Start with grass. Build a world up from there – it can be just like earth, or it can be something completely of your own creation. One word at a time. Write as fast as you can for five minutes (you might want to set a timer).

GO!

Today was a busy day. I hosted a reading event, put on by the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. I listened to three lovely and talented writers share some of their work. A few weeks back, I read some of my own work – a selection from Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch. It is always a good experience to read some of my work aloud. It helps me see, and hear, it in a new light.

Now I’m at home, working on my Middle Grade Novel, The Brattenback House. Currently, I’m getting this novel ready to go shopping. Hopefully, it will find a home.  Also, I’m still working away at Broken Tide, the sequel to Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch. So far I haven’t hit any major snags, and I’m liking where it’s going and how it’s getting there. In a couple of weeks, I’m planning on sharing some of it with you, and I’m very excited to do so!

Hopefully everyone’s having a great summer. It’s 34 degrees here today; time to go make some ice tea.

What would it feel like to sleep on this plant? Smell like? Taste like? Who’s sleeping on it and why? (I’m picturing a lady who had a bit too much bubbly last night – go with that if you will!)

Get those creative sprites moving!

Today I opened my mailbox and surprise! My ITIN had arrived! It took almost exactly a month from the day I mailed my application to the IRS to get my ITIN number. About six weeks total if you count the time it took for me to apply for and receive the certified copies of my passport.

Yay! That’s one more self-publishing hurdle out of the way. And, actually, it wasn’t that bad. So if you’re looking to apply for an ITIN for yourself, don’t fear. You can read my previous blog posts on this topic by clicking on the following links.

Part 1 and 2
Part 3
Update

So I got a letter in the mail today, the return address was this:

And I thought: Yes! My ITIN # is finally here.

Only to open it and read that they are just processing my application, and returning my original documents. Big sigh.

So, the wait for the actual # goes on. But at least there is progress! And the fact that they are processing my application sounds like a good sign – right?

A third regular post! Though first things first, I am on vacation for one week beginning tomorrow, so there may not be the usual posts.

For those who are waiting on an update on the ITIN – I have still to hear anything from the IRS regarding my application. They do say it takes six weeks on the website, which means I have up to four weeks left of waiting. I will post as soon as I get my number, or (hopefully not) a rejection of my application.

For anyone who doesn’t know, Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch is available for sale at all major ebook retail outlets. See the link on the side of the page to get to Amazon. I am working on adding links to the other stores as well.  In hard copy book news, for anyone who lives in Saskatoon, Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch will soon be on the shelves at McNally Robinson (my most favourite book shop, with adjacent most wonderful cafe). If you live nearby and want to own your own paperback, head over anytime after August 10th to pick up your copy!

Broken Tide, the sequel to Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, is coming along nicely. I’m tentatively scheduling this release for just before Halloween – possibly sooner. Black Depths, a Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch prequel, should be up on WattPad soon (within the next two weeks).  I’m hoping to squeeze in enough time to write another lead in story to Broken Tide, but this will depend on what my schedule looks like come Autumn.

If anyone has any questions about Tales, or the Black Depths Universe, this is the place to ask. So fire away!

PS. I just might be posting a free book give away soon, so check back frequently for more writing prompts and updates!

This one is inspired by my recent trip to the local mini-golf.

What one scene, a page long, which involves this dungeon/tower.

I’m currently reading The Gospel of Loki by Joanne M. Harris.  There are a couple things I love about this book: the mythology, the narrator, the cover. My favourite parts are the brief Loki quotes at the beginning of each chapter, which add some well loved humour.

A quick read, never to dense or meandering like more traditionally written myths can be, this book is full or quick dialogue, beautiful description, and as mentioned earlier, humour.  If you love mythology, as I do, then this is a book for you.

I’m going to try to start some “regular” weekly posts. I thought writing prompts would be a good idea. Even when I have a lot of ideas floating across my mind, sometimes I find I need an exercise to get me going. Maybe you do too.

Try this one.

Write for five minutes, non-stop.

What is happening on this balloon?

I love seeing my book available for sale on the internet.  Here is a screenshot of Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch for sale on Kobo!

If you are looking for something to read on your device, you can buy a copy by clicking on this link.

Kobo even informed me that new members get a $5 coupon for signing up a new account! Which means you can buy my book for free – and Kobo would still pay me which is great! So if you’re looking for a free read this summer, head over to Kobo and get your copy of Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch.  Once you’re done reading it, be sure to send me a note to let me know what you think!

Hope you’re having a great summer!