My Monthly Journal
A personal dispatch for readers, writers, and wanderers
The sun rides long and low across the water. Bare skin warm, paddle still, I let the current decide. Out here, time loses its edges — and for a few slow hours, so does everything else.
— Summer solstice, Beaver River
Each month, near the last Friday, I bring you a summary of what I’ve been working on. My hope is that something here sparks inspiration, insight, or simply the motivation to explore your own creativity. This month: a new book in progress, a European adventure taking shape, a return to the dojo, and a summer packed with writing events, music, and open water.
NEW WRITING
The Adventures of Willy Weasel — Blue Mountain Series, Book 3
The early reader chapter book that’s been living in my head is finally on the page. The Blue Mountain Series already includes Scratchy the Squirrel: A Time for Friends(Book 1) and Life on the Beaver River (Book 2). This third instalment follows Willy Weasel through the familiar Georgian Bay landscape — with a few surprises along the way.
I’ve sent the manuscript to master illustrator Joshua Miller along with visual reference notes for key chapter scenes. This month I’m sharing a sample from Chapter 14, where a memorable new character arrives on the Beaver River for the first time.
Chapter 14 excerpt — Braer Bear’s arrival:
TRAVEL
A month in Greece and Italy — August to October
The European adventure is coming together. The plan: a few days in Athens, a week exploring the Cycladic islands, and a final stretch on Santorini before flying to Italy for the back half of the trip.
In Italy, I’m working to connect with the Italian cultural attaché to explore opportunities around my new bilingual release, Samba in Italy: Il Mistero di Halloween. More on that as it develops.
KARATE
Covering for Tim Sensei — Naka Ima Dojo, Toronto
My Toronto karate dojo asked me to fill in while head instructor Tim Sensei is away on holiday for five weeks this summer. I’ll be covering three of those weeks, mostly in July. Always good to get back on the mat in a teaching capacity.
WRITING EVENTS
Woven Word Symposium — Wasaga Beach, May 31
The next event is this Sunday: the Woven Word Symposium, a day dedicated to storytelling, creativity, and the written word.
I’ll be there as a vendor and this will be the official book launch of my book 4 in the Samba Dog series, with Samba in Italy: A Halloween Mystery.
I will have all my books on display and at festival prices.The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. and brings together writers, readers, and creative thinkers in a welcoming, community-focused space. Come by and say hello.
Find some writing inspiration, meet some great authors and get your books signed too.
MUSIC JOURNALISM
Two concerts, two reviews
Last month I mentioned two concerts I was looking forward to. I’m happy to report both are now written up.
My BEATrio review is published at Latin Jazz Net: BEATrio Live at Meridian Arts Centre, Toronto — April 25, 2026 ↗
My second piece covers a musical dance show celebrating Coltrane at 100 — a remarkable evening. It has been published in That Canadian Magazine:John Coltrane and the Paradox of Dance.
Speaking of concerts, I have my accreditation for the Toronto Jazz Festival running from June 19th – June 28th. An incredible line-up of some of the top artists in the world.
COMING UP
Sunday – MAY 31, 2026
Wasaga Beach · 10 am –2 pm
JUNE 20, 2026
The Bookshelf — WCYR
Newmarket Farmers’ Market · 8 am–1 pm
More updates to come in the near future. Meanwhile, I hope we can connect at one of my upcoming events.
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who might enjoy my journal, please share it with them. I’ll have a new kids’ story on my Patreon page for members—free for those who sign up. There are also paid tiers that offer sneak peeks at the making of my upcoming books, including Samba in Italy and Book 3 in the Blue Mountain series. The link for the Patreon story: Tomoe Gozem
All my books are available online through your favorite bookstore retailers.
Stay safe, be well, and keep reading.
Copyright © 2026 Paul Yanuziello, PNJ Services, All rights reserved.
Follow my journey: @PaulYanuziello
Support my work: patreon.com/PaulYanuziello