Fun book launches should always begin with an author pilot flying in on a Cessna

The latest book I've published has led to numerous "firsts" during my 24 years as an author, editor, and independent Canadian book publisher. Here is a snapshot of what happened during an exciting two weeks launching Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North: A Bush Pilot's Adventures with the book's subject and author, Dorrin Wallace.

This is the first time I've co-authored an entire book, although I've written five nonfiction books as the sole author and contributed pieces to more than a dozen other Canadian books. So that's been fun!

Dorrin's anecdotes about his 40 years as a bush pilot taught me a lot about what it takes to safely fly airplanes through inclement weather, landing on windy or frozen lakes or small airfields while avoiding trees, rocks, and the occasional animal that crosses the runway while the plane is landing! I've published four other books about aviation adventures (Flight: Stories of Canadian Aviation, Volumes 1 to 3, plus Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death), but this detailed look at being a pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer has given me a first-person look at being a solo pilot. 

Evan Bray with Dorrin Wallace and Deana J Driver
Oct. 1, 2025

Dorrin and I were invited to talk about our book launch on the Evan Bray Show on CJME/ CKOM radio. I've been interviewed several times on the John Gormley Show, the predecessor to this talk show, but this was my first time as a guest on Evan Bray's show. What fun! Listen to the October 1st audio clip.

To get from his home in Saskatoon to the radio studio in Regina for the interview, Dorrin asked his friend Murray Louden to fly him south to Regina in Murray's Cessna 180. That's the second time an author of mine has come to Regina on an aircraft to promote their book. In November 2023, Romie Christie flew to Regina from Calgary, Alberta, to launch her inspiring book about her parents' war story/love story, See You in Le Touquet: A Memoir of War and Destiny. But this was the first time a small aircraft was "chartered" for a radio show interview promoting one of the books I've published! So cool. 

I picked up Dorrin at the Regina airport, and away we went to the CJME studio. After the radio show, we returned to the Regina Flying Club, where we signed boxes of books to send to retailers. That was a first-time experience at that location! Thanks to Murray for arranging the space with the accommodating staff of the Flying Club. 

Dorrin Wallace with Deana J Driver
at the Regina Flying Club

As Dorrin and Murray prepared to go back to Saskatoon, I asked if I could walk out to the airplane with them, which I did. I took their photos in front of Murray's Cessna, to be used specifically in this blog post. Another first!

Murray Louden with his Cessna and author Dorrin Wallace

Dorrin Wallace with the Cessna C-FPXT

As we walked to the Cessna, Dorrin told me a great story about Murray's Cessna, which Dorrin flew as a bush pilot in northern Saskatchewan!

"When Murray told me he bought C-FPXT, I said, 'I know that plane. The last time I flew it, it was loaded with 1,000 pounds of moose meat." On that trip in 1974, Dorrin was flying from Uranium City to Prince Albert with the aircraft overloaded.

Dorrin smiled as he told me, 'Some guys on the dock wanted to make me a bet that I couldn't get airborne, because of the weight of the moose meat and the full tanks of gas. I told them to save their money, I would get airborne, and I did." But it wasn't an easy task, explained Dorrin. "I climbed for 150 miles to get up to altitude. I should have been at altitude at 10 miles. I was about 700 pounds overloaded for that airplane." Oh, my.

Dorrin Wallace, about to board Murray's plane

Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North - A Bush Pilot's Adventures
by Dorrin Wallace with Deana J Driver
published by DriverWorks Ink, DRIVERWORKS.CA

A few days after the radio interview, my beau, Marlowe, became my chauffeur and assistant for the book launch at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in Saskatoon, about 270 km northwest of Regina. This was the first time that I had Marlowe's presence and support at a book launch! I am grateful that he took photos and videos of the event so I could focus on the proceedings. I am also grateful to the Saskatchewan Writers' Guild for author reading assistance for this event and to Creative Saskatchewan for book publishing production assistance of Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North!

The Saskatchewan Aviation Museum and Learning Centre, Saskatoon, SK

Surprisingly, this was the first time someone took photos (or perhaps the first time someone showed me photos) of me as I was deep in conversation with the author before an event! Thanks, Marlowe, for that reminder of some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into launching a book.

Dorrin Wallace with Deana J Driver

Dorrin Wallace with Deana J Driver

Dorrin Wallace with Deana J Driver
at the launch of their book
Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North: A Bush Pilot's Adventures

Thank you to everyone who came to our
Saskatchewan Aviation Museum book launch of
Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North!

Author Dorrin Wallace with book cover photographer Roberta Wells
and co-author/publisher Deana J Driver of DriverWorks Ink

It was nice to meet Roberta Wells, the woman who took the photo of Dorrin and the DC-3 (also known as a Gooney Bird) that we used on the cover of our book, but this was the first time I've been in a photo as a photographer pretended to kiss the book's author just for a laugh! So silly.

Book cover photographer Roberta Wells pretends to get fresh with author Dorrin Wallace
while co-author/publisher Deana J Driver of DriverWorks Ink just sits back and smiles

To end this terrific day, Marlowe added more firsts by suggesting that he could take a video (1) of Dorrin and me chatting in front of the DC-3 (2) that is a prized exhibit at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum. Enjoy the video!

 

A Surprise Connection to Reg "Crash" Harrison's Family Farm

Selling my books at craft and trade shows on the Canadian Prairies is usually a fun and fascinating exercise in which I meet avid readers and get ideas for future stories to write and/or publish. Sometimes, people praise my publishing efforts and the nonfiction or historical fiction books they particularly enjoyed. But the lovely surprise at a craft show in Swift Current in October 2024 was a unique experience.

A few minutes before the show closed on its final day, a woman came running up to my booth, clutching her copy of my book Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death. "I made it!" she said. "I told my husband I met you yesterday and it was too bad I didn't have my book with me. He asked when the show ended today and told me I still had time to get back here!" Which she did, and I promptly autographed the book for her.

But that wasn't the only reason for her return visit. This time, she brought her cellphone, which contained photos she wanted to show me of an important farmhouse.

You see, Arlie (Dreger) Neufeld was raised on a farm at Lorlie, Saskatchewan, just down the road from Reg "Crash" Harrison, the 102-year-old subject of my book. Reg was a bomber pilot in England in the Second World War who had survived four plane crashes and numerous close calls. I wrote the biography about Reg's childhood on the farm at Finnie, SK, his adventures during his war years, and his life afterward, including being made an Honorary Snowbird by the famed Canadian aerobatics team.

Author-publisher Deana Driver and Arlie (Dreger) Neufeld

When Arlie first spoke with me, she said her sister Loretta was a friend of Reg's youngest sister Sylvia, so she wasn't sure if Reg would know her. Arlie then asked when Reg had last been to the area where they grew up - a question I did not have an answer for. She talked about how she'd been out there recently and had taken photos of the farmhouse. She would have shown them to me except she'd left her phone at home.

So here she was on Day Two of the show, posing for a photo with me and the book, and showing me photos of the farmhouse - the Harrisons' farmhouse, not the house her family lived in!

I was astounded and pleased. I had thought Arlie was talking about photos of her family's farmhouse, not Reg's. This was a great surprise!

Harrison family's farmhouse, Finnie, SK, 2024
Photo by Arlie (Dreger) Neufeld

Side view of Harrison family's farmhouse, Finnie, SK, 2024
Photo by Arlie (Dreger) Neufeld

Harrison family's farmhouse, Finnie SK, 1960
(one of the 98 photos in the Crash Harrison book)

I wish I'd had those recent photos for the book, but I didn't know the house was still standing or I probably would have driven out to take some photos myself.

Oh well. The things you learn after a book has been published.

Thanks, Arlie, for coming back to the craft show and sharing those images with me.

Reg and his daughter Laurie, and his sister Sylvia were all tickled by the reconnection and the photos. They all say, "Hi, neighbour! And thank you!"

Reginald "Crash" Harrison and author Deana J Driver, 2023

Warm Welcome to Carlyle Homespun Craft Show

Each fall since 2009, I've showcased and sold my books at craft shows and trade shows in Saskatchewan and other Prairie communities. That's 15 years of setting up tables, chairs, books, brochures, and posters in exhibition halls, schools, museums, hockey rinks, and more to sell the books I edit, publish, and sometimes write. And it's been great!

These venues enable me to meet customers and learn what they like about the books I create and what they want to see more of in future publications. I hear accolades about my writing and that of my authors, and it's heartwarming to talk to people who have bought our books and come back for more.

The organizers of these shows are awesome humans too, and a recent event in Carlyle, SK proved it once again.

Upon arrival, I was met by Nicole Currie, one of the organizers of the 38th annual Carlyle Homespun Craft & Quilt Show. Alongside Nicole was her young grandson, Kitt, who quickly endeared himself to me with his choice of T-shirt.

Nicole Currie, an organizer of Carlyle Homespun 2024

Nicole's grandson Kitt with his "red wings" T-shirt

       

(The Detroit Red Wings was my late husband Al's favorite team, so any red wings that pop up since Al's death is a gentle sign of Al's spirit visiting us.)

Young Kitt then went on to endear himself to all the vendors by running from booth to booth as we were setting up our tables. Carrying a stack of sticky notes, Kitt enthusiastically told me, "You're working really hardly, so I want to give you three checkmarks. If you work really hard, you get 10."

That cracked me up!

Kitt handing out checkmarks to vendor Deana Driver of DriverWorks Ink, at Carlyle Homespun 2024
(Photo by Nicole Currie)

He then went to another booth down the aisle, where the vendor asked for a star on his note as well.

"If he gets a star, I want a star!" I called out to Kitt, who immediately came running back to my booth. He carefully added a star - which is "really hard to draw" - to my sticky note. I asked him to write his name too. He complied.

3 checkmarks and a star from Kitt

How much fun is that?

Nicole informed her grandson, "When your dad was little, I bought some books from this lady and her husband. I asked your dad, 'Will you read them?' I said, 'If you read them, I will buy them."

So that adds another wonderful memory for me of why I do what I do with our Prairie stories.

Thanks, Nicole and Kitt for putting a smile on my face at my first craft show of the 2024 fall season!

DriverWorks Ink books booth at Carlyle Homespun 2024

Buried Treasure in the Backyard

While I was working in my new backyard transplanting peonies, my new neighbour Patty brought me a bowl of gluten-free spaghetti and meat sauce. What a great neighbour! 

I've hired Patty to repaint the main floor of my house, so we've been spending a lot of time together. I told her that I had hit something solid with my shovel when I was digging in the backyard. It was a strange light blue colour and it made a strange noise when the shovel hit it. I had no idea what it was. "Come, I'll show you," I told her.

"Maybe it's buried treasure," Patty said hopefully.

"If it is, we'll split it," I replied.

So we started digging ... and digging.

I had a feeling this might be an important moment, so Patty kept digging while I went to grab my phone camera.

We hoped we wouldn't uncover a dead animal, like a beloved family pet. Mostly we hoped it wasn't a buried power line that was about to zap us or cause chaos in the neighbourhood because of our curiosity.

We dug and dug and the light blue surface kept getting bigger and bigger.

I sent a photo of it to a contractor friend and asked if he had any idea what it might be. "It sounds like porcelain, " I told him. 

"Very strange," he replied. 

Meanwhile, Patty kept digging and we discovered that this thing was rectangular and had rounded corners.

With one last turn of the shovel, Patty flipped our buried treasure up out of its resting place. 

We laughed and laughed! 

Wow. It is Porcelain! 

It's the top of a toilet tank!

Why was it buried? No idea. It doesn't really matter to me. "I'm keeping it for its story," I laughed as I hauled this blue treasure to its new spot in my yard - above ground!

"We're not any richer, but we've got a great story," I told Patty, who replied with a hilarious comment...

"We're still splitting it! One week it will be in your yard, and the next week it will be in mine." 

We laughed and laughed some more at our new bonding backyard adventure. 

101-year-old bomber pilot shares wartime adventure stories with Canadian Aviation Historical Society

At age 19, Reginald Harrison enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was looking for adventure away from the Saskatchewan farm where he grew up and he wanted to serve his country in the Second World War, just like most of the young men around him. By age 21, Reg was flying a Halifax aircraft out of the Croft air base in England, dropping bombs on the enemy forces in Germany and France. 

Weighing only 118 pounds, Reg chose to sit on top of his parachute pack inside the aircraft to give himself a better view out the windows of the huge Halifax bomber. During one of his flights, the parachute nearly killed him - during the third of what would eventually become four crashes Reg survived during the war. Reg served our country and the Allied Forces well and, upon returning to Canada from the war, met his future wife through a fellow bomber pilot. 

At almost 102 years old, Reg "Crash" Harrison recently shared some of the stories of his wartime experiences with members of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society at their national convention held at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Almost 102-year-old Reginald "Crash" Harrison and author Deana J. Driver at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum for the national convention of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, June 22, 2024

As the author of the new book about Reg's life (Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death), I was pleased to have been invited to speak to the group alongside Reg and to again listen to him tell some of his incredible wartime stories.

It was an honour to address this group, which is the oldest and largest organization in the world dedicated to the celebration and documentation of Canada's flying heritage. And it is always a huge honour to sit beside Reg Harrison as he tells stories about his time in the RCAF.

It is always heartwarming to watch the reverence that people rightly have for this man who served in the war and survived four crashes and significant traumatic events. They, like me, have come to appreciate his remarkably clear memory of those events and how he can - at almost 102 years old - still share them with avid listeners.

I watch with gratitude as people line up to shake Reg's hand and have him autograph their copy of the Crash Harrison book. (I get to sign the books too, which is always nice. And Reg usually says something nice about me to whoever asks about how the book came to be. He and I mutually admire each other.)

101-year-old Reg "Crash" Harrison and author Deana J Driver signing Crash Harrison books at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, June 22, 2024  
 - photo by John Chalmers, CAHS member

CAHS delegate has Reg Harrison autograph the book, June 22, 2024

Another CAHS delegate chats with Reg "Crash" Harrison, June 22, 2024

This delegate to the CAHS convention and I were pleased to realize that she and I sing in the same community choir in Regina!

During our presentation at the CAHS convention in the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in June, I recorded these videos of Reg telling his stories:

WW2 bomber pilot tells how his parachute got caught as he bailed out in 1944

101-year-old WW2 bomber pilot had dangerous flights & landings in a Lancaster in 1944

101-year-old WW2 bomber pilot talks about his aircraft bailout in 1944 & being ever-grateful

After the presentation, an elderly man came up to our table and introduced himself. Dr. Robert Galway had a special story he wanted to tell me and Reg about how he also knew the doctor who performed the reconstructive surgery on Reg's arm during the war. What a wonderful serendipity!

Dr. Robert Galway meets Reg "Crash" Harrison in Saskatoon, June 22, 2024

I asked Dr. Galway if he would tell me the whole story so I could record it and share it. He was pleased to do that. Enjoy this remarkable interview...

A 101-year-old WW2 bomber pilot & a Canadian doctor share connections to the Guinea Pig Club

Reg and I say thank you to the Canadian Aviation Historical Society for the invitation to speak to the convention delegates. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum for hosting the event. Thank you to all those who attended, enjoyed the presentations, and purchased books.

As Reg says every time he talks about his stories, we must remember those who served and especially those who did not make it home from the war.

We must not forget.

Sure Signs of Spring in Saskatchewan

The sight of a robin is always my first sign of Spring. 

Except this year.

On April 5th, my young granddaughters and I were looking out my front window when a large, solid black butterfly flew by us, flittering away just under the roof overhang at the top of the window.

We couldn't believe our eyes. A butterfly in April in Regina? I've never seen that, and I've lived here for almost 50 years.

I looked online for information about butterflies that live in Saskatchewan in winter and the closest butterfly I could find that resembles the large all-black butterfly we saw would be a Mourning Cloak. Although their black wings turn brown when they are older, Mourning Cloaks are one of only three varieties of butterflies that hibernate in Saskatchewan in winter and come out early in springtime. 

A Saskatoon Zoo Society page states: "Mourning Cloaks, anglewings, and tortoiseshells are the only Saskatchewan butterflies that hibernate as adults. (Other butterflies and moths usually survive the winter in the egg stage, although some will overwinter in the caterpillar or pupae/ chrysalis stages). The amazing part is they freeze completely solid in the winter and come back to life when they thaw out."

Another interesting paragraph about the Mourning Cloak butterfly is from a Canadian Entomology Cool Insects blog: "How long do butterflies live? For most, the answer is “not very long,” after what may have been many months as an egg, caterpillar, and chrysalis. For the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), however, life as a butterfly can stretch over an entire year. Mourning Cloaks spend the winter in hibernation, under bark for example, and they are often the “first butterfly of spring,” along with their close relatives, the tortoiseshells and commas. Since Mourning Cloaks are widespread in North America and Eurasia, they are probably the most oft-encountered spring butterflies in the north temperate world. After feeding on various trees (elm, willow, and poplar are all acceptable fare) as caterpillars, Mourning Cloak butterflies emerge from their pupae in mid to late summer. They sometimes live as long as twelve months as adults. In springtime, they typically emerge from hibernation before the first flowers are in bloom, and they feed on everything from sap flows to dung to mud, in order to obtain the nutrients necessary for such a long life."

So there you go.  

I've never looked into the wintering habits of insects in Saskatchewan before, choosing to just appreciate and accept them with gratitude when they show up. The early butterfly in my yard this year does not quite match the photos of any of the creatures on this Butterfly Identification page, and entomologists are welcome to correct me, but I'm guessing my new friend is a young black Mourning Cloak.

Usually, a ladybug is the first insect I see outdoors in springtime, and we saw at least a dozen of those in my yard on the weekend too. But that large black butterfly this year sure showed up its friendly flying neighbours. It even flew in front of me today as I drove into my back alley. How wonderful!

A black butterfly is said to be a sign of faith, hope, and new life, and a symbol of positive change.

Welcome, Springtime! And a special welcome back to our flying friends!

This robin was in my front yard yesterday.

My granddaughter gently holding a ladybug

A butterfly in my backyard in August 2023.

 

100th Anniversary of the RCAF celebrated by 101-year-old Canadian Bomber Pilot

April 1, 2024, marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It's been an important milestone for Reginald "Crash" Harrison, who turned 101 years old in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan last August and was setting his sights on living long enough to see the 100th anniversary of the RCAF - which he has done!

Reg was a Canadian bomber pilot during the Second World War. His life story, including growing up on a Saskatchewan farm and then surviving 4 wartime aircraft crashes in England, is told in my new book Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death (https://driverworks.ca/product/crash-harrison-book-by-deana-j-driver/ ).

Reginald "Crash" Harrison and author /publisher Deana J. Driver with
the book Crash Harrison - Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death

I spoke with Reg a few days ago and he told me his plan is to attend one of this summer's air shows celebrating the 100th RCAF anniversary. Saskatchewan cities are all too close to their airports, he said, so he'll likely travel to Cold Lake, Alberta, with family members to see his favourite Canadian Forces Snowbirds and other talented aviators in action.

If you want more information about the RCAF's 100th-anniversary celebrations, go to https://rcaf2024arc.ca/ which lists the events and also states:

    "The Centennial milestone places the RCAF in a unique position to honour its distinct heritage; recognize its tremendous people today; and generate excitement for its bright future. This is an opportunity to fuel internal and external support in the organization that instills pride in Your Air Force while creating an enduring legacy that propels the institution forward into its next century of service. Canada’s Air Force will be showcased in a past, present, and future context, with a focus on highlighting contributions to national safety and security, international peace, and global stability."

Happy Anniversary, Royal Canadian Air Force! Thank you for your service.

One Book One Province launch of Miss G and Me at Government House in Regina

What a fabulous evening of celebration we had at Government House in Regina, Saskatchewan as author Jennifer S. Wallace's memoir about her mother, Miss G and Me, was launched as the One Book One Province title for 2024!

The Saskatchewan Library Association's OBOP program encourages libraries, book clubs, and individuals all across Saskatchewan to read this book and share discussions about the story. Jennifer will be presenting at various libraries across the province during April. See the schedule here.

Miss G and Me is a gracious memoir that Jennifer penned about her mother, Ruth Williamson (aka Miss G). Ruth left Jamaica at a young age, under her mother's direction, to pursue a nursing education in England. Ruth then chose her own path, which led her to Canada, like so many immigrants in the late 1960s. Unlike many immigrants from the Caribbean at that time, Ruth ended up in rural Saskatchewan, working as a nurse while adjusting to the culture and climate of the Canadian Prairies.

Ruth’s life is one of resilience and determination. She married Ian MacLeod in Saskatoon in 1971, blending cultures in a mixed-race marriage unusual for its era. She built a nursing career that spanned over forty years, and mentored women and children from other countries and backgrounds. It wasn’t until the nickname “Miss G” came up during a phone call from Jamaica that Ruth's daughter, author Jennifer Wallace, began asking more questions and unraveling the mysteries of her mother’s life.

Jennifer uses anecdotes, journals, poetry, and essays to explore their relationship and lessons learned from her mother. The book invites readers and listeners to experience Jamaican, English, and prairie Canadian voices, cultures, landscapes, and mindsets.

I am delighted to have played a role in bringing this story to light, and proud that my company, DriverWorks Ink, published this fascinating cultural gem.

Enjoy these photos of our exceptional evening celebrating this wonderful Jamaican-Canadian story.

Welcome to Government House, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada!

Carolyn Speirs, Executive Director and Private Secretary of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, attaches a microphone to help Jennifer S. Wallace get ready for a CTV News interview 

Jennifer S. Wallace, all set to be interviewed about her award-winning book Miss G and Me

Publisher Deana Driver of DriverWorks Ink, Saskatchewan Library Association One Book One Province representative Colleen Murphy, and author Jennifer S. Wallace at Government House, Regina, SK, Canada, March 21, 2024

Jennifer S. Wallace poses with her Miss G and Me book at Government House, Regina, SK, Canada

Jennifer S. Wallace with Mary Harelkin Bishop, another award-winning DriverWorks Ink author and Jennifer's mentor on the Miss G and Me book project

Publisher Deana Driver with Jennifer S. Wallace and her mother Ruth, aka Miss G

Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russell Mirasty meets Miss G and her daughter Jennifer

Saskatchewan Library Association representatives Colleen Murphy and James Hope Howard with Jennifer Wallace, her mother Ruth, and Their Honours Donna Mirasty and Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russell Mirasty, at Government House, March 21, 2024

Carolyn Speirs, Executive Director and Private Secretary of the Lieutenant Governor's office, emceed the 2024 OBOP launch at Government House

Desmond McAllister's steel drum performance set the tone for the OBOP launch of Miss G and Me

Ian and Ruth (Williamson) MacLeod, Jennifer Wallace, and Their Honours enjoying the steel drum performance

Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russell Mirasty expresses his appreciation for the sharing of this important cultural story

Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russell Mirasty addresses the audience

James Hope Howard, president of the Saskatchewan Library Association, drove from La Ronge to Regina for this event

  

Jennifer S. Wallace shares serious and humorous excerpts from her book Miss G and Me

At the book sales table, publisher Deana Driver of DriverWorks Ink with helpers Nadine Klassen and Mary Harelkin Bishop

A reception in the Government House ballroom followed the author's reading

Author Jennifer Wallace and publisher DriverWorks Ink are grateful to the Saskatchewan Library Association for choosing Miss G and Me as their 2024 One Book One Province title. We appreciate the support and encouragement of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the beautiful venue of Government House. We also acknowledge the book publishing support from Creative Saskatchewan and we thank all those who helped make this book a wonderful reality.

(Order your copy of Miss G and Me here or contact DriverWorks Ink directly for educational and library discounts.)