Blog
Passport to the Arts 2026
This year, the Passport to the Arts Show and Sale is on Sunday, September 13. The event will take place at Naested Studio, 1124-15th Street N.W. in Calgary, Alberta. I’m really looking forward to this event, so be sure to mark the date. Further information on the artists, authors, musicians that will be showing and selling their work will be posted on the website as we get closer to the event. Hope to see you...
read more“Congratulations on a great read for kids.”
The Alchemist’s Portrait A school trip to the art gallery at the city museum leads Matthew into an eerie meeting with Peter Glimmer, imprisoned inside his own portrait by his villainous uncle in 1666. Entrusted by Peter with recovering the one object that can save the world, Matthew is sent hurtling over 300 years into the past. Encountering magic, mayhem and murder, Matthew also has to contend with Peter’s uncle, the ruthless and seemingly immortal Nicolaas van der Leyden, at every turn, in a desperate race through time to save...
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 moreWandering Souls Night Market, August 15
This weekend, I’ll be at the Wandering Souls Night Market, hosted by the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association, 5600 Centre Street N in Calgary. The event runs from 3 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, August 15, so be sure to stop by and say hello. Hope to see you there.
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 moreThe Sphere of Septimus
“Fast paced with vivid descriptions, creative creatures and a suspense filled plot, it’s impossible to put this book down. It is a great read for children who enjoy fantasy and science fiction books. I highly recommend it for both boys and girls. It’s a must read!” 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...
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 moreAn Interview with R. D. Rivers
My guest today is Canadian author R. D. Rivers. Congratulations on releasing both your third novel, The House’s Heart and an omnibus edition! How does it feel to see three books collected together after all the work you’ve put into them? It feels good. While they are not overly large, writing three stories in basically a year was tiring but fun. Seeing the three collected into an omnibus is neat—especially the print version. Holding that thick volume felt cool. Why tell unrelated stories instead of a trilogy with the same...
read moreThe Heretic’s Tomb
“The book is a sweeping historical drama involving witchcraft, religious zealotry, life and death … The Heretic’s Tomb is a fast-paced tale of intrigue, sorcery and adventure, set in a fascinating period of history.” 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...
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 more
