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

Island Artist by Leanne Dyck (short story) (humour)

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

photo by ldyck

With its breathtaking beauty and remote location, Plumper Island is an incubator for creative talent. Many artists live here. In fact, it was an interest in visiting one that first drew me to this island.

My inquiries regarding that artist garnered an odd response. "Her? Why would you want to visit her?"

"I'm a fan, and being an amateur painter, I thought maybe..."

"She relishes her solitude."

"But—"

"And snarls threats at any person who dares trespass on her land or even, for that matter, down the road that leads to her property. She has a guard dog that shares her temperament and a loaded shotgun that she enjoys using."

"She sounds—"

"Crazy."

"Like a character."

"That she is. That she is. Rumour has it that she worships her goddess—Gia—in her own unique way. Her deflated-air-bag breasts flop as her plate-of-jelly stomach wobbles as her thick-as-tree-trunk legs stomp as she howls—Awwrr!!—at the full moon."

Needless to say, I never completed my search for that famous artist. But there are other islanders equally as talented and far more hospitable. I highly recommend visiting their studios.

Art on Mayne Island

***

February on this blog

will be full of fun
I've got a new list for you. This one is full of literary retreats from around the world. Then I'll share two of the good books I just finished reading--The Pink Steering Wheel Chronicles and Saturday Night Ghost Club. I'll top of the month with a short story freely written--Answering Machine. Looking forward to spending February with you.

***

Sharing my author journey...

Oops, I almost forgot this being the last post of the month I'm

Moving to an Island (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Mayne Island, my island home, has a population of 1071 (according to Google).

A map

'Salish Eagle on the water' ldyck

Are you interested in moving to a rural island?

 I'd highly advise you to vacation there. Rent a cabin and experience your future home in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Befriend islanders and begin to build your network of support. Move to your new home with your eyes wide open. 

What did I do?

Well...

'Salish Eagle docking' ldyck

My mom's death took me to a very dark place. In search of a nest in which to heal, my husband and I visited my cousin on Salt Spring Island. After that visit, we thought island life might be the answer. But Salt Spring Island felt too big. My cousin suggested that we island-hop. We hopped from Salt Spring Island to Mayne Island.

It had been pouring all day. As we docked, the sun broke through the clouds.

"This is it. We've found our new home," my voice was full of sunshine.

"Don't you think we should finish docking and look around a little, first?" Ever the level-headed realist, my husband required more convincing. 

'Abby there to greet you' ldyck

Now, nineteen years later--this very month--our roots are planted deep in sandy Mayne Island soil. (For keeping track, as of May 2025, I've been on the island for 26 years. ...wow. How did that happen?)

'Nature's beauty, nature's fragility' ldyck

Next post:  'In the Wind' 
--a poem inspired by a walk with Abby (my dog)
Published on Sunday, May 27 at 5 PM PST

'Mayne Island beauty' ldyck

Sharing my author journey...