Blog
What’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 moreNo Ending to “Robin’s Last Song”: An Interview with Nina Munteanu
I recently interviewed novelist and short story author Nina Munteanu after her short story Robin’s Last Song was featured by the NYC Climate Writers Collective as part of an exhibition in the Climate imaginarium on Governors Island. Simon: Congratulations on being featured with the Climate Imaginarium on Governor’s Island. Can you tell us a little about the story and why they are featuring it? Nina: Sure. Essentially, the story is about a world thrown into unbalance then its struggle to heal again. It features Robin, a blind elder...
read moreWriting Workshops and Study Guides
Writing Workshops and Study Guides My writing guide entitled Where Do Ideas Come From? examines how my novels The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, and The Sphere of Septimus can be used to create workshops and creative writing exercises for the classroom. These include writing time travel stories, creating superheroes and comic books, inventing imaginary worlds and fantasy kingdoms, exploring fascinating historical...
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 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 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...
read moreThe Stone of Zalgor with Cassa Musical Arts
I’ve been involved with Cassa Musical Arts for a number of years now and this year I’m writing the script and working with the composer for the Musical Theatre Camp. This year’s musical is an epic fantasy tale entitled The Stone of Zalgor. Centuries ago, the Stone of Zalgor, a magical gemstone with incredible powers, served as a symbol of unity for the numerous kingdoms of a fantasy universe before a period of civil war that seemed as if it would never end. Now the marriage of Prince Tobias of Karonoda and Princess Altina of...
read moreThe Stone of Zalgor with Cassa Musical Arts
I’ve been involved with Cassa Musical Arts for a number of years now and this year I’m writing the script and working with the composer for the Musical Theatre Camp. This year’s musical is an epic fantasy tale entitled The Stone of Zalgor. Centuries ago, the Stone of Zalgor, a magical gemstone with incredible powers, served as a symbol of unity for the numerous kingdoms of a fantasy universe before a period of civil war that seemed as if it would never end. Now the marriage of Prince Tobias of Karonoda and Princess Altina of...
read moreCanyon Meadows Market
This Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm I’ll be signing copies of all my books at the Canyon Meadows 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 moreLearn how to write effective and compelling historical fiction
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 believable settings and plausible characters and learn...
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