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October 14th, 2014

A beautiful day in Newfoundland afford an amazing view of the South Coast of the Island. I’ve been to Bay D’Espair once with GBS years ago, but have not yet got to full explore what looks like one of the most breathtaking parts of our Province.

Big day for me today. My first book, Where I Belong, published by Double Day and Random House in Canada hits the shelves and digital shelves today. I’ve mentioned it may times here but for those hearing of it for the first time, the book traces my young life in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland up until the lucky day when I got the chance to be in Great Big Sea. So far, readers seem very happy to have read the tales of garbage bagged guitars, saltwater goalie pads, altar boy antics, cod tongue cutting superhero fishermen, and all the rest of it. I am so grateful to everyone who’s helped me make the book possible. If you don’t mind, I’d like offer thanks to them all, publicly, here.

First to editor Nita Pronovost, who convinced me I had a story worth telling and held my hand and walked me through the steep learning curve of telling it.

Michael Levine got this whole thing started as he connected me with Nita and Scott Sellers and many others at Random House Canada. Michael’s got a keen eye for stories and I’m grateful and honored to be amongst his long list of clients, literary and otherwise.

A few select people read advance drafts of this book and their comments were invaluable in its completion. Dawn Chafe, along with husband Karl, Murray Foster, Kerri MacDonald and my brother, Bernie Doyle were all kind enough to wade through early drafts and helped me make it better with their input.

Victoria O’Grady did some early leg work for this book, compiling, copying and editing photos and blogs. I am grateful to her for this and so many other things she’s done to keep my work and home operating smoothly.

The photos in this book were taken or scanned and reproduced by the amazing Brian Ricks. I am grateful to him and all the folks, especially Margaret Walsh, who so generously made their photos available.

I discovered I knew none of the mechanics of writing dialogue. I explained my problem to my neighbour Ed Riche as we met one morning while putting out the garbage. He set me straight. Helps to have internationally successful writers in the ’hood.

Louis Thomas, my manager, somehow never blinks when I come to him with any crazy interest of mine, from music to acting to public speaking to writing. His administration and advice in this project have proved as beneficial as ever. Likewise all the gang at Sonic Entertainment in Halifax.

The cast and crew of Great Big Sea remain at the helm of the Mothership, and I could not have done this without their support.

My Mom and Dad, sisters and Brother gave me not only their stories and permission to use them but also the cheers and praise I needed exactly when I needed it. As always.

Finally, My wife, Joanne, and son, Henry, frequently stood patiently in the porch as I asked them to wait one more minute for me to email a chapter to the Editor or read a suggested revision. I cannot imagine how many times they have had to say my name more than once before getting my attention during the many stages of this project. Their support and encouragement is what I live for.

And Finally, Finally, thanks to you Dear Readers of this Blog. Truth be told, it is this space that tweaked the interest of the Publishers. And it was here I’ve been unknowingly training for the chance to write a book. Thanks for sticking with me here for so long. More to come.

You can get the book just about anywhere books are sold in Canada, and online world wide. The store page will show you where to go.

There’s a whole pile of press and events and public appearances in Canada and the US coming up in the next few weeks. Check out the tour page or Follow @alanthomasdoyle on Twitter for info.

Cheers,
Alan

p.s. Also happy to report the finishing touches on the Second AD Solo CD are being done as I type. First single should be ready to go in a week or so and the full CD in January just before a big North American Tour. Keep you posted on all. Fun Stuff.