Reading at the Ottawa Main Public Library

At 7:00pm on Thursday, May 5th, I will be pleased to read the first chapter, 'Life's a Duck', of my novel, "Riding the Tides of Life", (2010) at the Main Public Library, 120 Metcalf St., Ottawa. During this Arts Extravaganza,individuals who have experience with mental health will be sharing some their poems,fictional works, and art & photo exhibits. This event is co-sponsored by the Ottawa Public Library and the Ottawa Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association in celebration of Canadian Mental Health Week (May 1 - 7, 2011). I strongly encourage everyone to attend this very special evening.

Raymond on Video

In addition to being a poet and a novelist, I continue to work at the Shepherds of Good Hope where I started to volunteer in May 1999. I was recently invited to do the following video related to my work at the Shepherds and it is my pleasure to encourage you to view it.

We Salute You - Vol. IV - Nous Vous Saluons

I'm pleased to announce that I've recently self-published a collection of ninety-two poems, "We Salute You - Vol. IV - Nous Vous Saluons", a pictorial and poetic tribute to those individuals and groups who volunteer at the Shepherds of Good Hope, an organization serving the poor and the homeless in Ottawa. Copies of this book may be purchased directly from me by calling 613-746-9926 or by sending me an e-mail: the book is sold for $20 a copy and a share of the profits will be donated to the Shepherds of Good Hope. In my opinion, volunteers are the "backbone, heart and soul" of the Shepherds of Good Hope. Without their continued support, the Shepherds would not be able to provide the wide range of high quality services it currently provides to its clientele.

Letter of Recommendation from Dr. Pierre Zundel

"Mr. Raymond D. Tremblay, author and social worker based in Ottawa, has made a number of presentations to our students, faculty and staff about his experiences with mental health issues. He provided a fascinating view into the mental health system and created an opening for conversation about the subject for a number of our community members. His presentation was very professionaal and he provided a clear personal perspective without drifting into amateur psychology or psychiatry. The presentation was very well received by the two audiences to whom he presented at our University. He demonstrated excellent command of both French and English during his presentations, making him a versatile speaker for audiences in both languages. I strongly recommend him for presentations on this topic."
Dr. Pierre Zundel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sudbury (December 21, 2010).

Brief book review from Annette Cope, school teacher from Australia

Thank you very much for the copy of your book, Riding the Tides of
Life. I have finished reading it and found it excellent. I have worked
with a colleague who suffered a severe bipolar disorder requiring
hospitalization and can really identify with your description of
Greta's actions and reactions. In the time we were in Canada we became
very impressed with the pride First Nation people have for their
heritage and the real effort being made to pass on stories and
traditions to the younger generations. It was therefore most
interesting to read how you told the story in such a way as to really
portray the effect that Greta being a citizen of the Metis Nation of
Ontario had on her beliefs, interests and relationships. I found the
story really interesting and am keen to encourage others to also read
it. Annette Cope, school teacher from Australia