Worthwhile Online Writing Classes

The amount of internet resources for writers is inspiring, but it can be hard to know which ones are the most helpful. Here are some discoveries I've made from my recent searches for writing classes. First, as you probably already know, anyone looking for resources needs to have specific needs and goals in mind. "Unfortunately", … Continue reading Worthwhile Online Writing Classes

Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature

Of all the revived, republished classic books available, the 4 Hedgerow Tales are my favorites. These were ahead of their time, "retold" back in the 1980s, forerunners of the latest trend. The illustrations by Sandra Fernandez are exquisite and appear on almost every page. (Note that these Hedgerow Tales are not related to Enid Blyton's … Continue reading Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature

Update on Calgary’s Used Book Sales (and two Used Book Stores)

This is an update on the CBC Calgary READS Big Book Sale. They had hoped to hold the sale in September, but will now have to postpone it until next year.  They are in great need of support, as their website says... We currently have multiple, no contact, volunteer opportunities such as Porch Pick Ups, … Continue reading Update on Calgary’s Used Book Sales (and two Used Book Stores)

Notes of Encouragement while wandering in the Park

Two things happened recently, one good, and the other... also ultimately good. The first is that the winter weather finally left, and it's spring! That is definitely a good thing. The second is that I was recently laid off from my teaching job. It felt bad at first. But if you believe as I do … Continue reading Notes of Encouragement while wandering in the Park

For your viewing pleasure: “First Novel”, a NFB film

I hope all of you authors and aspiring authors out there will get a chuckle from this 1958 film. I did, and as a writer I also found it encouraging. While researching video viewing options online, I ran across many sources of entertainment and education (see below), including the National Film Board of Canada. I … Continue reading For your viewing pleasure: “First Novel”, a NFB film

Happy Leap Day! Leap Year in Literature

Just for fun, since it only comes once every four years, I decided to look around for Leap Year-related literature. I was pleasantly surprised at what I found! The Pirates of Penzance Having a birthday on February 29th makes you a "leapling", and sometimes one birthday every four years can get you in trouble! This … Continue reading Happy Leap Day! Leap Year in Literature