It’s almost exactly the middle of Summer. It’s a time I personally adore. I mean, I’m one of those people that loves the season I’m in when I’m in it. But there’s something about summer that makes me feel good.
And I have to point out that I’m a realist. Summer starts three weeks in to June and it ends three weeks in to September for me. I don’t make the rules I just live by them. I don’t cheat Spring out of her rightful holdings and I recognize her for what she is, transition from Winter to Summer. And as such, Spring is some of Read more
How many times have you been so excited by a book you have read that you could not wait to find someone to talk with about it? You pass it along to a friend with the hope that they will read it quickly so you can share your enthusiasm and discover whether it impacted them as well.
Book clubs are the perfect solution to this dilemma with everyone reading the same novel at the same time and with a scheduled time for discussion. Clubs are as varied as their members are creative. Everything from choosing titles and the structure of their gatherings is negotiated. Rules can be rigid or flexible; don’t attend if you haven’t finished the book, meet at restaurants instead of members’ homes, dress with a nod to the era or characters in the recent read, etc. One group I know of took the last idea to the extreme by attending the club meeting in full Victorian dress for afternoon tea.
I’m starting a new novel. I’ve started it a few times, but the old novel kept calling me back for more edits. This new novel has lived in my subconscious for a while, maybe too long? Am I sure it’s where I went to spend the next few years? Are these characters the ones I want to spend time with?
I believe so. They’ve stuck with me and so have their story lines, shifting and evolving. At first, I thought it was the daughter’s story, but now I’m firmly entrenched that it’s the mother’s story. I am considering three viewpoints, but the mother keeps coming through so strong, I’m not sure there’s room for others. To be determined.
What comes to mind when you read the words “Iconic Friendship” in the title above?
For me, I think of the people in my life who would do anything for me, no matter what I asked of them (even if I requested help to make a body disappear). They would not question me because they know I would never ask for assistance unless it was absolutely necessary.
If I had a sister, I’m one hundred percent positive she would be the one I would call. She would kill someone for me without hesitation and tell no one about it, and I would do the same for her. Unfortunately, I was only blessed with one sibling, and my brother would not break the law for me, no matter how I repaid him. Yeah, he’s one of those no-rule-breaking-kind-of-guys who thinks committing a crime is wrong (unless our mother asks him to do it, then he might consider it).
Fifty to sixty years ago, these third Sundays in June would be spent quietly. We’d wish our father a happy Fathers’ Day and that would mostly be it. My father enjoyed reading and sometimes he’d do that on Sundays. Fathers’ Day was not much different.
I know I’m supposed to be writing about writing, but I have something to say. And this is one of the few forums left me these days so you just listen. It won’t take long and then I’ll be gone for some weeks before there’s another post here from me.
Fathers’ Day, sometimes we’d go fishing, or we’d have a barbecue. But those things happened on other Sundays, even on other days. Beyond wishing dad a happy day and maybe trying to be a little Read more
In our veterinary hospital, we have been focusing on culture. Having been in practice for over twenty years, I will attest to the fact that the make up of a practice culture is deep rooted. It has to do with understanding our ‘why’, having a shared vision, an environment free from harassment and the safety net of respect. I’ve learned it also involves investing in communication. Of course, communicating with pet owners is paramount, but in my experience, one of the largest contributors to a positive practice culture is the communication among staff members.
https://www.learn2.com/knowing-your-colours/
We recently engaged in all team training called Communicate Naturally, where we learned about different communication styles or personality types. We had to complete a quiz, assigning words to describe our true selves and how we see and react to the world.
As we learned about four different colours, or communication/personality types and where we may be on this colour spectrum, I couldn’t help but wonder what colour my main character would be. Then I started to think about my favourite book & movie characters and what their colour might be. Read more
I recently read three classic horror stories: Frankenstein, Dracula and the Haunting of Hill House. Although I had heard of these books and I had absorbed through popular culture what I understood to be their basic plot line (ie. Frankenstein: mad scientist creates a monster; Dracula: vampire in Transylvania; and Haunting of Hill House: a haunting house that kills.). But I had never read the original books.
Popular culture does not do justice to any of these stories. I was surprised by how good these books are and how unexpectedly enjoyable they are to read.
One way you can support other writers as an aspiring author, is to write book reviews! Maybe it’s a quick tweet, or a full review on Goodreads or a note of praise on Audible. Regardless, there are writing skills to be sharpened from reviewing books. Not only are you reading, but in writing a review, you hone your critical eye for what readers enjoy. Then you can learn how to apply similar traits to your own work-in-progress to make it shine and someday receive 5 star reviews!
I’m on a journey to find the perfect comp (comparable) titles. (For the reasons why comp titles are important… check out this link from agent, Carly Watters.)So far, my best advice is to START EARLY! It’s shocking how much time goes into researching similar books, acquiring those books, reading them, and then writing summaries for novels that may compare to mine. No doubt, as a writer and reader, immersing myself in books is a-bucket-load of fun… but it sure is time consuming.
While searching for comp titles, here are a few simple rules to follow: Read more
It’s almost exactly the middle of Summer. It’s a time I personally adore. I mean, I’m one of those people that loves the season I’m in when I’m in it. But there’s something about summer that makes me feel good.
