Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Liebster Award




Yesterday, I received my second blog award the Liebster award from Jennifer Young, who I met through the 12x12 in 2012 (a picture book challenge). The Liebster award (a German word meaning favourite) is for those bloggers, like me, who have less then 200 followers. The award is designed to help bring new followers to my blog. Plus I get so share 5 things about myself and pass the award onto 5 deserving blogs!

Things You Might Not Know

1. I'm happily married, not just married!

Shot by Soul Slate Photography

2. I like to write for children, although I don't have children yet.
Unless you count my two, four-legged friends Fiona and Remi
a.k.a Princess and the Pug.


3. I love playing basketball. I use to coach and ran b.ball
camps with my family.

What Does ‘T’ Stand For?
The orange rubber
fits in my hands.
I make a ‘T,’
a ‘T’ for Traxel
then up, up, up —
flick and swish,
a perfect basket.

4. I own a 1978 Camaro. My husband says
it will be ready to drive this summer!

Shot by Soul Slate Photography

5. I helped my husband build our first home. Building one's
home is not at all romantic instead it's tiring, dirty work.



































The Liebster Award goes to...


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Friday, January 27, 2012

Learning to Read

In honour of Family Literacy Day in Canada, I’m going to share a secret with you. Are you ready? Here it goes. When I was a child I couldn’t read very well. I struggled and I struggled. Thankfully I didn’t have to struggle alone!

My parents tried to teach me phonetically (this method usually works). But I couldn't hear the sounds. So they enrolled me in a special class that focused on reading. While my classmates were learning French, I was in another classroom learning to read. There were times I did not want to leave my classmates to go the special class as it made me feel different. Children, or adults for that matter, don't really like being an outsider.

But it was during that special class that I fell in love with the idea of becoming a writer. I remember this middle-aged female author coming into the special class one day. We gathered around her on the rug. She began read from her picture book. She followed her reading by talking about what it was like to be an author. She encouraged all of us to write. She said it didn’t even matter if we could spell decently as there were programs for that. Spelling is important, but that wasn’t the point of her talk. A spark went off in my head. I knew I could succeed despite not feeling as smart as the other kids who could already read and write better than me.

I left that classroom that day feeling better about myself. Self-esteem is a huge step in helping a child to learn to read. A child who feels left behind may begin to act out and may even lose all interest in school.  If your child appears to be struggling talk to her/him about it. Let your child know there is nothing wrong with him/her. Please get your child some help (I’ve included some links below). I thankfully got help and I’m now in my third year of university getting my degree in professional writing. I’m also working on a few books of my own that will hopefully inspire children like many books have inspired me.

Another way to help your child to read is to offer an incentive. My parents as well as my aunt, spent countless hours using flash cards to help me read. Every time I got a word right I got a nickel. My aunt even had a treasure chest full of toys that I could pick from. Now reading to me is like breathing. My life would have played out differently if my parents hadn’t taken the time to help me. I would probably still be struggling and I certainly would not have become a writer. I beg of you, read to your child, help them, listen to them, and let them know they are loved. Your children are the future so let’s make that future full of readers!

*To my parents, my aunt Carolyn, and the countless others who have helped me to become the reader I am today. Thank you! My life is better because of your actions.
  • Reading Rockets: A wonderful site about helping a struggling reader to read.
  • Guided Reading: An excellent program to help children to read.
  • Raising Bookworms: For more resources and to read about this fabulous book click here to go to the By Word of Beth blog.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Recapture Your Sense of Wonder with Shel Silverstein



A long time ago, when the earth was green
And there was more kinds of animals that you’ve ever seen,
And they run around free while the world was bein’ born,
And the loveliest of all was the Unicorn. (1)


Have you heard these lines before? Perhaps you remember them from your childhood? This song was sung during a musical that I recently went to. I bellowed out the words with childish delight. When the song was done, I spent the rest of the night wondering whom the song was by. The Unicorn is a hit song sung by The Irish Rovers, and written by Shel Silverstein.

A week later I picked up a book of poetry from Shel Silverstein and was delighted to find poems from my childhood including The Unicorn. I was also a little sad that I had forgotten someone I had enjoyed so much as a child. Perhaps this is because poetry is not seen as important as the novel is in high school. Any poetry that was lucky to be mentioned was depressing. Those poems were good, but poetry isn’t all about sad things just like all novels aren’t about sad things.

What is it that I found so delightful in Shel’s book, Where the Sidewalk Ends? I found wonder. I found a magical world where anything can happen:

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
Listen to the DON’TS
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me—
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
 -- Shel Silverstein (2)

 Anything can happen in poetry especially since its not bound by the same rules as other mediums. Anything can happen in our lives if we are not bound by convention. Shel Silverstein wrote what he wanted and did so successfully. Yes, he listened to the wisdom of his editor, but he refused to have his content messed with as Shel explains, "What I do is good. I wouldn't let it out if I didn't think it was."(3) Taking pride in one's work, isn’t that something to strive for? Despite one's occupation. But to get over the must nots, the do nots, the should nots, the impossibles, the wonts, and the never haves, we must remind ourselves anything is possiblea lesson learned in childhood and forgotten in adulthood.

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*Note: A few post backs I wrote about recapturing your sense of wonder by writing small stones. Wonder is something I will continue to revisit on this blog. Everyone, even adults, no, ESPECIALLY ADULTS, need a little wonder.


  1. The Unicorn from Where the Sidewalk Ends. Written by Shel Silverstein and sung by The Irish Rovers
  2. LISTEN TO THE MUSTN’TS by Shel Silverstein from Where the Sidewalk Ends
  3. Wikipedia

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

10 Reasons Why You Should Join a Blog Challenge

Since the beginning of January I’ve joined several blog challenges and have a few more challenges coming up. So why should you join a blog challenge check out my reasons below:

  1. Challenges are a great way to get traffic to your blog.
  2. Challenges help you to connect with like-minded people. (I found a couple of critique partners during the current 12x12 in 2012 challenge).
  3. Challenges help to keep you motivated  (In 2011 I posted 41 times. So far in 2012 I’ve posted 42 times and January isn't even over yet!)
  4. Challenges help you to find inspiration for blog posts (I have post-it notes all over my desk in response to comments made on my blog and from following a commenter back to his/her blog).
  5. Challenges are a learning opportunity. (Again, in my blog travels I have found a ton of useful information some of which I’ve applied to my own writing).
  6. Challenges expose you to new blogs that you may have never found on your own (most challenges have an online sign up sheet where you can see a list of the participants and get a link to his/her blog).
  7. Challenges help you to create a better blog. (There are few changes I’ve made to my blog because I liked what I saw on another person’s blog. And In eight days I will be participating in Critique My Blog which is sure to help me create a better blog!)
  8. Challenges help you to feel connected. (At times writing leaves me feeling lonely, but writing doesn't have to be a lone journey).
  9. Challenges help you to reach your goals. (I want to read 100 books this year so I joined a reading challenge. I also want to write down all the picture book stories that have been floating around in my head so I joined 12x12 in 2012 in which I write a new picture book every month).
  10. Challenges are just plain fun! Blogging should be fun. (I didn't blog much last year because I didn't really enjoy it, but now that I'm part of a community; in which I have something to say, I'm blogging almost everyday and loving it).
 If you liked this post please let others know. Come back tomorrow for Poetry Wednesday in which I'll be discussing Shel Silverstein (poet and children's author).

Challenges I’m Participating In
Upcoming Challenges

Sunday, January 22, 2012

You Know You Are A Writer When...

10. You own a thesaurus and actually use it.
9.   You prefer written instructions to picture instructions. (I hate Ikea instructions).
8.   You enjoy staying in your pajamas. (Not everyday but the thought of it appeals to you).
7.   The tap, tap of the keyboard doesn’t annoy you. (It drives my husband insane).
6.   Ideas come to you at the oddest time.
5.   You carry a pad and pen with you everywhere you go.
4.   The muse in your head won’t shut up.
3.   You know the difference between first, second, and third person.
2.   It has been so long since you have seen anyone that you start telling your pet about your day (if my dogs could talk I would be in trouble).

And number one is...

  1. You continue to write even when the money in your bank account is dwindling.

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Captured Stories: the Pug Learns His Manners


Daddy, let me up!

I'm begging you.
If you don't let me on your lap, I'll get depressed.

Come on! I'm dying here.


I'll be a good pug.


Look. I'm sitting.


May I please come up?


Thanks Daddy!


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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

10 Reasons for Why I Write

Brian Klems, from Writer’s Digest, asked “What does writing mean to you?”  Below are my top ten reasons for why I write:

10. Because I can write in my pj’s.
 9. For school (sometimes grudgingly).
 8. For profit (not really at this point in my career).
 7. It’s the only way I’ll ever get to sleep.
 6. Because my muse tells me to.
 5. To entertain others and myself.
 4.  To communicate.
 3.  To create a world I want to live in.
 2. To delight my nieces and nephews.

My number one reason for writing is...

1. Writing has always been and will continue to be an outlet. It doesn’t matter if I’m sad, angry, or happy. I just want to write it all down.

What are your reasons? Make sure to go to Writer's Digest and comment on what does writing mean for you for a chance to win a one year subscription to WD (contest ends Jan. 23, 2012).  Click here to go there now.

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A Picture Book Challenge


Hosted by Write Up My Life


 Every month I’m to craft a new picture book story (it doesn’t have to be ready for submission, but I should have a complete draft).  I have a few ideas for picture book stories floating around my head, but I haven’t taken the time to write them down. 2012 is the year I plan on creating those stories. Wish me luck or better yet join me!


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Saturday, January 7, 2012

Thoughtful Gifts


In the mail yesterday, I received a membership to the American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI); a gift from my dear friend and critique partner Kristen. When I asked her about it she said, she wanted to give me the gift of knowledge. This isn’t the first time I have a received a gift out of the blue. A former boss gave me a pig ornament that was supposed to bring me luck. She gave it to me so that I may have luck in my writing career. My husband, every once in awhile, brings me home a book (many of my favourite authors have been discovered this way: Matthew Skelton, F.E. Higgins, and Stephenie Meyer). My mother gave me a brass girl because it reminded her of me and she wanted to give me something to put in my office. Margo Kelly, who I only know through her blog, awarded me with a Stylish Blogger Award. Not only does this award give my blog a little more credibility, but it's also nice to be recognised.

All of these gifts have one thing in common: the way they made me feel, that is, cared for. So I encourage you to go out and doing something thoughtful for someone you care for (it doesn't have to cost you a thing!)

Have you ever received a thoughtful gift? Please share in the comment section below.

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Captured Stories: the Pug vs. Grisham



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Thursday, January 5, 2012

A River of Stones: Recapture Your Sense of Wonder


Children often see the world full of wonder, but as adults we often lose that sense of wonder. Why is that? Are we too busy living our lives to notice what is around us?  Yesterday, I found out about the river of stones challenge via a comment left on my blog.  I am to write a small stone every day for the month of January.

What is a small stone? Fiona Robyn from the blog, Writing Our Way Home, explains: a small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

The purpose of creating a small stone is allow yourself to slow down and observe your surroundings then write about it. The mundane becomes interesting and our sense of wonder is reignited. 


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Monday, January 2, 2012

Book Review: Recap of 2011

Last year  I wanted to read 100 books. I ended up reading about 75 books.  Out of those 75 books I picked 6 favourites, 4 books that surprised me, and 5 books I didn't finish reading.

My Favourite Books Read in 2011:

6. The Hunchback Assignments by award winning Arthur Slade. Not only is Arthur one talented Canadian, but he also introduced me to the world of Steampunk. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Hunchback series.

5. Young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud and Red Leech by Andrew Lane. I love Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books, but it's fascinating to see Sherlock as a young boy.

4. The Healing Wars: Bluefire, book two, by Janice Hardy. Her novel explores the darker side of healing and is told in first person. The concept of this book is unique. Her series gets better and better. I can't wait to read book three.

3. Reckless by Cornelia Funke. She has a peculiar way of writing (I can’t quite explain it). Her novel is a wonderful dark tale with a bit of fairy tale in it. The pencil drawings are fantastic.

2. Peter and Max by Bill Willingham. I have been following Fables (a comic book) written by Bill for quite some time. I was ecstatic when he finally wrote a novel that fits into his comic book series. This novel is a dark tale of two rival pied pipers (Peter from the German folk tales and his brother Max). His novel is even better than the comic book and full of imagination!

1. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. If I had known this book was about killer water horses I would have pre-ordered it. I thought it was about a stupid horse race (sorry Maggie), but I eventually bought it as I loved her Shiver series. Her book was a bit dark, a bit fairy taleish, and a whole lot of fun! She did a beautiful job of showing how majestic the horse really is and the different relationships (good and bad) that humans have with animals.

Four Books that Surprised Me in 2011:

4. The Host by Stephenie Myers. I had heard this book sucked nevertheless I gave it a whirl. Stephenie has a real talent for showing emotion. I loved this book as much I loved Twlight.

3. Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Elieen Cook. I won this book at SCBWI conference. I am glad I did because it’s not the type of book I would typically pick up. The cover intrigued me (a barbie doll looking girl with a knife sticking out of her back) and before I knew it I was lost in the book. She did a wonderful job of creating believable characters that I cared about.

2. Vampire Plagues by Sebastian Rook. Not another vampire book I thought when my husband brought this series home for me. I loved this series! His books were fresh and entertaining. Now all he needs to do is hurry up and write another book!

1. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. As I said earlier I thought this book was going to be about a stupid horse race, but it was much, much more. I probably would not have bought this book if I hadn’t already read the Shiver series.

Five Books I Didn’t Finish Reading in 2011:

5. Theodore Boone by John Grisham. I love John Grisham, but his first book for children just isn’t on par with his adult books. Perhaps I will give it another try at a later date. I’m just glad he finally came out with another novel for adults!

4. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. This novel was a little too weird for me. It felt like I was reading the Percy Jackson series all over again except this time it was about Egyptians. The Percy Jackson books are among my favourite books, but sometimes he over explains things in his books.

3.The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. The concept of this book was fascinating; however, I hated Clare (too selfish) and Henry (seemed like a jerk). It’s hard to read a book when you don’t like the main characters!

2. Michael Scott’s Nicholas Flammel series. I read the first three books in this series then I got to book four, The Necromancer. I love the concept of these books, but there is too much detail and I had enough by book four. I'm still curious to see how the series ends so I might skim the next few books, but I just can't bring myself to wade through another one of his books (thankfully my husband loves the series).

1. The Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer. I bought this book because of the beautiful cover. I didn’t get very far into this book. I found the constant back and forth between the two worlds to be disorienting. I might give this book another try.

Books I Can’t Wait to Read in 2012:

  1. The Hunchback Assignments book 2 and 3 by Arthur Slade
  2. The Healing Wars: Darkfall by Janice Hardy
  3. How to Steal a Dragon Sword (waiting for it to arrive!) by Cressida Cowell
  4. The Eyeball Collector and The Lunatic's Curse by F.E. Higgins
  5. Young Sherlock Holmes: Black Ice and Firestorm by Andrew Lane
  6. The Time Camera by Simon Rose
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Sunday, January 1, 2012

A Thank You Post

2012 is here at last! My 2012 challenges are about to begin but before I delve in there are a few people I need to thank. Thanks to my husband for helping me live my dream. Thanks to author Jared Hunt for his critical feedback on my fantasy novel for tweens and to author Marty Chan for his feedback on my picture book manuscript. Thanks to my friend Kristen for her honesty and encouragement. Thanks to my family (especially my mother-in-law) for their support.

I would also like to thank all my readers and fellow Prowlers (classmates from university) for their support. Thanks to Janice Hardy, author of the Shifter series, for handing her blog over to her readers last week as a result I found some great blogs and some interesting people to follow on twitter.  Also thanks Janice for all the wonderful and helpful posts. 

Finally, thanks to artists like Paul Brandt and High Valley who have their priorities in the right order.

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One Word Resolution

 Excuse Editor asked: sum up your new years resolution in one word. My answer: patience.

I’m one of those people who avoid places like Walmart and buy movie tickets online because I can’t stand waiting in line. Waiting in line is like being in the middle of a bad book so this year’s resolution is patience:
  • Patience to slowly work through my manuscript and fix what needs to be fixed
  • Patience to await a publisher’s answer
  • Patience in building an author platform (it takes time to build a following)
  • Patience to keep blogging even when I feel like no one is reading it
 Please share with me your one word resolution in the comment section below.

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