From the Cottage Porch Cable TV Interview

As Seen on TV

If anyone predicted a year ago that I’d appear on Rogers Cable TV show, Daytime, because of a story I’d written about our dog Cookie at Washburn Island, I’d have laughed out loud. But it happened on June 13.

I have company for this performance: James Dewar, President of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region. We are two of many authors that Jessica Outram of Sunshine in a Jar Press selected for the anthology From The Cottage Porch.

I’m not nervous in the Green Room until a very nice lady puts a mic up my shirt. In Oshawa, Roger’s Green Room is a spare office with two bright green couches, a coffee machine and a gallery of local awards covering the walls. I realize that I haven’t thought much about what is about to occur. I wonder what will happen if James doesn’t show up – or how James will feel if he catches sight of me driving off before show time.

Lights – Camera – Action!

I push aside thoughts of public speaking phobias and dry mouth syndrome long enough to enjoy the moment. James arrives, we warm up by conversing about our cottage experiences, which is like runners stretching before a race. We’re escorted to the studio, and given no time to back out, or be sick. Two interviewers, Chris and Amy, two guests, James and Mary, a crescent-shaped table with stools — lights – camera – action!

Our dog, a beagle named Cookie, rolled in dead fish before we left Washburn Island to go back to Scarborough. For dog lovers who live near water, you already know the odour on the snout of your dogs when they revel in a fish carcass on shore. My story is about my father’s reactions to sharing a car ride with a foul smelling beagle.

Readers comments and stories are welcome.

Or, contact by email: marye@bell.net

From The Cottage Porch Book Launch

On a sunny May weekend when cottagers head north to shake winter out of their cottages, publisher Jessica Outram of Sunshine in a Jar Press, hosts a book launch for a perfect summer read titled From the Cottage Porch, an anthology dedicated to all cottage lovers.

Publisher Jessica Outram

My short story Cookie Goes Swimming is one of the stories. Ms. Outram introduces Master of Ceremonies James Dewar, President of WCDR (Writers’ Community of Durham Region) and contributor to the anthology. James introduces a few readers who read their poems and short stories (blood-sucking leeches and smelly outhouses in there), followed by a break for drinks, light snacks and more music, after which readers round off the launch with a few more readings (walking trees!).

James Dewar, President WCDR

Jessica generously thanks many people for their support in this process. But it’s clear that Jessica is a can do woman. She juggles full-time teaching with finishing her Master’s degree – and starting a publishing business, Sunshine in a Jar Press.

Eighteen Contributing Writers From the Cottage Porch

Writer Mary E. McIntyre and Publisher Jessica Outram

From the Cottage Porch, an anthology