The Calico Lady is a strange little story of a lonely woman who sets out to find her heart’s desire and, unfortunately, gets exactly what she asked for.

I got some fantastic news. One of my short stories –The Calico Lady  – was selected as a finalist in a writing competition sponsored by the University of Toronto and Random House Canada Publishing. The ten finalists were invited to Toronto in November to do a reading of their winning entry at the awards celebration.  I was told that I am the first online student to be a finalist in the annual competition. So, I’m off to Toronto on November 22 to attend the celebration and do a short reading from The Calico Lady. I’m really looking forward to meeting Lee Gowan – author and Program Head, Creative Writing at University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies – as well as Michelle Berry – author and my instructor in my creative writing courses I took through the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. I may also get an opportunity to meet Joy Fielding (New York Times and Globe and Mail best-selling author of many thrillers and mysteries) who will be attending the celebration as well as Anne Collins – VP Random House Canada.