Jennie Marsland
News, April 2010

Hello, all! Spring has sprung, the mayflowers are blooming here in Nova Scotia. I agree with Lucy Maud Montgomery on mayflowers: “God might have made sweeter blossom, but never did.”


Work is keeping me busy. I am now teaching in the ESL department at Silver Crescent Academy in the afternoons, and in the Junior High in the mornings. I enjoy both groups, though each presents its own challenges.

On the writing front, McShannon’s Heart has been submitted to Bluewood. It took me longer than I had hoped, as it required a lot of revision. Some books are simply easier to write than others, but I have a soft spot for Martin and Rochelle and hope you will, too. The book should be available by early summer.

I’m going to take a little breather before moving on to my next project, which will probably be the children’s novel I mentioned in my last newsletter. Then I’ll likely tackle Nathan Munroe’s story, which is four chapters along. As I mentioned on my blog the other day, I find myself smiling and laughing to myself when I write about Nate. He’s just that kind of character. Weird, I know. What can I say? I’m a writer.

Oh, yes, my blog. I’ve started one at http://www.jenniemarsland.blogspot.com called A Chat with Jennie Marsland. It’s a mixture of my thoughts on different aspects of the writing life, book excerpts, photos and news. I hope to have some guest authors in the near future as well. Right now I’m holding a contest, with one of my original watercolors to be awarded to a lucky commenter. It’s on 11x15 watercolor paper, ready for framing. Here’s a peek at it:
McShannon’s Chance has been garnering some fine reviews, which you’ll find on my website. Bluewood is taking steps toward getting the book into stores and I’m in the process of lining up some more signings, but for the time being I’m still relying on word of mouth, which means I have a small favor to ask.

The next time you visit your local library, if you think of it, go to the desk and request McShannon’s Chance. Libraries often purchase books requested by patrons, and I can actually earn royalties when my book is borrowed. It’s already in libraries here in Halifax and in Ottawa. It can’t hurt.

I’m a spring baby, and it’s always been my favorite time of year. Here’s wishing each of you a wonderful summer. Now for this issue’s recipe:

Mandarin Orange Salad
Ingredients:
1 mandarin orange per serving
Romaine lettuce
Finely diced red onion
Pecan halves
Dressing:
¼ cup white vinegar
½ cup sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup + 2 tbsp water
¾ tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake. Sprinkle nuts, oranges and onion on lettuce and top with dressing. We really like this salad as an accompaniment to pan - fried haddock or salmon.