Remember what you wore on your first day of high school? (black acid wash jean skirt.) A memorable travel experience? (navigating the Paris metro system all on my own as a 16-year-old.) Your crush in Grade 8? (Andrew Bible.) Those … Continue reading →

I woke up to a dark, dreary Sunday, the rain drumming against the window. It was a cozy, curl-up-in-bed kind of day. Even better, we had no plans. My kids were watching a movie; my husband otherwise occupied. I had … Continue reading →

One colleague of mine recounted a story he’d heard from a writer who believed there was no such thing as writer’s block. “There’s no such thing as ‘ditch-diggers’ block,” he quoted. Other workers in other jobs are expected to just … Continue reading →

My character is new to the Second World; it’s intimidating for her, but I want to show that she is intrigued as well. It’s a different, yet still exciting place; new, but not scary. For this, I chose an outdoor market as my … Continue reading →

I was taught a long time ago what the secret to good writing is: A.I.C. Ass in chair. You can’t write well if you don’t, well, write.

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 →