Good day, 

I hope this article reminds you of a Canadian story that you want to tell. I chose three books to  remind us of how hard our ancestors worked to get us to Canada, and struggles our Candian brother and sisters are still overcoming. 

First, Jessie Thislte's national best seller; FROM THE ASHES.

Gives us a front row seat to his story of being Metis, homeless, and finding his way.  Jessie overcame all challenges and won the Governor General's Academic Medal in 2016. Mr Thistle is an assistant professor in Metis at York University in Toronto.  In 2020, I heard him explain the list of reasons a person ends up alone on the street. This helped me understand youth homelessness and gave me insight on how we can all help our youth get onto their feet. Good work Jessie; we need this. 

Second, Crawford Kilan wrote us; GO DO SOME GREAT THING.

Solidifying Canada's Black history by showing the efforts educated and hard working Black pioneers of British Columbia exerted to make Canada home. In 1860 our first Governor, James Douglas gave assent to the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corp. The all Black unit, that gave Victoria some needed security after the Pig War with the U.S.
My own great-grandparents, Charles and Nancy Alexander achieved history. Charles built the first school in South Saanich and became a trustee. He assisted in forming the Temperance Society. In 1862, Charles initiated and assisted in the building of the first Shady Creek Church and was one of its first preachers. 
The author Crawford Kilian included my family and numerous other historically significant Black citizens.
Thank you Kilian

Third, Vanessa Voth; The girl from No. 6

This story just fell into my lap and inspired this blog on April 12/21. The story starts in 1920 Russia with Stalin taxing and arresting Mennonites until nothing was left for them. This story highlights immigrants that keep their faith and make their way to Canada with nothing but love for each other. 
I agree with you Vanessa, these stories explain why good people come to Canada with nothing but hope. Your book is all of our history as Canadians. 

I hear stories from my immigrant friends about walking out of Iraq in the 90s. I have talked with moms who are here in Canada alone; sending money to their families in the Philippines. And for me; I have English, Irish, Russian, Native, and of coarse some Black. I'm blessed that all those ancestors of mine made this journey, and I was raised here in this safe and prosperous land. 
Let's all remember our ancestors that fought to get here and give thanks every day. Let's all help the First Nations heal from colonization.

​The fabled Camelot, was a myth of a safe and fair land; Canada is the world's hope. 

Best Wishes
Rick

Dearest Readers,
 
  Thank you for your interest in my fictional story. I want you to know that signed hard copies of iHit will be available in the first quarter of 2021; at a brick and mortar store near you. 

Right now it would be cool if you went to Friesen Press and bought an eBook to pass the time. I wrote this book in B.C and had this local company help me produce it. The soft cover books that local stores will carry, are manufactured in Canada. I deliver a totally Canadian product to you. 

The first story line was born as I wrote. I should have the first draft of book two finished in the second quarter of 2021. When I wrote the first book, iHit, one of the by-products was notes for book two and three. While book two becomes whole, I will draw up book three.  Wish me luck…

I want the best for you.
Rick

 (That picture was the taken on the first day I owned that bike.)

Dear Writers,
​
I have a world of respect for professional writers who have graduated from respected educational institutes. Your understanding of the tried and true rules of writing, would have helped me immensely. 
Here are a few common writing terms: prose, character arc, tense, third person narration. That I had never heard of before I wrote my first draft. A few pals and Youtube shoved me onto the right track. Then a paid professional did one round of editing. And after eight drafts it’s legible. 

I look forward to educated and constructive criticism. I don't mind being mocked if you are helping. I am enjoying writing the second book, so I may take some time to reply to emails. I assure you, if I connect with your advice I will shoot you an email then we can chat. 

This is a First edition. We are still looking for spelling errors etc. 

Last thing, I’m looking for an editor for my second book. Please, send me a dependable editor's contact information. 

Peace, 
Rick