(photo credit) Chloe sat by the side of the road for nearly an hour, the dead body of a stranger in her arms. She stared blankly at the yellow line, blinking, mumbling incoherently. As the faint clouds in the sky floated with the breeze, vague shadows glided across the concrete. The sun disappeared for a … Continue reading »
The Power of Consistency
I used to think being methodical was the antithesis to creativity. I’d turn my nose up at maintaining some kind of productive schedule. “Writing is bohemian,” I’d argue. “It’s supposed to be spontaneous, not scientific.” Five or six years ago, I might still believe these statements. However, it wasn’t until I joined the workforce that … Continue reading »
Thanks Max! Your advice worked.
I am much obliged to Max Cairnduff, of Pechorin’s Journal, for providing some much needed advice. My reading slump, though not cured completely, has received an injection of energy! He suggested that I push my heavy reads to the side in favour of something light and fluffy. Well, he really knows what he’s talking about! … Continue reading »
Operation Cold Turkey: Update 1
Hello all! Long time no blog. I have some good news and some “bad” news. So we can start off on a positive note, I’ll give you the good news first: Since initiating my year-long book buying ban, not only have I avoided bookstores almost completely, I have not purchased a single novel. On a … Continue reading »
The Count of Monte Cristo (Chapters 37 through 38)
On the Docket: The Count of Monte Cristo (Chapters 37 through 38) by Alexandre Dumas The Plot Thus Far: Due to an injury, I’ve had to take a break from blogging for a few weeks. Now that I am back to normal, I would really like to continue this read-a-long for those who have been … Continue reading »
Essay Writing: How to avoid plot summary
If I had a quarter for every time I’ve been asked about the use of plot summaries in English essays… well, I wouldn’t be rich but, at the very least, I’d have twenty bucks. As a freelance editor and tutor, friends and clients will ask me to quickly read through their papers and provide feedback. … Continue reading »
Scene of the Blog!
Just a quick note to say that I’ve been featured on Kittling Books’ Scene of the Blog. If you’d like to take a look at my working space and book collection, mosey on over! Cathy also writes fabulous book reviews, mostly mysteries – which I happen to love – so you will not be disappointed!
This sh*t is scary… seriously.
photo credit As the professor handed out the syllabus, she smirked a little, and gazed up at us for a moment. “I know you’ve signed up for a Horror in Literature course but I should warn you that some of these texts are, in fact, quite scary.” She kept a straight face. “I wouldn’t recommend … Continue reading »
A (philosophical) kick in the pants
Begin with the end in mind. -Stephen Covey Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain If you … Continue reading »
Ottawa’s Human Library (January 28th)
Imagine my surprise when I came across the headline “Ottawa’s ‘human books’ include judge, prostitute; One-on-one chats.” Apparently, the Ottawa public library system is incorporating all its branches for a one-day Human Library project, in which various locations will have 8-10 people with distinct experiences ready and willing to converse with patrons about their life. According to Adrian Humphreys’ … Continue reading »
