Sunday, December 31, 2017

A Year Spent with You - -2017 in review

"On Mayne Island amidst the Holiday lights at the Japanese Gardens" by ldyck

At the end of each section, I leave hints on how to use the information I provide.

Most Popular Posts Published in 2017

Canadian Literary Prizes:  write and read (380 page views)
in which I list the winners of the Rogers' Trust, GG, and the Giller

A Star (short story) (368 page views)
inspired by my experiences as a dyslexic elementary school student

Quilt Diva (a true story) (290 page views)
how a knitter wound up walking in a parade as a quilter

After 7 years, why keep writing? (250 page views)
I created this blog 7 years ago. I explain why I'm still writing.

Byron did:  in praise of poetry (220 page views)
further explanation not required

About dyslexia (211 page views)
further explanation not required

Bloggers: take inspiration from my most popular posts to write your own web content.


Books Reviewed in 2017

(This slow reader reviewed 15 books this year. Wow! I doubt I'll repeat that number in 2018)

All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner 
Fiction
an alcoholic's story

Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis
Speculative Fiction
The Greek Gods give human intelligence to fifteen dogs

Note to Self by Laurie Buchanan
Self Help
Unpack your baggage and become your best self

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
Historical Fiction
A girl is reported to be exciting on manna alone--but how

The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghue
Middle Grade Fiction
A happy family of misfits

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time 
by Mark Haddon
Fiction
A character sketch of a person with a neurological disorder.

Are You Seeing Me? by Darren Groth
Middle Grade Fiction
After their father's death, twins travel from Australia to Canada. One of the twins has a neurological disorder.

13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad
Fiction
further explanation not required

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Middle Grade Fiction
an exploration of being short in stature

Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
Short Story Collection
further explanation not required

The Break by Katherena Vermette
Fiction
exploration of the victim -- the abuser

Nation by Terry Pratchatt
Young Adult reads like Speculative Fiction
exploration of building community

The Only Child by Andrew Pyper
Horror
which is worse -- the evil "other" or the evil inside us?

Pride by Robin Stevenson
Non-fiction
A celebration of the gay community

Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
Magical Realism
the effect of the residential school system on three generations of Aboriginal Canadians

Readers:  If you click the link for each book you'll be able to read the reviews--including where to buy the book.


Guest Posts

This year I interviewed four children's authors--Linda Marshall (Rainbow Weaver), Dr. Sigal Haber (Chuck the Rooster Loses his Voice), Pam Withers (Tracker's Canyon), and Maxine Sylvester (Ronaldo:  The Reindeer Flying Academy)--and author of the popular blog Tuesdays with Laurie, Laurie Buchanan (Self Note). I also shared some of my dad's--A. J. Willetts--writing with you. (I'm thrilled that my dad's post drew a "wopping" 481 page views.)

Writers:  Reading the guest posts will give you helpful tips on how to kickstart your author career. 

Thank you for spending 2017 with me. I hope you enjoyed our time together. I look forward to sharing 2018 with you.




Next post:  

Published on Sunday, January 7, 2017 2018
at approximately 5 PM PST
Writing:  right foot forward
if you like me need a little pep talk to start your year here it is.






Sunday, December 24, 2017

Report from the Yule Log

Where was my head this last week? What message do I want to carry into the light of a new year?

"Yule Log" ldyck

I used to think that I was a
English-Canadian
Icelandic-Canadian
British Columbian
Islander

But now I know beyond any label I claim I am a world citizen. It is my only home.
I stand hand-in-hand with my sisters,
with my brothers
Respecting our differences
Celebrating our similarities
The world, our only home, is a very fragile place

'gently hold the world in the palm of your hand' ldyck

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
-John Lennon (Imagine)



"Abby playing in the snow" ldyck
We got it a few days ago and it's almost gone


Next post:
Published on Sunday, December 31 (New Year's Eve)
at approximately 5 PM PST
A Year Spent With You--Reviewing 2017

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Supper Guest by Leanne Dyck (MG short story)

"Good morning, Mayne Island!" ldyck

This is one of my first attempts at writing for 9 to 12-year-olds.

Spoon and knife on the left side of the plate; fork on the right. I add a glass to my plate setting--mugs for my brother and my parents. 

"I set the table," I tell Mom.

She stops chopping carrots just long enough to say, "Add a plate. Your brother's bringing a guest."

I slid his placemat over, making room. "Another girl?"

I walk over to the cluttery drawer and pull out a knife, fork, and spoon.

"No, a boy from work."

A boy...?

Over to the cupboard for a glass and plate. 

"He's about your age."

It hits me like a punch. "Jeff Goodridge?" He's in the cool group. And he's way too cute--all the girls are crazy about him. He can't come here! I'll say the wrong thing, spill my milk, drink my milk. He'll think I'm a kid.

"Yes, that's his name."

"I'm not hungry." I throw over my shoulder as I bolt for the door.

"Amanda, you can't--"

I slam the door on the rest of Mom's sentence. A red flash of paint turns off the highway onto our driveway--my brother's ragtop.  I'm trapped. There's nowhere to go, except maybe...up. Branch after branch, I climb the tree. But it's spring. There are no leaves to hide behind.

"Hi, Mandy," my brother says, walking past.

Jeff looks around but can't find me.

The kitchen window slides open. "Young lady get down from there, right now!"

Now Jeff sees me. Our eyes connect for the first time since elementary. And I could die. Seriously, I feel like letting go and falling. I'd lose nothing, my life is already over. But I don't fall. I suck it up, Buttercup. My face as hot as fire, I climb down.

How did I do?

Abby and Me cuddling on the chesterfield--photo by b dyck

Next post:  Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Published around 5 PM PST
It's the time for introspection. 
Each year this season arrives with a gift. What will I receive this year?

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Book Review: Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson (magical realism)



In this article by Sue Carter written for Quill and Quire, Eden Robinson reveals that she started working on a follow-up to Blood Sports but lost interest in that project and then in writing altogether. But writing Son of a Trickster rekindled her passion for the craft. And on November 7, 2017, at the Writers' Trust of Canada's black-tie gala, Eden Robinson was awarded $50, 000. So in Son of a Trickster, you read the work of an author at the height of her game sharing what she loves.






Publisher:  Knopf Canada
Published in 2017

Son of a Trickster is about the effect the residential school system has on three generations. The first generation turns their back on their culture. The second generation is angry and destructive. The third generation is lost but struggles to reclaim their culture.

Son of a Trickster is...


Funny

Jared's mom and her boyfriend 'took turns firing into the trunk of one of the target trees, which quivered until it creaked, cracked, then fell over.
"Tim-ber!" they yelled together.
"Normal people buy their trees from the Boy Scouts," Jared said, "Normal people don't hunt their Christmas tree down and kill them." ' (p. 66)

Beautiful

'In the sudden silence, the trees shushed in the breeze, a thousand small whispers.' (p. 237)

At times, dark

'His tiny, tightly permed maternal grandmother, Anita Moody, had never liked him... "Wee git," she'd say if his parents left them alone. "If you hurt her, I will kill you and bury you where no one can resurrect you. Get, you dirty dog's arse."
"I'm Jared," he'd said.
"Trickster," she'd said. "You still smell like lightning."' (p. 1)

The mystery of why Jared's grandmother thinks he is a trickster is solved on page 68 when Jared's mom tells him, ' "The nuns messed her up. They made her think everything Indian was evil. And that includes you and me." '

Thank you for this haunting book, Eden Robinson. So glad that it's the first in a trilogy. (I wonder will Jared grow older or will minor characters--such as his girlfriend and his parental grandmother--have their stories expanded?)




David Stouck writing for BC BookWorld concludes his review with:  '[W]hat this novel does for the non-Indigenous reader is to make totem poles, masks, and legends come alive. This remarkable novel accordingly takes Indigenous writing to a new level.' 

More


Click this link to listen to Shelagh Rogers (Host of The Next Chapter on CBC radio) interviewing Eden Robinson about Son of a Trickster.


'Abby on a walk' by ldyck

Next post:  Sunday, December 17
at approximately 5 PM PST
Supper Guest (short story)
I try my hand at writing middle grade fiction. 

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Dyslexia--what's your problem? by Leanne Dyck

'kelp' by ldyck


When I hear that someone has lost a limb or lost their health to cancer I aim for empathy but sometimes fall short at sympathy. But those of us who were born with disabilities haven't lost anything. We'd rather have your understanding.


You've probably been told that dyslexia is a reading problem that some
children face, but reading difficulties can persist into adulthood. I'm an adult with dyslexia.

I have difficulties with...
-spelling
(problem spelling challenging words as well as everyone, ordinary words. I had to ask my husband how to write challenge, for example.)
-understanding what I've read
-pronouncing words when reading aloud
-learning a foreign language
-
comprehending when reading quickly
-"sounding out" words in my head
I think this list is long enough

You may think,
okay, so if dyslexia is a problem with reading I'll just communicate verbally. This strategy could work for some, but not for me. I can get lost in verbal communication. Instead of focusing on your words, I try to read you. Are you losing patience with me? What's your body language saying? Are you stiff? Am I frustrating you? Are you shifting your weight from one foot to another? Am I making you uncomfortable? What are you think?


Much like people with physical, visual, hearing, and other challenges, dyslexics are individuals who face unique challenges. You need to get to know us before you can figure out how to help. 

updated March 8, 2021


For more information...


What is Dyslexia



'Abby content' by ldyck
Next post:
Sunday, December 10th
Book Review:  Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
A Scotiabank Giller finalist

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Guest Post: Maxine Sylvester, children's picture book author



"A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN" and the name is "Ronaldo”

Ronaldo is a young flying reindeer cadet who someday dreams of becoming one of Santa's reindeer, just like his hero, Vixen. With the love and support of his friends and family and the great advice of his grandpa, he can face his greatest challenge yet, the Endurance Challenge. Ronaldo doesn't have a "traditional" reindeer name (like Dasher) so he faces some bullying from his peers. In the end, this little underdog gets to be a big-time hero. And despite all his slap-stick humour style clumsiness he gets to enjoy his success with pride.

1) How/why did you start to write?


I wanted a reason to illustrate; so I created a character; a young reindeer called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him going to flying school. Only thing was, once I started writing, I couldn’t stop! It turns out I had quite an imagination (courtesy of a lifetime of watching Disney movies). I now love writing as much as illustrating and enjoy flitting between the two. I feel my strengths are illustration and imagination, not grammar, so I use a professional editor on all my books. A good one is worth their weight in carrots.

2) How did you become an author?

In a very long-winded way! I loved art when I was younger but got sidetracked by travel. In my teens, I abandoned a career in art to work in Greece as a travel representative. I then sailed the ocean waves working in the gift shop and casino onboard cruise ships. I loved the exotic destinations but found my work uninspiring. I met my partner Mark onboard and after 10 years on ships, we decided to try our luck on land and accepted positions at a casino in Jericho, Palestine. It was a fascinating project but after two years the casino had to close due to political unrest.

Mark accepted a job in Moscow so we left the desert heat and relocated to minus 20 degree winters. By this time I had become very disillusioned with work. I never enjoyed any job I did and felt like I had missed my calling in life. I must have been a nightmare to work with as I never stopped moaning!

In Moscow, I took time out and went back to my roots – art. I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by British cartoonist/caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I then did an additional course in children’s book illustration. My passion for art was still there just like when I was a child and I was drawing round the clock and loving every minute.

Mark eventually decided to quit casinos and bought into a scuba diving business in Bali. This is where we are now and it’s where I wrote my first book.

3) What was your first published piece? Where was it published? How long ago?
I self-published the first book in the Ronaldo series, The Reindeer Flying Academy, three years ago on Amazon. I followed up with The Phantom Carrot Snatcher one year later. The third book in the series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza, was published last month.

Reviews have been amazing. I am so grateful to everyone that reviewed my books; the comments have been so positive. A few reviewers for The Reindeer Flying Academy mentioned they would have preferred colour illustrations, so I took the advice onboard (important to listen to your readers!) and am now adding the final touches to the colour version. I am looking at publishing a colour edition of The Reindeer Flying Academy in November, ready for Christmas. I think children are going to love the colour illustrations. I had such fun bringing the characters to life. Thank you, reviewers, for your suggestions!

You can check out the first chapter of The Reindeer Flying Academy (colour edition) on the Ronaldo website.


4) Reflect on your writing process
I usually have an idea in my head and write notes each day as if I don’t write them down I forget. I tend to think of funny incidents that have happened to me or my friends over the years and weave them into the story.  I then sit at my computer and write. I do a very rough draft. I then find that once I get into writing more ideas keep flooding into my head. Sometimes I can’t sleep at night because my head is buzzing with ideas. I then fine tune the manuscript until I am happy with it. The last book, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza, took about one month. I then forward the book to my editor and wait for her comments. All three books have taken three edits.

I remember my first book, my editor pointed out that there were no strong female characters in the story, something publishers are very hot on at the moment. I am not a very girly female; I love football and rock music, so I naturally put male characters into the story. After careful thought, I changed Wing Commander Blitsen to a female and it totally changed the dynamic of the book. Now I can’t imagine her any other way.

5) What did you do before embarking on your writing career? Was it an asset to your writing?

My last job was as a Pilates instructor and it’s one of the best things I ever did. I’ve had back problems over the years and Pilates strengthens the muscles that support the spine. It’s brilliant! The body isn’t designed to spend long periods sitting at a computer, so I practice Pilates three times a week. I wouldn’t be able to write and illustrate without it. So, in answer to your question, Pilates is an asset to my writing.

I also did a lot of jobs over the years which I didn’t enjoy, working if shops, casinos, offices, etc. I don’t think I would appreciate what I do now as much as I do if I hadn’t have done those jobs. I really love being creative and am so grateful to have found a career that brings me such joy.

6) What inspires you?

Inspiring people! I love biographies about people I admire. I recently read a book about Walt Disney. He had so many setbacks but just kept going. I also love that he wasn’t perfect and made mistakes. He was a creative genius and had an incredible belief in himself. Disneyland is my favourite place on earth and it came from his vision.

I also love Dolly Parton’s attitude towards life. She’s renowned for being a very smart businesswoman, but her humour always shines through and she never forgets where she came from.

If ever I feel down, I read Dr Wayne Dyer. He had a difficult childhood but never doubted his books would be published by the right people and at the perfect time. I find his words caring and inspirational. I think he’s an essential read for any self-published author.

7) Please share one of your successful author platform building techniques

I am very fortunate with social networking as my partner, Mark knows way more about it than me! He has helped me so much over the last three years. As a self-published author, it is essential to get reviews. Mark found Twitter a very useful platform for finding people kind enough to review my books. He looks for ‘book bloggers’ and ‘book reviewers’, reads their reviews, checks if they have reviewed children’s books before or if they have children themselves, and then decides whether to request a review or not. That is the short version he said.



Maxine Sylvester was born in London, England. She grew up with a passion for Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear. She also loved anything Disney and enjoyed drawing the characters.
Maxine's love of 'fun' art grew and she had the privilege of being mentored by cartoonist and caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. She completed further studies in children's book illustration with talented artist and illustrator, Jan Nesbitt.
Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza, the third in the Ronaldo series, was released 29th Sept 2017. She is now working on a colour version of The Reindeer Flying Academy in time for Christmas


Links,

Twitter:      @flyingronaldo





Sunday, November 19, 2017

Rainbow Ice Cream (short story) by Leanne Dyck

A childhood memory of crossing the street to buy rainbow ice cream with a handful of coins--pennies, nickels, dimes, and a quarter. A childhood memory of a very special woman. 

(I was always a wanderer)

My mom let me go. I'm not sure I would have had I been the mother. I was so young crossing that road--a major highway, semis sped down. But Mom let me go knowing it was a child's rite of passage. I never remember her taking me. I do remember her calling, "Be careful crossing the road."

I headed to a white building with a sign that read:  'Hav-A-Keen Lunch'. Keen was like cool, back then. The business--a mom and pop truck stop--was shared by the Havards and the Keens, hence the name.

A bell rang when the screen door slammed shut behind me.

Sometimes she popped out of the back, where she lived. Sometimes she was wiping the counter. She always greeted me with a smile.

"Hi, Mrs. Havakeen."

Maybe she tried to correct me. Maybe she said, "Just call me Mrs. Keen." Maybe she added a dear to show me she wasn't mad. I don't remember. I do remember her asking, "What'll you have?"

I dumped a handful of coins on the counter--pennies, dimes, nickels, and a quarter. "What will this buy?"

"A chocolate bar, pop, an ice cream cone..."

"A rainbow ice cream cone, please," I said spring, summer, fall--never winter, the road was too slippery.

Mrs. Keen dipped the spoon in a bucket of water and then into the pail. A large box with a child holding a triple scoop cone hung on the wall. She pulled a cone from the box, filled it with ice cream and handed it to me.

Rainbow ice cream:  swirls of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and mint. Why choose one favour when you can have them all? Rainbow. It was like eating a better tomorrow.

I always made it home safe and sound. Sometimes with rainbow ice cream dripping down my arm--melting under the hot sun.

Did Mrs. Keen know how important she was to me? Did she know how special she made me feel? I like to think she did.


This short story was inspired by something my husband found. Here's what my husband found:  link




Next post:  Published on Sunday, November 26th at approximately 5 PM
Interview with children's picture book author Maxine Sylvester 



Saturday, November 11, 2017

Guest Post: A. J. Willetts (my dad) an advocate for world peace

After my dad's death (on December 11, 1999), I searched for his writing. I found one speech and carefully tucked it away in a journal. Just this week, I was hunting for something else and found my dad's words--and I knew I had to share them with you. He delivered this speech on November 11, 1996, to veterans, members of the legion and guests.

My dad wrote...


(my dad giving a speech--circa the 1980s)

The closing words of every legion meeting.


At the going down of the sun
And in the morning we will
Remember them.

We will remember them--for they were our schoolmates. They were the kids we played with--the people we worked with.

After fifty years we remember them and the debt we owe.

We remember not only those who gave their lives but those who came home broken, wounded, scarred--both on the inside and the outside.

We remember our comrades and the price they paid for us and for Canada--

And we remember the thousands and thousands of others who paid--

The mothers and babies
The little kids
The young people
Mothers and fathers
And the old people
the grandparents

All those who died because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They paid--they paid the price for us. They bought our freedom.

Don't think about the horrible price they paid--it's too awful, too terrible.

But remember them we must--and in our remembering let our hate and revulsion for war grow stronger and stronger until we join with all the people of the world to end this terrible curse of war--until that great day dawns may we ever pray

Lord God of Hosts
Be with us yet
Lest we Forget, Lest we Forget


(the radar base in northern Newfoundland where my dad served during WWII)

More...

Please click this link...

Remembering Them on Remembrance Day

to read my Remembrance Day inspired short story as well as more of my dad's writing.




Next post:  Sunday, November 19 at 5 PM PT
Rainbow Ice cream (short story)
Think back to your childhood. Where did you first go all by yourself? What did you spend your allowance on? How did it make you feel? Reminisce along with me.




Sunday, November 5, 2017

Book Review: Pride (non-fiction MG) by Robin Stevenson




Published by Orca Book Publishers
Published in 2016

Thanks to its colourful book cover design and the skilled author Pride:  Celebrating Diversity & Community sings out loudly about a world-wide community of people who are proud of their history and their future. 

History such as...

When police continued to harass and arrest frequenters of one of New York's popular gay bars--Stonewall--the gay community rose up in protest. The Stonewall Riot occurred on the evening of June 28, 1969. And Robin Stevenson writes:  'Although it wasn't called Pride Day, most people agree that the first Pride parade was held a year after the Stonewall Riots, on June 28, 1970.'

To personalize the history, Robin Stevenson draws on personal insights from those in the LGBTQ community--including her own. 

She points out that:  'For Pride to truly represent all LGBTQ people, Pride events need to take a stand against not just homophobia and heterosexism but against all forms of oppression.'

This is a powerful book that concludes with a call to arms. Robin Stevenson wants us (supports of Pride) to be heard and she offers ways and means to make this happen.

I seldom review non-fiction books, but I'm so glad I made an exception this time. Though written for children, I firmly believe that everyone would benefit from reading Pride.


More...


My interview with the author of Pride:  Robin Stevenson


You may also enjoy reading...


When Everything Feels Like the Movies by Raziel Reid


Next Post:  Sunday, November 12
at approximately 5 PM PT


(my dad giving a speech--circa the 1980s)

Go back in time with me to 1996 and listen (well, actually you'll be reading his words) as my dad (AJ Willetts) gives a Remembrance Day speech.


Sunday, October 29, 2017

Book review: The Only Child by Andrew Pyper

Question:  What scares you more the evil you discover in those you label as other or your dark side?





Published by Simon & Schuster Canada
Published in 2017

Author:  After listening to Andrew Payne contribute to a panel discussion, I quickly added his name to my list of must-read authors.

Horror:  One of the brutalist scenes is in the opening chapters--the killing of protagonist Dr. Lily Dominick's mother.

Monster:  To create his monster, Payne borrows from three pioneers of the horror genre--Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Bram Stoker (Dracula), Robert Stevenson (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde).
'A two-hundred-year-old man who believes he personally inspired Frankenstein, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula.' (p. 59)
' "Three novels, each dramatizing an antagonist bearing a unique mental deformity. The Creature:  a being made of dead parts, a soul tortured by solitude. Hyde:  the psychotic with dissociative identity disorder, one half the responsible physician, the other an escaped patient beyond control. And Dracula, a projection of insatiable lust darkened by sexual anxiety.' (p. 159-160)
Plot:  Following Steven King's formula, Payne introduces us to his protagonist Dr. Lily Dominick and her seemingly ordinary life. Charmed, we follow her down the rabbit hole to the stuff of horror.

Favourite quote:  'Writers are a strange breed. Magpies, scavengers. So fearful of the world they would prefer to describe it than live in it, yet brave to the point of idiocy when in pursuit of inspiration. The real ones will slip their heads into the noose and pull the lever themselves if they think a hanging would make a good tale.' (p. 155)


More...


If you enjoy reading The Only Child by Andrew Pyper, I know you'll enjoy reading The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova--I did.





Next post:  

Book Review
Sunday, November 5 at approximately 5 PM PT




Sunday, October 22, 2017

short story: Awakening by Leanne Dyck (2 of 2)

Part one of Awakening link.

Part two: Will the manuscript ever be finished--and by who?


"Ocean cruise" by LDyck

Awakening (part 2)


The doorbell rang. A man in blue coveralls stood on my porch. "Excuse me for disturbing you." His embroidered name tag read Dan. "But I think you accidentally threw this out." Dan held my monster.

"I don't want that," I told him.

That was the last time I thought about my novel, until, years later, when I was flipping through the pages of Quill and Quire:  Canada's magazine for book news and reviews, and noticed, a glowing review for a new mystery--Murder Island by Dan Conner. "This intriguing mystery will soon be a movie starring--"

I'd read enough, I threw the magazine across the room...

***

I woke with a start. It was all a daydream. There was no Dan Conner. I still had my manuscript. I raced outside to the recycling bin to reclaim it.

Finally, I was able to look at my manuscript with fresh eyes. What did they like about my manuscript? Anything? I found positive comments and read those over slowly. All agreed that the beginning was captivating and the dialogue was strong. So they didn't think the whole thing was garbage, they just thought it required revision.

Ann wanted me to work on the middle. I searched the Internet and found an article on building suspense--like ending each chapter with a cliffhanger--and another article on "red herrings"--information designed to mislead the reader. John wanted me to work on my main character. I searched my bookshelves and learned that the main character needs to solve her own problems. If she doesn't, it's cheating. And in Suzanna's feedback, she'd circled a sentence in a tone that she suggested I maintain. I retyped that passage using 16 point text, printed the page, and posted it by my computer. That way it would be easy to refer to as I worked on revisions. My first readers had invested a lot of time and effort in helping me improve my manuscript, I emailed them my thanks.

Sure, I have a lot of work to do on my novel. But, instead of letting it overwhelm me, I'm focusing on how much I will learn. That's the thing about writing there's always something to learn. That's why I love my craft.

"Heading home" photo by LDyck

This concludes my short story Awakening. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Next week... Ah, next week. Each October I like to read a horror novel to get me in the mood for Halloween. This year I found The Only Child by Andrew Pyper. Next week it will be my pleasure to share my book review with you.


"Abby"  photo by LDyck

Next post:  Book review:  The Only Child by Andrew Pyper
Sunday, October 29th at approximately 5 PM