The hardcover version of my debut novel, Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety, was released on May 3, 2016. Ten years later, the novel has a new look and feel.

My first teaching award. It’s a full circle moment for me.

I graduated from the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies’ Creative Writing Certificate program back in 2012. More than a decade later, I was invited to teach the course that kickstarted my novel writing journey – Intro to Novel Writing. And now to receive an Excellence in Teaching award leaves me a bit speechless.

Special thanks to Lee Gowan, the creative writing program director, for his constant support. And what a treat to celebrate with author Kevin Hardcastle who was the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award for creative writing.

(Top photo: Kevin Hardcastle, Lee Gowan, Ann Y.K. Choi)

Teaching novel writing online has allowed me to work with emerging writers from across Canada, and as far away as Argentina and South Korea. A huge thanks to everyone in my classes for the privilege of working with you as you move forward in telling stories of your own.

Emerging writers from my past and present novel writing classes and mentoring groups who live in the Greater Toronto Area came out to celebrate with me. It was such a pleasure to meet some of them in person for the first time!

I invited everyone to write a letter to themselves, identifying some writing goals. I’ll mail the letters back to them in a year’s time. Because the process of writing can be overwhelming, setting goals and being part of a community can keep us motivated and focused during the long journey of writing and revising a novel-length manuscript.

In the middle of celebrating everything, I turned 58! One of the loveliest gifts was this beautiful bouquet of flowers that matched the colour design of Kay’s new cover. Thanks Raveena!

Special thanks to Grace and Claire for the photos xoxo

The prom scene from Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety, which takes place in June 1988, consists of mainly 80s hits.

Mary’s Prom Playlist