Blog
Writing Historical Fiction – Alexandra Writers’ Centre
6 Weeks | Wednesdays | Begins May 7, 2025 | 1pm-3pm MT Historical fiction combines the events of the past with characters and stories from the writer’s imagination. This course examines the art of writing historical fiction and the need to fully immerse yourself in a particular time period to make your storytelling more believable. Learn how to write effective, authentic and appealing historical fiction and how to turn your ideas into compelling stories. Understand what defines historical fiction and different historical time periods, create...
read moreCanyon Meadows Spring Craft Market
This Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm I’ll be signing copies of all my books at the Canyon Meadows Spring Craft Market. The event is being held at Canyon Meadows Community Association, 844-848 Cantabrian Drive SW in Calgary. Learn all about my many novels, as well as about my coaching and editing services for writers and authors. Hope to see you there.
read moreAn Exercise to Get a Story Moving
I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly. The latest post is all about an interesting exercise to get a story moving using a collection of random objects drawn from a bag. The idea is then to create a story, in which these objects must all be used as a significant part of the narrative. This is also an excerpt from my book The Children’s Writer’s Guide, and you can learn more about the post at...
read moreThe 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 moreWriting Fiction for Children and Youth – University of Calgary
My online course Writing Fiction for Children and Youth will be running online in May and June at the University of Calgary. Writing for children and youth is a rich and vibrant global market. The focus is on writing fiction for readers aged 8 to 12 years. Students examine the writing process from initial concept to finished work including turning ideas into stories, story structure, developing characters, creating outlines, and the importance of editing and revision. Registration is available here at the University of...
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 moreWhat’s it all about? An excerpt from The Time Traveler’s Guide
“The Time Traveler’s Guide is a great resource for any writer wanting to improve their craft.” Chapter One: What is time travel? Time travel is defined as taking place when there is movement between specific points in time. This is achieved in the same way that objects and living things move through space. In fiction, this kind of travel is made possible by the use of a time machine, device, or method. While nothing is carved in stone, I tend to think that time travel involving machinery or some kind of technology should be...
read moreWriting Historical Fiction – Alexandra Writers’ Centre
6 Weeks | Wednesdays | Begins May 7, 2025 | 1pm-3pm MT Historical fiction combines the events of the past with characters and stories from the writer’s imagination. This course examines the art of writing historical fiction and the need to fully immerse yourself in a particular time period to make your storytelling more believable. Learn how to write effective, authentic and appealing historical fiction and how to turn your ideas into compelling stories. Understand what defines historical fiction and different historical time periods, create...
read moreFree Writing: Creating the Spark
I’m honoured to now be a Contributing Editor at Write By The Sea, where you’ll find all sorts of helpful resources for writers with new materials added to the library regularly. The latest post is all about using free writing to overcome writer’s block and just get started. This is also an excerpt from my book The Children’s Writers Guide, and you can learn more about the post...
read moreScenic Acres Spring Craft Market
This Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm I’ll be signing copies of all my books at the Scenic Acres Spring Craft Market. The event is being held at Scenic Acres Community Association, 8825 Scurfield Dr NW, in Calgary. Learn all about my many novels, as well as about my coaching and editing services for writers and authors. Hope to see you there.
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