A #YoungWriter’s Guide to Covid Fatigue

As some of us are heading into our second and third lockdowns due to COVID-19 we can feel tired and overwhelmed not knowing when we will see an end in sight. If we don’t have a way to channel our frustrations, they can make us and those around us feel miserable. Writing can often offer a great outlet for these feelings. Here are some ideas for writing projects that might help:

Keep a Journal!
I am a big fan of journaling; it can help to just purge on the page. It can help find solutions to problems, establish ideas or just be a safe place to get your feelings out. Journals can also be a great way to see how far you’ve come down the road helping you find things to be grateful for or even track your progress in a certain endeavor. Gratitude journals are also great ways to boost your mood when Covid-fatigue sets in. Did you know, the simple act of expressing gratitude can help us feel happier? It’s true! Research shows that when we choose to focus on the positive things in our lives, we can experience an increase in our overall well-being.

Get Creative!
Creative writing is great for helping us lose ourselves when we can’t go anywhere. Take the opportunity to write your own stories. Set up a writing journal and try to set a regular time to sit down and write, make it a part of every day.
Play a game of “what if”. Start making a list of scenarios that make you wonder. What if a girl finds out she has been chatting online with her future self? What if a man playing on Google Earth finds the lost civilization of Atlantis? Write down as many ideas, no matter how bizarre, and see if you can find a story in them.

Write Reviews!
Face it to pass the time and offer a distraction we’ve all been trying to occupy our time by reading, gaming or binge-watching series or movies, listening to music, cooking, the list goes on. Why not take a moment to share your opinions? By writing a review for others who are stuck at home you are helping them discover something new. You might suggest TV shows, novels, video games, products, podcasts, recipes or anything else that you think others might enjoy.

Writing Prompts!
There are so many websites out there with writing prompts for everyone. Some write fan fiction about their favorite tv characters or expanded on snippets of dialogue overheard. I have used quotes to inspire me such as the ones below.

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” ~ C. S. Lewis
Write about what happens when your characters’ anger catches up with them. How does their anger manifest itself? Does it cause them to lash out? Has it been channeled into something positive and productive? Do they manage to resolve their feelings? How does their anger serve them in the long run?

“Buying a book is not about obtaining a possession, but about securing a portal.” – Laura Miller
You receive an anonymous package addressed to you inside is an old journal a little worse for wear. Inside there is a name that you don’t recognize so you decide to go on the internet and do a little research on the author. What you discover frightens yet intrigues you at the same time. The writer of your masterpiece is known to have dabbled in the occult until they went missing over a decade ago. It is rumored that by reading the journal you can open a portal to another dimension.
Write about your adventure with this journal. Are you brave enough to read it? What do you find inside? Does this portal exist and if it does where does it lead? Is it a dream come true or your worst nightmare?

“I am intrigued by inanimate objects. They’re a piece of history, someone’s statement and ideas of life.” ~Mike Mills
You have been given the intriguing power of being able to bring inanimate objects to life. What happens when your favorite objects awaken? What is their personality like? What stories do they tell you? Are they indifferent, amicable, or difficult?
Do you have a germophobic toothbrush? Does your favorite pen write you a “Dear John” letter? Does your well-loved old sweater thank you for your loyalty? Does your journal start questioning you about what you have been writing? Does your treadmill reminisce about “the good old days”? Has this power become a blessing or a curse?

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To Those Who Celebrate…

From our House to Yours…
To those who celebrate, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2021!🎄⛄✨

#NetGalley #Book #Review ~ The Organised Writer by Antony Johnston

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The Organised Writer

How to stay on top of all your projects and never miss a deadline

by Antony Johnston

Release date: November 12th, 2020

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Organised Writer: How to stay on top of all your projects and never miss a deadline by Antony Johnston from NetGalley Bloomsbury Publishing in order to read and give an honest review.

well-written and informative this book has something for every writer…

I’ve been working freelance in a few fields for years now on top of taking work-related courses and working towards an archaeology degree. My time is limited, and organization is a must in order to get both work and course assignments done. Having worked in professional offices for many years, I have learned a few organization techniques some of which are in The Organised Writer however, Mr. Johnson offers sound advice that can help those new to freelancing establish an organised work routine while also providing new and unique tips to help those who have been freelancing for a while. This is a no- nonsense all-encompassing approach to getting and keeping the working writer organized.  Well-written and informative this book has something for every writer…I highly recommend it!  

#Netgalley #BookReview ~ Creativity A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese #Creativity #Non-Fiction

Review

 

Creativity

A Short and Cheerful Guide

by John Cleese

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of “Creativity A Short and Cheerful Guide” by John Cleese from Netgalley and Crown Publishing  in order to read and give an honest review.

… a practical short guide. filled with tips on the inner workings of the creative mind…

I really enjoyed this book, although a quick read, it is a down to earth primer on how to tap into one’s creativity.  Often creativity is viewed as something unreachable for mere mortals yet John Cleese lays out the basics in a practical short guide. filled with tips on the inner workings of the creative mind such as learning how to be playful, finding inspiration and exploring ideas as well as personal anecdotes on Mr. Cleese’s creative journey giving the reader a user manual to access their own creativity.  

 

Moggie and Dublin: #Cats looking to find their “Furever” families! #Toronto #Ontario #ScarboroughBluffsCatRelief #Adoptdontshop

Scarborough Bluffs Cat Relief is looking for two separate loving “furever” families for these two adorable furbabies.

Meet Moggie

Moggie is a tiny little girl with a big personality. We’re not exactly sure of her age but guessing around 5. She was found roaming the streets for some time. Moggie was in a cat fight and sustained injuries and developed an abscess but she is fine now. We did test her for FeLV and FIV and tests came back negative. She is declawed, so at one point she did have a family that we were unable to trace. Like many declawed cats, it takes some time to reassure her that she is in no danger and to make her feel comfortable.

Meet Dublin

Dublin, a big boy looking for a kingdom to rule, with servants. He is about 3 1/2, vet checked, neutered, vaccinated and he’s also had dental work done. He is one of many that an elderly, frail couple had surrendered as they can no longer look after them. Dublin developed an abscess from a cat fight which resulted in a pretty large wound on his head, which is still healing. Very affectionate, he prefers the company of people over cats, so a single home would be ideal. Of course, with a proper, slow introduction he would adjust to a home with another cat, preferably female.

If you’re in the Toronto/GTA area and one of those people who would love to have one of these sweethearts join their family please contact Katherine of Scarborough Bluffs Cat relief at 647-476-4797 or via email at scarboroughbluffscatrelief@gmail.com

***Please note: GTA/Toronto adoptions preferred***

#Netgalley #Book #Review – 27 Essential Principles of Story by Daniel Joshua Rubin #Writing #Plot #Characters #Non-Fiction

Review

27 Essential Principles of Story

Master the Secrets of Great Storytelling, from Shakespeare to South Park

by Daniel Joshua Rubin

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of “27 Essential Principles of Story Master the Secrets of Great Storytelling, from Shakespeare to South Park” by Daniel Joshua Rubin from Netgalley and Workman Publishing, in order to read and give an honest review.

… Well-written, informative and down to earth, Mr. Rubin gives us wonderful tools to help writers fully develop and expand their storytelling…

Multi-Media Writer, Playwright and Yale graduate, Daniel Joshua Rubin, gives us a masterclass in his book 27 Essential Principles of Story. Reading this I knew that it would be one of those books I would constantly refer to time and again. Well-written, informative and down to earth, Mr. Rubin gives us wonderful tools to help writers fully develop and expand their storytelling.

The book is divided into three sections Plot, Characterization and Setting, Dialogue, Theme.  The author teaches us 27 valuable tools by dissecting scenes that reference many popular books, comic books, tv series and movies everything from Shakespeare and Finding Nemo, to Breaking Bad and Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies. Mr. Rubin teaches illustrates each principle and follows up with exercises as well as mini quizzes to help writers master each example and really understand the core of each principle.

As I mentioned previously this is a book, I will be referring to time and again. Recently challenged with a character in a current work in progress, I particularly loved and needed his principle “Peel the onion” about approaching creating characters in a more holistic manner and it has really helped. I can’t say enough about this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn the nitty gritty of successful storytelling.

#NetGalley #Book #Review of The Bone Hunger (Benjamin Oris #2) by Carrie Rubin #Thriller #Medical # Psychological

 

Review

The Bone Hunger

(Benjamin Oris #2)

by Carrie Rubin

Release date: August 11th, 2020

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Bone Hunger (Benjamin Oris, Book 2) by Carrie Rubin from NetGalley and Indigo Dot Press in order to read and give an honest review.

…in this brilliantly executed, clever, page turning psychological medical thriller…

Having read and reviewed the Author’s first book Bone Curse I was thrilled to get to read and review her second entry in the Dr. Benjamin Oris series. I am pleased to say Bone Hunger definitely did not disappoint. This is an excellent follow up but is also a perfect stand alone. 

The Bone Hunger takes place three years after the horrifying events which occurred in the Bone Curse. Ben Otis has worked hard to get his professional life back on track. Working as a second year orthopedic surgical resident who is brought in to be part of a tightly knit surgical team run by the prestigious Dr. Lock. The team endured a horrific trauma and although the odd man out Ben is earning the respect of Dr. Lock and his colleagues. When a patient dies post op Ben is upset, but events take a gruesome turn. While out jogging with his family they find a severed leg with the implant Ben himself put in which Ben recognizes as his deceased patient’s lying in the morgue. When another patient goes missing and their amputated limb is found this time harvested from a once living patient Ben’s past reputation puts him on the detective’s radar. Without giving away too much this book takes surprising twists and turns when the body count goes up. When an old friend, Laurette, introduces Ben to a well-respected forensic psychologist the race is on to catch the killer, clear Ben’s name and save his loved ones. 

Being a physician, author Carrie Rubin gives you the goods in this brilliantly executed, clever, page turning psychological medical thriller. Cannot wait to read the next in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend! 

 

 

 

Two Cuddly Feline Fur-babies Looking for Their “Furever” Home! #Toronto #kitten #cat #AdoptDontShop #ScarboroughBluffsCatRelief

 

Meet Lincoln!

Meet the sweetest kitten EVER!
Lincoln is about 14 weeks old and is one of most affectionate little boys you’ll ever know. Also called Linc for short, this fella is a real stunner with his silky soft marble tabby coat. He has the most expressive face with pretty pale olive eyes, and the most kissable kitten belly.
This little social butterfly almost never stops purring. His purring has been known to penetrate doors! All Lincoln wants to do is to cuddle and play all day long. He loves to be picked up and will curl up into your neck or on your shoulder. When it’s bedtime, he will sit right on your chest or next to your head and nuzzle into your ear, purring you to sleep. He is not picky with toys and will play with anything and anyone. Although, he prefers to chase toys on a string, he will also happily baff balls and toy mice around the room by himself. Whenever you’re having a bad day, Linc is guaranteed to make you laugh and put a smile back on your face.His mother, Porsche, was abandoned outdoors heavily pregnant when her family moved away. Fortunately, some kind neighbours noticed and Porsche was brought into foster care where she gave birth to Lincoln and his siblings at the end of March.Lincoln is dewormed, flea and parasite free, and will be vaccinated prior to adoption. Adopters will be able to have him neutered at a rescue-discount rate through Scarborough Bluffs Cat Relief when he turns 6 months old. Preference will be given to local, experienced pet owners who may already have a social and playful cat for Lincoln to befriend. If you are interested in giving Lincoln his forever home, please contact us at scarboroughbluffscatrelief@gmail.com. Adoption fees apply.
For more on this sweet little guy… click here

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Meet Porsche!
She is as sweet as she is pretty and petite.

This affectionate grey tabby girl with the most stunning bright green eyes is just looking for love. Once Porsche gets to know you and can tell you want to be her friend, she will cuddle up next to you and melt into a puddle. This sweetheart loves face and neck scratchies. She will headbutt your hand asking you to pet and stroke her. She meows and walks up to you as soon as you come through the door.

Porsche had a bit of a rough start. She was abandoned in a garage, heavily pregnant, when her owners moved away. Luckily, some kind neighbours noticed and got in touch with our rescue. Soon after, she gave birth to seven kittens despite practically still being a kitten herself. We estimate she’s only about a year old. She did an excellent job teaching her babies to use the litterbox as she is very tidy herself. Porsche loves her food and treats. She is an insatiable little vacuum — really food-motivated. While she currently still needs to put on a little more weight, she must be fed portioned meals instead of free-feeding to avoid becoming overweight in the future. Fortunately, meal times are done in the blink of an eye. She’s been an incredible doting mom, but her kittens are grown now and it’s time for Porsche to find her new family… and this time, forever.

Porsche is dewormed, flea and parasite free, and will be ready for adoption very soon. She will be vaccinated and spayed before adoption. For more info or if you are interested in giving Porsche a forever home, please contact us at scarboroughbluffscatrelief@gmail.com or call Katherine at 647-476-4797.

For more about this adorable girl click here

#BookReview of The Insider by Craig Schaefer (@craig_schaefer) #Thriller #Mystery via #NetGalley

Review

The Insider

by Craig Schaefer

Release Date: July 7th, 2020

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Insider by Craig Schaefer from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in order to read and give an honest review.

I’m a recent fan of Craig Schaefer having been introduced through his book, Ghosts of Gotham, which I reviewed here. Although I haven’t read The Loot the first book in the series, I found this perfect as a stand-alone.

In book two, Charlie McCabe is working with Dom and Beckett as part of the Boston Asset Protection Agency as a bodyguard hired on two separate cases. The first case revolves around protecting an author and all-around narcissistic jerk, Lincoln Gable, who is on a promotion tour for his controversial book. The second case is a bit more complex involving keeping alive the prime witness, Hayden Cobb, a witness to a murder case involving three dirty cops known as the East Boston Three. While under Boston Asset’s protection in a secret location an attempt is made on his life. To Charlie and crew it appears there is a leak somewhere in the DA’s office and rumours of a fourth dirty cop who could be the one trying to silence Cobb forever. When a member of mob boss’s Jimmy Lassiter’s crew is falsely imprisoned as the hit man, he blackmails Charlie to exonerate him,putting one of her loved ones in danger. Running out of time Charlie is almost pushed too far. Along the way there are so many intriguing and interesting players that show up at the race this book is definitely one wild ride.

I absolutely loved everything about this book, the strong, intelligent, resilient yet flawed female characters, the pacing, his twisty plot turns that draw you in and keep you voraciously reading until the end. Filled with murder, mayhem and amazing plot twists which will throw you for a loop this is a fantastic book which I highly recommend!

#NetGalley #Book #Review of A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians A Novel by H. G. Parry #Fantasy #Historical

A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians

A Novel

by H. G. Parry

Release date: June 23rd, 2020

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians
A Novel by H. G. Parry from NetGalley and Redhook Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… Clever plot lines, interesting characters, well written and researched,I loved everything about this book.…

This book is unlike anything else I have read, this dark epic historical fantasy was complex and took a while to get into but was definitely worth it.   

Set in the 18th century, A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians is an alternate history of the times including the infamous French Revolution. The story features three interconnecting plot lines set in the Caribbean, Paris and London. There are multiple political events driven by a dark powerful entity whose endgame is shocking.  It’s thought provoking in so many ways as the characters are challenged with moral dilemmas surrounding issues such as slavery, classism, to what end are they willing to go to succeed and at what cost. 

To get to the basics of the story, we are witness to the alternate version of history where magic is strictly regulated. Commoners are forbidden to use it and are given magic dampening bracelets that burn if their powers are used and face imprisonment or execution for breaking the law.  Even to save a life, magic is forbidden to commoners, only aristocrats and nobility are allowed to wield their power without consequence.  The three plot lines were equally compelling reminding me of a game of chess with the characters being pieces moved along the board with a singular purpose invisible to the reader until the end.  

H.G. Parry introduces us to Fina a slave working on a sugar plantation under British rule in Jamaica. The slaves are mistreated, their powers bound by a potion so that they are under the plantation managers  complete control. In a brief period when her magic seeps through Fina hears a voice telling her to flee Jamaica in order to save her fellow slaves and join a slave rebellion on Santa Domingo.  Meanwhile in France, Robespierre is fighting for the rights of the commoners and their ability to use magic for the betterment of their lives and in London, a trio of politicians are working for the abolition of slavery despite it being heavily debated. Each character is well developed and deals with unique obstacles and the consequences of their actions.  There is so much going on in this book it’s difficult to capture it all in this review without spoilers. Bottom line I loved the book although, ending on a cliffhanger of sorts was surprising and I certainly hope we get a second in the series from H.G. Parry. 

Clever plot lines, interesting characters, well written and researched, I loved everything about this book. This book is for you if you enjoy compelling, thought provoking historical fantasy with a twist!