In Canada, May is officially observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to increase understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and highlight the value of mental health supports and services. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall...
Writing Inspiration
WORDSMITH’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – MYSTERY AND CRIME WRITING TIPS
As we celebrate mystery month and Sherlock Holmes Day tomorrow, I thought we could plunge into what makes a great mystery and crime narrative. There are three types of mystery within the crime genre: Whodunits are the most traditional mysteries, where the perpetrator...
BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE TUESDAY – NATIONAL SHARE A STORY MONTH
To join in the share a story month, I give you the following. I hope you enjoy it. The Road to Bird and the Whale Bird sat at the window watching passersby walk up and down the road, to and from the quay. She set her days by the fishing boats departure, arrival, and...
BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – WRITING WITH MUSIC
My music tastes are as eclectic as my writing genres, from classical to rock to pop to techno and more. If you saw my audio streaming list you would think it was compiled by several people, not just one. I don't always write with music in the background, however when...
BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE TUESDAY – DIVERSITY IN READING AND LIFE
As readers (and writers for that matter), reading stories from diverse genres allows us to glimpse into other people's lives. There are a multitude of cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and experiences throughout the world. So to be given...
WORDSMITH’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – WRITING CONFERENCE BONUS’
As many of you know I am the Secretary of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. We hold a writing conference every year. Our 14th will be held on 2nd May 2026 and the title is - Claiming Your Future Creativity Our presenters are experts in their field, so take...

CREATIVE EDGE – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – ERIK D’SOUZA
Is your character Suzanne Rickson a combination of real people, or not? Suzanne Rickson is inspired by my mother. While planning my first mystery novel and searching for ideas, I visited my parents at their retirement community on the West Coast of British Columbia....

BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE TUESDAY – A SPECIAL OFFER FOR CANADA BOOK WEEK
I have an extra special offer on my western romance novel, Willow Tree Tears for Canada Book Week. From 20th to 24th April it is only 99c, so hurry and get your copy. As always I hope you enjoy Madison's story and the complications she encounters when two men are...

WORDSMITH’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – TEEN LITERATURE
Teen Literacy Day encourages younger people to read books and raises awareness for teenagers to be interested in reading more. Unfortuantely, teenagers are reading less and less and this is evident statistically: STATICS Back in 1980, 60% of high school seniors read...
