…Of A Writer’s Life Ah, living the dream, living the dream…  Yeah, but which one? The dream whose definition is a cherished aspiration or ambition? Or the dream whose definition is a series of thoughts images, sensations occurring when one … Continue reading →

What Writers Can Learn From a High School Dance! Let’s talk prom. Yes, the rite-of-passage high school dance portrayed a million times in a million different ways. Did your school have one? Did you go? Did it look anything like the ones … Continue reading →

Celebrate You! Awards make us feel good. They’re a wonderful source of hard-earned validation. And we’re proud of our accomplishments! But as a writer toiling away in obscurity, awards seem out of reach. How do you feel good about your … Continue reading →

Show Up For Yourself A winter storm swept through Ottawa, turning the streets into a slippery, sodden mess. I had plans to meet a friend; driving would miserable. A half-thought crossed my mind to postpone. We didn’t have to meet that morning. … Continue reading →

You. Year-end reviews give you the best and the worst—of books, movies, TV shows, and, well, everything. What I love about these lists is that they don’t necessarily include the most popular. In fact, one list of best performances in … Continue reading →

Writing Is About YOU I’m an excellent teacher. How do I know? 1) I’ve witnessed improvements in my students’ skills and confidence. 2) My students tell me. 3) Professional evaluations from experts (i.e.: my principal).  You know what’s not on … Continue reading →

Find Where You Belong In elementary school, I was friends with girls who would later become the “popular clique” in high school. I had different friends by then, but I never believed them to be snobby the way others sometimes … Continue reading →

Write for You Remember when writing was fun? Yeah, sometimes me neither. Sometimes we get so caught up in making sure we’re doing everything “right” that we forget why we even started. Yes, we need to study our craft, but … Continue reading →

Change It! “Write what you know,” they say.  But what if you don’t know anything? Let me rephrase. I mean, what if I don’t know anything dramatic or adventurous or truly extraordinary? I’m not a spy or a soldier or … Continue reading →

Be You From The Great Gatsby: “The windows were ajar and gleaming white against the fresh grass outside that seemed to grow a little way into the house. A breeze blew through the room, blew curtains in at one end and … Continue reading →