‘When you will make an end of it?’ – Pope Julius II in The Agony and the Ecstacy

by | Jul 7, 2011 | Canadian novel writing, creative writing, final draft, novel in progress, novel writing, revision, rewriting, Rewriting the novel, second draft, Uncategorized, writing, writing fiction, writing process, Writing retreats

It is day four at Maryholme Retreat Centre on Lake Simcoe and I have just completed another full edit of my novel, Weather Vane. I have been hearing the voices that say bad words in my head again. I heard them and I kept walking over the lawns with my clipboard and my...

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...

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...

>Now what? – after the second first is complete

by | Nov 27, 2010 | Canadian novel writing, creative writing, critiquing, fiction, first draft, literary writing, literature, novel, novel writing, rewriting, second draft, writing, writing mentors, writing process

>My manuscript is printed and hole-punched and nestled into three brand new binders, and waiting for next Wednesday. That’s when I will hand it over to be read and critiqued by my lovely mentor, Sue Reynolds.I’m feeling much more confident now, that I have...