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WRITERS n BOOKS: Canadian professor Diana Manole launches her latest collection of poems
The Event Praying to a Landed Immigrant God by Diana Manole Sept 8, Professor Diana Manole presented her book launching for “Praying to a Landed Immigrant God” at the Romanian Consulate in Toronto. A book launch, international in flavour Professor Manole, though … Continue reading
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WRITERS n BOOKS: A blog writer worth reading
John Weiss is a writer, artist, and former police chief with twenty-six years of law enforcement experience. He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and his work appears in The Guardian, NBC News, Simplify Magazine, Becoming Minimalist, Mr. Feelgood, Good Men Project, and elsewhere … Continue reading
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WRITERS & BOOKS: Macleans magazine – outstanding writing
Maclean’s magazine (August 2023) an example of outstanding publishing and the reason why you should subscribe to this excellent Canadian news source. This month the magazine dealt with timely issues: growing use of food bank, innovative Canadian politicians, successful Indigenous … Continue reading
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LETTERS: Comment from Courtney Park Writers group, 7-1-22
Hi Richard: I always truly enjoy your newsletters. They are chock full of such interesting tid-bits. And I love the fun graphics they always make me smile. And you are so supportive of authors. Your Book Shoppe is a neat … Continue reading
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PRODUCTIVITY: Text Blaze – a really useful tool for email users and writers
Attention email users and writers of any and all sorts… If you write snippets of text repeatedly, greetings, salutations, phrases, text that you have to type over and over, TEXT BLAZE is your tool. TEXT BLAZE allows you to create … Continue reading
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Courtney Park Writers Group
Courtney Writers Group… The invitation to attend their summertime BBQ picnic makes this group sound very interesting and inviting….more to come soon. I was recently invited to a summertime BBQ lunch with a group of writers known as the Courtney … Continue reading
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WRITERS’ AID
This category is related to and connected with WAGGERS and WRITERS, two support groups dedicated to assisting writers. Some of the menu items associated with those other categories are included here. Otherwise, you are advised to use the search boxes … Continue reading
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Q6 ANSWERED by Stephen K. – What advice can you give to newbie screenwriters?
I am a newbie screenwriter. What advice would you give me?
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The BEST TOOLS FOR WRITERS
The variety and selection of writer’s tools are endless because their selection is so subjective. Here are what we believe are the essential ones every writer should have in their writer’s toolbox. We invite you to submit additional tools you … Continue reading
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WAG PRESENTATION: SOCIAL MEDIA for writers
significantly better results. Word of mouth will spread well enough, so concentrate on writing interesting material rather than focusing on how many people you get. Alka emphasizes that writers need to be aware of their image, the self vs the … Continue reading
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Attention writers…are your promoting yourself?
Are you neglecting promotion responsibilities? Are you neglecting marketing your work? Are you failing to showcase yourself as you deserve? There aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the work that creative people like you do? Do you … Continue reading
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CANADA DAY commentary by Canadian writers
A number of writers are associated with our website have written their comments about CANADA DAY: Bristow writes a romance story in Roman times, quite unexpected, but very engaging and plausible. An amazingly researched story. Click on an image … Continue reading
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Writers promo tip: BOOKMARKERS
Hey writer….here’s a nice little book promotion idea for you… Print a set of bookmarkers for distribution whenever and wherever you are doing book promotions. Consider both sidesRemember you have a FRONT and a BACK to the bookmarker. Take advantage … Continue reading
GRAMMARLY: the right-hand assistant for writers
“If you’re a writer, you should use this tool.” It would highlight all the errors in the previous sentence allowing you to change what you wish. Grammarly has a free version that will serve a writer very well. The corrections … Continue reading
Indie press prizes shine light on new writers
An announcement that will cause some excitement among readers dropped into my inbox this morning: The winners of the ReLit award for 2020 — the final part of a month-long “celebration” of the prize, which is catching up on announcing … Continue reading
WRITERS: Power Thesaurus
Power Thesaurus is a Google extension that is very useful for writers. Search for synonyms and antonyms easily and quickly in the browser and then type them into your document. The video demonstrates how to download, install and use POWER … Continue reading
Book publishing opportunity for writers with evangelical interest/background
Book publishing opportunity for writers with evangelical background and interest. Click this link: AUTHORS
A very challenging contest for writers
The Writers Digest is sponsoring a contest inviting writers to participate in this contest. You are given timelines and parameters for writing a short story, the winners are selected at various stages receiving cash prizes. There is an entry fee, … Continue reading
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PYVES: Blueprint guide for newbie writers
Rick Pyves, the writer of three military history books, is very dedicated to his craft and passionate about writing great books based on his extensive research. His advice to new writers is packaged in this blueprint, a road map for … Continue reading
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Literary games for creative writers
Only really creative writers can appreciate all the verbal play in the reading below:
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1O1 BEST WEBSITES for writers
An ebook for connected writers that costs $6.99.
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WRITER’S DIGEST: A website of advice and tips for writers
Here’s a website that’s a must for writers. WRITER’S DIGEST is a treasure trove of tips, advice, information and assistance to writers of every level, every experience.
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Free Downloads to help writers
Writer’s Digest is proud to provide the following FREE writing exercises and downloads to aspiring novelists, short story writers and general hobbyists who grace the modern scroll with proverbial ink. Click the link to view the available downloads: DOWNLOADS
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LONG SHADOWS, David Baldacci – writers can lean a lot from Baldacci
LONG SHADOWS, David Baldacci Synopsis Memory man FBI agent, Amos Decker, returns in this action-packed thriller to investigate the mysterious and brutal murder of a federal judge and her bodyguard at her home in an exclusive, gated community in Florida. … Continue reading
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Our staff writers are very involved in helping people in need
A number of our staff writers work for the benefit of others in various parts of the world. Read an excerpt from a letter Staff writer Todd writes about the need for clean drinking water as children in Mexico are … Continue reading
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COOKING: * * * 5 Foodie websites * * *
is a food and drink website that provides recipes, cooking techniques, equipment reviews, and stories about food culture and history. The website was founded in 2006 by Ed Levine, a food writer and journalist, and has since won several awards … Continue reading
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COOKING: Great food/recipe websites
is a food and drink website that provides recipes, cooking techniques, equipment reviews, and stories about food culture and history. The website was founded in 2006 by Ed Levine, a food writer and journalist, and has since won several awards … Continue reading
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HODGE PODGE: “1%ers” – are you one of the lucky 1%?
1% ers – Hard to believe but this includes many of us. 99% of those born between 1930 and 1946 (worldwide) are now dead. If you were born in this time span, you are one of the rare surviving one … Continue reading
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CONSULTANCY
Consultancy Are you looking for expert advice on how to grow your business, improve your performance, or solve your challenges? If so, you need to connect with Richard Szpin, a professional consultant with over 20 years of experience in various … Continue reading
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EDITORIAL: MEDIA staff cuts begin ( Updated 7-5-23 )
It has started, the destruction of journalism as we know it. Artificial Intelligence tolled the first peals. As more and more writers explore and experiment with AI, its viability becomes a real concern. AI can produce near-professional and acceptable-quality articles … Continue reading
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The BOYS OF BILOXI, John Grisham
The BOYS OF BILOXI John Grisham Synopsis For most of the last hundred years, Biloxi was known for its beaches, resorts, and seafood industry. But it had a darker side. It was also notorious for corruption and vice, everything from … Continue reading
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A night of POETRY READING
A night of POETRY READING One night only, Hello, Featuring Canadian poets, Anindita Mukherjee, Mbonisi Zikhali, Diana Manole Diana Manola is a second-language immigrant woman poet in Canada who will read from Praying to a Landed-Immigrant God which is about … Continue reading
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EDITORIAL: Woe….for the simpler times!
Recently, I read a piece by Dan Rather, a past CBS broadcast news anchorman, where he was nostalgic about the typewriter and the atmosphere it created anywhere where a writer was creating some piece of writing. Click: TYPEWRITER Reading the … Continue reading
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The 6:20 MAN, D. Baldacci
The 6:20 MAN, a Baldacci read, a little weaker than his earlier style.
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use for the footer BOOKS widget
READERS Click the “OLD BOOK SHOPPE” WRITERS Click image of WRITER’S TOOL KIT Book Shoppe Each of the writers here is dedicated to creating entertaining and engaging books for you. They work hard to create material that will give you … Continue reading
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BOOKz
Click the topic you wish to explore: BOOK SHOPPE REVIEWS: BOOKS MOVIES TV HEATHER reviews RICHARD reviews WRITER ASSISTANCE PUBLISHING SERVICES WRITER TIPS WRITERS (in house) RICHARD’s desk FERMO’s barks EVA’s opinions REG’s desk ROTZY … Continue reading
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A MAN CALLED OVE (another review), Fredrik Backman
An engaging read. Light, lively, and entertaining. Truly, a must read if you smile about life!
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Dealing with publishers rejections
Jane Friedman, an acclaimed writers’ advocate comments about dealing with rejections to your submissions. She says: A note from Jane Last weekend, I attended the annual Writer’s Digest Conference, where I had the pleasure of listening to three inspiring keynote … Continue reading
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READERS DIGEST: xenophobic bias against CANADA
Absolutely unbelievable!! Is it xenophobia or just American capitalism at work? My subscription to READERS DIGEST CANADA must be terminated. Last month, I could access READERS DIGEST Digital, the Canadian version on my desktop. Today…no more. After an hour of … Continue reading
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CRAZY COVE, an anthology
CRAZY COVE, Editors Koroscil, Menon, Tucker
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EDITORIAL: “Four Horsemen of Calumny”
Canadian society has ills, to be sure but not like that of the United States. Many people may see the United States of the 1950s as being the darkest of times for American society. The polarization and division in the … Continue reading
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FAV AUTHORS MAY
My favourite authors are: David BALDACCI, Lee CHILD, Robin COOK, John GRISHAM and DONNA LEON. I put LEON at the end because she is in a separate category of writers for me. She writes about Venice, almost exclusively and I … Continue reading
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ONCOLOGIST guests on ZOOM, May 11, 7 pm
Charles Hayter, M.D., is a physician, oncologist, award‑winning playwright, and medical historian based in Toronto, Canada. His work explores the complex human dimensions of modern medical practice. His story AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT, DOCTOR TO SPEAK TO AUTHORS GROUP Muskoka Authors Association … Continue reading
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STATE OF TERROR, a collaboration that works outstandingly, Hillary Clinton & Louise Penny
STATE OF TERROR, Hillary Clinton & Louise Penny Synopsis State of Terror follows a novice Secretary of State who has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. … Continue reading
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Q5a ANSWERED – Here is one answer to Q5. More answers may be forthcoming soon.
OVERLOADED WITH INFORMATION Writers, like others, are bombarded with information: emails, blog messages, greeting messages, notifications, news bits, news articles, updates, computer notifications. The bombarding never stops. It’s “information overload,” and it feels like it is killing us. The overload … Continue reading
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Q4 ANSWERED – How can I do self-marketing and self-promotion as a new writer?
How can I do self-marketing and self-promotion as a new writer? This is a challenging question because as a writer, you devote time, energy and focus to your craft. Unfortunately, to sell your work, you must somehow market and promote … Continue reading
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Duotrope: help with finding publishers for your work
Fee based service Duotrope is an established, award-winning resource for writers and artists. We help you save time finding publishers or literary agents, so you can focus on creating. Our publication and agent listings are up to date and full … Continue reading
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Submission Grinder: help with finding publishers for your work
Welcome to The Submission Grinder! The Submission Grinder is a submission tracker and market database for writers of fiction and poetry. Use their extensive and powerful search engine to find a home for your work. The site is … Continue reading
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The SNOWMAN, Jo Nesbo
The SNOWMAN (Harry Hole #7) By Jo Nesbø Synopsis Internationally acclaimed crime writer Jo Nesbø’s antihero police investigator, Harry Hole, is back: in a bone-chilling thriller that will take Hole to the brink of insanity. Oslo in November. The first … Continue reading
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A GAMBLING MAN, David Baldacci
A Gambling Man David Baldacci Another winner from David Baldacci. Synopsis Aloysius Archer, the straight-talking World War II veteran fresh out of prison, returns in this riveting new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci. The 1950s … Continue reading
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Visit our BOOK SHOPPE when considering buying books, support Canadian authors
I recognize that as a reader of books, you support writers. If you buy books, please give our BOOK SHOPPE writers a look in your next book-buying consideration:
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CALICO JOE, John Grisham
A surprising and moving novel of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption, set in the world of Major League Baseball.
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Nov 1 – Aged wisdom or criticisms for the aged(s)
Rotzy loses a beloved friend, Norm, and we ache for ya Rotzy ! And be sure to read his take on Hollywood’s latest “bullet in”…Rotzy’s dead on right ! G’bye Norm Rotzy and Miz. Jo bade farewell to Norm The Truck … Continue reading
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CHIEFS . . . an outstanding first novel, Stuart Woods
An OUTSTANDING read, unequivocally! Dear Mr. Woods, Your detective novels are adult male comic books: lively, entertaining and occasionally even esoteric as a reader plays super sleuth trying to discover who is the “butler” of this novel’s crime. I have … Continue reading
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CHOKE, STUART WOODS
CHOKE, Stuart Woods A grabber of a murder mystery that will engage every reader.
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TWO requests of WAG members
PROMOTION AGENT The promotion of books and writers is a time-demanding task, but one that every writer needs to do, either on their own or through an agent. I have been doing extensive promotion of writers and their work for … Continue reading
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Alka Joshi on writing
WAG News Alka Joshi, a New York Times Bestselling author, was a guest presenter at the September WAG meeting. She was outstanding! Alka Joshi is the author of two NY Times bestsellers, The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of … Continue reading
SEPT 2021
Editorial (3) Virtual meeting with NY Times Bestselling author: Alka Jaipur (2) From City Councilors (5) From the federal election campaign trail (4) Health calculators: heart attack (optional) Are you a writer? WAG (Writers Assc. Group) news (3) 5 distracting … Continue reading
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COLD TUSCAN STONE, David P. Wagner
Cold Tuscan Stone, David P. Wagner SynopsisRick Montoya has moved from New Mexico to Rome, embracing the life of a translator. He’s settling into la dolce vita when a school friend who is now a senior in the Italian Art … Continue reading
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Son of Stone, Stuart Woods
Son of Stone, Stuart Woods The only way this book isn’t a waste of time is that writers can learn much about writing diaglogue. Woods is a master at writing engaging and entertaining dialogue and this book reinforces that in … Continue reading
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Aug 19 – Minutes
ATTENDEES: FRANK, B., CHERYL B., KATHLEEN, G., DENNIS G., HOWARD P., RICK P., RICHARD S., BALA M. Announcements, Opportunities: Canadian writers who wish to submit their book should refer to the Canada Book Awards site for more information. https://canadabookaward.com/ Member … Continue reading
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GMAIL SIGNATURE gives your work more exposure
Gmail signatures are automatically generated by Gmail. Customize your signature to promote your book sales. Gmail signatures are automatically generated to any gmaill you write. Take advantage of this free book promotion opportunity. Better still, include an image of you … Continue reading
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AUG 2021
August newsletter Fermo writes… City Councillors speak… Books – WAG news New York Times Bestselling author guest Canadian authors I recommend Can you help us? How long are you going to live…CALCULATOR The best “RECIPES” site for home chefs Upcoming … Continue reading
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Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Pros and Cons
When choosing your publishing journey, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks to make the right decision for you and your work. Author Rick Lauber lays out 17 pros and cons of traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. Choices: We … Continue reading
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July 15 – Minutes
ATTENDEES: SHARON D., DENNIS G., EVA H., PETA-GAYE N., HOWARD P., RICK P., RICHARD S., SHEILA T., BALA M., Announcements, Opportunities: Congratulations to this WAG member in receiving the Canada Book Award Eva Henn Towards the Light Canadian writers who wish … Continue reading
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CUTTING FOR STONE, Abraham Verghese
CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese This novel is 50 Shades of Gray medical students or maybe for the elite or very sophisticated readers of novels written in English. The novel is about the life of male twins born to an unmarried … Continue reading
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Get published, get more exposure
20 Approachable Literary Journals Written by Emily Harstone If you are just starting to submit your work to literary journals, or perhaps you just want to avoid rejection, this list is for you. All of the literary journals in … Continue reading
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Tip #9 – Make direct connections with publishers
Make strong, direct connections with publishers. More than one so you have informed comparisons. Then, ask hard questions: what services do they provide? what assistance do they give? Do they provide personal assistants, assistance? How do they stay in touch? … Continue reading
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WAG writer Henn wins Canada Books Awards for her debut book
Another WAR writer hits it big ! Congratulations to WAG writer, EVA HENN!!! Eva Henn, one of our WAG writers, has received the CANADA BOOK AWARD for her debut book, “Towards the LIght,” her memoir of her family’s escape from … Continue reading
DANTE CLUB…not so enjoyable, Matthew Pearl
The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl The story is about well known writers, literary celebrities of their time and some even of today, forming a private club which studies Dante’s Divine Comedy. The club is busy translating the Italian into … Continue reading
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JULY 2021
This edition of my monthly newsletter is heavy! It was very difficult to write as its publication date coincided with CANADA DAY. Normally, that is a day of celebration, fireworks and festivity but in light of the horrendous news … Continue reading
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DARK HARBOR, David Hosp
DARK HARBOR, David Hosp… Too soon to proclaim David Hosp as the successor to “Stuart Woods” as the king of mystery murder thriller writers. However, Hosp most definitely is a strong contender for such a proclamation based on his debut … Continue reading
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TIP #3 – Consider PEER ANALYSIS
You may think you writing is good. But it might not be. Why not put it to some peers who are willing to give it an objective consideration and analysis to confirm or refute what you believe. WAG CRITIQUING is … Continue reading
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June 17 – Minutes
ATTENDEES: SHARON D., DENNIS G., EVA H., SAJEDA M., PETA-GAYE N., HOWARD P., RICK P., RICHARD S., SHEILA T., IAN R., BALA M.,Guest speaker: Colin McClean Announcements, Opportunities: Congratulations to these WAG members in receiving the Canada Book AwardKathleen Gauer: … Continue reading
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More than 2 dozen Flash Fiction Markets that pay
28 Flash Fiction Markets That Pay By Theresa van Baalen Are you dreaming of writing, but battling to find the time to write? Why not try your hand at something really short? Flash fiction is a genre of fiction that … Continue reading
We celebrate: Canada Award Winners
____Click to learn more about these great Canadian writers: Kathleen GAUER Dennis GAZAREK Peta-Gaye NASH
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Kathleen Gauer: Another childrens’ book author awarded
Canadian authors have the touch when it comes to writing books for kids. Kathleen Gauer has received a Canada Books Award for her book, The Wish Carvers. It is positively gratifying to see writers being recognized for their creativity, energy … Continue reading
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Tony Burman…bon voyage sir !
He’s gone: Tony Burman, journalist, reporter, editor, commentator…one of the very best in today’s media world. Burman arguably was the best media commentator in the world of English-written news. Incisive, concise, precise, logical, analytical, intelligent…the adjectives do no do the … Continue reading
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JUNE 2021
The Sad, Bad, and the Good We are very saddened and grieve the loss of a wonderful man, Randy Filinksi. Randy was a loving husband, caring father, a dedicated community activist and an outstanding part of the Durham Region … Continue reading
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Poetry publications on Medium.com
This article contains a list of publications that include poetry, are currently active, and are accepting new writers.
Special invitation to WAG members
Hello WAG member, At the risk of sounding like an old nag, I again invite you to try NOTEZILLA digital sticky notes for your computer work. [Disclaimer: I have no financial links with the program’s developer, receive no remuneration.] I … Continue reading
Apr 29 – minutes
Vol. I Issue 4 Apr 29, 2021 Attendees: Frank B., Eva H., Ginger K., Sajeda M., Howard P., Rick P., Ian, R., Richard S., Sheila T. Happy Time:The participants were asked to share their recent ‘Balloon lofting’ moments. Eva just … Continue reading
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MAY 2021
Fermo, an Italian Scottie Dennis Gazarek, Canadian author wins award Peta-Gaye Nash, award-winning children’s books author La Galleria: showcasing local artists Kingston Penitentiary or Home, sweet home? Movies and TV Books Councillor Dave Pickles: pandemic perseverance A commercial break Trump, … Continue reading
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DIGITAL FORTRESS, Dan Brown
Dan Brown polished his act before his blockbuster book, The Da Vinci Code. Digital Fortress is Brown preparing for his biggest hit. A good story if a reader is into technology; a bore if one is into character development, relationship … Continue reading
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DIRT, Stuart Woods
Stuart Woods always is a fun read, a writer of adult comic books in verbal form…entertaining, engaging and enjoyable. Synopsis On the heels of his ” New York Times ” bestseller ” Choke, ” Stuart Woods brings back one of … Continue reading
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The CRITIQUING PROCESS
The CRITIQUING PROCESSThe CRITIQUING process involves a number of different procedures that will become easy to learn, familiar and comfortable with practice. Be aware that at the beginning, you may feel a bit lost or confused as you work your … Continue reading
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CRITIQUING Fundamental Guidelines: a help guide
The CRITIQUING process involves a number of different procedures that will become easy to learn, familiar and comfortable with practice. Be aware that at the beginning, you may feel a bit lost or confused as you work your way through … Continue reading
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Welcome message from Sheila
Hello, Welcome to all WAG members interested in participating in the Critiquing sessions. We are confident all participants will benefit greatly from these discussions that are opportunities of examining and analyzing writing submissions by WAG writers. Critiquing Coordinator is a … Continue reading
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Introduction to the moderator, Sheila Tucker
Sheila Tucker is the WAG Critiquing moderator. She is a published writer; author of the memoir Rag Dolls and Rage; a poet and host of Poetry&Prose, a monthly open mic salon. She has a children’s picture book being published in the autumn of 2021. Sheila is … Continue reading
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Master Writer: very pricey tool, usefulness debatable
Master Writer is a writing tool to assist writers but it comes with a hefty price tag. Is it worth it? Some writers would really question its bang for the book. There are free alternatives which can serve writers nearly … Continue reading
Apr 9 – Our newest WAG member, Frank Beghin,
Frank Beghin is our newest WAG member. A writer gentle as a lamb with the heart of a lion and he writes that way too. He graduated from the University of Toronto and is married with two children. He writes … Continue reading
APRIL 2021
COVID-19 has benefitted me. Want to know how? Benefit #1 – No more guiltI no longer feel guilty about going to the pub for a beer with the boys. Nope, can’t feel guilty ‘cuz the pub’s closed. I no longer … Continue reading
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Mar 25 – Minutes
ATTENDEESEva H.Dennis G.Sajeda M.Peta-Gaye N.Howard P.Rick P.Richard S.Sheila T. IntroductionThe WAG MEETING opened with the business consideration, the main thrust being an evaluation of the WAG Association thus far.The consensus was that our goal of helping each other is succeeding … Continue reading
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June Callwood (1924 – 2007)
Born in Chatham, Ontario in 1924, June Callwood was a well-known journalist, TV personality, and author. An avowed atheist, Callwood used to drop in to churches to meditate and reflect. In the last interview she gave, to the CBC’s George … Continue reading
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Mar 25, 7 pm
A) BIZ MEETING: alternate 2 weeks cycles presentations technology vs non technology … Continue reading
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How I work
Life is very busy, no matter whether one is employed or retired. Living just means many things going on in one’s life and we all struggle to keep a handle on the management of all this activity. We asked site … Continue reading
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MAR 2021
March: Women’s History MonthThe role of women in our society evolves continuously, every step seems to be an epic battle. The majority of Canadian women were enfranchised in 1918 after WW1 but were not legally recognized as persons until 1929. … Continue reading
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Feb 25, 2021 – minutes
The Feb 25 meeting was a presentation about the application called SCRIVENER. Below please find a commentary/summary relating to the meeting. A word of thanks and recognitionThank you, each of you, for attending yesterdays meeting. You confirm that this is … Continue reading
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We don’t use FACEBOOK
You use FACEBOOK? Give its use some second thoughts…
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EDUCATED, Tara Westover
EducatedTara Westover SynopsisTara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills … Continue reading
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WRITING BATTLE: pen, paper OR laptop, tablet
The pen has proven to be mightier than the sword. It may also do in technology.
“A strange country…”
If you don’t know Rosie Dimanno, a Toronto Star journalist who writes both opinion commentaries and insightful sports columns, you are really missing one of the very best newspaper writers of modern times. If you have never read Rosie, you … Continue reading
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EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU, Celeste Ng
Bestseller lists are so misleading. There’s a much better way to find books worth reading. Learn how to find worthwhile ‘reads’ by avoiding bestseller lists.
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Nov 26, 2020
The agenda for the 11-26-20 meeting was modified from the original as proposed below: TECH DEVELOPMENTHoward Pell has suggested we do a tech development feature each meeting to help writers with their tech skills. However, Howard may be postponing this … Continue reading
Posted in WAG AGENDAS
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NOV 2020
November newsletter “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Winston Churchill COVID and TRUMPCOVID and TRUMP, a combination that’s as close to Doomsday as we want to get. It’s been a horrendous four years, years no one would … Continue reading
Posted in NEWSLETTERS
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BRISTOW: On writing your first book
Cheryl BRISTOW is a Canadian writer, author of an epic historical romance novel. Her novel took blood, sweat, and tears, along with an enormous effort that amounted to a great sense of achievement and self-satisfaction. Her book is available at … Continue reading
Posted in WAG, WRITERS ASSISTANCE
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FALLIS: On publishing and story planning
Terry Fallis has been with an established publisher since day 1 of his publishing. Read why he feels association with an established publishing house is more beneficial for writers than self-publishing.
Posted in ARCHIVES
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A bit of PC HISTORY w Reg Rea
Our writers do more than just write light stuff. Reg Rea, one of our foremost contributors, has had a more serious side to his endeavours. He was an engineer who helped launch the personal PC in Canada back in 1973.
Posted in REG's desk...
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TUCKER: On the responsibilities of a self-publisher
The responsibilities behind self-publishing go beyond just writing a polished and refined manuscript. Proper, professional and quality editing must be considered as important as the writing itself.
Posted in WAG
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COMMENTS re the USA 2020 election
We are completely opposed to Trump in every legal and peaceful way possible but as we believe in freedom of expression, we post views comments and opinions from both sides. [We reserve the right to reject opinions which may be … Continue reading
Posted in USA votes
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GRAMMARLY: the paring knife in a writer’s kitchen
Just as a good chef has a favourite knife, usually a cousin of the ubiquitous paring knife, a good writer should have ‘Grammarly‘ in their kitchen drawer.
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EDITORIAL: PRINT MEDIA NEEDS SUPPORT
We read the Toronto Star, unapologetically. We don’t defend it. Rather we commend it. Let it fights its own battles, against those who criticize it for being too this, too that, too left, too right, too liberal, too conservative, whatever. … Continue reading
Posted in .EDITORIALS
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Five Little Indians, Michelle Good
Another review of an excellent book written by Canadian author, Michelle Good. Five Little Indians has won numerous prizes, all of them well-earned. This book is very much an “Add to your reading list”addition. Here is a list of the … Continue reading
Posted in RICHARD reads reviews
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Ronald Reagan said…
Ronald Reagan may have had the best writers of any president.
Posted in HUMOUR
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GUARDIANS, John Grisham
A Grisham journey is always an enjoyable trip. The Guardians is another one of his pleasant rides. Synopsis In the small north Florida town of Seabrook, a young lawyer named Keith Russo was shot dead at his desk as he … Continue reading
Posted in RICHARD reads reviews
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June 15 – Confirmed…Rotzy’s a lightweight !
Some of us are heavyweights workin’ on lightening up. Others are lightweights who’d like to step up a level.
Posted in From NAKINA...
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GRAMMAR rules – do you break them?
To rrrr is not human but we all make mistakes. Grammar mistakes are the effluence of poor writers.
Posted in WAG
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JUNE 2020
Dear site Visitor, We hope you and your family are doing well during these surreal times. Usually, we see all these things that are happening around us only in the movies. Unfortunately, now we are the movie. Walking ‘Fermo-the-Scottie’ nightly, … Continue reading
Posted in .HODGE PODGE, NEWSLETTERS
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HANDMAID’S TALE generates opposing views, Atwood
Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985. RICHARD RECEIVES REPLY FROM BARB KAY to his comments about The Handmaid’s Tale which won the 1985 Governor General’s Award and the first Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1987; it was also nominated for the … Continue reading
Posted in RICHARD reads reviews
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LINK to WEBSITE
Lucy is a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada. She has published short stories in Ireland, the UK, the United States and Canada. Black is also the author of a collection of short fiction, The Marzipan Fruit Basket (Inanna … Continue reading
Posted in ARCHIVES
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EDITORIAL: Meta decides to try bullying tactics against Canada
“We’re not paying for news we steal, so there!” Meta and Google corporations have been using news from Canadian media without compensation for years. The Canadian government has finally drawn the line in the sand passing a law making … Continue reading →