Why Writing is Like Power Lifting

WelcomeWelcome to my monthly post in participation of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG). If you have never heard of it, check it out!!!

After a full day of writing yesterday, followed by more writing this morning, I decided to take a break and get some exercise. It’s been raining, a lot, so I chose the gym. When I am cooped up inside, I like intense activities. They are effective and efficient. Power lifting meets this criteria.

As I positioned myself under the bar, setting up for my first set of squats, the striking similarities between writing my first fiction book and power lifting shot through my mind.

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July 4, 2018 2

The Writer’s Tool Box

Welcome to my monthly post in participation of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG). If you have never heard of it, check it out!!!

I have embarked on my first fiction book. I will fully admit, this is hard. But, I am totally committed to finishing what I have started! I have launched myself completely into this, and have scoured the resources out there. I have read books, taken classes, and asked for advice from the many talented authors that I have been so fortunate to meet.

The main result is that I have learned a lot, and I have built myself a writer’s tool box. I am so excited to share with you what is in my tool box. I hope that you find something here that will help you, no matter where you are in your writing journey. Continue reading “The Writer’s Tool Box” →

May 2, 2018 13

The Writer’s Happy Book

Welcome to my monthly post in participation of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG). I am still a new member to this amazing group of writers, this being only my third post. If you have never heard of it, check it out!!!

A special thank you to the founder, Alex Cavanaugh!

A long, long time ago….when my professional career as a computer scientist was just starting to blossom, I was exposed to a brilliant idea. It was quickly becoming apparent to me that within the corporate world the work environment could be less than morale boosting. During a professional development course of some kind, I think it had to do with leadership, the instructor shared with us her portfolio. Yes, a beautifully laid out path of what she had accomplished and where she was going. Deeply inspired, I was soon building my own professional portfolio, and out of this sprung a side idea to build a happy book!

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April 4, 2018 2

One Step at a Time – Re-Becoming a Writer

This post is in participation of the IWSG.

First of all, I would like to apologize for missing last month’s post. I did not participate in posting or in reviewing other writer’s posts. I really, really, really do want to be part of this group. I will strive to keep my monthly commitment moving forward.

With that said, my first post, back in January, was all about admitting to myself that I am a writer. It was also about believing in myself, and taking the steps towards writing my next book.

Right after Christmas, a life event directed all of my energy elsewhere. My husband’s mom passed away very suddenly and completely unexpectedly. For my husband and I, it was our first loss of a parent. My father-in-law moved in with us for a while. Skills that I didn’t fully realize were simply a part of me surfaced. I played the part of project manager as my husband, my father-in-law, and the rest of our dear mom’s immediate family forged through a very tough week. We were all in shock, but, there was so much to be done. I was so grateful for all of the experience I had gained from being in a professional environment, guiding along big system projects. I was even more grateful for my ability to simply be open and allow myself to be guided and to respond to what was most important at any given moment. I found myself saying things to others that somehow helped, but that I wasn’t sure where these words had come from.

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March 7, 2018 7

I Am A Writer

The last few weeks of 2017, I found myself launching what will be my biggest project for 2018. After self-publishing my first book, an open, honest, raw and inspirational capture of my own personal journey, I found myself on the receiving end of some really wonderful feedback. Those that read my book took away a boost of motivation and were inspired to do things they hadn’t before tried, or had put off doing. I was asked multiple times if I would be writing another book. I kept saying that I didn’t know.

After some soul searching, and reflection upon where to spend my time and talents, I realized that I knew I should write another book. Thus, before the end of the year, I made space in my life, and I launched myself into the writing of my next book. This time I am venturing into the world of fiction

When I came across the ‘Insecure Writer’s Support Group‘, which was posted by an amazing author who is deeply passionate about helping other writers, I immediately joined. A monthly post to share about our own writing journey is part of being in this group. Thus, this is my first post !!!

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January 3, 2018 10

Inspiration, Creativity and Community at When Words Collide

Screen Shot 2017-08-14 at 11.59.47 AM — Aviva Bel’Harold

A little over a year ago, I wandered into the Chapters store in my neighbourhood. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant energy of a woman standing by a table, which displayed a number of books. We exchanged smiles, and she asked if she could tell me about her book. I though ‘ooooh, an author here in the flesh and blood’!! Of course I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about her and her stories. I walked away with one of her works, ‘Safe’, which I could not put down once I started reading it!

When I shared with her that I had started to venture into the writing world, she was quick to provide advice and support. She recommended that I attend When Words Collide, a volunteer driven writing conference. When I looked it up and read all about it, I could not believe that it was actually a very full three days of non stop sessions for the minimal cost of $55! Well known and experienced authors would be speaking on all sorts of juicy topics.

I thought to myself, ‘oh my, I think I need to go to this’! I had no idea what I was really getting into. Continue reading “Inspiration, Creativity and Community at When Words Collide” →

August 14, 2017 15

Another Blog Award – Mystery Blog Award

WOW!!! The blogging community continues to be amazing, strong and supportive!

Thank you SO much to elanaflutterfly for the nomination for the Mystery Blog Award.

Mystery Blogger Award is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.

– Okoto Enigma

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February 6, 2017 9

Another Blog Award – Liebster Award

A BIG thank you to iMac for nominating me for this award! I received the nomination quite a while back, and am finally responded. It surprises me, but I had much more content planned for my blog than I realized.

“The word “liebster” means “dearest” or “favourite” in German, and the tag is used to spread the love awareness for the smaller bloggers in the community.” — SBD

So, this is how it works…

The rules:

♦ Thank the blogger that nominated you
♦ Write 11 random facts about yourself
♦ Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger that nominated you
♦ Nominate 5 to 11 other bloggers and let them know they’ve been nominated
♦ Come up with 11 questions for the bloggers you’re nominating

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December 23, 2016 14