Although, as readers, we tend to read what we like, there is some indication that the blending of genres is allowing us to explore other kinds of story. In 2026, this is indicated by the following staples and growing topics and themes. TRENDING GENRES Young Adult (YA)...
WORDSMITH’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – THE BENEFITS OF HANDWRITING
The 23rd January is National Handwriting Day. There is a significant decline in handwriting as we utilize technology with multiple devices to 'do' our writing for us from simple texts to digital note taking for study lectures, to writing systems on our laptops. I...
BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE TUESDAY – INSIDE WILLOW TREE TEARS RESEARCH
After a request concerning my research into barrel racing, I can cover some here concerning my protagonist, Madison's life. As previously mentioned I am grateful to Kendra Edey, a champion barrel racer, for her kind assistance in understanding the technicalities of a...
WORDSMITH’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – FIRE HORSE YEAR AHEAD
As many of us know 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse, whcih actually begins on 17th February. This allows us time in January to delve into what we want to accomplish this year, whether personally, or professionally. The Fire Horse characterises enthusiasm,...
CREATIVE EDGE AUTHOR INTERVIEW – JAMES L. HILL
Did you have a clear idea of the plot for The Ruby Cradle? I did. As the second book in the Gemstone series, it had to pick up with the same characters as in the first. But there had to be a definite twist, we were going back in time to learn more about the dragons....
BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE TUESDAY – BOOK SETTINGS
The joy of reading books gives us the ability to travel to places that might not be possible in real life. A writer might use a real location that inspired the narrative, whether on their travels or somewhere they have actually lived. Knowledge of a place gives the...
CREATIVE EDGE AUTHOR INTERVIEW – TARA HODGSON
How has your teaching experience influenced the characters you write about? It has definitely helped me make authentic and relatable teen characters because this is who I’m surrounded by everyday. I also have a group of students who generously donate their time as...
BIBLIOPHILE’S COLLECTIVE TUESDAY – WHY I WRITE
Today is National Writing Day, so as a writer and published author I thought I would share some of the reasons I write with you. As an avid reader myself, I am always curious about the person behind the narrative's I read. So here goes: I write because I enjoy...
WORDSMITH’S COLLECTIVE THURSDAY – DICTIONARY DAY
Today is the celebration of Webster’s Dictionary and maybe all dictionaries. Without them writers and scholars would be lost in their endeavours. Of course, with the impact of online resources a physical disctionary is not as well used in today's world. In fact...
