In honor of Canada Day, I’m celebrating by shattering the many myths that surround Canadian history and culture. Today is all about history:

“Many people believe the name Canada is based on the Iroquois word “kanata” or “village.” The sad truth is Canada is named after Lord Alfred O. Canada, the first Twit Plenipotentiary sent by the British Crown to rule over the beaver-addled country with an iron fist (he’d lost his original hand in the Battle of Ipswich — fought between the Dutch, the French and the British over who was going to pick up the check at the annual Let’s Rape the New World Convention and BeaverFest) and his laser-beam-firing eyes.”

I never really thought I’d actively critique other writers’ work, but it seems a little selfish of me to expect others to do so, and then not do the same in return.

My first foray is posted at The Skwib: MONKEY SEE, A Gorilla of a Review.

Nick over at Name Your Tale asked me to guest pen one of their stories. In case you haven’t ever been to the site, it’s kind of a neat idea. Anyone can submit a title idea, and then the busy scribblers at NYT pen a 100-word masterpiece to fit it.

Every tale has to be exactly 100 words, including Apocalypse Cow.

What do you know, another complimentary review of my first novel!

What I love about this review is the great thumbnails Hayden draws of the various characters:

The other characters had compelling stories and I loved how many of their stories were wrapped around Mozart’s. We have Bella, the psychopathic artist, born after the Shudder who grew up with her survivalist father. She’s beautiful, twisted, insane, and completely devoted to her art. There’s Les, the boring Canadian diplomat with an obsession for Helen Printo, a self-serving investigative reporter who will stop at nothing to get a story. She’s “friendly” with Alex Burton, a cruel, former black-ops solider who is desperate to get the funds together for an upcoming trip into outer space. He’s got plans to sell Mozart to the highest bidder. Oh, and we can’t forget Katerina, the beautiful Czech woman Mozart has found himself in love with. Did I mention she’s a lesbian? Or that she’s half in love with Helen Printo, and half in lust with Bella?

I also love that the book raises questions for her. You can read the whole thing here.

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