It's Here!
"By Happenstance" is officially available today!
It’s launch day.
After two years of listening, writing, and finding the right words for two remarkable lives, By Happenstance is available today, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you!
This book holds the stories of my parents before they were my parents. Two separate lives, shaped by completely different worlds, that found each other by happenstance in the remote community of Telegraph Creek, British Columbia. My parents shared their stories because they believe that our family stories are important, and help future generations understand the previous ones. I wrote it because I wanted to document who they were before I knew them – they both walked bold paths – and I hope it will inspire others to do the same for the people who shaped them.
About the book
By Happenstance is a tête-bêche memoir – a format where two complete books are bound together, each with its own front cover. Flip one way and you’re reading Walter’s Story: a bush pilot’s life shaped by the orchards of the Okanagan, the rough land of Vancouver Island, and the vast skies of Canada’s North. Flip the other way and you’re reading Tricia’s Story: a young woman’s journey from postwar Liverpool, through the wards of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, to a remote nursing post on the BC coast.
Two stories. One book. Both true.
ORDER YOUR COPY HERE
Here is a brief video I made to share how I worked with my parents to write this book:
Yes, I’m in my parents’ basement, it’s “command central” for the next month. We are busy planning book talks and getting this book out into the world!
Come and meet us
When possible, one or both parents may join me at upcoming book talks. They have a lot to share – not only their stories, but their thoughts on the value of moving past the anecdotes to tell more complete family stories.
Here are the events we have scheduled:
Nelson, BC
May 22 – Notably, A Book Lover’s Emporium, Nelson BC, 6:30pm. Only 25 seats available – please RSVP at notablybooks.ca/events or call 250-354-0148 (books are available for purchase at Notably!)
Balfour, BC
May 28 – Balfour Covenant Church, Balfour BC, 7:00pm.
Procter, BC
May 30 – Triple Rose Arts & Craft, Procter BC, 11:00am (books are available for purchase at Triple Rose!)
New Westminster, BC
June 6 – Groove Cat Books, New Westminster BC, 1:00pm. Limited to 30 seats – learn more at groovecatbooks.com
Parksville, BC
June 11 - Vancouver Island Public Library, Parksville Branch. Details pending.
Books will be available at the events. If you would like to order your copy online, you can do so here: KathyHarmsCreative.com
This book grew from a simple curiosity – to learn more about my parents. Writing their stories has been one of the most meaningful things I have done. Thank you for being here, for your encouragement along the way, and for reading.
If you want to follow along as more events are added, please bookmark my website: https://www.kathyharmscreative.com/books
With love, Kathy
Many congrats on reaching the finish line. I hope to buy my copy when you are in New West. AND, a really hope we can get together - you and Michel and Ben and I.
Congratulations, Kathy!