Friday, February 10, 2017

My Favorite Canadian: Catching Up with Chevy Stevens


INGRID THOFT

If you’ve had a chance to spend time with the Reds or other mystery/thriller writers, you probably know that they are some of the nicest, most generous people around.  This has certainly been my experience with New York Times bestselling author Chevy Stevens.  With six critically acclaimed books under her belt including STILL MISSING and the soon to be released, NEVER LET YOU GO, Chevy is not only a fabulous author, but also a wonderful friend.  During a recent family health crisis, Chevy was a wonderful cheerleader via text and also offered to send me cupcakes and a masseuse named Sven. What more could you ask for in a friend?  She very graciously accepted my request for a little chat on today’s blog.


CHEVY STEVENS: Thank you so much, Ingrid, for this lovely introduction. I was honored when you asked if I would like to guest post on Jungle Red. I’ll try not to mess it up or get too Canadian on you, eh? I never realized how many times I said "eh" until I was out one night with Ingrid and some friends in Seattle and they called me on it EVERY TIME. Apparently, I am a Canadian cliché. Really sorry about that. And I still feel terrible that Sven got snowed in and never made the trip. Can I offer you some poutine, Nanaimo bars, or a jug of maple syrup?

INGRID: I had no idea what a Nanaimo bar was, Chevy, until a box arrived on my doorstep!  And cookies from Sven!  He's so thoughtful!  Let’s talk about work:  Every writer has a different approach to producing a book.  Do you have daily goals?  Weekly?  How do you make sure you meet them? 

CHEVY: OMG, my new goal: Introduce Ingrid to the Nanaimo Bar experience. Done!  I do have writing goals, but I’m not sure I have done a very good job with always meeting them. Life has a tendency to get in the way sometimes. When I’m beginning a new book, I usually have a daily word count goal or a plan of how many pages I want to show my editor by a certain date. When I am editing and revising, it’s not about page count, it’s about what I want to accomplish that day. For example, I might decide I want to finish rewriting a certain chapter or section by the end of the week. If I am feeling unfocused or under the weather, I will pick something easier, like fixing an old scene, instead of writing something new, which requires more brainpower.  

INGRID: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?  The writing of a particular book or maybe getting published in the first place?

CHEVY: For me, the hardest part has been what happened after my first book STILL MISSING was published. I was beyond thrilled that it was successful, but I didn’t understand that would bring new challenges on my time. I still struggle with how to balance the demands of life with writing and marketing, especially now that I have a young daughter. Last year she started preschool, and I think we got every illness possible. I can’t work when my head is all muddled with fatigue, and I felt a lot of stress about missing my deadlines, especially because I was already behind on this book. However, without any deadlines I probably would nap and watch TV all day!

INGRID: I feel the same way in terms of dealing with competing demands on my time, and I don’t have any kids!  Some days, the marketing and PR piece interrupts the writing, although it’s certainly a good problem to have.  What else has changed for you since STILL MISSING was released seven years ago?

CHEVY: I feel a little more relaxed about the process now, but check back with me in a few weeks when my book hits the shelves! When STILL MISSING was released, the publishing world was so new and frankly, scary to me. I thought that everything had to be perfect—every blog post, every interview question, every Facebook or Twitter post. I still try to do my best, but now I realize perfection is impossible.

Earlier in my career, bad reviews cut me to the bone and could cripple my creativity. I still don’t like reading one if someone is being vicious or attacking me personally, but I can shake it off more easily now because I have the support of my fans and more internal confidence. I give everything I have to each book and that’s what is important to me—that I keep learning and growing and challenging myself.

INGRID: I’ve always been hugely impressed that you read all your reviews.  You are a brave soul!  What has changed for you personally in recent years?

CHEVY: I am in a much different phase of my life. When I started STILL MISSING, I was a real estate agent, single, still smoked (eek!), went everywhere with my beloved dog, Annie. I didn’t know what my future held, but I knew that I had to follow my passion. By the time STILL MISSING was published in 2010, I had quit real estate, sold my house, lived on savings for a couple of years, eventually went back to work, and connected with my husband on Facebook. Now we have a daughter—and two dogs!  

INGRID: Authors do the actual writing, but it takes a village to bring a book to readers.  What are some of the key relationships in your writing life?

CHEVY: A good relationship between an editor and an author is crucial, and I am blessed to have a fantastic editor, Jennifer Enderlin, at St. Martin’s Press. We have worked on over six books together, and I completely trust her feedback and enjoy our brainstorming sessions. My agent, Mel Berger, signed me after he read an early draft of STILL MISSING, and he makes sure that the business side is taken care of so I can focus on writing. Behind the scenes, I have worked with the same copyeditor for five books and had the same cover designer for most of them, too. I am really lucky to have a great support team at SMP and in Canada, and after this many books and years working together, I genuinely consider them friends, not just business associates.  

During the writing process, I believe in having early readers because I don’t think that any one person sees things the same way and after working on a draft for months, it all looks the same. My critique partner, Carla Buckley, and another good friend, Robin Spano, read NEVER LET YOU GO and helped me take it to the next level—and kept me sane when I locked myself into a hotel room for the last week of rewrites. For my current project, I am very glad that YOU, Ingrid, were willing to show me around Seattle and share your sources, and helped me brainstorm, while we enjoyed some fabulous meals and desserts. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

INGRID: I am absolutely the woman for the job when it comes to fabulous meals and desserts, in the name of research, of course.  This picture of the two of us was snapped during one of those research assignments, and clearly, we took the task seriously!  Do you have any writing quirks?  Location?  Music?


CHEVY: I love, love ear plugs. I buy them in bulk and keep them stashed in my purse, my briefcase, and in my desk drawers. If I am working at home, I usually wear them—and sometimes I forget I have them in and just walk around the house with everything all nice and muffled.  When I am working at a coffee shop or in a public place, I use my ear buds and listen to soft music. The other thing I can’t live without is a specific Microsoft wireless keyboard. I am so addicted to it I have two in use at all times and another brand new one in storage in case something happens.  

INGRID: I’ll have to get the hubby to hook you up with the Microsoft store!  Tell me your favorite thing about your upcoming release, NEVER LET YOU GO?

CHEVY: Oh, yes please!! I would go crazy in a Microsoft store. I would probably end up with a storage unit for all my keyboards. Sigh…what a wonderful thought. Right, back to your question! I really enjoyed the mother and daughter relationship in this book. It was lovely to write, and I truly hope that my daughter and I remain close like that during her teen years

INGRID: You’re a great mom; if anyone can navigate the teenage years, it will be you.  As I mentioned before, you’re a wonderful friend, but I do have a bone to pick with you.  If my productivity isn’t up to snuff, it’s often your fault since you love to text and email me the results of your favorite means of procrastination.  C'mon Chevy, tell the readers more!

CHEVY: Oh ho! Now all your fans will be hunting me down and yelling at me for distracting you from your writing! Well, I have to confess it’s true—I do have a tendency to get really excited about a plan, which usually involves travel to some sort of retreat in a sunny destination, with poolside drinks and a beautiful view, and then immediately think about who I can drag along with me on my wild daydreams. I’m addicted to VRBO and TripAdvisor and spend far too much time working out the pros and cons of various hotels, villas, and flight options. Ingrid, I’m still holding you to the idea of you and I hosting a writers’ retreat somewhere exotic! Who’s in?

INGRID: I’m in, although, you don’t seem to be taking my suggestions very seriously.  The naturalist resort in Mexico didn’t fit the bill as a possible location? ;)

CHEVY: The naturalist resort is still open for consideration! I just have to lay off the Nanaimo bars and hit the treadmill harder, and I’m game. Meet you there.

Have a question for Chevy?  Just comment, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of NEVER LET YOU GO, either the ARC now or the hardback upon release.

Chevy’s publisher, St. Martin’s Press, is also running a giveaway that includes a free copy of THOSE GIRLS with the pre-order purchase of NEVER LET YOU GO.

Click here for details!


NEVER LET YOU GOavailable for pre-order – released on March 14
Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash escaped into the night with her young daughter and left an abusive relationship. Her ex-husband, Andrew, was sent to jail and Lindsey started over with a new life.
Now, Lindsey is older and wiser, with her own business and a teenage daughter who needs her more than ever. When Andrew is finally released from prison, Lindsey believes she has cut all ties and left the past behind her. But she gets the sense that someone is watching her, tracking her every move. Her new boyfriend is threatened. Her home is invaded, and her daughter is shadowed. Lindsey is convinced it’s her ex-husband, even though he claims he’s a different person. But has he really changed? Is the one who wants her dead closer to home than she thought?
With Never Let You Go, Chevy Stevens delivers a chilling, twisting thriller that crackles with suspense as it explores the darkest heart of love and obsession.


CHEVY STEVENS grew up on a ranch on Vancouver Island and still calls the island home.  For most of her adult life she worked in sales, first as a rep for a giftware company and then as a realtor.  While holding an open house one afternoon, she had a terrifying idea that became the inspiration for STILL MISSING, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller and win the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel.  Chevy’s books have been optioned for movies and are published in more than thirty countries. 

Chevy enjoys writing thrillers that allow her to blend her interest in family dynamics with her love of the west coast lifestyle.  When she’s not working on her next book, she’s camping and canoeing with her husband and daughter in the local mountains.



53 comments:

  1. So nice to meet you here, Chevy. Alas, I have no questions to ask, but I’m happy to have the opportunity to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your books [especially “Those Girls”]. I’m looking forward to reading “Never Let You Go” . . . .

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  2. What a wonderful conversation! And I'm in on the exotic retreat, by the way. I love the Pacific northwest (despite growing up much farther south down the coast). I swear by silicone earplugs for sleeping - but hadn't thought to put them in for writing. Must investigate!

    Chevy, I haven't read any of your books yet. Are they standalones? Do you ever feel tempted to continue a character into the next book and create a series? Or, like Hallie, do you prefer to start with a fresh slate of characters and setting in each book?

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  3. Nanaimo bar - haven't made these in years and they are wonderful! Your books are terrific and I'm looking forward to Never Let You Go.

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  4. Oh, I am such a fan! And had no idea you two were pals! I'm fascinated that someone else reads your books… I have some independent editors, but no regular people :-) read that before I send the manuscript in. That is a tempting idea, I must say. But kind of a juggle, isn't it, for a friend, to be honestly critical? Ingrid, what was that like… How did you two work together?

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  5. And oh, earplugs! I wear them at channel 7 all the time… And it is so pleasant to have everything muffled. And I wear them on airplanes sometimes, just the regular earbuds but with nothing playing. I never thought about wearing them at home! I am going to try it instantly .

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  6. Welcome Chevy! I felt like I was sitting in the coffee shop with you two today...

    I'm addicted to VBRO too, oh the hours that can be wasted! And I desperately need a keyboard for my ipad, but I guess I'll wait for the next Apple keyboard-addicted guest!

    Tell us more about the new book, NEVER LET YOU GO...

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  7. JRW--the gift that keeps on giving! New authors--new books! I love reading this blog! And count me in as another VRBO-time-sucked person....must stay away...

    I too am fond of earplugs--with three pianos, a full drum kit, two guitars, and a ukele in use at any given moment....

    I will be looking for your books, Chevy!

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  8. Hi Edith,

    My first three books are linked, but it's not necessary to read them in order. Their only connection is the device of the therapist. In the first two, the narrator is telling the story to the therapist. The third book is the therapist's story. The books after that are standalones. And yes, there have been a few times where I have thought about taking one character and building a story from them, but those ideas are in my pocket for the moment!

    Karen B, thank you for your kind words! Nanaimo Bars are the best. You know, they even make Nanaimo Bar ice cream? It's amazing.


    Hi Hank!

    It takes awhile to build a critique partner, but Carla and I have been doing it for a few years now! What makes it works is that we are so honest with each other and that we trust each other--and it's all about how the feedback is given. We don't belittle or force our opinions.They are suggestions. We both have different strengths, so it works out. And of course, we also understand that it's just feedback. We listen to our own guts. I brought Robin in on the last draft of NEVER LET YOU GO because I wanted a cold read, and she was a wonderful asset, pushing me to go a little deeper with a few chapters. I'll be hitting her up again! I haven't tortured Ingrid with actually having to read any drafts yet--only made her drive me all around Seattle. I'm still wooing her with Nanaimo bars and what not.


    Hi Lucy! What would you like to know about NEVER LET YOU GO?


    FChurch, Oh my gosh! That's a lot of noise! Earplugs are the BEST. You must try them at home, Hank.



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  9. Hi Joan! Thanks for your nice message!

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  10. FChurch, exactly! I'll never run out of good books to read, if I live to be 300 years old!

    Chevy, your novels sound great. Welcome to our coffee klatsch! A dear friend lives in Richmond, and I was thrilled to get to visit her once, on my way to a wedding in Mission. What a beautiful part of the world. Alas, that's my only British Columbia experience, but I really want to visit again. Do your books take place in Vancouver, and how much of a factor is setting for you?

    Also, how did you get your name? And Nanaimo bars sound irresistible! When I Googled, though, I see there are many different versions. Is there one recipe in particular you can recommend? I must make these, soon.

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  11. The Nanaimo bars are delicious, but I can't remember how to pronounce the name! For now, I'm referring to them as "Nana" bars, as in "Doug, hands off those Nana bars!"

    I give Chevy a hard time about the VRBO stuff, but I actually love the interruptions. It's fun to daydream about exotic locales when you're struggling with a plot point or some character development!

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  12. Congratulations and best wishes, Chevy on this enthralling and riveting latest release. I have read all of your captivating novels which keep me enmeshed within the pages. The setting, characters and plots are unique and so well portrayed. I have been to B.C. which is my favorite province as I am Canadian but live in the U.S. now. Nanaimo bars would be a great treat afer 5 years of illness and an RA diagnosis recently. Wishing you happiness and much continued success.

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  13. Ha ha ha! Nana Bars, I love that. It's like this: Na-nigh-mo, but we can practice the next time I'm in Seattle :) Ingrid and I are doing an event together!

    So you LOVE the interruptions, do you? See, I was feeling bad so I was holding off, but give me a few moments and I'll pull together a travel itinerary for the next five years. Don't forget that you promised to take a trip with me and my daughter. Don't worry, she only likes going to the pool 350,000 thousand times a day and loves doing lifts. Your arms get numb eventually.

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  14. Hi Karin in Ohio! My books have mostly taken place on Vancouver Island or the interior of BC, but my seventh, the one I am working on right now, will take place in the States. I felt it was time I moved on or I was going to kill our tourist industry.

    My name comes from my father's nickname and my brother's name.

    I have to confess I don't bake, so I have never actually made them myself. Usually they have a dark chocolate later on top, custard in the middle, and a chocolate coconut crumble sort of bottom. Sometimes I think they might also have pecans in the bottom, but normally it's more of a chocolate cookie kind of base.




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  15. Hi chevy! We met and bonded at van couver's Surret Writers Conference and I read and fell in love w her first book. So happy to "see" you here!
    How do you keep earplugs from falling out?

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  16. Hi Traveler, thank you for your kind message and I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnose. I hope you find some peace and healing soon.

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  17. Hi Hallie! I remember you well. That was a fun panel. The ear plugs I buy are soft, so I usually just twist them, put them in, and let them expand! I've never had a problem with them falling out. Maybe I have nice adorable small ears :) That's what I'm going to tell myself.

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  18. As a huge fan of Carla Buckley's, I can't believe that I haven't ready Chevy before. There are just so many books out there, it's impossible to keep up. And once I started the blog, it only got worse.

    That said, I do have a copy of NEVER LET ME GO sitting in my TBR pile for the blog, so I am going to make sure I get to that one.

    This was such a fun interview, it's clear you two have a great rapport. Thanks for stopping by JRW.

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  19. The Nanaimo Bar cookies look like they have the potential of becoming very addicting - are they cake-like or crunchy?, and in ice cream? Don't get me started! I'm so glad Ingrid has introduced you to Jungle Reds -- I love learning about new authors and their writing processes, and your books are definitely going on my TBR list. Is STILL MISSING your first book? Is that where I should start?

    I remember my robustly healthy daughter starting Mother's Day Out then getting sick almost every Friday right after her pediatrician's office had closed. Blessedly they had on call nurses and doctors who were wonderful.

    Best wishes for NEVER LET YOU GO!

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  20. Great interview. Almost like I'm sitting there with you.

    Chevy, they sound like great books. More purchases to hide from my husband. :)

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  21. So the Canadian Food Network has "10 Best Nanaimo Bar Recipes." I think some of the readers need to do some test baking! ;)

    http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/photos/best-nanaimo-bar-recipes/#!Nanaimo-Bars-anna-olson

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  22. I've wanted to try a Nanaimo bar, maybe I'll find some at Jungle jims international market tomorrow. I get to go for ny bday on sat.
    Also SO excited for the new book. CAN'T wait to read it

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  23. Hi Chevy! My question is (hope it hasn't been asked) do you think about creating a series? I think a series would be awesome!

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  24. Ingrid,

    Thank you for introducing Chevy Stevens to me! I often discover new authors on JRW!

    Chevy,

    Welcome to JRW! Just put your book on my TBR list. I can see how you came up with your idea for a book while selling real estate. I often look at open houses and I can imagine mystery stories as a result. There was a Hallmark mystery series with Candace Cameron Bure - her mother is a realtor and there was a murder mystery connected to real estate on TV.

    I will ask my library to order your book.

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  25. I keep reading NaNoWriMo bars! Sounds like they would be good for writers taking on that challenge. ;^)

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  26. Ingrid,
    Thank you for the interview. You guys seem like great friends

    Hi Chevy. I will be coming to see you at your stop on March 22. I have two questions..
    1. What made you use this 8 deal for your book?
    2. How long did it take for you write? Edit?
    I have a feeling the there is a twist in this story.

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  27. That's hilarious, Edith!

    I think you should have someone make you some of those bars as you recuperate! Too bad Sven isn't available!

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  28. Hi, Chevy! What a delight to read this post over my morning coffee. I haven't been to Vancouver in years, but my family has had a summer place in the Maritimes - near Cape Split in Nova Scotia - for most of my life so I'm a summertime Canadian, eh? I live with three musicians (Hub and our hooligans), so earplugs are an essential. I'm also a former smoker and have a dog named Annie -- I found myself nodding at our similarities while reading about you :)
    One thing I don't do is read my reviews. I did at first but then I realized that I flat out didn't believe the five stars, felt dubious about the four stars, was okay with the three stars, a little disappointed in the two stars, and was totally butthurt by the one stars. So, I asked myself what I was getting out of reading the reviews - lots of angst and self-doubt - LOL - so I haven't read a review other than in the professional rags since 2010. I admire your fortitude but have to ask -- do you feel that it helps you as a writer to read your reviews? If so, in what way?

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  29. Jenn, that is a brilliant assessment of the review thought process! Perfect!

    Edith, I did, too.

    Where are you two signing??

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  30. You two have a good chemistry. Glad Chevy posted the link on fb. Have been eyeing Ingrid's books for months...about time I read some!

    Hoping one day I get to be interviewed by someone like Ingrid.

    Keep focused and have fun!

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  31. I'm going to be interviewing Chevy at the Folio: Seattle Athenaeum on Friday, March 24th starting at 6:00pm. It's hosted by the Seattle University Bookstore.

    Anyone in Houston, you have to go see Chevy at Murder By The Book on Wednesday, March 15. She's appearing with David Joy and Owen Laukkanen. Three of my favorite people in one place!

    Jay, that's such a sweet thing to say! So glad you liked our chat!

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  32. Hi Hank--here's the info!

    FRIDAY, MARCH 24 – Seattle, WA 6 PM reception 7 PM, Ingrid Thoft in conversation with Chevy, followed by Q&A + book signing Seattle Athenaeum; hosted by Seattle University Bookstore + Folio


    Thanks, Jay. You definitely need to read Ingrid! I am pretty sure she based Fina on me.

    Edith and Alexander, The Seattle Cookie Lady made the wonderful creations I sent to Ingrid. http://seattlecookielady.com/ She's also on www.facebook.com/TheSeattleCookieLady



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  33. Oops! Looks like I posted the same time as Ingrid, who apparently is much better at marketing me than me! Yes, I am in Houston with the boys and Phoenix with Linda Castillo and some other great female authors. Here is my event list: http://chevystevens.com/events/

    Tourism Nanaimo Tweeted me this fantastic website for anyone who wants to try their hand at making Nanaimo Bars at home. Send me photos on Facebook! https://thenanaimobartrail.com/the-official-nbt-recipe/?hootPostID=d46f60bf29500a461303efb60e80db46

    Hi Jenn. Thanks for the great comment! I have been to the East Coast and love it. I plan on taking my daughter there one day. There is a pub called Chevy's, and I have a photo of my dad standing under the sign. I need to recreate it. In regards to your question, I like to check out early reviews to get a sense of what people are responding to and how the book might be received. It is impossible to take into account every comment because it's so subjective, and writing for specific readers is challenging. However, I do pay attention if I see a trend, one thing that a lot of people seem to love or hate.I have now boiled it down to a perfect formula: My books must be scary, funny, exciting, dramatic, with great twists, human characters, from a wide slice of life, engaging, realistic, featuring brave heroines who have delightful animals, and with a premise that has never been done before. See, easy as eating a whole tray of Nanaimo bars in one sitting. Not that I would know about that...


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  34. Hi Celia, Yes, they do seem to pick the perfect times to get sick, don't they? We spent a terrible camping trip two years ago, locked into a trailer with all of us sick with flu.

    STILL MISSING is my first book and always a good place to start. The e-book is on sale right now for $1.99!

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  35. Hi Kristopher, Carla Buckley is wonderful. A great writer and friend.


    Hi Jennifer P, I'm not sure I understand the question with the number eight in it? Is that a phone autocorrect? For your second question, this book took me almost two years ( ugh) because I started off with a completely different book and ended up tossing it out after nine months.

    Hi Lucinda, I have thought about it, and I have a few ideas in the back of my mind! You never know...

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  36. Uh, oh Chevy - you said the magic words - "on sale."

    Oh, Ingrid - keep meaning to tell you that I finished DUPLICITY and loved it. :)

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  37. Hi Mary! If you get the e-book you don't even have to hide it :)

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  38. So glad you liked it, Mary!

    I sent some of the Nanaimo bars into the office with Doug, because you sent me so much yummy stuff, Chevy! Anyhoo, Doug said a Canadian co-worker just stopped by and said, "Nanaimo bars! My favorite!"

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  39. What's the hardest part for you while drafting? Do you write more of dialog first/descriptions? Or do you write it all at once?

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  40. I was going to say I'll have to look for Still Missing. But, e-book on sale? Be still my heart. I'll never remember the name of those bars. My mind is coming out with nanu-nanu bars. I like to look at VRBO too when a possible trip comes up. It is so nice to rent a house/cabin/condo/whatever especially if others are joining you. Like family.
    So you'll be at MBTB next month. Cool. I don't know what will be happening at that time but I will try to make it and say hi.

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  41. Ingrid, I'm so happy that you shared! Now when I show up at the Microsoft office asking for help with my latest computer issue, they will be more eager to help!

    Hi KPKnupp, Can I say all of it? Ha. The hardest part I guess is getting the premise strong, making sure it will hold up, then the rest usually flows from there. But first chapters tend to the hardest. When I'm writing, I just loosely tell myself the story, almost like sketching a rough form on paper, then I go back in and layer and deepen and add interior thoughts or more description.

    Hi Pat D. It would be great if you could make it. And yes, VRBO is a blast. I have only ever used it once in "real life" but I've had some fantastic fantasy holidays.




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  42. Hi Chevy,
    Such an interesting and delightful interview. Your writing and talent has brought me a great deal of enjoyment and pleasure. Reading is my sole form of entertainment and your books provide me with exactly what I need everyday. Thanks so much. Treats such as Nanaimo bars are enticing. We don't see those goodies here.

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  43. Pat D. - I love nanu nanu bars! Fits in with the spin-off post from yesterday!

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  44. Welcome, Chevy! An e-book sale? I'm on it! If you're a friend of Ingrid, and she likes your books I will take her recommendation seriously! I recently finished binge-reading her books and am impatiently waiting for more!

    My sister- with-the-wild-imagination was a real estate agent for several years. She frequently asked me to meet her at Open Houses "because you never know, Deb!"

    Deb Romano

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  45. Hi Petite, That's so nice of you to say! I'm thrilled that my books have brought you pleasure.

    Deborah! Yes, open houses can be very scary! I mean, you are alone in a house. I never felt comfortable doing them.

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  46. Purchased and in the queue! And I just got a message from Mystery Lovers in Oakmont, PA about your visit. So if I'm lucky, I'll be able to get it read before you visit!

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  47. Beautiful photo of Ingrid and Chevy!

    Thank you for sharing photos.

    I visited Vancouver and Victoria, where I had high tea at the Empress Hotel. I visited Mayne Island for a wedding a long time ago!

    Canada is beautiful! And I look forward to my first Bouchercon in Toronto.

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  48. Wonder if Nanaimo are similar to our Its Its ice cream sandwiches from Baskin Robbins?

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  49. I see that I'm the winner! Thank you so much.

    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  50. Sorry to be chiming in so late here (but now I get why my ears were tingling this weekend)--two of my very favorite people and writers together in one blog post. Chevy, may I put in an order for Nanaimo bars with my cheesies, please, which you say are totally addictive? Ingrid, maybe you'd be willing to share Sven? It is Valentine's Day, after all...

    I can't wait for the release of Never Let You Go! When I read those opening chapters of yours, way back when, I knew it was going to be something special. They were PERFECT. I only wish your tour were bringing you down here to North Carolina, Chevy! Maybe next time, eh?

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  51. PS: Thanks, Kristopher, for the kind words!

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