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Leaving on a jet plane

Posted on October 20, 2015

I haven’t been writing here very much – I’ve been working on my novel, trying to get it edited so I can download it to my iPad and work on it while we’re on holidays. Hub wants to read it again, so the pressure was on. I submitted by first 5000 words to a contest called the Unhanged Author, for unpublished crime/mystery novels. If I make the long-list, they’ll want the entire manuscript by November 15th. Which means I have to knuckle down and tidy up the ending. Decide on an ending. Yikes. Does she find her long-lost father? Does he stay unfound? I’m not sure yet. This is the first of a series and I have half of the next book written, so…

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Categories: Travel

Socialnomics – Our Future in Numbers

Posted on October 14, 2015

If you can get beyond the weirdly ear-achy music (reminds me orf the air-raid drills we had in elementary school, where we had to huddle under our desks) and just read the statistics in the YouTube video below, you’ll see that social media is not just in a state of flux, it’s the harbinger of a tsunami of change. Facebook has a larger population that China? Who knew, but I guess it makes sense. 92% of children under the age of two have a digital prsence. Of course, when you think of all the photos proud relatives post. How many pets are there with social media accounts? Probably thousands. The video, by Erik Qualman, author of Social Media Revolution 2015, showcases the power of…

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Categories: Modern life

Niggles and Nuisances

Posted on October 9, 2015

Have you ever had something that niggles at you, annoyed you until you thought you’d scream? Could be a person, place or thing, actually.Sounds and smells do it, too. Today, mine is a bra clasp – specifically the three hooks that rest against the middle of my spine to keep the over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder together and contain the floppage of frontal flesh. I’m thankful it’s not a case of ‘back-boob’ (that wedge of extra flesh squeezed between your armpit and a too-tight bra), but still, it’s a nuisance that’s making me grumpy. The bra is an under $20 cheapie from Winners, so I suppose I shouldn’t complain. And it’s only been worn a few times. But of all the models I’ve bought in the last few…

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Categories: Modern life

Ignite Your Writing

Posted on October 7, 2015

If there’s one thing all writers agree on, it’s that writing is TOUGH. The road to publication twists and dips as we learn the craft, hone our abilities, create characters and stories we’re passionate about, fight discouragement, educate ourselves about the industry…and then start the process all over again as we realize there’s room to improve. I’ve found a polished, user-friendly website loaded with information that makes a tough job easier. Sure we’re wordsmiths, but the craft has so many dimensions, genres, audiences, styles, theories, that it’s easy to get bogged down and throw up our hands. Finding a good writing book, an informative blog from someone you trust, a mentor or critique partner to share the journey with…these ease our journey along the…

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Categories: writing

My healthy brain

Posted on September 29, 2015

A few years ago, I was a volunteer for a study at the Baycrest Health Centre in Toronto of the impact of hypertension and diabetes on seniors’ brain health. Three hundred people were studied. This is how I imagine my brain – all brightly coloured and sparkling with neon ideas. Luckily for me, I was part of the Healthy Control Group. I’m bragging today! I have scientific proof that my brain is in good condition. The study was a collaboration between several funders who subsequently developed an online test you can take to assess brain health. Here is the blurb: The test is marketed by Cogniciti Inc., a for-profit brain health solutions company co-founded by Baycrest and MaRS Discovery District. The development of Cogniciti…

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Categories: Modern life