Finding fresh ways to write timeless truth.
We’re gathering for our first writing group Zoom meeting this morning (we met once before to introduce ourselves and set group norms). I’m excited to hear the stories women have written for the prompt, PLACE. Writing group is a wonderful sanctuary where stories are shared and listened to, friendships are formed, and we find a
I came across this photo I captured eight years ago of the bridge at Snoqualmie Falls in WA. I was just starting on my photography journey, and Gerry and I were taking classes at the Green River Community College. I don’t mind telling you I struggled in these classes—well, not so much in the classes
I’m behind by a couple of tutorials in the Jean Haines Watercolour School I signed up for. They’re interesting, and I’m chomping at the bit to dig in. I need to stake my tomatoes and tend to a handful of other things at the community garden. My desk is a mess. There are Story Circle Network
It’s that magical time of year when every day I see new growth in the garden. We’re eating beautiful and delicious lettuce now. I’m going to pull the rest of the spinach before it bolts and use some of it in a lasagne. I thinned the carrots, and am doing the same with the Hakurei turnips,
The day starts out gray, which is perfect because I’m planning to write and there’s no siren call of the outdoors to distract me. I decide to work in the den, and settle the dogs first—which turns out to be a challenge because the littlest one, Murphy, wants to claim the spot on my lap
It’s official. We have a writing group. We hold the first Zoom gathering in which we get to know one another and establish norms, and I come away from the time walking on air. From seeing familiar faces who were in my WA group, those of newer friends, and my daughter. From the sense of
I can’t order proof copies of new unpublished books from Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) because of COVID and the fact that I’m in Canada which, of course, in the grand scheme is insignificant but in my little world is an annoyance. It also makes absolutely no sense. I need to get creative to do
I sit down to free write one afternoon. I am tired of thinking about the pandemic. I’m tired of writing about it. I’m weary of its curled tentacles reaching into every aspect of life and leaving a sticky residue. I’ve had enough of the polarization—over the pandemic, but also politics and the best breakfast cereal
“My copy of Linda Hoye’s The Presence of Absence is studded with bookmarks so I can return to some of my favourite passages in her wonderful new book. I had to smile when she buys a new Moleskin notebook—then decides she needs a new desk to go with it! (87) I recognize myself both in
I'm a checklist person through and through. Sometime late last year I began drafting a project plan for launching The Presence of Absence to capture all the little details I needed to tend to before releasing my baby out into the world. I have been tweaking it, making adjustments, and getting things done but I
One year ago today I posted this photo on social media with these words: “I’ve been at this pretty much all day and haven't made it past the second page. Whose idea was it for me to write another book anyway?” I was buried in revisions of The Presence of Absence: A Story About Busyness, Brokenness, and