I’m a firm believer in not talking about writing projects until the contracts are signed and the advance in safely in the bank. I’ve seen too many projects fall apart or explode brilliantly just at the moment when I’m ready to start scribblin’. This time, however, I may have taken that little bit of wisdom too far.

A few months ago, my fantastic agent, Marie Campbell, convinced the fantastic publisher Orca to take a chance on a (hopefully) fantastic idea for a series of graphic novels that blend high action adventure stories with a step-by-step visual guide that teaches readers all the skills the heroes learn on their journey.

The first in the series will be a wilderness survival adventure that includes step-by-step instructions on survival skills like building a lean-to shelter, using the stars to navigate through the wilderness and a bunch of other fun stuff.

I’ve always loved camping and exploring the wilderness in a canoe, on foot or on a bike, so I’m really having fun with this project. And it’s about to get even better.

In a few days, Melanie and I are heading north and the yellow and blue beauty pictured below will be our home for five nights. We’re only going as far as Algonquin Park and I’m hoping we won’t encounter any of the hardships my characters are set to face (but after last year’s close encounter of the black bear kind, we’re ready for anything!)

After a very busy few months of writing, I’m really looking forward to getting out of the city, pushing off in a canoe and paddling my way around some of the most beautiful wilderness our great country has to offer.

In addition to soaking up some sun and fresh air, I’ll be testing out a few of the survival skills I hope to include in the book. Granted, I’ll only be a wolf howl away from a park ranger, but that’s wild enough for this writer.

See you in a week!