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Seeing the Light: Writers and Seasonal Affective Disorder – Part Three
So how does SAD affect writers? Are those in Canada, the northern USA, and Scandinavia less prolific in the winter months? Does the cloud cover in Vancouver or in Britain reduce the amount of literary work originating in those areas? Do American writers in Florida create more prose between October and April than their counterparts in Minnesota? Is a writer in Australia or South Africa more likely to produce a larger body of work because he or she has more sunlight? Many of us may prefer to escape to a sunnier environment each winter if...
read moreSeeing the Light: Writers and Seasonal Affective Disorder – Part Two
Seasonal Affective Disorder is primarily a mood disorder, with sufferers experiencing normal mental health throughout the year, but becoming depressed or generally more down in the winter months. Seasonal variations in a person’s mood may be related to light, or rather the lack of it. SAD is often more prevalent in higher latitudes and in Finland, for example, the rate for SAD is close to 10%. Winter depression is a common slump in the mood of the inhabitants of Scandinavia. Researchers estimate that up to 20% of the population is...
read moreSeeing the Light: Writers and Seasonal Affective Disorder – Part One
At this time of year, many people in the northern hemisphere notice that its getting a little colder each day and it gets darker much earlier, especially after we alter the clocks for daylight saving time. Many of us develop cabin fever and grow sluggish during the winter months and may eat more or sleep longer when daylight is in short supply and the temperature begins to fall. It may be harder to get out of bed or for some people to even generate much enthusiasm each morning. These are common experiences related to the change in the...
read moreWriter in Residence – Airdrie Public Library 2021
Following my time serving as the Writer in Residence at the Airdrie Public Library in November, if you missed any of the sessions you can view them on the library’s website or on YouTube. Sessions include: Writing for Publication Writing for Children and Young Adults Beyond Books: Developing your career as a professional writer In the final session, I read from some of my published work as well as from some upcoming novels, as well as answering questions from the audience. Learn more at...
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 moreGreat Online Workshops for Kids
Check out these great online workshops for children and young adults. Many children are very interested in writing stories, but often need help to channel their writing ability and encourage them to move forward with their projects. Professional advice about writing, editing, and revision can encourage a person’s creativity, whatever form that creativity may take. These online workshops are conducted using email assignments. After emailing me your first completed assignment, this will be returned with comments, suggestions, and...
read moreWhat’s it all about? Sources of inspiration for Future Imperfect
Future Imperfect is an exciting adventure featuring technology, teenage geniuses, corporate espionage, and mysterious messages. Most kids these days are very familiar with laptops, tablets, and video games, and don’t go anywhere without their cell phones, so the technology and gadgets that feature in the story make the novel very appealing for young readers. It’s also a very compelling adventure story, with lots of cliffhangers, twists, and turns. In the novel we’re introduced to Andrew Mitchell, who was one of the leading experts in...
read moreCopywriting for Business
I offer a number of writer services for business. The way in which you communicate with your customers is a vital component of your business and well written content can be the difference between success and failure. I have extensive experience in writing for a wide range of industries and market segments and offer a variety of copywriting services including website content, blogs and newsletters, social media including Facebook and Twitter, brochures, direct mail, sales letters, press releases, newspaper and magazine advertising and...
read more“The Heretic’s Tomb is a fast-paced tale of intrigue, sorcery and adventure, set in a fascinating period of history.”
The Heretic’s Tomb While exploring a medieval archaeological site containing the ruins of an ancient English abbey, Annie discovers the long-forgotten tomb of Lady Isabella Devereaux, who had been condemned to death as a heretic in 1349. When Annie curiously examines a mysterious amulet she finds in the tomb, she is suddenly sent hurtling back to the Middle Ages, encountering sorcery, treachery, treason and the ghastly horrors of the Black Death. The Heretic’s Tomb received great reviews when it was first published and remains a...
read more“The Sphere of Septimus is an exciting story of fantasy and adventure.”
The Sphere of Septimus Eric isn’t too happy when he has to spend the summer with his eccentric father, Septimus Trinket, in the backwater village of Middle Wogglehole, deep in the heart of rural Derbyshire. In the isolated village, however, things are not quite what they seem. Eric meets Jessica, who tells him of the legends and mysterious stories that have surrounded Middle Wogglehole for centuries. When they discover Septimus’ shocking secret, Eric and Jessica are soon fighting for their lives against the forces of evil, in a world very...
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