If you’ve been following along, you will know that my seventh book, The Gatekeeper’s Daughter, is currently in revision. What that really means is I am currently spending every day working through my manuscript chapter by chapter and line by line. The big picture, developmental edit is done. Now for a closer look. Characterization, plot…
Guest post: Tory Christie
Tory Christie is an earth scientist and the author of several books on science and nature. Her middle-grade novel, A Touch of Blue, is a story of friendship and sacrifice told through the vivid lens of nature and 1970s film photography. Growing up, I loved chasing through wooded trails, swimming in the lake, climbing trees,…
The Select Few
When I began writing my first book, I was thrown into a new world, the world of marketing. I am a writer, not a marketer, and yet it seemed marketing was to be as big a part of my new calling as the actual writing was. I took in as much advice as possible, implemented…
Respecting the living and honouring the dead
I live in a region in Northern Canada which does not permit the burial of those who pass away in winter. Instead they are housed in special facilities until the ground is thawed. My dad passed away in March but he was only just laid to rest in June. Our family waited three months from…
On minding one’s own business
How did I miss this? I have spent years allowing many, many people, who do not have my best interests in mind, to live rent free in my head. Why did I ever think this was a productive, let alone fruitful, way to live my life? I have twisted myself into knots imagining conversations that…
An epic adventure
Writing a story is like visiting a friend you haven’t yet met. You enter their environment, go along on their adventures, meet new people, and learn new things. Every time you start a fresh story you are entering another world. At first, you don’t know what or who you will encounter and it is tedious…
Guest Post: Author Susan Phelan
Susan Phelan is an author of children's fiction. Her middle grade book Miss Classified, published by Chicken Scratch Books, explores the world through the eyes of a child with ADHD. "I see life through the lens of story. As a little girl my mom would get me to finish dinner by telling me to eat…
A very hard goodbye
My Dad A life of adventure, love and curiosity has come to an end. Ninety-one years of working hard, traveling, raising a family, and learning. Always learning. A farm boy, train-hopper, self-taught electrician/carpenter/roofer/engineer and motorcycle rider. A man of faith acquainted with grief as well as joy. He routinely checked on his neighbours, often lending…
Author spotlight: Elizabeth Raum
Elizabeth Raum is a prolific writer of history in both fiction and non-fiction. Her most recent title, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776, is available from Chicken Scratch Books. Q: Where did you get the idea for your most recent book, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776? A: I've always been fascinated with our country's history. I…
Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents
Every time Jeff tries to make his parents happy, disaster inevitably follows so he decides to turn his life into a science experiment. The results aren’t exactly what he hopes for but along the way he learns a lot and discovers even parents sometimes make mistakes. Available now from Chicken Scratch Books, Jeff Pennant’s Field…
