Welcome to My Blog
Adjectives
Native speakers of a language usually use adjectives in the correct order, but what if you are trying to explain the rule to a non-native speaker. It turns out that adjectives in English must be in this order: opinion-size-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose Noun....
Inspiration
Inspiration sometimes comes from interesting sources. When sorting through my library recently, I came across a novel that I've kept since my teaching days: Invitation to the Game. Part of the inspiration for my novel, The Medal, came from this book by the late Monica...
Can you read this?
Years ago i enrolled in a Recreation Leadership Course at Algonquin College. One of the requirements was learning to communicate in different ways, depending on people’s needs. I chose the deaf community and took a sign language course. I found it a challenge but I...
A timely post
For all my musician friends...
Reading in the Hammock
One of the pleasures of country living is reading in the hammock. The day was warm with a hint of a breeze and the sun was sparkling on the lake. I was reading Lady Franklin of Russell Square, an epistolary novel by Erika Behrisch Elce, published by Stonehouse...
A Conversation with Louise Penny
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of viewing Louise Penny discuss her writing and her new book, All the Devils are Here via Zoom with Eric Friesen – he in Kingston, Ontario; she in her flat in London, UK. Although fans are familiar with three Pines, the little...
Another COVID Project
Some happy news during this dismal COVID lockdown is that my nephew and his wife recently had a baby girl. The gift I bought for her arrived in a large box which was punctured by the delivery company. Fortunately, the high chair inside wasn’t damaged. Wrapping such a...
Writer in Residence
Yup, that’s me. But don’t mistake me for someone who has been hired by the local university or library to offer advice and suggestions to budding writers. That’s not the case at all. it’s just that the COVID-19 pandemic has meant everyone is safer staying at home....