Voice is one of those things you have to find as a writer. Find your own voice, find the voice of your characters, the voice of your story. All that feels easy in comparison to preserving my voice on tour.

The first night of my southern Ontario book tour was raucous and fun, and I definitely did a little too much talking over loud music after the reading and Q&A. I could feel a corner of my throat bruising. Then I went to a party afterward. And then I knew for sure I’d injured my voice.

I use mine a lot, in my day job as radio host, so I know all the things you’re not supposed to do: whisper, scream, talk in a loud room, make funny voices. I have pretty much done all those over that last five days, coupled with not getting quite enough sleep and not drinking quite enough water. Add to that the nightly demands of being on tour: reading for twenty minutes, answering questions for another twenty or more, spending another twenty signing books and chatting in a loud room…every night. I don’t stand a chance.

Two more nights of tour — which I love, and which is so hard on my voice, but which I love — a long drive to Halifax with my bestie (I’m sure that won’t involve ANY talking at all, oh no) and then a big annual holiday party at my house with a huge crowd, a noisy room and lots of live music.

If I see you and I don’t say much, don’t take it personally — that’s just me, trying to find my voice again!