Let's get visual, visual. I wanna get visual---let me what you can draw, what you can draw---let me see what you can draw.... Most people are visual—it’s how we put together clues. It’s how we interpret meaning. If you ask most people (apart from musicians and music-lovers) whether they’d rather lose their sight or their … Continue reading The Gift of Something More Visual
Think of your favourite object/image--something that's been with you for as long as you care to remember. Now, go look at it. Jot down (or think through) the memories/connections/feelings and associated memories/connections/feelings this object/image calls to mind. Ready? Look for something new or overlooked--maybe a crack in the vase, or a scuff on the side … Continue reading A Diptych: Captured in Black & White
In my family, story-sharing has always been a part of life--it could be that we are suckers for free entertainment over a strong cup of coffee. Although this weekend was supposed to be about me going on a road trip with my sister-cousin to do a reading in Calgary, it became about so much more. … Continue reading The Beauty of Families Sharing Stories
The threads that hold our stories together are often invisible. - Rachel Laverdiere (upon writing this post) This week, my mother told me on the phone, "I’m amazed at how your mind works!” (And the expression in her voice told me it wasn't a bad thing. This time.) She went on to say that she … Continue reading Weaving Threads
Practice, practice, practice! The good news is that with all this practice I'm getting, I don’t really think about Patrick Swayze when I’m doing pottery anymore. Sure, when my pots are flopping, he sort of pats me on the back and says “Bon courage!”—and I think, “Man! He also speaks French?” Flashback..... Kidding aside, I’d like … Continue reading The Importance of Practice (in Pottery and Poetry)
The Truth People have asked why I tell the truth about myself... I've finally found my answer: Why not? There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed. --Ernest Hemingway Most writers rely on their memories, experiences and emotions--at least in a first draft, the floodgates open and … Continue reading Why I Tell the Truth About Myself
"A Tree Full of Crows" is a story that made my mother blush--but she also chuckled as I read it to her. Have you ever had a bit too much wine with a bunch of women? If not, this will give you a taste of what happens at a 40+, ladies-only BBQ. 😉 "A Tree Full … Continue reading Short Story: A Tree Full of Crows
“Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.” Will Smith Fear is a feeling induced by perceived danger or threat that causes changed in our metabolic and organ functions. It also changed out typical behavior: a person who … Continue reading Shout It From the Rooftops: Facing Fear
Growing up, my mom had a huge drawer full of cookbooks. I remember sitting there for hours, devouring the images and recipes those tattered, glossy pages tempted me to try. Like my mother, I’m a sucker for cookbooks and love testing new recipes. “For every season, there is a flavour,” my mother may have once … Continue reading Looking for Flavour? Try Lit Mags and Cookbooks
A story's gotta start somewhere, right? About three years ago I saw a woman with a semicolon tattoo, and I thought, "Wow! Someone who loves punctuation as much as I do!" But the semicolon nagged me--there had to be more to the story, and I was right. Semicolons are used by writers who could end … Continue reading Short Stories that Start with Research: Understanding the Semicolon