The Divine Business of Eating – il Fornello, the synopsis

by | Jun 23, 2011 | Canadian novel writing, creative writing, editing, fiction, inspiration, literary writing, Uncategorized, writing, writing groups, writing mentors, writing process, Writing retreats, writing together

Ever since il Fornello first opened its doors on Bloor Street at Bathurst in Toronto I have loved it. I have loved its wood-fired ovens that produce a pizza crust to bring  tears to the most calloused palate. I have loved its decor and music, its wine and aqua...

What is this Story About?

by | May 26, 2011 | Canadian novel writing, character development, fiction, literary writing, literature, novel in progress, novel writing, revision, rewriting, Rewriting the novel, writing fiction

Lilacs bloom, filling the warm air with heady scent. How do you describe the smell of a lilac? Does it smell like wind and sun? Silt and grapes? Smell has to be described as something else.  A story of the heart has to be told as something else. When I first caught...

Retreats, and a snippet from Weather Vane

by | May 12, 2011 | Canadian novel writing, critiquing, editing, fiction, final draft, literary writing, literature, memoir, novel, novel in progress, novel writing, revision, rewriting, Rewriting the novel, writing, writing fiction, writing groups, Writing retreats

As I prepare for five days on the shores of Lake Simcoe with Pat Schneider, I consider what I wish to accomplish on those dream-come-true days. Weather Vane has rounded a corner and is bouncing toward the finish line. It would be so lovely to dedicate most of my time...