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Canadian Authors at Canadian Writers Summit

June 23, 2016 by Robert Mackay Leave a Comment

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CAA Chair Margaret Hume and Past Chair Matt Bin

This year the Canadian Authors Association joined with other writers’ organizations to take part in the Canadian Writers Summit (CWS) rather than hold our annual CanWrite! conference.

The inaugural CWS was an exciting affair, with some 800 writers, publishers, editors, and readers meeting at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto.

Fortunately the site was large enough that it never seemed crowded.

The Canadian Authors Association awards luncheon was well attended, with shortlisted authors invited. Among the winners were Nino Ricci (not for the first time!), Debra Komar, Joe Denham, and Kayla Czaga.

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Diane Kerner, Caroline Vu, Matt Bin

Particularly notable was the awarding of the first ever Fred Kerner award. Fred was a longtime CAA stalwart. The award named after him is for the overall best book written by a member of the CAA, and this year was won by Caroline Vu. Fred Kerner’s daughter Diane Kerner made the presentation.

The other presentations were by CAA’s national chair Margaret Hume, with past chair Matt Bin MC’ing the proceedings.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: CAA, CAA Vancouver, Canadian Authors Association, CanWrite!, CWS, Writing

“The House of Wives” Launches and Hits Big

May 18, 2016 by Robert Mackay Leave a Comment

RWM Simon Johnston 2016May15It was an exciting event on Sunday May 15th when “The House of Wives” by Simon Choa-Johnston launched in South Surrey. And just as exciting for Simon, I’m sure, was the fact that the book made the Globe and Mail best-seller list the day before!

The picture at left doesn’t really do Simon Johnston justice, but it does show crucial parts of authorship: signing a book, and a happy customer, who has his wallet out.

The story prominently features three of Simon’s ancestors: a rich Hong Kong merchant, and both his (simultaneous) wives. Early reviews point to this being a great read. I’m looking forward to it.

(photo thanks to Sheila Johnston)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Presenting “Our Navy” at St. George’s Day Lunch

May 3, 2016 by Robert Mackay Leave a Comment

RWM NAC St GeorgeOn April 15th I had the pleasure of presenting “Our Navy”, a powerpoint presentation made by the Naval Association of Canada as part of its outreach program. The purpose of the presentation is to inform our fellow Canadians about the role and structure of the Royal Canadian Navy.

My hosts were the Royal Society of St. George, and the Royal Commonwealth Society. The setting was perfect–the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club overlooking English Bay. A spirited discussion and questions followed.

RVYC was a fitting location, as the NOA of BC was founded in 1919 by RN veterans who had been members of the club; and the NOABC is one of the branches of today’s Naval Association of Canada.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Australia’s Huge Submarine Expansion

April 26, 2016 by Robert Mackay Leave a Comment

Australia has announced it has contracted with a French company to build 12 diesel-electric submarines. The contract is Australia’s largest ever defence agreement. Other frontrunners to build the Aussie boats were Germany and Japan.

Japan may have lost out because Australia’s largest trading partner is China, and the Chinese currently have tense relations with Japan.

Much of the actual construction will take place in Australia. An interesting model for the Canadian Defence Policy Review to look at.

Details are available in this article.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Robert J. Wiersema speaks at CAA event in Victoria

March 3, 2016 by Robert Mackay 1 Comment

FullSizeRender (2)Canadian Authors Association members in Victoria sponsored a very successful event in Victoria on February 28th. Presenting was Victoria author, book reviewer and seller Robert J. Wiersema, pictured here with Liz Walker. Liz and fellow member Myrtle Siebert, assisted by Steve Szalai, were key people behind the event. Robert’s talk, “Seven Myths of the Writing Life,” attracted a roomful of interested writers and readers, including attendees from the Lower Mainland.

The Victoria group are planning more events. Stay tuned!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: CAA, Canadian Authorss Association, Robert J. Wiersema, Victoria, Writing

Supernatural Submarine

February 18, 2016 by Robert Mackay 5 Comments

Sub ExternalFor all those fans of “Supernatural” who caught last night’s episode, “The Vessel”, here’s an external photo of the amazing submarine replica built in Burnaby for the shoot.

 

John Badham torp tubes

This is director John Badham, with two of the torpedo tubes featured in the production. Hats off to the crew who put the amazing set together.

There were times when I had to shake my head to remind myself I’m not back aboard USS RASHER. This is a mockup, and the flames in the corner of the control room are real flames, but will be turned off once the cameras have the shot.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Canadian submarines, John Badham, submarines, Supernatural, USN Submarines, USS Rasher

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HMCS OKANAGAN, HMCS RAINBOW–50 and counting!

July 25, 2018 By Robert Mackay 1 Comment

Willoughbys at Moreuil, 100 Years Later

May 7, 2018 By Robert Mackay 2 Comments

Moreuil Wood, and why it matters

March 4, 2018 By Robert Mackay 1 Comment

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Forces With History" is published via email 1-2 times a month. It deals with issues of interest regarding Canadian armed forces, modern and historical. Please give it a try if so inclined--comments and feedback are always welcome!

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Contact Info

From saddles and spurs to periscopes and North-Seekers, Robert W. Mackay is an avid military, naval and wartime historian.

He is currently working on a mystery.

T: 604-541-9098
E: info@robertwmackay.ca

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