The Cottage Dock

 

Fun on the Dock

Last Weeks blog discussed the wonderful influence that my grandchildren have on my writing. I also mentioned what a great time we have when they visit the cottage, a special meeting place that allows my grandchildren to play outdoors, fish, swim and explore outdoors. The dock is a wonderful meeting place for morning coffee, fishing challenges and a diving board for jumping in the lake. 

My dock is a floating dock, which means that it freely floats in the water and is anchored in place by large chains attached to cement blocks. These blocks are manufactured to hold floating docks in place and safe to be in the water. There is a block located deep in the water beneath each corner to keep it in place. 

My dock is made of pressure treated wood but here are many other building options too. There is a ramp from the dock to the shore so you can keep your feet dry when you go out on the dock. In the winter I remove the ramp so that the ice in the lake doesn't damage it. So much dock information, but now to talk about my grandchildren and how much they love it. 

In the story The Case at High Lake the characters are on or around the dock in chapters 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8. It plays a big role in this cottage based mystery. How often the dock appears in the book is a good indication of its importance in cottage life. 

From sun up to sun down there is always activity on the dock. Fishing for sunfish and baby bass seems to be the best thing ever. 

Can you find the clues in The Case at High Lake where the dock is mentioned in all of these chapters? 

What activities are the detectives doing on the dock? Can you list 5? Next week I'll list 1 but you need to find the others. 

We will be continuing our dock talk by discussing the magic of dock time.  Reach out with your answers, I'll be looking for them.  

Answer from last weeks quiz question: Her Hat

Heather Hill Burford

Author

www.thehighlakedetectives.com

FB: thehighlakedetectives

IG: the.highlakedetectives

Where do I get my ideas from?

 Where did I get the idea to write The High Lake Detective series you ask.

This picture from my reading at my book launch on March 24, 2024, was taken at the Gibson Centre in Alliston. The picture says it all. The sense of wonder and love my grand children show me every day was the basis of the book series. I have the pleasure of spending a lot of time at the cottage with my family. The cottage is a place where we get to swim, search for frogs, kayak and so much more. Bonfires at night and smore's happen regularly. It is through these wonderful experiences and my love of mysteries (not scary ones though), that helped launch the idea. 

A few children's book writing courses also helped instil a love of writing. I am awed by the magic of words in a book that inspire children to read. Books can help create a sense of wonder and anticipation with young readers. 

What is the dock at the cottage like you ask. Thats the topic for the next blog, tune in next week. 

Answer to last weeks word search: Stuffed animals

Did you get it?

This weeks challenge: What kept falling off of gramma and into the lake? Chapter 1 again. Also answer is found in the last 2 pages of chapter 1. Happy solving 

Heather Hill Burford

www.thehighlakedetectives.com

FB: thehighlakedetectives

IG : the.highlakedetectives

Family fun and excitement at the launch of The Case at High Lake

 

The Gibson Centre was full of excitement at my book launch on March 24, 2024. There was a huge turnout with family, friends, and neighbours attending. The launch was a great opportunity to celebrate the first book in my High Lake Detectives series titled The Case at High Lake. 

 I was present to sign books and speak with everyone about my journey to becoming published. I was asked about the publishing process and where my ideas came from (I'll cover that topic in my next blog). I discussed the great experience I had going through the publishing process with Friesen Press to help me along the way. So many things I didn't know before this journey began. The publishing process takes about 10 months from start to holding my book in my hand. There were edits, and more edits, and did I mention edits😂. 

I also drew and painted all of the images in the book which was a fantastic experience. Thank goodness I attend a great art class at the Gibson Centre. Also, a background in art helped me here. 

The process of all the time and work going through the publishing process, and support from everyone along the way, helped make my book a success. 

My grandchildren sat on my lap while I read an excerpt. They were so glued to the story that when I finished reading they asked me to go on. The hush in the room indicates to me that everyone enjoyed being read to. It may be a fallback to being a child themselves and the joy of being read to. 

Thank you everyone for your continued support. Your presence at the launch means so much to me. 

Question to ponder: How many people do you think attended?

Word scramble from the last 2 pages in chapter 1.

What did Ellie run to grab:    eutfsfd mlasain

Answers will be in the next blog. See you next week

Heather Hill Burford

www.thehighlakedetectives.com

FB thehighlakedetectives

IG the.highlakedetectives