A Writers’ Conference

How can two accomplished, well-known writers critique the same story and give such different feedback? One person loved it.  The other told me to change my style and start over again. This simple fact became the dilemma for my weekend. I wrote 364 words and they gave 2 opinions. Which voice will be stronger?  The […]

Connections

Tomorrow I head to the Surrey International Writers Conference to learn more about the fine art of writing and publishing a book.  The goal is to also make some valuable connections…  (of course I wrote a piece about that very topic) Connections Are we all connected?  I don’t know about this. Sometimes there seems to […]

Stalk

Here is another excerpt from my book “The Long Game”, a memoir told in one page short stories. Stalk I stalk my half-sister.  Facebook and Google have made this easy. She has no idea I exist. Even better, her husband has no restrictions of what he puts up on his pages.  I’ve seen the whole […]

Buddha and I agree…

There is a famous quote attributed to Buddha “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and common sense.” I am finding the need to repeat this sentiment more and more these days. In doing this I […]

My Great Friend

My friend, the famous Andrew Mockler, moved out of my home today. He’s stayed with me for the last ten weeks while he established himself back into Vancouver’s creative world. It’s been ten weeks of intense work, hysterical improv sessions, gallons of Starbucks, private concerts, sushi, road trips, long chats, too many Dairy Queen Blizzards […]

End Of Summer

On August 30th I finished writing the first draft of my book, “The Long Game”, a memoir written in one page short stories. The following is one of the final pieces added into the mix… End of Summer Yes, you’re right, nothing new has happened.  So why does today hurt more than yesterday? Why at […]

The Extra Mile

The keyboard on my phone was screwed. I didn’t know if the problem was it or me, so the simplest solution was to stop by the Rogers store. That’s where the young man who initially set up my phone works. He is brilliant and helpful. Luckily he was there and spent an hour helping me.  […]

The Ultimate Haircut

Women and their hair. I’ve just booked my next haircut and the dilemma of wondering if it’s time for a change always comes up… luckily for me I have done the ultimate with my hair so anything I do these days pales in comparison… I wrote a story about it… this became the story that […]

Radar

My radar has never been wrong. I’m sure this is alarming for most.  I find it a comfort. For years I have been open about being a victim of sexual abuse when I was a child. The topic is not for general conversation but it is interesting how often I make reference to the fact. […]

Charles

“I wish Winifred was here listening to this.” It was the only time during the evening I thought I might cry. My oldest client will turn 96 next week.  A truly lovely man and an iconic Vancouverite.  Winifred was his beloved wife.  I am his personal trainer.  We met in the elevator in his building. […]