My Writing Journey

As a child, my brain took in everything around me, sometimes without my consent. I saw drama everywhere, my mind fueled real and imaginary tensions, and I read voraciously between the lines of every conversation. I turned random, everyday things into dramatic headlines or catchy one-liners. There was no escaping it, and soon the weight of those imaginary worlds overwhelmed my head and heart. When a teacher asked our class to write a short story, my breath caught on the inhale. I lived with stories in my head but the thought of writing them down was new to me. I didn’t see myself as a real writer. Tentatively, I put pen to paper. Words rushed, then dried up. Stories swelled and subsided. I fumbled around the page, struggling to find my footing. I realized that writing my stories didn’t come as easily as thinking my stories.

Still, whenever I wrote I felt a slight loosening of my joints as characters and events revealed themselves on the page or computer screen. The sensation was one of relief, of a welcomed lightness and freedom. Suddenly, I had more headspace to think and dream, as well as pieces of stories that offered glimpses into my heart and mind. Writing helped me learn about myself, develop compassion and empathy for others, and see the world through different perspectives.

Though it took me a while to find my groove, one day I looked up to find I had won a writing contest, was shortlisted for another, had several articles published online and in print, and two full-length novels on my computer. For me, there’s no turning back. I write every day, even if just in my journal.

No doubt YOUR LIFE offers as much writing potential to you. Your stories matter and you are the best person to tell them. In your way. In your voice. Anyone can write. You have everything you need to step onto your own writing path right now. I can help get you started - and keep you going. Let’s kickstart your writing journey now. Check out my course offerings, or contact me for more info.

Writing Credits

Winner, Eden Mills Short Story Contest, Beachcombing

Short listed, The Writers’ Union of Canada, When There’s a Puzzle in the Checkers Box

Is Your School Library Making the Grade? The Teaching Librarian

Connected Librarian, regular column, The Teaching Librarian

Review of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, published online at The Quick Brown Fox

Ditch Lily and Ballin’ in the Limo with Lesbo Shoes, previously published on Commuterlit.com

Life with Shafer, published in Dogs in Canada magazine

I have attended numerous writing seminars and workshops over the years, but the two most notable are The Festival of Literary Diversity (The FOLD), a brilliant display of talent and support, and the Humber School for Writers summer program (under the mentorship of Tracey Lindberg, author of Birdie) where I outlined my second novel, 24 In, in a flourish of wild, creative energy, surrounded by the support and kindness of my fellow students.