We have all had to find creative ways to fill our time since the isolation began. Some of us can immerse ourselves in stories and that is a good thing. However, have you found any new outlets to indulge your artistic Muse?
My friend showed me an app for paint by numbers and it has become my latest obsession. I try to pick the most intricate so it takes some time to complete them. Here are a few results I shared on my Instagram.
Of course I am still reading and writing but it is good to have some other way to express my creativity. I also updated my bathroom counter this weekend. A job I have been putting off for a few months!
You have no doubt seen numerous authors sharing their books all across social media sites and readings from favorite books recorded for children in the last few weeks of social distancing. This sharing is the writing communities way of bringing some comfort to everyone isolated during this time. We have the ability to ‘connect’ remotely, which is a blessing during this time of COVID-19.
As we all know information is the new currency, and reading is the best source of continuous learning, knowledge and acquiring more of that currency. However, reading has many other benefits, you may not realize.
It puts your brain to work as it uses various parts to work together, in essence reading is exercise for your brain. It becomes active allowing growth, change and the making of new connections and different patterns. While reading we can roam the expanse of space, time, history, or discover deeper views of ideas, concepts, emotions, and our body of knowledge. Reading increases ‘fluid intelligence” which is the ability to solve problems, understand things and detect meaningful patterns. Other benefits of reading are an increase in attention span, focus and concentration. reading is in fact a multifaceted exercise.
Fictional narratives, allow us to imagine an event, a situation, numerous characters, and details of an imagined story. It is a total immersion process. It has been proved that reading literary fiction enhances the ability to detect and understand other people’s emotions, a crucial skill in navigating complex social relationships. So the more you read the better you become within your own mind and for those around us. So get reading!
Everyone please take care, stay well and safe.
If you are looking for a new read please take a look at my books. I have narratives for children, young adult and adult so something for all the family. As always if you have any questions about any of the books please comment below and I will answer.
None of us can escape the barrage of information on this devastating virus and it’s effects. Our priorities are to ensure we are practicing social distancing, self isolation (if needed) and to help those in our community that are most vulnerable.
So instead, I am sharing a small post today to inform you that the planned Book Lovers Weekend, I was to attend on 21st & 22nd March in Jasper, Alberta has been cancelled along with many other events. It will be rescheduled in time and I hope to read at that time.
I ask if you can please purchase (or download from your library) a local author’s book and show some love during this time, many will lose the opportunity to read and share.
In the meantime as the hotel and vacation time was already booked, my friend Linda and I will use the four days as a mini writing retreat in Jasper. For writers extra time to write is a blessing, although in this case we would rather have had the opportunity to share our stories. I will utilize the weekend to edit a friend’s manuscript and my own steampunk novel and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature in Jasper’s National Park. It is a place we regularly visit and every time it is different with animal sightings, weather changes and the expanse of mountainous terrain.
Let me know what you are reading and the last book review you made – remember your pledge.
I am still reading this incredible story, some is hard to read considering the conditions the plantation workers endured but the characters are well balanced and believable.
Take care and remember you can escape into a narrative at any time.
I was delighted to win a draw for a copy of Being Grateful, Being Thankful by Sarah Butland recently and she was kind enough to send two copies, one of which I gave to a friend.
Review:
We take so much for granted – water, light, heat, friends & family, homes, finances, transport and more.
But do we ever consider life without these? A power outage, a burst water pipe, no internet service – any of these things brings the realization that when it works we don’t give them a second thought. Then we are uncomfortable, sad and sometimes frustrated.
This unique book puts us into a mind set to be thankful for our world, our life, our luxuries. We are blessed and giving thanks is a way to give back to the universe. https://www.amazon.ca/Being-Grateful-Thankful-Sarah-Butland/dp/0993786413
Remember to keep your 2020 pledge and review every book you read. Even a sentence will do!
GIFT Presents: Intro to Screenwriting
I attended an event on 7th March by GIFT (Girls in Film & Television). This is an avenue of writing I want to explore, learn and master. After all every fiction author wants to see their story on the big screen. The workshop focused on secrets to the golden rules of screenwriting, focusing on short film format. Teaching us how to write full and dynamic characters, how to structure our story, and how to format our script like a pro.
Do you have a favorite book you wish would be made into a movie?
Current writing:
I finished editing one client’s manuscript and almost immediately dove into another manuscript but this time for a friend, who is part of the monthly workshop, I am participating in. This will allow other authors to read my work and comment and I will do the same for them.
Update on Steampunk novel: The Commodore’s Gift.
I had a brainwave when it came to incorporating more ‘mechanical’ elements into the narrative and will add a certain physical characteristic to the Commodore. Subscribe to my newsletter to find out what it is…Sneek Peeks & Glimpses.
I spent our ‘extra’ day, 29th February indulging in two writing workshops. One was a novel workshop, which will span four months. A group of writers email a number of chapters of their current work in progress for edits and suggestions to each other and then email them back for revisions.
The second workshop, held by The Writer’s Foundation of Strathcona County, was a monthly creative workshop, covering many aspects, styles and types of writing. As we are approaching poetry month in April, we covered different types of poetry. I have to admit poetry is not my forte, so it did stretch my creativity. We covered six styles. I am sharing my attempt of a coupled rhyme (rhyme in pairs AA BB CC). The words we had to incorporate were chosen at random. Clock, rock, storm, born, wall, tall. Five minutes later I achieved this:
The fisherman looked at the clock
Then walked to the big rock
He knew it was time with the storm
For the creature to be born
The waves rose up as a wall
And there the beast stood so tall
Do you have a certain style of poetry that you prefer?
Book Review
Lavinia by Ursula K Le Guin – my review:
To be immersed again in ancient Italy was a joy for me. I learned Greek & Roman literature in school and was transported back to the world of gods, mythology and mystery.
A wonderfully written narrative, anyone would enjoy.
Esi Edugyan