I am excited to announce that I have just been asked to read at the Brockton Writers Series on July 8, 2020!
What I learned from not writing at MNM2019
This weekend I was to participate in the Muskoka Novel Marathon. It is still ongoing and continues to Monday night. I arrived late and sick with a cold so it wasn’t ideal conditions. I struggled to write and felt physically quite uncomfortable so I called it quits and came home early. Even when I took myself back to the airbnb and tried to write there, the words continued to elude me and it was bothering me that I wasn’t taking advance of this dedicated writing time. On the drive home, I took a more analytical look at the differences between this weekend and the usual ways in which I write. I knew it wasn’t only my cold that got in my way. As I thought it through, I learned quite a lot about what the optimal conditions are for me that best bring out and nourish my creative self. It wasn’t something I thought much about before and I find it useful information for the future. So here’s my list:
- Natural lighting.
- Fresh air.
- Cool breeze and/or cool temperature
- A beautiful view
- Comfortable and supportive seating
- delicious and nourishing food
- supportive and loving feedback; and
- being surrounded by the creative energy of other writers.
What’s yours?
The 16 Percent Feature & Queen Books event
I was pleased to be the featured contributor a few days ago on The 16 Percent’s Facebook page. Check out the post here.
The post also announces an upcoming reading and author signing for Through, Not Around on April 11, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm at Queen Books. Hope to see you there!
VoicED 2019
Tonight I had the privilege of performing in VoicED 2019. I read a piece written specially for the occasion and I was delighted to see how it resonated with the audience. Never before have so many strangers approached me with their arms open to give a hug and compliment me on my work.
Like many other writers, self-doubt seeps in more than I would like and leads me to question if anyone is really interested in the kind of stories I have to tell. Nights like this show me how important this artform is and motivate me to keep plugging away at it.
Through, Not Around launch
Last night, Through, Not Around was launched. For the first time, I saw my piece in a real live book that I held in my hands. I then had the privilege of reading an excerpt of my piece to the enthusiastic audience. To top it all off, I had my husband, mother and brother there to support me. It was a wonderful night.
Through, Not Around launches tonight
Few people know the details of my experience set out in chapter 21 of Through, Not Around: Stories of Infertility and Pregnancy Loss. The process of writing and re-reading and revising my story has been immeasurably helpful in my journey of healing. I’m eternally grateful to the editors of The 16 Percent for providing me with this opportunity and I’m grateful to all the courageous contributors to this important project. I’m looking forward to reading all of your stories too.
This is also a life goal unlocked, having a piece published in a book. I would never have even submitted if not for Firefly Creative Writing and its incredibly supportive coaches and students. I’m very proud and I’m excited to read an excerpt at tonight’s launch and I can’t wait to have that collection of stories in my hands.
The book is available now on pre-sale from Amazon and you can also ask for it at your local bookstore.
VoicED 2019
I found out today that I will be reading a piece of my writing at VoicED (an evening of poetry, music, dance and community curated by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre).
Here is info on the event:
VoicED is an annual community art event curated by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) that takes place during Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW). This year, we’re raising awareness about the message “Eating Disorders Can’t Afford to Wait”, while continuing to cultivate a community of hope to those who are living with or affected by eating disorders. By providing a “voice” to those with lived experience, we hope to empower everyone involved to continue to dismantle the stigma around eating disorders.
Please RSVP on EventBrite to save your spot so we know how many people are coming. Tickets will be purchased at the door for $10.00 (adults) and $5.00 (students). 100% of the profits go toward supporting NEDIC’s helpline and instant chat service for people living with or affected by eating disorders.
It’s on February 6, 2019 7-9pm at the Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Avenue).
UPDATE: the event is rescheduled to February 13, 2019. Same time. Same place.
