Sunday, October 12, 2025

Thank you, Mrs. Danielson (short memoir) by Leanne Dyck

Written with heartfelt thanks for a teacher who taught with heart and inspired me to write.


a school photo--circa 1970s

 Thank you, Mrs. Danielson

Mrs. Danielson, my junior high English teacher was young, pretty, and newly married to a local farmer. Her love of literature was evident. She introduced us to Margaret Laurence and John Steinbeck and Alice Munro and…

These books made me want to write. And so...

“I’ve enjoyed reading all your stories,” Mrs. Danielson stood proudly, without fear in front of her desk. Oh, how I wanted to be as confident. “But I especially enjoyed this one.” She waved a paper. “And I know you will too. Listen.”

Several paragraphs in I realized that she was reading my story. I felt exposed, vulnerable. I felt a little embarrassed because I had a hard time realizing that something I did could have earned such praise. But I also felt pride—pride that I wrapped in steel to protect it, to protect me.

My classmates began to whisper. “You wrote that?”

“No” after “No” until…

Mrs. Danielson finished reading the story, walked down the rows of desks and stood in front of me. “A+, Leanne.” She placed the paper on my desk.

Red ink dotted my paper—circling misspelled, misused words—but at the top of that paper were the words Very creative! Well done!


Go Red for Dyslexia


Look how far we've come: Positive change since the very first Dyslexia Awareness Month

by Scanning Pen


More of my writing about being dyslexic... Each of these stories received 1000 page views. Thank you for supporting me.

A Star

What was it like for me to be a dyslexic student in an elementary classroom? Well, kind of like this...

Whispering Stories

is a short memoir about my experiences as an elementary school pupil with dyslexia.

My Life with Letters

What is it like to be an author with dyslexia?

Dyslexia and Me--an Evolution

When I was a child I thought something was wrong with my brain. I'm dyslexic. Now I think... Well, now I think differently. Here's why...

Teachers Matter

Little was known about dyslexia in rural Manitoba in the late 60s and early 70s. So, perhaps, it's not surprising that my principal should pronounce me ineducable. What is surprising is that teachers step up to prove him wrong. Student-first teachers have always been and will continue to be my heroes. I wrote this short story to honour them. 

Dyslexic Assessment

My grade one teacher, Mrs. Blue, wrote a comment on my report card, 'Leanne tries very hard but...' and advised my parents to have me tested at the children's hospital in Winnipeg. 

Over fifty years later, this is my account of being assessed with dyslexia.


On this blog...

Sunday, October 19 to Sunday, February 8, 2026

(at approximately 4:45 PM PT)

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Island Stories (short story collection) by Leanne Dyck

The rain stopped, the sun broke through the clouds and I knew. I just knew. I'd never been there before but I told my husband, "This is it. This is our new home."

"Don't you think we should finish docking and, I don't know, look around a little first."

He took more convincing, but for me it was love at first sight and the love affair has lasted twenty-six years. 

photo by ldyck


 Inspired by this love, I've written short stories, novellas and even a mystery. Each of the short stories in this collection has earned over 1000 page views. Your page views encourage me to keep writing so thank you for your interest and support.


Island Artist

A humorous look at island life--and a cautionary note to respect an artist's privacy.


Island Storyteller

What's so funny about getting a ride home? Well...


Island Storyteller on Stage

celebrates my love for reading my writing to an audience--and thanks all the people who have supported my author journey, people like you.


Not Forgotten

 How many angels have you met in your life? Angels: people who come into your life--for a short time--to teach you something.

A tribute to one of my favourite island neighbours.


Galiano Island Ablaze

When you live on a remote island there's an ever-present danger that tourists may not be aware of--but should be. This short story explains.


Sheep Choir

was inspired by an island sheep farmer


Still Life with Cats

 As a new islander, I benefitted greatly from my relationship with seasoned islanders--especially Sammy, Joey and Ticky.


Ethan's Ferry Trip (children's story)

introduces children to the joys of travelling by ferry.


Go Red for Dyslexia


Sunday, October 5 to Saturday, October 11

Banned Books Week


Monday, October 6

Giller shortlist announced


On this blog on...

Sunday, October 12

Thank you, Mrs. Danielson (short memoir)

Written with heartfelt thanks for a teacher who taught with heart and inspired me to write.

Sunday, October 19 to Sunday, February 8, 2026

The Sweater Curse (psychological thriller)


October 2 on Mayne Island...

photo by ldyck

To a standing-room-only audience of Mayne Islanders, Pam Withers