Floods at the Annapolis Boat Show, by J.C. Kavanagh

Darkness Descends,

Book 2 of the award-winning Twisted Climb series

My partner Ian and I are avid sailors. We own a 36' Catalina sailboat named Escape Route II that we sail all over Georgian Bay and also the North Channel, which, by the way, has been voted the best fresh-water sailing destination in the world. We're both adventurous souls when it comes to sailing and we've decided that in the next few years, we're going to upgrade to a bigger boat and sail to the Caribbean and points further south. And maybe even cross the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
So we've been checking out all kinds of boat manufacturers on the Internet, trying to decide which type and size to buy. It's difficult to gauge 'online' if a certain type of sailboat meets your needs because the best way is to actually board the boat. When it comes to checking out multiple sailboats, there's no better place than the Annapolis boat show in Maryland, U.S.A. It's the largest in-water sailboat show in North America, with more than 400 sailboats of all sizes and makes on display, just waiting for you to board. Annapolis is about a 10-hour drive from our home north of Toronto, Ontario so we made plans to stay for four days.
What a fantastic four days.

The weather couldn't have been nicer for mid-October: sunny and a very warm 22 degrees Celsius (that's about 72 degrees Fahrenheit). For Canadians, that's delightful 'summer' weather.

And then on Friday morning I received this notification on my cell phone.

And then we noticed this.

See the dock beside the boat on the right?

Yeah, that's underwater.

We kept walking, and saw this.

And this.

That's the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. Except now it has water in the front and in the back.

We were told that the high tide, combined with the full moon and the after effects of Tropical Storm Melissa, were causing the flood waters. We felt uneasy but the locals all shrugged and said it was 'normal.'

We headed back the next day, Saturday, October 12. By noon, water levels had risen more than two feet above normal. Seawater laps over the docks, inch by inch. People start taking off their socks and shoes and walking through the cold, salt water. 

Water flows into a vendor tent as a little girl 

waits for her dad to save her.

I receive more weather alerts on my cell phone.

At 3:30, all power to the show is shut down. Imagine the voltage used by hundreds of boats all hooked up to mobile electric posts, all on docks that are 'fixed' to the seabed floor. Imagine the thousands of vendors losing power to their debit/credit card machines and all lighting in the vendor tents shut off. Imagine the level of fear in the tens of thousands of visitors when docks adjoining docks suddenly become submerged and exit routes to dry land become limited. Finding accessible exit routes is like finding your way out of a boat-lined maze.

I grab hold of the backpack on Ian's shoulder and hang on as he leads me through the maze and we weave our way through hundreds of boat-gawkers. Everyone is pretty calm, considering the docks are literally sinking beneath us. We head alongside the Passport sailboats - my fave!

 Cream-puff pics from the Passport yacht website

If I had an extra few million dollars lying around, this would be my next sailboat. A Passport 54.5. 

Triple spreader, two staterooms, two heads, linear galley and gigantic main salon. 

Finally, we're on dry-ish land and the show organizers decide, for safety reasons, to close the show early. We look behind and see the swell of people scrambling to get 'out' of the show area. 

 

Roads around the show have been closed and we watched the water's progress while waiting in line for our bus to take us to the parking area at the Naval Academy. Cars were prohibited from accessing the show and we were thankful that we decided to take advantage of the show's parking bus. What an adventure! It was our first time at the boat show and I know for certain it won't be our last.

Author event November 2

I'll be promoting my books at the Chapters store in Kanata, Ontario on Saturday, November 2. Come on by!

Till next time...

J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)

voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada

AND

The Twisted Climb,

voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll

Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart

Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh

www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh

Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

The Beetle Battle, by J.C. Kavanagh

Award-winning sequel, The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends

I often use personal experience when writing - if it's something I've heard or empathized with, or witnessed with my own eyes, my own heart, then I can write about it from my perspective. Personal experience often lends a more credible telling of the tale and hopefully lead to a closer connection with the reader. I use my home and sailing experiences in both The Twisted Climb and Darkness Descends. For example, shortly after we bought our property, we discovered 20-year-old vines twisted around many of our pine trees. They had slowly died a 'strangled' death. I used that twisted vine experience in the 'Drunk on a Slinky' chapter of Darkness Descends. Another example is from my sailing vacations. We sail to a gorgeous place called The Bad River, home to the Devil's Door Rapids, and I used these places as dream world locations in Darkness Descends.
 
My home is in a rural area surrounded by thousands of trees and nature in all its forms - birds, deer, racoons, porcupines, skunks and our neighbour's Guinea Hens, chickens and geese. So when I came home from our August sailing vacation, I was saddened to see a good number of our pine trees in distress. The needles were reddish-brown and the bark was splitting. My partner and I were walking around the property, wine glass in hand, when we stopped to listen to an unusual sound. It was a crunching sound and the source was one of the pine trees beside the man-cave/shop.
 
My heart wrenched.
 
I'd heard about this sound.


Adult pine bark beetle


This munching sound. The sound of hungry mouths chewing and chewing and destroying.
 
It was the sound of ten thousand hungry pine bark beetles.
 
These are voracious little fother-muckers that destroy swaths of trees. From Mexico all the way to British Columbia and now, Ontario, these pests are destroying pine trees wherever they fly and lay eggs.
 
We live near a provincial forest and are also surrounded by Christmas tree farms. Many of the tree farm properties have been decimated by these pests and, until now, I felt badly for them but never once thought that the trees on my property would be subject to the horrible critters. The provincial forest had a controlled burn this past spring in an attempt to halt the pests from spreading.
 
Yeah, well, that didn't help me or my trees.
 
I'm researching ways to halt the spread of these destructive insects and save the healthy trees. This is what I've learned from the 'Net:

Bark beetles kill the host tree when the adults bore holes through the tree’s outer bark and

into the inner bark layer of the tree. The adult beetles then

excavate tunnels where the female beetle lays eggs.

When the eggs hatch, the grub stage (larvae) further damages

 the inner bark layer as they construct feeding galleries.

Eventually, the combined excavation by adults and larvae will

girdle  or encircle the tree’s inner bark and cause death.

 
Further to the above, it seems that the best way to eliminate the beetle is to cut the tree down in the winter. And then 'chop and burn.'
 
My partner and I are on a new mission: Beat the Beetle. And take care of our forest.
 
This is a battle we don't want to lose. Our trees are counting on us :(

Several of the pines along our driveway are plagued with the beetle.
Note the reddish-brown needles.

My favourite twisted pine is also infested.

Looking upward, this pine tree is 'home' to thousands of the beetles.
It's where we first heard the 'munching' sound.

Note the tiny entry/exit holes in the bark. The crystalized insect (centre) appears to be a June bug.
When the tree is first attacked by the beetle, it exudes sap in a defensive effort. This June bug is a casualty.

 Mother nature...

J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

Good at The Bad, by J.C. Kavanagh

Book 2 of the award-winning The Twisted Climb series

Peace and tranquility are by-products of sailing. Capturing these serene moments are difficult. You have to choose between ‘leaving’ the moment to concentrate on a photo/recording device, or, still your soul to imprint the moment on your mind.

Georgian Bay art in the sky

 

Imprinting these special moments adds to the hundreds if not thousands of imprints in the playground of your mind. As I write this, I’m on week two of a month-long sailing vacation in Georgian Bay, Ontario. I’ve mentally captured hundreds of images and stored them all over the playground in my mind. Some are on the ladder steps leading to the zipline platform; some are tied to a slim-shady bridge made of vines, and others are stored in the dark recesses of an old wooden cupboard. All patiently waiting for the perfect moment, for the perfect scene, for the perfect character.

 

 

I’m anchored at The Bad River on the northeast side of Georgian Bay. When the weather is bad here, it’s really bad. But when it’s good, it’s an earthly paradise. This is the place that jumped from reality and into the playground of my mind – and then leapt into the pages of my award-winning sequel, The Twisted Climb – Darkness Descends. There you will find the Devil’s Door Rapids. There too, you will find the treacherous waterfall and the great cliff.

Devil's Door Rapids at The Bad River
Georgian Bay, Ontario

My sailboat, Escape Route II,
anchored at the cliffs of The Bad River

Adventures are calling. Who will respond?

 

J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

Hosting a Teddy Bear Picnic, by J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends
Short-listed for Best Young Adult Book 2018 at The Word Guild, Canada 

I've never been to a Teddy Bear picnic. In fact, I didn't know there was such a thing. But when imagination is rampant and your two granddaughters are visiting from Ottawa for a week - well then, everything and anything that is entertaining comes into play.

The imagination of a child is beautiful to behold. Unfettered, it is limitless. Witnessing the unfolding of ideas gives me great joy and is a powerful reminder to tap my own imagination when it comes to writing. The adventures that take place in the playground of your mind can be shifted to real life. Ask any child and they will show you how it's done.

So our Teddy Bear picnic adventure began with a dress code: stripes. Paddy, the name of our big teddy, was too big to carry so we carted him around in a stroller. He was dressed in a striped shirt too. A light lunch was prepared (PB&J wraps, granola bars, grapes) and we headed outside and took a walk through the trails on our property. We had to stop regularly to give the bears a 'drink' of water. Of course, the girls had to have a drink too. We pretended the bears could talk and we held silly conversations with them. I stepped back in time and became a silly kid too.

Their visit became a refresher course for me in the art of creative thinking.

Sometimes we have to pretend our minds have no boundaries.

Because imagination is not just for kids.

J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll

Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart

Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh

www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh

Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

A night to remember, by J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends 

Short-listed for Best Young Adult Book 2018, 

The Word Guild

I was recently honoured to have a book review of The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends included in the 25th anniversary booklet for the South Simcoe Arts Council - a southern Ontario organization dedicated to promoting local writers, artists and artisans. Here is the review: 

J.C. Kavanagh, award-winning author of The Twisted Climb books


“Word-movie.” That’s what a good book should create in the mind of the reader says local author J.C. Kavanagh. “A truly good book,” she says, “will draw the reader into the playground-mind of the writer so that they both ‘see’ the same word-movie.” 


It is this concept that Kavanagh continues in Darkness Descends, the second book in her Twisted Climb series (both published by Canadian company BWL Publishing). The books follow the journey of Jayden, Connor and Max as they side-step in and out of an ominous dream world where the diabolical Richard Hatemore dwells. It’s the dreaded place where the only way to ‘fall’ asleep is to ‘climb.’ Their fantastical adventures unite them as a team and ultimately bring them together to confront their greatest fears. The stark and often terrifying descriptions of the dream world, combined with the unique personalities of the main characters, bring vividness to the book that will delight readers both young and old. As one reviewer wrote: “J.C. Kavanagh does a superb job of creating a vast and puzzling dream world... unfolding the characters and bringing this story to life. I would love to see Darkness Descends grace the silver screen, or possible cable series.” Another reviewer wrote: “The clever plot twists make Darkness Descends an absolute page-turner.”


Both books have earned Kavanagh the Best Young Adult book award; in 2016 for The Twisted Climb, and again in 2018 for Darkness Descends. They are available at the South Simcoe Arts Council store on Victoria Street, at Chapters stores across Canada, and online wherever digital books are sold.

www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh

http://www.bookswelove.net/authors/kavanagh-j-c-ya-urban-fantasy/

A night to remember

Last month, The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends, was short-listed by Canada's The Word Guild, in the Young Adult - General market category. The Word Guild is an organization of Canadian writers, speakers, publishers, booksellers, librarians and other write-minded individuals who are Christian. Darkness Descends does not point to a specific religion, thus, the 'General market' category. The book, however, explores the empowerment of love and unity in a broad format. The characters ultimately recognize that 'good' overpowers all.  

The Word Guild hosts an annual writers' conference and black-tie Awards Gala in Hamilton, Ontario. There were 31 award categories, ranging from inspirational column, poetry and song, to academic, book cover and best manuscript. More than 100 finalists made the short-list, as determined by a panel of six judges. The Awards Gala took place on June 14 and I was privileged to be there with my partner, Ian. We dressed up! For those who regularly read my blog, you'll know that when it comes to attire, I'm closer to nature than high heels. But we cleaned up pretty good, I'd say. I didn't win the award but I was inspired and honoured to rub shoulders with this elite group of writers.

Me and my 

handsome partner, Ian

Spring season is underway here in Canada. Well, maybe. The water in Georgian Bay is 4 degrees Celsius. That's 39.2 Fahrenheit. That is daaaarn cold. Nonetheless, I was swimming in Beausoleil Bay on June 9 and in the water for a full five seconds. Five seconds longer than necessary. Yes, there may have been some wine involved. The water is normally about 10 degrees Celsius at this time of year but this does not appear to be a 'normal' spring. Still beautiful, though!

Take a few moments today to enjoy nature.

J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)

voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll

AND short-listed for Best Young Adult Book 2018, The Word Guild, General Market Category

AND

The Twisted Climb,

voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll

Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart

Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh

www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh

Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)

When a rope is not a rope, by J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends, 

Short-listed for Best Young Adult Book, The Word Guild

It's that time of year again when we haul off the canvas tarps, fire up the buffer, and prepare our sailboat, Escape Route II, for the sailing season. I do so love prepping, but it always involves the purchase of: 
Compound ($50)
Wax ($60)
Cleaning solutions ($50)
VC17 keel paint ($100 per can and we need two cans)
Varathane ($50)
Cetol ($50)
And the list goes on.....
Everyone knows what the acronym for BOAT is, right? 
It's Bring Out Another Thousand.
Yes, sailing and owning a boat is an expensive undertaking. The price for material used for 'marine' purpose is at least quadruple what you'd pay for another purpose. Example: the cost of a marine water pump is $800. The cost for the same item, used in a motor vehicle, is $100.
However, the pure joy of harnessing the wind to bring you from Point A to Point B, is - priceless. 
And anchoring? Pure bliss.
But back to spring fitting. 
Our spring fitting (the terms used for prepping the boat for the sailing season), usually involves four or five weekends of hard, physical work. First, we remove the canvas tarps and dismantle the winter structure. This takes one full weekend.

Then we spend two more weekends cleaning the interior of the boat (the interior is referred to as 'down below'), applying compound to the hull, waxing the hull, buffing the hull, washing the decks. I also bring back all my reading materials, cushions, spices for the 'galley' (kitchen), materials for the 'head' (bathroom), sunscreen and insect repellents. (All liquids are removed for the winter and returned in the spring.)

'Down below'

Then another weekend is dedicated to hooking up batteries, changing oil and water filters, testing the engine, and painting the bottom. The mast also needs to be cleaned and the rigging inspected (that's the steel cables, chains and turnbuckles that connect the mast to the body of the boat, as well as the spreaders, shrouds and halyards).

FACT: The ropes from the foresail, aka Genoa, aka Genny, are called 'sheets.'
FACT: Ropes are not referred to as ropes on a sailboat. They are 'lines,' 'sheets' or 'halyards.'
FACT: 'Halyards' are the ropes from the top of the mast leading to the foresail and the mainsail.

When everything has been inspected, cleaned and waxed, then it's time to paint the bottom of the boat and the keel. The keel on our 36' Catalina sailboat is made of lead and weighs approximately 6,600 lbs. The boat when empty, weighs over 14,000 lbs. My partner likes to joke and say when I provision the boat, it weighs 20,000 pounds. NOT TRUE, but funny. Provisioning means I've provided food, water and important materials to survive on the sailboat.

FACT: The lighter the boat, the faster it sails. 

Finally, it's time to launch the boat. A large and powerful wheeled transport 'lifts' the boat from its cradle (the metal structure that holds the boat while it's out of the water. A sailboat sitting on the cradle is referred to as being 'on the hard.')

FACT: the main part of the boat consists of the dining area which is 'down below.' This is referred to as the 'main salon.'

FACT: Bedrooms are called 'staterooms.' Our boat has two staterooms: the v-berth in the forward section of the boat (which is called the 'bow'), and the aft cabin, which is in the stern or 'aft' section of the boat.
FACT: the left side of the boat is called 'port.' The right side of the boat is called 'starboard.'

Last, we use the mast crane to lift and position the 54' mast into place. The shrouds and turnbuckles are attached to the decks; the forestay is locked into place along with the backstay. These 'stays' hold and prevent the mast from falling forward/back. The shrouds maintain the mast's centre position. Then the sails are hoisted into place.

There's one last check to ensure the rigging is not too tight and not too loose.

Then.... the sailing season begins!

Some exciting news to share.... The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends has been short-listed by The Word Guild in the Young Adult Book, General market category. The winner will be announced at their awards/gala event in June. I'll keep you posted!

Take a few moments today to enjoy nature.

J.C. Kavanagh

The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2)

voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll

AND

The Twisted Climb,

voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll

Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart

Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh

www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh

Twitter @JCKavanagh1 (Author J.C. Kavanagh)