When I was a kid, I read a lot. I think it’s the key to becoming a writer. First, you become enchanted with the stories of others, setting your imagination on fire. Over time, you learn how stories work, almost instinctively. You identify with your favourite heroes, you boo your favourite villains. You know you need to find an emotional…
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Blog
Writing for Introverts
Do you think you have to be an introvert to be a writer? Writing to me is a very solitary activity. It’s hours spent alone on long walks or in the shower, just thinking and dreaming and wondering. It’s hours spent alone doing research and jotting down notes about how things work and figuring out plotting graphs and charts. It’s…
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Two Stories
Recently, two stories I wrote did well in contests. I know, when you’re a writer you should write for yourself, because you have something to say, because it hurts not to put it down on paper. And I do feel that just entering a contest is a win for me. To meet a deadline, to write something new, to feel…
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Hitting the Creativity Limit
Is there a limit to creativity? I’ve been asking myself that lately. I haven’t written anything in quite a while – other than a few very short practice pieces, it’s been a slow year. In fact, it’s been just over a year since I published my book, Ten at the Wedding, and since then I’m not sure I’ve really “finished”…
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My Favourite Books
Much like writing, I come and go as a reader. When I was a kid I always had my nose in a book, but as an adult, life often gets in the way, whether it’s obligations or other hobbies I’m pursuing. This past spring I did read more than usual, partly because I’m tracking my reading this year. I had…
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Flash Fiction – Planting
This is another in the series of Flash Fiction Challenges put together by photographer Dani over at Postcards from the Mothership and author Christine Hennebury. A few of us write a short piece each week(ish) based on a photo sent to us by Dani. Here’s my entry from this week. Planting I’ve set a timer on my watch. Every afternoon…
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