Category Archives: News

Poplar Lake Launch Celebration

News, Notes from Ron Thompson

The Poplar Lake launch party was held on Wednesday, October 17, at the Pilot Tavern in Toronto. There was a full and enthusiastic house, and I was very pleased to bask in the energy and support of so many wonderful friends.  I have posted photos from the event on my blog on this link.

Poplar Lake is now available in book stores (ask for it if it’s not on-shelf) and online from Amazon and Indigo. See it’s publisher page here.  Terry Fallis, two-time winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, has said of it, “In Poplar Lake, Ron Thompson has written a captivating story, rich with humour and heart. I didn’t want it to end.”

Blues at the Poplar Lake Book Launch

News, Notes from Ron Thompson
I’m happy to announce that blues artists Robert Davis and Fraser Melvin will perform at the Poplar Lake launch party on Wednesday, October 17 at the Pilot Tavern in Toronto. Robert and Fraser are fixtures in the city’s blues scene.  They’ve recently collaborated on Robert’s Cuban Blues CD which is slated for release in November.

Robert and Fraser are fantastic musicians and I’m honoured they’ve agreed to grace the evening.  If you would like to attend, you are most welcome. The space is filling so reserve a spot – message me on my Facebook Author Page with your email and I will send you a direct Evite.

Event details as follows: 

The Stealth Lounge, 2nd Floor, The Pilot TavernPoplar Lake - NON 2018 edition
22 Cumberland Street, Toronto ON M4W 1J5

  • Drinks and Mingle to the Blues 7:00 pm
  • Welcoming Comments 8:30-ish
  • The Robert Davis Fraser Melvin Duo will perform a special set after the formal welcome
  • Cash bar and food service will be available all evening.
  • Copies of Poplar Lake will be available for purchase ($21 with GST; cash or cheque only please).

Poplar Lake is a stand-alone prequel to my 2015 novel, A Person of Letters.  Terry Fallis, two-time winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, has said of it, “In Poplar Lake, Ron Thompson has written a captivating story, rich with humour and heart. I didn’t want it to end.”

Poplar Lake Among “Most Anticipated” Fall Fiction

News

49th Shelf - Most Anticipated

This month, Poplar Lake was cited on 49thShelf.com’s “Most Anticipated” fall fiction preview.  49thShelf focuses on Canadian books and authors. The reference to “49th” is a distinctly Canadian one, as the 49th parallel of latitude marks the southern Canadian border – at least in the part of the country where author Ron Thompson grew up.

Poplar Lake is on course for release in October. There will be a launch event in Toronto on or about October 17 – details to follow.

49thShelf - logo

Coming Soon: Poplar Lake

News

Coming in the fall of 2018:  Poplar Lake, from Now or Never Publishing .

Now or Never Publishing produces works by new and established authors from across Canada. Since 2005, NON has published 45 original titles, and its catalogue continues to grow with its annual spring and fall list releases. NON is a member of the Association of Canadian Publishers and the Literary Press Group of Canada.

Publisher Chris Needham commented in 2017 on NON’s acquisition of Poplar Lake: “Poplar Lake is a darkly subversive novel, compelling, poignant, and multi-layered, whimsical and wry in observation, a feat of imagination—and Ron Thompson’s voice is honest and assured in the telling. This book is going to resonate with readers when it hits bookstores next fall.”

Poplar Lake - Concept Cover

About Poplar Lake:

A young writer brings his girlfriend home to meet his family, introducing her to the vivid, sometimes dark history of his prairie hometown, while concealing the painful secrets of his own past.

Poplar Lake is a darkly satiric tragicomedy about families and relationships and the day-to-day lies that sustain them.

If Guy Vanderhaegh and Margaret Laurence had a love child, it would be Poplar Lake. Little Big Man would be its godfather, and M. Night Shyamalan would direct the movie adaptation.