I’m not sure why, but lately, advent calendars have been popping up wherever I look. Growing up, I remember the ones with chocolate. I think my brother and I had to share one. This meant he got the chocolate on the odd days, and I got it on the even days. I’ll be honest, sharingContinue reading “Exploring Advent Calendar Books: A Unique Idea”
Tag Archives: writing
The Discipline of Writing
I’ve always been a writer. From my earliest memories, the written word has fascinated me. Like most people, I easily default to the excuse of, ‘life is busy’ when struggling with finding time to write. Over the years, I’ve tried numerous suggestions that have worked for other authors. I have to be honest, none ofContinue reading “The Discipline of Writing”
Self-Publishing VS Traditional Publishing
Over the past few decades, the whole realm of independent publishing, self-publishing, or being an independent author has grown. Not only have independent authors increased, but the whole industry has developed. A number of decades ago, a self-published author would write a memoir or a story. They would pay for a company to typeset, edit,Continue reading “Self-Publishing VS Traditional Publishing”
The Pendulum of Writing
People always tell me I’m good with words. Maybe I am. I don’t know. When I compare myself to other writers, I always admire what they do. And perhaps there are those who compare themselves to me. The comparison game should never be played, at least if we care about our mental health and well-being.Continue reading “The Pendulum of Writing”
New Short Story!
Every week, Reedsy posts a few short story prompts and anyone interested in writing is welcome to submit a story or write it for fun! A few weeks ago, they posted the contest: #292: Colour Your World with Kobo Writing Life. And the prompt that inspired me was: Center your story around an artist whoseContinue reading “New Short Story!”
Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise
Have you ever considered the work that goes into creating a tapestry, a hand woven rug, or blanket? I enjoy crochet, but that’s nothing to the intricate weaving of fine threads into beautiful patterns that grace our walls, floors, or even ourselves. The finely crafted pieces is made of uncountable threads twisted and folded together.Continue reading “Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise”
The Mirror Moment: A Reflection
Originally published in 2014, James Scott Bell wrote a book about writing called, Write Your Novel from the Middle. Bell, a crime/thriller writer who tends to lean towards courtroom drama, came up with the idea when reviewing numerous books and movies. He recognized a pattern that took place in the middle of all these stories.Continue reading “The Mirror Moment: A Reflection”
Behind the Scenes: The English Teacher’s Magic
I started my professional teaching career in 1999. That seems like a hundred years ago now and so much has happened over those 24 years! Teaching English was never my plan, but life’s journey took me to Busan, South Korea after completing my undergraduate degree. Unlike most people at the time, however, I wasn’t thereContinue reading “Behind the Scenes: The English Teacher’s Magic”