I have none. “Make time for your writing,” the experts  declare. While it’s true you can’t write if you don’t put in the time, how can you “make” time? You cannot create more of something that already has a finite amount. … Continue reading →

“I hate writing, I love having written.” — Dorothy Parker, early 20th century American writer, critic and satirist

I’ve created a world in which there are only three countries: the First World, the Second World and the Third World, which, as you read from my most recent draft, aligns closely with the way we consider the grouping of … Continue reading →

Here’s the intro to the most recent draft I’m working with. What’s changed from earlier drafts: Lyra is no longer so angry (and  immature); in fact, she’s the opposite; she holds in her emotions. Jonah’s text about God not wanting their … Continue reading →

Here’s the story of my heartbreak: I finally finish my third (fourth? fifth?) first draft in the fall of 2015 (you know, when I originally thought I’d have a polished manuscript completed…). I’m excited. It’s been a long road, but … Continue reading →

In my new version, let’s call it my second first draft, Lyra no longer knows about her super cells at the beginning; she finds that out as part of the story. Shit. The second I open the front door I … Continue reading →

Through the Humber College program, I was paired with Richard Scrimger, a writer of, among other works, young-adult fiction. (Check him out at www.scrimger.ca). He was very supportive and very (very) honest. One of his first questions: “What does your … Continue reading →

Follow me as I aim to finish my current project, an as-yet-untitled young-adult novel. You’ll see my progress in real time. I’ll post excerpts of my drafts and explain my thought process, as well as what I’ve learned from the … Continue reading →