Sometimes I discover an author and I’m totally shocked and mystified that somehow or other I’ve missed this person’s novels. I know, I know. It’s a big world. Many books and so little time.
Well, yes, I did have a big miss, that’s for sure. But this past week, I’ve discovered Ann Patchett.
I was enjoying a summer luncheon with four friends. [...]
Life behind the writer.
It’s always intriguing when a popular, accomplished author undertakes a journey down a different path. Susan Juby has done just that by revealing her teenage drinking patterns that led her to alcoholism. Now twenty one years sober, she chronicles her early drinking experiences, fragile recovery and her dedication at this point in her life, to sharing her story [...]
This past weekend I immersed myself in the world of writing. All day long, from six in the morning until nine at night.
“How could you do that?” my husband asked. Easy, easy, easy. When you gather together a group of determined authors and head to Vancouver for the ‘Write On, Vancouver’ conference, hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chapter of [...]
It’s always fabulous to discover a new writer. This past week I devoured Sarah Dessen’s novel ‘Along for the ride’. Ms. Dessen is the author of eight previous books and her work is gathering lots of attention.
This book focuses on the lives of two teen misfits, Auden a brilliant academic, a product of a restricted childhood and Eli a [...]
My dad’s mantra soared into my brain this week. For years I heard his favourite refrain ‘When in doubt, go back to school’. And I have to say that message has worked for me. While taking courses I’ve always discovered things about myself and ideas about life that help me make better sense of my world.
This evening [...]
I was trying to understand one day, why I find inviting family and friends to our dinner table so interesting. Then I realized what my emotions were all about.
When we sit down together to share a meal, not only are we swapping family stories but we are using dishes and other items from relatives that are no longer with me.
At my last party, [...]
That thousands of people would be reading a novel where the Point of View Character is …
a dog.
Yes, you’ve guessed correctly. I’m speaking about Enzo, the beloved canine in Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008).
Above everything, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a love story. Enzo is in [...]
Chinese New Year this year falls on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2010. What a wonderful alignment of events!
This is The Year of the Tiger – with the focus on courage, power and optimism. I like these descriptors as it seems they are the qualities that one requires for maintaining focus in the writing business.
‘Courage’ reminds me that I can keep going [...]
A huge bookstore, a cafe and time. Last weekend I had the first two elements. I could have stayed in the Barnes and Noble store for a day. However, after quick power shopping I exited with two great magazines, Shambhala Sun and Writer’s Digest. As. well as four new books.
I found ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ [...]
I love New Year’s Day and the month of September. I guess it’s because I like to start afresh with new writing supplies. I love my 2010 day planner and it’s a treat to find other office stuff to help me focus on my writing. I love paper, stickies, high-lighters, journals, notebooks, and recipe cards.
I feel the same excitement in September. In fact, for a long [...]