Blog
The Benefits of a Writing Coach
A professional writing coach is someone with whom you can consult, ask questions and receive constructive feedback. They act as a guide as you build your career as a professional writer. A coach can help you conquer a stumbling block, regain momentum or make a start on a new project. My program helps you progress as a writer. You decide what you want to work on during a personalized, one on one relationship. I can be your coach and mentor for just one month or we can establish a month-to-month arrangement, depending on your schedule and...
read moreThe Doomsday Mask
The Doomsday Mask The legendary crystal ceremonial mask of Kulkaan, high priest of Atlantis, was believed to have been endowed with incredible powers. In the ancient civilization’s destruction, the mask was thought to have been shattered and irretrievably lost, eventually being forgotten. Long considered to be a mere myth, the mask’s crystal fragments have now been found and the mask of Kulkaan reassembled, with deadly consequences for all mankind. In a desperate race against time, Josh and Erica must prevent the mask from falling intact...
read moreWhat’s it all about? An excerpt from Where Do Ideas Come From?
Introduction Many of my novels can be used as the basis for workshops and projects in the classroom. The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, and The Heretic’s Tomb are all time travel stories and can be used as the basis for workshops in which students create time machines and stories set in a different era. All three novels are also ideal for studying the different historical periods depicted in the stories. The Alchemist’s Portrait can be the starting point for workshops using pictures for inspiration, creating stories...
read moreThe Memory Bank
The Memory Bank is a two-part science fiction fantasy novel. The Memory Bank – All in the Mind The Memory Bank’s powerful prism was invented to preserve people’s memories for their families after they passed away, but as teenagers Joe and Alex discover, it also has a much more sinister purpose. Using masks created from people’s faces, Claudia Woodville and her associates can access memories connected to passwords for banking codes and military secrets. Joe and Alex possess extraordinary abilities of their own, but can they stop...
read moreThe Order of Excalibur
The Order of Excalibur – The Ring of Fate is a fantasy novel for young adults set in England early in World War II. At the height of the Blitz and the Battle of Britain, young Canadian wizards Nick and Ginny are recruited by the mysterious Order of Excalibur as the country faces the threat of invasion. The Order of Excalibur – Reich Britannia is a fantasy novel for young adults set in a parallel universe in the early 1940s, where Germany has invaded and occupied Great Britain. In a deadly nightmare world, Canadian teen...
read more“An imaginary friend, a mystery, and time travel? How could I resist?”
“An imaginary friend, a mystery, and time travel? How could I resist?” “Flashback is a fascinating Young Adult book that pushes the boundaries of imagination: the Grail for every science fiction and fantasy reader.” “Right from the very first sentence I was engaged, and I could not wait to find out what happened next. The book was thrilling and it kept me on the edge of my seat.” “Flashback is an action-packed adventure perfect for middle grade readers. Young readers will enjoy the plot-driven story...
read moreThe Stone of the Seer – Where Magic and Historical Fiction Collide
The Stone of the Seer is an exciting historical fantasy series of adventure novels for young adults, primarily set in the turbulent era of the English Civil War. “Magic and Historical Fiction Collide – This book combines historical fiction with a world of magic. It is set in the period of the English Civil War and incorporates magic, mystery and witch hunting. This book engages the reader with action and interesting characters. It is the first in a series and will leave the reader looking for book 2.” “Royal Blood: Book...
read moreNew Podcasts at Write by the Sea
Strengthening the Pace in Your Writing. Good pacing keeps readers moving through your work while giving them enough time to absorb what matters. In these episodes of Writers to Writers, we share some practical tips for improving the pacing of both fiction and nonfiction. Check out part one and part two on YouTube. Tips for Creating Effective Dialogue – Part 1 Does your dialogue sound natural when you read it aloud? In part 1 of this two-part Writers to Writers episode, we share seven tips for writing conversations that readers can follow...
read moreUpcoming Courses – University of Calgary
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling: A Quick Review A well written document reflects our attention to detail and can mean the difference between getting and keeping a job. Many of us learned the basic rules of grammar, punctuation and spelling in grade school, however, may have lost these basic skills in our digitized world. This course will look at the basic rules of language and spelling, identify the proper use of punctuation, focus on common mistakes and writing dilemmas, and how to avoid them. Course Details By completion of this...
read moreShadowzone – “a great read … Highly recommend this series!”
“Time travel, alternate worlds, and societal sub-cultures are blended into a great plot, and a gripping and relevant read. The environmental stewardship aspect of this story echoes our current day challenges, as do the almost prescient references to a dangerous virus. Characters were well drawn and the reader is cheering for their success. The three books in the series flow smoothly together. A great read for middle school ages and up, to both engage interest and build vocabulary. Highly recommend this series!” While watching intense...
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