I’ve always had an addiction to scrabble, but I’ve gotten worse, and it’s all the fault of Facebook. I’ve recently rediscovered it on Facebook. I can play with all sorts of people, some of whom I know and others who are complete strangers. Some of these guys are really really good, and I love that I’m learning new words. I confess to having more than a dozen games going at any one time. I guess it could be considered a time-waster, but it is related to writing right?
A weakness for books
03 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Writing Life
I can’t recall who sent this to me, but they totally had my number!
Have you ever been to a writer’s house? Most are chalk-a-block filled with books. Like many writers I know, I’m a very thrifty person, mainly because it allows me to buy more books…ok, not just books. I also have a weakness for shoes. But that’s a whole other story!
Things that make me smile
02 Jul 2012 2 Comments
in Picture Book Reviews, Writing Life
It’s lovely to discover that someone enjoys one of your books, even when it’s one that’s been around for a while. Here’s a recent review of my very first picture book, Waiting for the Whales.
A creative approach to reusing and recycling
02 Jul 2012 2 Comments
in Writing Life Tags: Reuse and recylce
The Gulf Islands of BC are some of my favorite destinations, and fortunately, they are close enough that I can get to them often. Most don’t have dumps, but creative solutions are found for human clutter. I love the ingenuity and dedication of island folk. Here’s an example…This is the gate of Saltspring Island’s recycling centre.
Once inside, you can recycle the usual tin, glass and paper, but they also have a little room that is floor to ceiling books, just for exchanges. It’s utterly charming and very much in keeping with the atmosphere of the island. Not all of the Gulf Islands have the resources for a book exchange, but most do have some sort of free store where you can drop off items you don’t need or exchange them for things others no longer have need of. I love it.
Day two of our children’s writing workshop
28 Jun 2012 Leave a comment
in Help for writers, Writing Life
Day two of our writing workshop group and what an amazing two days it’s been. We’ve managed to get through two pretty intense sessions each day. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like an experienced group of writers to give you honest and useful feedback. Egos have to be left at the door. It’s all about figuring out what is working about each piece, and what isn’t. The combined experience of this wonderful group of women is extensive, easily surpassing a hundred books. Criticism is thoughtful, specific, and measured. Every one of us is ready to listen to the feedback of colleagues. Being able to accept criticism is not always easy, but when you understand how helpful constructive criticism can be, it really isn’t that difficult. Of course an essential ingredient to this all working is trust. We all trust each other to have the best interest of the story at heart.
These past few days have been a real treasure. We have another full day of work ahead of us, but I don’t think I’m the only one who relishes that. One more day of working together, and then we’ll each be back in our own solitary worlds, building stories that we hope will find their way into the lives of children and teenagers. Some of the stories we are workshopping will soon sit on the shelves of a bookstore. Some of our stories will need a bit more tweaking and others will be revised beyond recognition. Some may be put on a shelf to be revisited in the future. No matter. Each will be one step closer to being better. That’s what writing is all about…
Another lovely part of these past few days has been just being on the Gulf Islands to enjoy the slower pace, drink in the cultural and artistic richness and soak up the rural charm. A little more sunshine would be welcome, but hey, you can’t have everything…
Off to Saltspring to write
26 Jun 2012 Leave a comment
in News, Writing Life Tags: Between the Covers B & B
Off to Saltspring today to visit an old friend, and then to workshop some writing pieces with a group of other writers. Work will get done, but it will also be lots of fun. Margriet Ruurs is kind enough to host us at her B&B, Between the Covers. If you’re looking for a lovely retreat on Saltspring this it’s a good bet; beautiful, affordable, and with loads of books around to keep you occupied.
Tributes to Bradbury keep pouring in
07 Jun 2012 Leave a comment
in Writing Life
A wonderful collection of Ray Bradbury tributes and links to tributes has been collected over at Galley Cats. They include tributes from Barack Obama, Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood to name a few. Bradbury’s circle of readers was as large as the themes that drove his imagination.
Missed opportunity
14 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Writing Life
I am so kicking myself! I didn’t sign up for the annual Writers’ Union of Canada meeting because I was so busy and stressed, and now I’m regretting not being able to attend. It would have been a chance to catch up with other writers from across the country and to attend workshops that are particularly relevant to my profession as well as vote on motions put to the membership. What was I thinking? Arrrgh!!!
Camas lilies and publicity photos…a gorgeous day
09 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Writing Life Tags: camas lilies, publicity photos
Went to Cattle Point yesterday to update publicity photos. There were oodles of blue camas lilies brightening up the grey day. So gorgeous. This lovely start-shaped flower grows locally in the moist Garry oak meadows in spring. The edible bulbs are sweet, and they were a staple of many First Nations groups including the Coast Salish who inhabited this part of the coast. They are not to be confused with the white camas lily which is quite poisonous and grows in the same habitat. Blue camas lilies were harvested during flowering to ensure a safe food supply.
Oh, and here are a few of my new publicity shots.
Sheryl McFarlane 