Two New Reviews of Timely Novel by MLHolton, TRILLIUM

--- Opps! A short apology, dear friends! 

I've just had my ancient laptop refurbished, (new keyboard), and upgraded with new software (Windows 10), and am now boldly stumbling forward. (... ach!  the filing system is sooo different, passwords have 'disappeared' and one drive of info will not 'link' ... arg!) - Still, I did what to get out this brief shout-out to two very kind book reviewers who recently penned their thoughts about my latest novel effort, TRILLIUM.

First up, California-based writer, Veronica Cline Barton. Veronica is a prolific writer in her own right with a very intriguing and active writing blog. Under her #amreading and #amreviewing hashtags, she very kindly wrote the following: -

- TRILLIUM by Author M. L. Holton - ***** 5 STAR REVIEW

'This week I traveled 250 years through time with an historical fiction, multi-generational masterpiece! - Three men, three families, and 250 years of life stories and secrets flow through this masterful tale by author M.L. Holton. 

War between the British and French comes to an end, at the dawn of a new Canada. Land is royally granted, setting up the beginning of unimaginable fortunes and business opportunities for the few, agricultural livelihoods supporting generations for others, and power schemes fueled by jealousy and envy for some that will do anything to get their way.

The TRILLIUM story line is magnificent in the way it has been structured, moving the reader seamlessly through the happenings in each family generation and disclosing the decisions that will impact descendants in the future. Author Holton cleverly ties in historical events to the fictional families and agricultural details of the region that yield surprising new ventures, giving you several ‘ah-hah’ moments that this reader enjoyed.

As the family destinies play out, the lives of the rich and famous, as well as those of more modest means unfold over the decades, giving you an insight to their love lives, fated relationships, family tragedies, scheming personalities, joys and dreams as the generations within the families grow and adapt to this wondrous land. The sadness of lives lost, cruel deeds, revenge driven intentions, illness and lost hope will keep you turning page after page to see how the characters will react—and who will survive and thrive, or not.

The surroundings detailed in TRILLIUM pull you in to witness the beauty and splendor of the land, grand homes, and the drama as it unfolds. I couldn’t put this book down–I was enchanted and mesmerized by the story lines of the families, the characters, and settings from beginning to end. The scope and depth of this story is fantastically told, taking you through generations of family love, hope and drama—slowly revealing the secrets that will bind these families together forever. --- A fantastic read, highly recommended!'

---
Cool, eh? Veronica also, unprompted, added her 5 STAR review to Amazon, Goodreads and BookPub. - That was very decent of her! - Thank you V! 

Then, a few days later, marvelous Mel, who writes for 'Book Reviews From Canada' blog had the following to say - 

'TRILLIUM follows the stories of several families from different backgrounds as their lives intersect across generations in the Niagara region. This is a very well-done book. ... Holton has crafted a beautifully written and incredibly detailed novel. I loved how character-driven the novel was ... and ... Holton vividly describes the scenery so that you can clearly imagine it  ... Holton has managed to intersect the story lines of so many varied characters and plot points.  ...  I would recommend this book to anyone interested in character focused historical fiction spanning generations.'

---  Cool too, no? 

It is fascinating how people do perceive and interpret this new work through their own perceptual prisms. - Each sees, resonates and amplifies something slightly different. I am so glad that readers are enjoying this timely historical fiction.

Please do feel free to add your thoughts about your read of TRILLIUM too to either Goodreads and/or Amazon (via Amazon CA in Canada, or via AMAZON. COM for American and global options.

(Kindly note, if you're thinking of picking up either an e-book or paperback please note that the currency exchange rates fluctuate from country to country.)

THANK YOU One & ALL! 

TRILLIUM by MLHolton tells tale set in Niagara region

A great shout-out by Luke Edwards, in Niagara This Week, covering points Grimsby to Fort Erie ... 

Yes, my latest novel started over a decade ago ... I just couldn't find the 'key' to get into it. 

The moment came when I was thinking about the various media innovations that have changed our lives .. 

Consider how news in Canada was initially sent by courier, then available via printed broadsheets, 

then newspapers, then radio, then black & white television, then colour television - 

and now, today, the internet. All this happened within a span of 250 years. A spit in the bucket.  

That's how I got into my new story ... HOW NEWS TRAVELS ... 

Dive into the on-line version of this profile  HERE. 

 

TRILLIUM - now in Ebook or trade Paperback 

Third page in Fort Erie Edition

Three-quarter page  in Grimsby edition

Local Author Fair - Margaret Lindsay Holton

TRILLIUM by Margaret Lindsay Holton

Latest shipment of my new novel, TRILLIUM, has just arrived for the Local Author Fair to be held at the Central Branch of the Burlington Public Library on ---

> SATURDAY, June 22 <

> from 10am to 2pm <

Come On Out & MEET a diverse group of local authors who write in a variety of different voices - Mystery, Romance, Crime, Horror, Comedy, Historical Fiction ? -- You bet!

Plenty is planned for the 4 hour LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR: - short readings, autographed books, selfies with authors - FOR KEEN READERS YOUNG & OLD ALIKE!

Street View of Burlington Public Library - Central Branch, 2331 New Street, Downtown Burlington

SAMPLE of LOCAL AUTHORS ATTENDING for ADULT Readers: -

ALL WELCOME!

Saturday, June 22nd, 10-2pm

Git yer #CANLIT on!

TRILLIUM by Margaret Lindsay Holton

 

Be sure to swing by & pick up your First Edition copy of TRILLIUM

 - the new historical fiction by award-winning Canadian artist and author -

 Margaret Lindsay Holton

 "Highly recommend! Could not put this book down ... First rate story!" 

Canadian Artist and Author, MLHolton at Burlington Public Library, Local Author Fair, June 2019. Copyright Notice: MLHolton

And, AS ALWAYS, the obligatory 'commemorative shot' - 
EYES CLOSED! Ha!

Humber School for Writers Grad, Margaret Lindsay Holton

    

   Delighted to be profiled in Humber Alumni News! 

For the FULL INTERVIEW  -  that includes a timely digression on the designing and making of 'The Four Canadian Fireside Chairs' as seen below - 

The article also mentions a few of the book projects I've done over the years ...  Note, links wont work on the screengrab below. - If looking for my most recent title, TRILLIUM, go to Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2q0iEeL /  - Older commercial titles can be found via my Amazon author page. Other MLH art & poetry book projects can be found HERE.
 

Finally, minor point, it is not clear in the article that I was a 'Graduate' student at the Humber School for Writers. I had already finished my Bachelor of Arts years before at the University of Toronto. I was most fortunate to receive the President's Scholarship to understudy in the 'Graduate Creative Writing Program' with 2x Giller prize winner, M.G.Vassanji.

Noteworthy nugget for die-hard Canadian literary historians - I still have all his notes!  

Beach Reads: PARADISE - with pinhole by M.L.Holton

ISBN: 978-9970853-8-9

Thrilled to be included in the third anthology of the Beach Reads series, PARADISE, published by the Third Street Writers based in Laguna Beach, California. (Released early May, 2019.)

When musing on what paradise is and isn't, I realized that Family and Nature are probably the two most defining components of any given life.

Both spheres 'shape' our home lives on this planet. These spheres can manifest as either a living hell filled with strife and acrimony OR they can invite and welcome us to safe places filled with abundance. (For most, it's generally a topsy-turvy mix of both!)

The visual I selected to synthesis these two spheres was an award-winning pinhole paper-photograph that I did some time ago, called Granny's Lounger. To my mind, this image encapsulates the best of both: generational human care-taking and the complex bounty of the natural world.

Granny's Lounger is faithfully reproduced in this delightful volume opposite a charming poem, 'Latched', by Ellen Girardeau Kempler. Ellen's tender poem also honours the often unseen - but never forgotten - natural forces that shape us daily.

If looking for a thought-provoking summer read, pick up this well-assembled anthology.

Double page spread from PARADISE supplied by Third Street Writers - Copyright Third Street Writers

  

Margaret Lindsay Holton - Artist & Author of TRILLIUM

Happy to share this recent on-line interview with IdeaMensch about my arts practice:

 how I do what I do and why I do it. Candid and straight-forward, I tell it like it is ... 

Excerpts follow: 

Margaret Lindsay Holton is a senior Canadian artist and an award-winning fiction author from the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario, Canada. She has recently released her third novel, TRILLIUM. Appointed an ‘Alumni of Influence' by University College at the University of Toronto in 2018, she is also an out-spoken activist. Lindsay readily stands up to protect further industrial degradation of our shared environment. She writes – “We must be Nature’s Caretakers, not just Nature’s Takers.” Lindsay maintains her vibrant arts studio on the Hamilton Beach strip on the shores of Lake Ontario.

 

Where did the idea for your company come from?

I knew, very early on, before leaving University, that I wanted my own arts-based business. MLH Productions represents my name (MLH) and what I do (produce creative works.) Acorn Press Canada happened a decade later when I noticed that the Canadian publishing industry was being swallowed up and re-jigged by American and global concerns. I was adamant that I wanted my ‘world view’ expressed as a ‘Canadian’ not as an American or as a globalist. My mantra for that venture: ‘From little acorns mighty oaks grow.’ ...

 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take better physical care of my Self. Our bodies are amazing ‘tools’ and ‘temples’. When we abuse ourselves, through drugs or alcohol or physical injury, we throw away the incredible possibilities that this ‘vessel’ has given each and every one of us. I was rather rough on my ‘younger’ self. Luckily, the body has amazing restorative powers too. We can and should take better care of our physical selves.

 

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Much of what passes for art these days is crap. Just because someone is ‘creative’ and can shape colourful clay balls into blobby figurines does not make them an ‘artist’. Being an artist demands much more then a boozy weekend paint party or a year or two of production. Being an artist is an ‘all or nothing’ kind of endeavor. Meaning, my Life is that of a full-time Artist. It’s what I’ve done and will continue to do until I’m dead. Poseurs and amateurs may grab at the ring. They may even become ‘influencers’ or revered social tarts. But a genuine artist seldom seeks fame, glamour or monetary gain. Those aren’t the real challenges. The very real and very serious challenge is the daily improvement of one’s abilities. Get better at what you are compelled to do every day. That’s it.

 

As an artspreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Sleep. Seriously, good sleep can make or break your productive day. Go to bed at a reasonable hour and get up early. Set the routine, establish it as a habit, then follow it religiously. Periodic glitches are allowable, but I guarantee, you’ll want the benefits of a good nights rest again before too long.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Every person in the business of business should watch Kate Raworth’s TED TALK on a sustainable economy … Take it from there. ...

 

What is your favorite quote?

Helen Keller was prone to saying remarkable things. I particularly like this quotable quote: “Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle.”

TRILLIUM by MLHolton now on AMAZON 

as Ebook or Trade Paperback.

The Act & Art of Writing - SPEECH - M.L.Holton, March, 2019

'THE ACT & ART OF WRITING' by M.L.Holton  
Pre-Recorded on Soundcloud
 WAAH 'Speaker's Series', Art Gallery of Hamilton, March, 2019 

New novel, TRILLIUM, e-book or paperback, on AMAZON.CA 
 ('The Frozen Goose', written, produced & directed, by MLHolton)

 Now available too, on Speakola, 
an eclectic collection of speeches throughout the ages.
One of my favourites, under the Arts/Culture banner, 
is a timely speech by UrsulaLeGuin ... 

Join Canadian Artist & Author, Margaret Lindsay Holton, for Lecture on 'The Act & Art of Writing' & BOOK LAUNCH of her new novel, TRILLIUM, at the Art Gallery of Hamilton

Book Cover  - TRILLIUM by M.L.Holton

' The Act & Art of Writing '

- With Special Guest, M.L.Holton

 (Part of the WAAH SPEAKER'S SERIES)

Award-winning Canadian author and artist, Margaret Lindsay Holton, is releasing her third novel - TRILLIUM. 

"Spanning a period of 250 years, three distinctly different young men arrive and strive within the burgeoning wine-making region of Niagara. Now available in e-book or paperback, this explosive generational family saga explores a number of on-going issues: land ownership, the often hidden origins of male toxicity, the development of female empowerment and the very real impact of cold hard cash."

Find out more about her epic new work  - TRILLIUM  - via the Facebook fanpage or follow along on Twitter - (hashtag: #landlustloot)

Join Margaret Lindsay Holton for an engaging lecture on 'The Act & Art of Writing'. Afterwards, enjoy a  FREE Screening of the critically acclaimed 25 minute WW1 Canadian film -  The Frozen Goose - written, directed and  produced by her in 2016.

M.L.Holton  is delighted to be an Invited Speaker in the popular 'Speakers Series' hosted by the Womens' Art Association of Hamilton. A book signing will occur at the end of this unique BOOK LAUNCH Event.

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street - Downtown Hamilton 

 Thursday - March 21st, 1-3pm

Price:  Non-members - $5 at the door. 

 (Please Note: Limited Seating / First Come, First Served)

Location Shot for The Frozen Goose, (2015) by M.L.Holton

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 -

It is with deep regret, due to circumstances beyond my control, that I must announce that the TRILLIUM book launch at the Art Gallery of Hamilton has been CANCELLED.**

My intended lecture about 'The Act & Art of Writing' can be found here > https://soundcloud.com/canadada/the-act-art-of-writing-by-mlholton/s-d2kGp

TRILLIUM, my third novel, released in January 2019 in e-book or paperback, can be found on Amazon.CA >https://amzn.to/2q0iEeL 

Alternate e-book formats - (Kobo, Indigo, Apple etc) - are here:  https://books2read.com/TRILLIUM

(The FROZEN GOOSE film & trailer, referenced in the lecture, can be seen here > https://thefrozengoose.vhx.tv/)

Margaret Lindsay Holton

Golden Horseshoe Artist & Author

'A View from the Easel' - MLHolton Lakeside Studio

Posted on Hyperallergic, January 18th, 2019

Lakeside Studio (2004-2012) of MLHolton, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes, Canada

NEVER SAY NEVER! --- Today, I received a most charming note from Deena at HYPERALLERGIC (a popular on-line art culture website) saying that my studio photo submission, from over FOUR YEARS ago, had just been published in their 'A View from the Easel' feature. She quaintly apologized for the long delay ...  

Better LATE, then NEVER, I say! --- It doesn't really matter that I am no longer at that wonderful location. I am not far away from there though and I still am on this wonderful body of water.

The lake is such a daily reminder of what is truly GREATER. ... Our amazing planet twirls, spins and wobbles, flying through space. The lake rises and falls to the tug of the rotating moon. Even with our limited scientific knowledge, it all remains most magical, mystical and mysterious.

Take a look at the other studios in the article. Deena made solid editing choices. I am very happy to be included  ...  Hyperallergic, January 19th, 2019.   

I am now offering this print for sale on Fine Art America - Have a gander! 

Another Great Book Review for TRILLIUM by M.L.Holton

Reviewer writes: "I cannot recommend this book enough!" 

Yes! Thrilled by another excellent '4 out of 5 star review' for TRILLIUM. Set in the beautiful Niagara peninsula over a timeframe of 250 years from 1750s to 2000s, three very distinct families make a go of it.

The e-book of TRILLIUM is now available on Amazon.CA or on Books2Read (for alternate e-book formats). NB: US exchange rate in effect for US-based purchases.

Also, happy to report that the 'Artist 1st Edition' is no longer available. Updated print editions can be found on Amazon as a trade paperback, with 340 pages and the same cover design.

Finally, very pleased to be reviewed by fellow readers on GOODREADS! 

 I'm also working on an author's page over there, so please be sure to connect and/or follow along!

On & UP!

New Growth - IPad Sketch by MLHolton

New Growth - iPad sketch by Canadian artist, MLHolton

Year-end mucking around ... There are several art apps available for ipad users that make this kind of finger-swiping doodling fun. This one is mostly an exploratory exercise that made it very quick to think about colours & forms, in contrast and in compliment. It's very easy to get into the 'groove' to just ipad doodle, to just play with it, and goof around. :) - Happy New Year. mlh

Christmas Thoughts 2018

Dormant Orchard with Pine Winebreaker - Photo by M.L.Holton

Christmas is approaching. It's now Dec 17th. Parcels and presents have been made, bought and wrapped. Delivery has begun with visits to friends and family. It's a festive social time. More then anything though, this year, it's those who are gone that hover over the festivities. I miss my dear old dad a great deal. I miss his gentle good humor and considerate and competent ways. I am equally aware that this may well be my last Christmas with my dear old mum. Aging is a strange phenomenon because as much as our minds are alive and active our bodies do not have the same capacity to renew or sustain. Christmas seems to increasingly be a time to remember not only the cycle of life within the framework of the Christian faith, but Life's very natural limits. "INFINITY" and the "INFINITE" are grand thoughts, but, practically, everything in our day-to-day experience underscores how finite living and life really is. Life, as we know it, does end. Spring will, of course, come again, yet it will be a different spring ...

Season's Best to All.
Catch you on the flip side - mlh

Book Review of New Novel from MLHolton, TRILLIUM

Book Review: TRILLIUM - by MLHolton / Reviewed by A. Brindle

PLUS, A 4 STAR Silver Book Award from Literary Titan  - Received February 6th, 2019
TRILLIUM on Amazon. CA:  https://www.amazon.ca/Trillium-Margaret-Lindsay-Holton/dp/0992127289

'Meet & Greet' Golden Horseshoe Artist, MLHolton

All welcome: Come One, Come All!

Informal 'Meet & Greet' at A Different Drummer Books

in beautiful downtown Burlington. Friday, Dec 7th, 7-8pm. 

See you there!
TRILLIUM now on AMAZON  
 
UPDATE: Super fun to catch up with old & new friends at the book signing.
CLASSIC photo of MLH taken by Ian at Different Drummer ... Eyes Closed As Per Usual!

TRILLIUM - A new Canadian Novel by MLHOLTON

This epic family saga begins after three diverse men arrive to the North American continent. Set in the Golden Horseshoe region of Canada, one arrives by foot at the Niagara frontier in the 1750s. Another arrives by ship from the island of Sicily to the burgeoning Hamilton port in the mid 1850s. The last arrives from Dublin just before the outbreak of WW1.

Over 250 years the Hartford, Di Angelo and O'Sullivan clans hunker down into the wine-making district of Niagara. Nothing remains sacred as opportunists pursue lust, land and loot. Ancient taboos are broken - and all hell breaks loose ... 

Wine enters the picture too - lots and lots of wonderful, lip-smacking wine.

Canadian artist, Margaret Lindsay Holton, aka MLH, explores changing manners and mores in this tell-all romp. Part poet, part mid-wife, part futurist, part sage, word-smith Holton creates an unforgettable and imaginative portrait of Canadian living.

Author of two other novels 'Economic Sex' (1985) and the award-winning 'The Gilded Beaver' (1999), MLHolton has also crafted short stories and poetry. 

After writing and directing, 'The Frozen Goose' (25 min DVD, 2016), she produced a spoken-word & electro-pop album 'CANADADA:TAKE TWO' (2017) to mark Canada's sesquicentennial. Her earlier poetry books, 'Bush Chord' (2006) and 'On Top of Mount Nemo' (2002) as well as her five photography books can be found on her website. 

*E-pub Edition releases January 2019* 

**ORDER 'TRILLIUM' NOW**  

Amazon paperback now on AMAZON.CA

Facebook fan page: TrilliumNovel Twitter: @trilliumthenovel 

 ---

First PRINT review / Dec Issue - The Bay Observer, 2018

2ND Excellent Book Review via Thomas Anderson of Literary Titan, January 2018.
**** 4 out of 5 stars ****
"I cannot recommend this book enough."

Alumni of Influence Award - Margaret Lindsay Holton

Well, that's super NICE! 

Just learned that I am to be given an 'Alumni of Influence' Award by the University of Toronto, via Principal  Donald C. Ainslie.

Ceremony is in November, so miles away yet. But still, wanted to share the GOOD NEWS! 

So often, as an artist, we work away (because we MUST) with little thought of recognition or even sales.

When it all comes together - when others recognize the effort, large and small - it's an unexpected and very gratifying THRILL!

THANK YOU to WHOEVER nominated me! Your anonymity is beguiling: it will pleasantly plague me for the rest of my life! xoxoxoxo mlh :) 

August Company! Alumni Awards, UofT, 2018

Post Event - Press Links:

https://www.uc.utoronto.ca/news/uc-celebrates-7th-annual-alumni-influence

https://www.uc.utoronto.ca/alumni/alumniofinfluence/margaret-holton

  Received the following lovely trophy-vase too!

Sun Shadow II - Pinhole Photography by M.L.Holton

A three person show at  
The CARNEGIE GALLERY 
in Dundas, Ontario, Canada.

July 6th-29th
Drop on by! 

Opening Reception:
FRIDAY, July 6th, 
7pm 9:30pm. 

See you there! 
- mlh 

MLH OPEN STUDIO - June 3rd, 2018 - 3-5pm

Thrilled to be a part of Hamilton Arts Week, June 2 - 9th, 2018. 

Will 'represent' the Hamilton Beach Community 

via my lakeside studio. 

SUNDAY - JUNE 3rd, 2018 - 3-5pm 

Margaret Lindsay Holton 
OPEN STUDIO

EVENT LISTING: Visit spectacular lake-side ART STUDIO of multi-disciplined, award-winning Golden Horseshoe artist, Margaret Lindsay Holton. Known for her distinctive 'naive-surreal-folk-abstract' paintings & beguiling photo-collages, Lindsay's distinctive art has established her as one of the regions best loved & collectible artists. Provocative. as well as prolific, come see what she's up to next! 

Family Friendly. Light Refreshments on Site. 

Plus, access to Lake Ontario beach front out front.

MLH Paintings, Photography (pinhole & digital), Books, CDs, DVDs, cards & other MLH ephemera
 - available for review and purchase.

All Welcome! 

HASHTAG: #HAMARTSWEEK

Kindly note, if coming via car, please PARK on side street opposite Harry's Pub. 

Entrance to Studio is via SIDE DOOR on building. Ring Buzzer No. 3. 

(Barking dog is behind the door!) - See you then!

Hamilton  Beach Strip, Lake Ontario waterfront

 Can't make it? Not to worry, some items still available via my art shop page ... HERE.