The whole reason for a story is that we have something to say about something important to us. Often these moments come from either experiencing or sharing the experience of another who has suffered in some way. If nothing significant… Read More ›
Notables
It’s in the Details
Readers make the best connections with our characters and our prose or poetry through our use of the right details. What are the right details? I wish I could say that only the author knows, but we all need help… Read More ›
Life’s Soundtrack – Does it Extend to Your Characters?
I read a wonderful YA book a few months ago that included a soundtrack list at the back of the book to correspond with one song/chapter. As a teacher, I do Shakespeare’s Soundtrack with Hamlet for my grade 12 students… Read More ›
The War of Balances
Life is all about the right combination of balances; we know this but it’s easy to forget. Whether you are a planner or a pants-er with your writing style a certain amount of forethought in the creation of an idea… Read More ›
Truth & Beauty
I feel there is an essential truth in the works that writers produce, especially those pieces that make it to publication. There is an inherent beauty, both dark and delicate, that our words bring to life. As readers, we don’t… Read More ›
Making the Time
This quote particularly resonates with me as a writer. We have all these story ideas that we’re itching to get out and share with others but if we let the demands of our profession and our personal life dictate how… Read More ›
Stocking Up on Character
At my local writers group meeting earlier this month, one of the authors mentioned that his first ever protagonist has become the prototype or template, and therefore launching pad, for all of his other characters – and they cover 16… Read More ›
My Name is… and I am a Book-a-holic
Since I was a young child my addiction to books has been insatiable. It doesn’t matter if I’m reading them, to myself or others, or writing them. I literally cannot pass by a bookstore without buying at least one book…. Read More ›
The Beginning Doesn’t Necessarily Start with the First Word
For me, this quote resonates with the idea that we all have to start somewhere when we write. Debates, philosophical, and not so philosophical conversations look at how writers begin writing: do you start with a character? the plot? a… Read More ›
Don’t Try to Puke Politely…
There’s a tight feeling that often starts around the heart or at the back of your throat… if you can’t get pen to page (or fingers to keys) fast enough, the queasy feeling in your stomach starts. Being forced to… Read More ›