Ok, really cool experience: I was invited into my colleague’s Grade 12 Writer’s Craft class to talk about my experience as a writer. Me, considered a writer by other people! It was a bit strange to play a different role … Continue reading →

My focus recently has been on creating the backstory, the logic of Lyra’s world that will explain why things happen the way they are happening: how she discovers she has phoenix cells, why her parents would go on the run, how … Continue reading →

When I mentioned to my husband that I was revising my opening scene, he said that since I now know how to improve it, my work will just flow. In fact, he’s wrong. (Sorry dear!) That was precisely my problem … Continue reading →

Comments from my book coach Jennie after a lengthy and comprehensive chat: “I think you have a really great career ahead of you.” (Yay!) “It’s brilliant writing.” (Yay!) “You’re so good. You have an amazing character and audiences will love her.” … Continue reading →

Since I’ve learned there’s another perspective on writing, thanks to my book coach Jennie, I’ve become more critical of the traditional advice established writers give to emerging writers. I believe the crux of the advice is sound, but the way it’s … Continue reading →

Ever tried to describe a dream to someone when you wake up? It’s clear in your mind–at first–and it seemed to make sense–you think–until you start talking. “I had a dream last night that I was in my house…” you may … Continue reading →

I’ve written the last scene. It’s over. Lyra has completed her journey, finished her quest. There’s only a small, tiny, itty-bitty, little problem that is stopping me from celebrating: I haven’t actually written anything in between the opening and the … Continue reading →

For both my YA novels, I have in mind strong, female protagonists. Think Katniss from The Hunger Games or Tris, from Divergent, or, more recently, Laia from An Ember in the Ashes. Both Lyra (Phoenix Cell Savior) and Evangeline (On the Side of Angels) will struggle, will fight, … Continue reading →

Yay! I’m back at it! The actual writing part–not the thinking-through-what-my-character-wants-and why-it matters part. Only this time, as you know, I’m taking a more strategic approach. Before, when I had a good idea for a book or story, I’d start … Continue reading →

Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot if difference. They don’t have to makes speeches. Just believing is usually enough. –Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft So I may say that … Continue reading →