Updates: What happened in May? + What’s coming up in June

What’s New?

I went to Toronto Indie Authors Conference (TIAC 2026) April 18 and 19. It was amazing. I learned so much and met some new people. It was my 2nd one, and I am already planning to go next year. There were so many fantastic presentations and workshops and came back home ready to apply all the new knowledge I had gained. I even won a fantastic price, which included an entire bag of books and a Kobo colour reader!

I also got to see some friends I haven’t seen since last year and meet lots of new author friends too. Below, is a photo of my friend and amazing award winning author. If you like twisty, turny thrillers, you will love her books. I am currently reading my newly gifted Melissa Yi thriller, “Killing Me Slothly”. I have got to tell ya, it is definitely a page turner. I am loving it so far. So thanks Melissa.

A Secret Writing Retreat

It’s finally trailer season. I have a seasonal trailer in a lovely family oriented campground near my home on beautiful Lake Bernard. May is when trailer season begins so it’s not only an exciting time, where I look forward to seeing friends that I only see at the park, and also a busy time, with all that is involved in getting everything opened up after a long cold winter.

One thing I love about my trailer site is that it is such a quiet place to be during the week (except for prime summer holiday time) and I often use it as a place to sit outside and get some early morning writing in, before the park wakes up. My site is quiet and it gives me an alternative setting to work, after the long winter months.

For me, this season also means more visits from grandkids at the trailer, where they can run around with other kids, bike, swim, climb, play, swim, and sit around bonfires at night. So here’s to another season filled with fin, laughter and love.

Grace Bowen Books has a whole new look!

Check out our new logo 🙂 Hope you like it. I know I love it. Please let me know what you think.

Designed by 6SGraphics in the Almaguin Highlands, Ontario, Canada.

For anyone local to the Almaguin Highlands (Ontario, Canada) area, signed copies of all my books are now available to purchase at 89 Main in Sundridge, Ontario. Check them out! They have so many amazing things and online purchasing is available for their merchandise.

This past week, I was visiting with my oldest daughter, husband and grandkids and absolutely loved it. Since they moved to Ohio I have not been able to see them for our weekly pizza nights or have them out at the trailer so I am relieved that I finally got to spend some quality time with them all.

Book #3 in the Sydney Jones Mystery Series Update:

I have been working hard at writing my Sydney Jones Mystery. The working title (originally Campers and Corpses) has been changed to Reunions and Revenge, which I think is much more suitable for the story. In this book, Sydney finds herself in the middle of yet, another murder investigation. Can you guess where this story location might be? I am having fun planning and writing this, however progress has been slower than I wanted, mainly because I have other things on my plate at the moment that are taking away some of my time and energy. And despite the fact that I am sitting fairly still most times that I am writing, I find that it can be a tiring endevour. It requires a lot of brain focused energy. I am not one that can just jot down chapters while sitting in my car waiting, or dictate chapters while hiking, although I really wish I could. I need to sit still and concentrate. Everyone has a different process. I was told by several people, that dictation is a skill that is learnable, but I need to have notes and written down ides at hand while I write, so I have not yet even attempted to try it. Maybe one day.

Book #3 in the Sydney Jones Mystery Series info – Reunions & Revenge takes place at the Lake Bernard campground, on the outskirts of Blueberry Falls.

The focus is on the annual Watt Family Reunion, which is usually an exciting kick off to summer and Canada Day celebration event, however everything does not go as planned. In fact, tragedy strikes, and Sydney finds herself investigating yet, another crime during what was supposed to be a relaxing week long vacation with her dog Beans.

I have added a visual of the Watt Family Tree here because the whole thing gets a little complicated when everyone in the family seems to be on the suspect list.

Perilous Pins Audiobook is Available!

Perilous Pins audiobook is now available on Audible, iTunes, Kobo, Spotify and in libraries.

Perilous Pins Audiobook is Available! Perilous Pins audiobook is now available on Audible, iTunes, Kobo, Spotify and in libraries.

I will be at Bookapalooza 2026 in Minden, Ontario, on June 20th.

https://www.haliburtonarts.on.ca/bookapalooza


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