We've all heard the expression, a trained monkey could do that job. But no one is really being serious when they say it. So, I was surprised to read last month that Rogers Communication was hiring monkeys to work in some of their stores on a trial basis. I thought to myself to what lengths … Continue reading A Trained Monkey Could Do That Job

Canada turns 151 today. Today brings to an end our sesquicentennial, which was a big umm....yawn. Because we aren't terribly nationalistic. Let's face it, Canadian history is boring. And we're fine with that. We're proud of our country, but don't feel the need to tell the rest of the world. Newcomers are always made to feel … Continue reading My Thoughts on Being Canadian

I while back we visited Nashville, a fun place to go to. We ubered everywhere because downtown Nashville is not a place you want to drive around. Did you ever wonder how Uber screens their drivers? I think about it every time I'm riding in an Uber vehicle. Are you new to the city?  Yes. … Continue reading How to Uber Around Town and Survive to Tell About It

Unlike other writers, I didn't have a passion to write at a young age. I wanted to play right wing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I didn't write my first novel at 12. I was 62 when I published THE ROAD AHEAD. In fact, I wasn't a very good writer when I was younger, though … Continue reading Why I Write

Back in 2003, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was more interested in rating female Harvard students online than starting a social phenomena. But it didn't take long for those funding Facebook to realize its potential. Let's be straight here, everyone knows nothing is free. Facebook provides you access to their social networking platform in exchange for … Continue reading Are You Sure You Want To Be On Facebook?

This is not tax advice and I'm not a tax or accounting professional, but I do know that there are things that writers can do to reduce their taxes. I'm only familiar with the Canadian tax system but I'm sure there are lots of analogous rules in other countries. As a writer, I'm self-employed. That … Continue reading There Are Tax Advantages To Being an Indie Writer

I doubt anything induces anxiety among writers more than querying. The continuous stream of rejections chip away at one's confidence. On the weekend, I attend an excellent presentation by the Donaghy Literary Group on the querying process. I decided to share what I heard with others. The query letter is like a resume. You may … Continue reading The Do’s and Don’ts of Querying

Every year around this time, writers ask each other what their writing goals are for the coming year. I always have the same response - I got none. Some people think I'm just being contrary. I am sometimes, but not in this instance. Planning doesn't suit my personality. I never found a plan to be … Continue reading No Writing Goals Again For 2018

I just sent out my manuscript to a number of beta readers and thought I would share some thoughts on the process. First thing, you should be sharing a fairly polished manuscript. You want them to read it as if it's a completed novel. While your beta readers may be fellow writers, they don't have … Continue reading What to Ask Your Beta Readers

Twas the nocturnal period before Christmas, when under the roof, Not a creature was stirring, not even a Poof. Hosiery was meticulously suspended by hooks on the wall, In anticipation of visitation from St Nicholas would soon befall. The offspring were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of bousou spread danced in their … Continue reading Twas The Night Before Christmas…On Mars