FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On the Bright Side… and other rose-coloured catastrophes
Castanet Columnist publishes book and donates a percentage of proceeds to charity

Kelowna, BC – April 23, 2008 – After two years as a Castanet weekly columnist, Kelowna’s favourite humour writer, Arlena de Bruin, is stepping out of the realm of freelancing and releasing her first book: a compilation of her columns titled On the Bright Side… and other rose-coloured catastrophes. A hysterical snapshot of Okanagan living, this publishing debut reveals the funniest and most inspirational of Arlena’s personal essays. Her insight and attitude towards life, love, and parenting clearly demonstrate an exceptional ability to both identify and celebrate the absurdity of the human condition.

“The idea for the book actually came from my readers,” says de Bruin. “After numerous requests to put my stories in print, I decided to put my fears aside and compile a piece of literature I hope will brighten, enlighten, and inspire. Humour has always been my way of coping if I can extend that gift to another, why wouldn’t I?”

de Bruin is not only the author of On the Bright Side… and other rose-coloured catastrophes, but also the publisher. “It’s been a labour of love,” she says jokingly, “Labour being the operative word, of course. Last week when my husband caught me bearing down, doing my Lamaze breathing with my feet up on the desk, I knew I had taken the birthing analogy to a whole new level.”

In addition to “brightening” people’s lives with her humour, this author has also committed to donating a dollar per book to Mercy House: a non-profit, community based organization that supports young women in crisis. Plans are underway to build the first house in Canada on the lower mainland where young women can stay free of charge and get support for life-controlling issues such as: eating disorders, self-harm, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, the effects of sexual and physical abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addictions.

“There was a time in my life,” says de Bruin, “where I was a single mother of twin toddlers and without an incredible amount of support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This amazing organization, their vision, and their commitment really spoke to my heart. As women, we need to come together and extend that hand of hope. I can see miracles happening for many young women touched by this charity’s generosity.”

To find out more or to purchase copies of On the Bright Side… and other rose-coloured catastrophes, please visit the website at www.redwagonservices.com or meet Arlena in person at the Kelowna Farmer’s Market (Wednesday and Saturdays: 8am-1pm) between April 26th and May 10th, 2008.
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For further information:
Arlena de Bruin, Author/Publisher – redwagonservices@gmail.com
Tel: 250.864.4513
Website: www.redwagonservices.com