Journal
Browse here for posts related to all aspects of my writing life including
events, news, travel, research, mythology, and musings.
All Aboard the Uchuck III
As I’ve said before the best research is hands-on. That way, you can indulge your senses. Last Saturday, we enjoyed a day cruise from Gold River (on Vancouver Island, British Columbia) to Yuquot at Friendly Cove. This is Nuu-chah-nulth traditional territory. The term,...
The Whaler’s Shrine at Yuquot
The weathered church that stands today in Friendly Cove was erected in 1956, for the purposes of “educating” the people of Yuquot. In the vestibule, old plaques and photographs are displayed, memories and keys to the significance of this place. One article in...
Island Research (part 1)
Hands-on research is the best way to begin a book. It's real. It's kinaesthetic. It's inspiring. And it will help you discover whether what's in your mind will work logistically, and on the page. I visited Saltspring Island seven years ago and loved the energy,...
Saltspring Island: I’m Coming Back
I tend to live in seven-year-cycles. So, it's no surprise that I'm returning to Saltspring Island this summer to research a new book. My dream dog, Puddy, came with me last time. It was his last trip. Puddy loved to travel, especially aboard the ferries. This summer,...
Crafting a Short Story
For several years, I taught English in high school. I'm not a short story writer, though I did write one for a contest last year. I like a larger canvas that I can sink inside. But, what follows is one of the lessons I used to share with my students on how to write a...
How to Format a Book-sized PDF on a MAC
Indie publishing is an adventure. It also comes with a steep learning curve and can cause all manner of frustration and back-aches as you sit at the computer for hours cursing and sighing, and occasionally cheering when you finally get something right. I've become...
