expire?

Roan and Xio answer a letter from a listener, and dive into the debate about privacy and fame.www.roanparrish.com www.xioaxelrod.com

NOV 19, 2022

Ep 73: Secrets and Lies

This week, Roan and Xio are joined by guest Aaron Taylor from The Categorically Romance podcast to discuss how and when to reveal a long-kept family secret. www.xioaxelrod.com www.roanparrish.com

NOV 11, 2022

Ep 72: The Horror of Nonconsensual Labor

This week, Roan and Xio answer an AITA about a teenager who finds a creative way to avoid non-consensual babysitting, and they discuss what role politics play in their writing. xioaxelrod.com roanparrish.com

NOV 3, 2022

Ep 71: Doing it for Attention—Nothing Wrong With That

It's a Philly joint today on Dear Romance Writer, with Xio and Roan talking about family dynamics in answering a question about "acting out," and discussing how they psychologically craft characters in their romance novels. Roan: roanparrish.com Xio: xioaxelrod.com

OCT 29, 2022

Ep 70: Halloween Assholery!

In today's Halloween episode, Xio and Roan are joined by audiobook superstar Andi Arndt to weigh in on trick-or-treat neighborhood gatekeeping, and discuss their favorite Halloween traditions! Andi Arndt: www.andiarndt.com Xio Axelrod: www.xioaxelrod.com Roan Parrish: www.roanparrish.com

Top Podcasts In Education

Harlequin Editors

Let’s Listen: Romance Podcasts

I feel very late to podcasts. All of my friends have their favorites to recommend, and its crickets from me. But this is the golden age of podcasts – I need to get out there! And, in addition to the true crime ones I’ve started to binge, it only makes sense I’d start to explore other interests – starting with my bread and butter – romance. Below are some podcasts that come highly recommended by colleagues, friends, readers, and authors. I can’t wait to listen! In no particular order, let’s go!

Fated Mates is a weekly podcast co-hosted by author Sarah MacLean and critic Jen Prokop. Per their website, episodes include “romance novel read-alongs and discussions of the work of the genre, highlighting the romance novel as a powerful tool in fighting patriarchy…with absolutely no kink-shaming.” That last part though…sign me up! And, the most recent episode, at the time of this post, spotlights romance LEGEND Brenda Jackson.

Shelf Love “explores fictional narratives of romantic love through podcast discussions with experts and original research collecting real stories and data from the consumers to understand how these narratives impact us.” Not only a podcast, Shelf Love has also created a whole romance community!

On Smart Podcast, Trashy Books , Sarah Wendell “interviews authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers, publishing professionals, editors, and librarians” about all things romance in the most fun way. Packed with recommended reads, this podcast will definitely add to my TBR list.

On Not Your Mom’s Romance Book Club , host Ellen and her mom chat about their latest reads. “It’s fun, it’s swoony, and it’s awkward.” My first romance reads were books that belonged to my mom, so I’m totally interested in how this mother/daughter duo discusses romance.

Journeys of Romance offers a different perspective. This podcast is all about the genre from a writer’s perspective. Jess Michaels, a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical romance, talks to other romance authors about their journeys to writing and publishing romance.

The host of Boobies and Noobies , Kelly Reynolds, “is a long-time lover of romance novels, donuts, and yoga pants. She picked up her first romance novel in 2009, I’m in No Mood for Love by the incomparable Rachel Gibson, and soon after discovered a genre full of untold possibilities.” One of her favorite tropes is enemies to lovers, which is also my fave!

Hosted by Julie Moody-Freeman, the Black Romance Podcast “features weekly conversations with Black writers, editors, and scholars of historical and contemporary popular romance fiction.” This has a healthy archive of episodes featuring some of my favorite authors, and I am so ready to listen!

Have you listened to any of the above? What podcasts would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

Over 160 Submissions Received for Harlequin's Romance Includes You Mentorship

I Got the Call! Meet Harlequin Love Inspired Author Kate Keedwell

Black History Month Reads headline with picture of author Laquette and her latest book. Text reads, Ejoy these romance book recommendations from LaQuette!

LaQuette's Romance Reading Recommendations for Black History Month

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Words With Writers Podcast

Presented by Canadian Authors — Toronto and co-hosts Brandi Tanner and Chris Gorman.

EPISODE #18: CHARACTER AND STORY DEVELOPMENT WITH BRUCE MADOLE AND ROBERT W. MACKAY

Episode Seventeen Release Date: November 22, 2021

EPISODE #17: WORDS WITH WRITERS HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR II

Episode Seventeen Release Date: November 02, 2021

EPISODE #16: WHAT DID YOU WRITE THIS SUMMER?

Episode Sixteen Release Date: September 26, 2021

EPISODE #15: WORDS WITH WRITERS PODCAST CELEBRATES THE 2021 FRED KERNER BOOK AWARDS

Episode Fifteen Release Date: August 01, 2021

EPISODE #14: THE COLORS OF PRIDE

Episode Thirteen Part II Release Date: June 19, 2021

EPISODE #13: DOUBLE-FEATURE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, PART II

Episode Thirteen Part II Release Date: May 29, 2021

EPISODE #13 : DOUBLE-FEATURE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, PART I

Episode Thirteen Part I Release Date: May 22, 2021

EPISODE #12: SINK INTO THE MAGICAL WORLD OF POETRY

Episode Twelve Release Date: April 17, 2021

EPISODE #11: SIZZLE AND FUN – THE ROMANCE SHOW

Episode Eleven Release Date: March 21, 2021

EPISODE #10: THE WOMEN IN HORROR SHOW

Episode Ten Release Date: February 26, 2021

EPISODE #9: THE HISTORICAL FICTION SHOW

Episode Nine Release Date: January 23, 2021

EPISODE #8: JOYCE MGBOLU & 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

Episode Eight Release Date: December 19, 2020

EPISODE #7: CHADHAM THOMAS’S A LIGHT FROM BELOW & A DISCUSSION ON GRAPHIC NOVELS WITH GENGHIS COMICS

Episode Seven Release Date: November 21, 2020

Join co-hosts Brandi Tanner and Chris Gorman as they welcome Chadham Thomas to the Canadian novelist scene with his debut novel A Light From Below . Following Chadham’s excellent reading, Chris & Brandi have a fascinating conversation with Daniel Reynolds and Oliver Ho, authors of the graphic novel Genghis Con , about the challenges of creating and publishing graphic novels.

EPISODE #6: WORDS WITH WRITERS HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

Episode Six Release Date: October 24, 2020

Welcome to another special episode of Words with Writers Podcast, with co-hosts Chris Gorman and Brandi Tanner. Grab your favourite witch’s brew and prepare to be spooked by five spine-chilling readings from Canadian Authors members A. B. Neilly, JF Garrard, K. V. Skene, Daniel Bryant and Barbara Wade Rose.

Happy Halloween!

EPISODE #5: WRITERS HELPING WRITERS

Episode Five Release Date: September 19, 2020

Join Canadian Authors – Toronto hosts Brandi Tanner and Christopher Gorman for this month’s episode of Words with Writers Podcast, featuring not just one, but two new members reading from their work, Ellen Marie Francisco and Renée M. Sgroi. These wonderful writers are followed by an in-depth conversation with Canadian Authors—Toronto Co-Presidents Jeannie F. Garrard and Lee Parpart. Listen in on this enlightening discussion of what Canadian Authors—Toronto can offer you!

EPISODE #4: GAVIN BARRETT

Episode Four Release Date: August 22, 2020

Join Canadian Authors – Toronto hosts Brandi Tanner and Christopher Gorman as they speak with author, poet and creative entrepreneur Gavin Barrett on this month’s Words with Writers Podcast. Gavin treats us to some more reading from his wonderful new collection of poetry Understan, and we have an engaging discussion on a range of topics from publishing a poetry collection to the systemic racism that exists in Canada’s own publishing and advertising industries.

EPISODE #3: PAINTING A PICTURE WITH WORDS

Episode Three Release Date: July 25, 2020

This month, join hosts Chris Gorman and Brandi Tanner for a very special episode! Settle in and get cozy for five exciting readings from Canadian Author members Gavin Barrett, Lee Parpart, Danny Ramadan, June Rogers and Chris Gorman. Enjoy!

EPISODE #2: “WHAT WILL IT BE THIS TIME”? WITH AUTHOR PURABI DAS

Episode Two Release Date: June 20, 2020

Join us for our second episode of Words with Writers Podcast! This month we talk to CA —Toronto member and author Purabi Das about her new e-book “What will it be this time?”, her experience moving from India to Canada, and the importance of living in the moment.

EPISODE #1: THE MEANING OF “FAIR” WITH AUTHOR ED SEAWARD

Episode One Release Date: May 16, 2020

Join us this month for our discussion with CA—Toronto member and author Ed Seaward as he talks to us about his journey to the publication of his novel Fair , his process, and his inspiration!

Canadian Authors—Toronto is excited to announce the May 16, 2020 launch date of our new podcast about writers helping writers in the Toronto area. Words with Writers Podcast will provide our members with an opportunity for a new audience for your publication news, book launches, journal releases, and public readings. Each month we will also feature a Canadian Authors—Toronto member on the show to read their work and gain exposure.

The podcast will be available free for readers everywhere to listen to, giving our members another platform to gain exposure.

Segments will include:

“Listen Now” links will be posted on our social media channels. Follow us on: Twitter: @AuthorsToronto Facebook: @CanadianAuthorsAssociationTorontoBranch Instagram: @authorstoronto

A Romance Novel Podcast with Sarah MacLean & Jen Prokop

“ You will not find anyone on the planet who knows the romance genre better. ”

The most listened to romance novel podcast, Fated Mates is co-hosted by bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop . Weekly episodes include romance novel read-alongs and lively discussions of the work of the genre, highlighting the romance novel as a powerful tool in fighting the patriarchy…with absolutely no kink shaming. In its fourth season, Fated Mates is collecting the oral histories of romance trailblazers—the authors, editors and others who built the modern genre. Listen to those interviews at trailblazers.fatedmates.net .

To advertise on Fated Mates, please email us .

About Sarah:

New York Times, Washington Post & USA Today bestseller Sarah MacLean is the author of historical romance novels that have been translated into more than twenty languages.

As an author and a columnist for the Washington Post, Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place at the nexus of gender and cultural studies. Her work in support of romance and the women who read led Entertainment Weekly to crown her "the elegantly fuming, utterly intoxicating queen of historical romance." A graduate of Smith College & Harvard University, Sarah now lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

Her favorite IAD book is Sweet Ruin. This is a hill she will die on.

Find Sarah at sarahmaclean.net or on Twit ter , Facebook or Instagram

Jen’s lifelong romance habit began in 7th grade when she found a bag of remaindered romance novels in her grandmother’s basement. Jen is the romance correspondent for Kirkus Reviews.

Jen not only teaches middle school English, but she also teaches graduate students how to be middle school English teachers. It’s all very meta. She lives in Chicago with her husband, son, and two cats. She’s ridiculously proud of the fact that she makes an honest living talking about books all day.

Her favorite IAD book is Lothaire, or maybe Demon from the Dark. She’s not dying on any hills over this one…yet.

Find Jen on Twitter or at jenreadsromance.com

About Eric:

Eric has spent his career working in what was once called “new media.” You’ve seen his work at pioneering social bookmarking platform Linkfilter, web series distributor Blip, and 3D printing community Thingiverse, among other, odder things. You might also be familiar with ongoing projects like Image Oscillite, scrutiNY, and his interactive audiovisual installations and event production work with the Disorient collective.

He hasn’t read that many romance novels, but he’s neck deep in Sarah and Jen’s exploration and enthusiasm. He’s sometimes perplexed, but always intrigued.

He produces the podcast, the web site, and wrote the theme song.

Find Eric on Twitter

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How Romance Novelists Are Mobilizing Voters in Solidarity With Stacey Abrams

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How Romance Novelists Are Helping Stacey Abrams Turn Georgia Blue

How a Group of Romance Writers Raised Almost Half a Million Dollars for Georgia’s Runoff Candidates

Romancing the Runoff: Romance Authors Raise Funds for Georgia Runoff Election

Romance authors and fans teamed up to support Georgia Democrats. Here’s the story.

3 favourite romantic comedy books from the Let's Make a Rom-Com podcast hosts

Social sharing, cbc podcast series let's make a rom-com premieres feb. 14.

The hosts of the smash CBC Podcast series Let's Make a Sci-Fi are back with Let's Make a Rom-Com , an eight-episode series in which the comedians explore genre conventions and attempt to write a next great romantic comedy screenplay.

Comedians Ryan Beil, Maddy Kelly and Mark Chavez explore what it takes to make a romantic comedy, the cultural impact of rom-coms and whether three people with very different lived experiences can write a love story.

Let's Make a Rom-Com is an eight-episode series that launches on Tuesday, Feb. 14. You can find it on CBC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

To celebrate the show, the three hosts shared with CBC Books some of their favourite rom-com books of all time.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

The Princess Bride is a book by William Goldman.

Ryan Beil: "My pick is The Princess Bride by William Goldman, on which Rob Reiner's iconic 1987 film was based. If you have seen the movie but haven't read the book, do yourself a favour and dig into it! The narrative is framed beautifully, with personal touches from Goldman's own life story, and of course it is very, very funny. Plus we get to learn so much more about the backstories of Inigo and Fezzik.

If you have seen the movie but haven't read the book, do yourself a favour and dig into it! - Ryan Beil

"Life isn't fair, but it can be enjoyable, especially if you read this book!"

Save The Date by Tamara Summers

Save The Date is a book by Tui T. Sutherland, under the pen name Tamara Summers.

Maddy Kelly: "This was my most well worn paperback in high school. I borrowed it from my cousin Alysha and never gave it back because I loved it so much. Sorry Alysha! It's about a high school girl who's sisters all keep getting married. Every time she brings a date a 'wedding curse' strikes and ruins her sister's wedding. When she develops a crush on the wedding planner's son — can they beat the curse???

It's awesome. I could talk about it all day. - Maddy Kelly

"It's awesome. I could talk about it all day."

Super Sad Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

Super Sad True Love Story is a novel by Gary Shteyngart.

Mark Chavez: "Despite the misleading title this story about love and death and youth-worship and technology is a work of fiction. Science fiction. Though it does not necessarily check all the boxes of a romantic comedy, it is certainly incredibly funny and full of awkward romance.

Though it does not necessarily check all the boxes of a romantic comedy, it is certainly incredibly funny and full of awkward romance. - Mark Chavez

"The dystopian and not-so-highly exaggerated New York of the near future Shteyngart has set his emotionally damaged characters in feel even more relevant and close to reality now than it did when it was published 10 years ago. Or at least I think it does.

"I need to re-read this gem, it's been a few years. Join me!"

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Episode 85: 2022 Novelists Inc. Conference Recap, with Patricia McLinn

The conference presented by Novelists, Inc. (NINC) is a unique experience that brings together multi-published authors who publish traditionally, independently, or both.

Speakers are selected from the top echelons of the industry, and the conventions and networking opportunities rise far above what authors experience anywhere else.

Host Patricia McLinn talks about her experience at the 2022 Novelists, Inc. conference in St. Petersburg, Fla., and gives an update on the latest self-publishing conversations and industry trends.

Thank you so much for listening. We hope you enjoyed the podcast enough to want to support us for future episodes. You can do that with as little as $1 a month by pledging at Patreon . It’s vital to Authors Love Readers to have your support. Thank you!

Another way to contribute is through Buy Me a Coffee , a one-time “tip” with no ongoing obligation. Thank you!

Please also consider rating/reviewing the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thanks to DialogMusik for the instrumentals that accompany this podcast.

Episode 84: Trying New Genres, with Michelle Monkou

Michelle Monkou is a multi-platform author, spanning 20 years in the business and with over 25 titles. She began her career writing romance for Black Entertainment Television (BET) Arabesque and then with Harlequin Kimani.

Michelle is currently writing short fiction, from sweet to steamy, under her pen name Thea Monk, and shortly will launch her other pen name, Aria Bancroft, for epic fantasy and urban fantasy stories.

She heads That Joyful Spark, LLC, an author coaching service, along with co-hosting a weekly platform for Prickly Pens Podcast with her daughter, Gabby Samuels and writer-BFF Julia Canchola. The podcast is available on most streaming services.

Host Patricia McLinn talks with Michelle, discussing her career, experience with traditional publishing and independent publishing, and exploring new genres.

In Michelle’s words: “I see all of those (preview books) as my own workshop into getting better. It’s the best I did at that time and you put it out there… I’m not the same writer I was in 2002.” [17:14]

To connect with Michelle Monkou:

Aria Bancroft Instagram

Thea Monk Instagram

Thea Monk Website & Newsletter

Episode 83: Historical Inspiration, with Jenny Wheeler

Former newspaper journalist, magazine editor, and company director, author Jenny Wheeler writes historical suspense and mystery. Jenny is currently working on her fifth book of the “Of Gold & Blood” series (Book 1, “Poisoned Legacy,” released 2018) set in Gilded Age California.

Born in New Zealand, Jenny Wheeler grew up in a farming community and fell in love with books and radio dramas. After teaching and being a physics data collector, she joined the New Zealand Herald as a general new reporter. She also wrote for the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly and the Auckland Star .

Jenny also hosts her weekly ‘Joys of Reading’ podcast where she is joined by authors of mystery, suspense, thriller, and romance, answering questions that readers always wanted to ask.

Host Patricia McLinn talks with Jenny about research, exploring history, and crafting stories using her a journalism background.

In Jenny’s words: “I love stories that are semi-based on fact. I guess that’s the journalist (in me) once again; and I really enjoy being able to inject real fact, historical fact, into my stories.” [39:50]

You can connect with Jenny:

Episode 82: Writing Suspenseful Mysteries, with Matty Dalrymple

Matty Dalrymple, member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, writes suspense, thriller, and mystery. Matty is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers (Book 1 published in 2017), “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” “Snake and Ladders,” and “The Iron Ring.”

She also writes the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels (Book 1 published in 2013), “The Sense of Death, “The Sense of Reckoning,” “The Flacon and the Owl,” “A Furnace for Your Foe,” and “A Serpent’s Tooth;” as well as the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including “Close Your Eyes” and “Write in Water.”

Matty lives with her husband, Wade Walton, and their dogs in Chester County, Pa. She enjoys sailing and visiting Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, Ariz., providing the settings for her work.

Host Patricia Mclinn talks with Matty about the writing process, finding inspiration, and building a new story from just a scene.

In Matty’s words: “I think you have to not fight against what your natural tendency is. You have to find ways of managing this (writing) as sufficiently as possible.” [1:09:12]

You can find Matty at:

Her website

Thanks to DialogMusik for the instrumentals that accompany this podcast.

Episode 81: The Small Town Meet-Cute, with Jean Oram

Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of feel-good, tingle-inducing, heartwarming romances. They’ll make you want to stay up all night laughing, crying and falling in love with her realistic characters. She loves to sweep readers away while making opposites attract in tear-jerking, laugh-out-loud romances set in small towns.

Jean, who grew up in an old schoolhouse in a small Canadian town (population 100), still lives in Canada with her husband, kids, cat, dog, and the pesky deer (and moose) that wander into her yard to eat her rose bushes and apple trees.

Host Patricia McLinn talks with Jean about the charm of small towns, crafting your characters and connecting with readers

In Jean’s words: “I never quite know how a book is going to be perceived by a reader because what is in my head doesn’t always make it to the page, and the way I feel about a book isn’t always how a reader with a different life experience will feel about this story as well.” [50:24]

You can find Jean at:

Episode 80: Clifton Strengths in Writing, with Becca Syme

Author Becca Syme is the creator and founder of the Better-Faster Academy. She has been teaching the popular Write Better-Faster course on author success alignment for six years, and has individually coached thousands of authors toward better success in their careers and lives.

She believes that an individualized approach is the most effective, so she’s brought on other certified coaches who are also writers, to help coach even more writers to maximize their strengths. If you want to get coaching with Becca, the best place to come is on the Insiders level of her Patreon, where she runs monthly topical coaching calls on topics that are relevant to the writing community.

She also writes mystery as R.L. Syme and has written several genres of romance in the past, including historical, contemporary, paranormal, and romantic suspense. She lives in the snowy mountains of Montana, where it is always winter and never Christmas.

Host Patricia McLinn talks with Becca about the Clifton Strengths test and how it can be applied both in the writing and reading world.

In Becca’s words: “Not everyone naturally comes by the knowledge of just how different we are. Just how different our brains are and how much that makes a difference in what we like.” [8:25]

You can find Becca Syme at:

Patreon and

Better Faster Academy

Episode 79: Learning to Listen and Ignore, with R.L. Syme

Author and career coach Becca Syme writes mystery as R.L. Syme, including the cozy culinary series The Matchbaker Mysteries, and has written several genres of romance, including historical, contemporary, paranormal, and romantic suspense. She was nominated for a Genesis Award in Contemporary Romance and has won several writing contests in historical romance, young adult romance, and contemporary fiction. She holds membership in Romance Writers of America, Novelists, Inc. (NINC) and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Becca lives in the snowy mountains of Montana and has worked with kids in various nonprofit settings that involve music, theater, dance, food, and after-school fun.

She’s the creator and founder of the Better-Faster Academy , and has been teaching the popular Write Better-Faster course on author success alignment for six years.

In a broad-ranging conversation, host Patricia McLinn talks to Becca about learning throughout a writing career both by listening to others and, sometimes, ignoring them.

In R.L.’s words: “I have a mantra that’s, ‘question the premises.’ and so its, the advise that might be really great for you might actually make me not able to write.” [37:10]

You can find R.L. Syme at:

Episode 78: Writing Pace, with Nicole Burnham

Nicole Burnham is the RITA award-winning author of more than 20 novels, including the popular Royal Scandals series. Her stories center on family and romance, whether they’re set in small-town America or centuries-old palaces, and are populated by characters who work to make the world a better place.

As an army brat, Nicole grew up moving around the world. She graduated from an American high school in Mannheim, Germany, then completed her BA in Political Science at Colorado State University and her JD/MA at the University of Michigan.

Nicole and her family live in Boston. She spends as much time as possible at Fenway Park and travels abroad whenever she can score cheap airfare. If she isn’t writing, she’s likely hiking or trail running.

Host Patricia McLinn talks with Nicole about writing pace and the pre-planning and development of characters for serial writing.

In Nicole’s words: “I had that book in my head for a very long time. And so I had worked through an awful lot of … not just the plot but who the characters were in advance.” [25:00]

You can find Nicole at:

Instagram and

Episode 77: Discovery Writing, a Continuation, with Patricia McLinn

In late May, host Patricia McLinn was a guest on fellow independent author Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast. Joanna writes nonfiction for authors and is an award-nominated, bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She’s also an award-winning podcaster and creative entrepreneur.

In the Creative Penn podcast “Discovery Writing And Sustaining A Long-Term Writing Career With Patricia McLinn,” they discussed discovery writing (a.k.a. pantsing), how to write a novel with structure if you don’t plot in advance, and building a writing career for the long-term. In this Authors Love Readers “Continuation” episode, Patricia reflects on her interview with Joanna about the current trends and the future of the publishing industry, shares more tips for writers, and talks about why she wrote Survival Kit for Writers Who Don’t Write Right.

In Patricia’s words: “I wanted to write the book to encourage writers who don’t write ‘right’ to respect their process, test it against reality, but not to throw it away. You’re given this ability (at least this is the way I feel). I’ve been given this ability and this is the way the stories come to me and I am not going to turn my back on that. I’m not going to refuse those gifts.” [39:15]

For a full Authors Love Readers interview with Patricia and Joanna, check out Episode 54: You Have to First Be a Reader, with J.F. Penn.

You can find Patricia at her:

And: Patricia’s Word Watch page

You can also go to Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast site , which includes both the original podcast interview with Patricia and a transcript of the show.

Episode 76: Finishing the Book, with Sara Rosett

A native Texan, USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett grew up reading and dreaming of writing books. Her stories and essays have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Military Wife’s Soul , Georgia Magazine , The Writer and Romantic Times Book Review .

She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline a Cozy Mystery.

Publishers Weekly called Sara’s books “satisfying,” “well-executed” and “sparkling.” She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and Novelists, Inc.

Sara talks with host Patricia McLinn about completing her first book, and nurturing a writing career.

In Sara’s words: “I said, if I’m going to spend any time doing anything, I want to write a book because that’s something I’d always wanted to do. I thought, if I’m going to take time away from being a mom and running the household and all that, ’cause I had two kids under 3, I would try and write. So that’s what I did. I wrote during nap time and it took me forever, but I finally got a book finished.” [32:04]

You can follow Sara at:

And Facebook

Transcript coming soon

https://vurbl.com/station/3kQK3bj0mxX/

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Home » Canadian Romance Writers, the Unsung Heroes of Canada

Canadian Romance Writers, the Unsung Heroes of Canada

As you may have noticed, we here at Fangirlish LOVE romance novels. We love how they bring us joy and how there really is a romance out there for everyone.

This time, we’d like to focus on Canadian romance novelists, aka novelists who write in Canada. The unsung heroes of Canadian literature. Sadly, Canadian media and big bookstores are missing out on an opportunity to promote these amazing writers – we will not .

So here are some books by Canadian authors you should absolutely check out:

Handymen Series by Rosanna Leo

Rosanna Leo ’s AMAZING three-book Handymen series: A Good Man , An Irresistible Force and A Reluctant Attraction tell the story of the three handymen Zorn brothers. The brothers are the stars of their own renovation show, each bringing their own speciality and good looks.

A Good Man tells the story of the eldest Zorn brother Michael and their client of the episode Emily Daniels. Leo’s characters are well-developed and truly interesting people. Michael has his own issues but the way he cares for Emily immediately is awe-inspiring. It is a joy to watch this story develop as they renovated Emily’s grandmother’s old house in Toronto’s Little Italy to make her soup business. This story like the others has a lot of heart. Michael and Emily are perfect together. This book is yum on every level!

The second book in the series An Irresistible Force is Eli Zorn’s book. This book is also set during a renovation but there is a twist – a woman has chained herself to the house. Let the fun begin! Eli is immediately drawn to Bernie Nolan. So is it really a hardship when he is voluntold she is his problem to solve? Eli knows there is more to Bernie’s protest than meets the eye and we get to learn right along with him that the episode’s project is not as expected. This book will make you laugh and cheer.

The final book in the series A Reluctant Attraction comes out April 20, 2021, BUT I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy and it delivers!! We get the story of the baby brother Nick Zorn and widow Claire who runs a cat sanctuary. For their own reasons, these two characters needed each other. I really enjoyed both of their journeys and felt proud to know them by the end of the novel. Especially loved how Claire helped Nick get over his issues. You will have to read to find out! It really was the perfect conclusion to the series.

Roanna Leo lives in the Toronto area and this series was set there as well.

You can purchase the Handymen Series through Amazon and Kobo

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

This book will make you want bread. Like, you will need to eat bread, BADLY. So be prepared and READ THIS BOOK.

This is Farah Heron ’s follow up to her amazing book The Chai Factor and it did not disappoint. It tells the story of Reena and Nadim, the very hot man across the hall with a British accent.

In this neighbour, turn friends, turn lovers with a Great Canadian Baking show competition in the mix you can watch the relationship rise – yep, I went there.

Reena is a woman who just wants to avoid her parents meddling in her life. Something, many can relate to. So when she meets the super hot guy across the hall it’s perfect, he can have no connection to her family, right?

This book made me laugh so hard I had to put the book down. Reena and Nadim are heartfelt and interesting, I love the quirks Heron gives her characters. Like Reena, we don’t know Nadim’s background and it was interesting to learn what led to him being the man across the hall.

The secondary characters in this book are great, loved her cousin Marley and friend Shayne in the building and the characters we met in The Chai Factor , Saira, Amira and Duncan.

Accidentally Engaged brings complex family issues, joy, romance, angst and bread – so much bread. It’s relatable and wonderful.

Farah Heron lives in Toronto and this book was set in Toronto.

Accidentally Engaged is available through Amazon and Kobo

Sandcastle Beach by Jenny Holiday

Sandcastle Beach is the conclusion of Jenny Holiday ’s Matchmaker Bay series. Mermaid Bay and Paradise Cove introduced us to the two main characters in this novel Law and Maya, these two characters have always been like oil and water but no one knows why.

This book gives us a deeper look at both, as business owners, they are forced to interact professionally, having mutual friends keeps them together personally. While they have always appeared to be enemies, it was never vicious.

Getting the characters backstories and learning about all the things we wondered about makes this book worthwhile on its own. But watching how Law takes care of Maya without her knowing, is just the start of the icing. Going from quasi-enemies to friends to lovers was a delicate path to walk but Holiday delivers.

The final book in a series always feels a bit like visiting old friends and it was nice to see the old friends in this book help Law and Maya find their way. It was like things coming full circle.

Jenny Holiday lives in London, Ontario and this series is based in a fictional Ontario beach town.

Sandcastle Beach is available through Amazon and Kobo

The Knockout Rule by Kelly Siskind

The Knockout Rule is the fourth book in Kelly Siskind’ s Showman Series. This the first book by Siskind we’ve read but it won’t be the last!

The book tells the story of the physiotherapist daughter of a former heavyweight boxing champ Isla and a current heavyweight boxer Brick/Eric. Full disclosure, not a huge boxing fan but that didn’t matter because OMG Brick/Eric is one of our favourite heroes of all time.

Isla knows all too well what being a boxer means, she has seen first hand what it has done to her father. Isla steers clear of all things boxing for personal reasons until her father requests she join him in Vegas in a lead up to Brick’s fight. For reasons you will have read about, Isla agrees and this is when she meets Brick.

Brick is his show name, Eric is so much more than he appears and his reasons for boxing are even more complex. There are so many reasons to fall in love with Eric. And you will, right along with Isla.

While we can’t deny LOVING Eric. His sidekick Whit the dog. He really did steal the show. LOVED them both.

This is a book you can’t put down and NEED to workout. Boxing fan or not, this is the book for you!

Kelly Siskind lives in Northern Ontario and this book was set primarily in Las Vegas.

The Knockrule is available through Amazon and Kobo

Still MORE Canadian Writers

Rosanna Leo, Farah Heron, Jenny Holiday and Kelly Siskind are just four of the MANY Canadian romance writers out there. There are so many that we’ve yet to read, always on the lookout for more. Some other Canadian romance writers we can recommend include Jackie Lau , Jacquelyn Middleton , Kelly Bowen , Marie Landry , Molly O’Keefe and Mary Balogh .

So when it comes to romance novelists, don’t forget Canadians!

Jacqueline Lee

'chicago fire' 9x10 pictures: "one crazy shift", 'grown-ish' season 4 to premiere this summer.

Thanks so much to Jacqueline and Fangirlish for this fabulous article! I truly appreciate you sharing my Handymen series, and for the Canadian romance love!

Much congrats to my fellow Canadian writers!

romance writers of canada podcast

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