Hello my dear readers. We are now Wednesday, and the middle of the week which means that you only have roughly two days until you can spend your entire weekend reading if you wanted to (that's what I'll be doing). Today I thought about describing some of the steps I am taking or have taken to reach my goals. Every step higher, however small it may seem, is a step higher than where you were once before; progress is progress, and be grateful you're moving forward.
First step to take if you want to be a writer, is to write something. You may think that, that is stupid advice, but instead of saying that you want to be known and complain about those that are successful, pick up a pen, or log onto your computer and write something down; (you have to do something to get something in return).
Second step is to do a little bit of research. I myself have searched through lists and lists of not only Canadian publishers, but also American and European; I've even researched my fair share of literary agencies (they are not the same thing, but they both bring you to publishing). Now once you've done thorough research, and found out the companies that are looking for your genre and style of writing, send in some manuscripts!
Third step, is an extra one that I'm taking. This one is geared toward writing competitions. I've entered a couple of competition up to now, and I plan on continuing to do so. This is the time to step out of your comfort zone and see what other genres you can write. I've discovered that I can write Creative Non-Fiction quite well, and this is coming from a fan of fiction. Trying new things can help too; I've even written a children's book, and though it was hard, I've been encouraged on many times to try to publish it because of its popularity with my reading panel. When I say "reading panel", it's really more like a select few people in my circle of family and friends that will be completely honest about my writing and give me constructive criticism so that I may better myself and my stories as well. And another thing I've done to practice my writing skills and get the feedback of the public, is to write this blog for you my dearest readers.
And the fourth and final step, is to seize every possible opportunity that becomes available. I had mentioned the Writer-in-Residence program offered here at my university, and I am taking advantage of that; having an actual writer give me feedback so that I can make the necessary alterations and turn it into something that publishing companies will want, but forever keeping it as my own. If ever there is a book signing, go to it. In Sudbury Ontario, Margaret Atwood celebrates her birthday at Laurentian University every year, and it is this huge event where the community is invited to attend; I have done this and if you are from the area and like literature or writing, jump on this opportunity. There are so many things offered out there to help those who are willing to put in the work, you just need to take those steps.
With my not-so secret to success unveiled, I invite to take these steps if you'd like, but this is what is helping me get closer to accomplishing my goal of becoming a writer. So dream big or dream small, but just know that your steps to climb will be equal in grandeur to the size of dream.
K.P.H.
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Laughter: Animalistic Resemblance
A good morning, you must have dearest readers, (that greeting was inspired by Yoda). On this fine Tuesday morning, which just so happens to be my least favorite day at school (just because of the amount of classes I have), why not tell a funny story to start off the day on a lighter note?
Going to school in a different city is lots of fun, just because of all the extra opportunities attached to my program, but living on my own, away from home is a different story. It's not that it's hard, and it's not that it's easy, but there are things that are different when you are pushed into independence. A couple of things that are different here in the capital city, than my home town up north are the actual size of the city here (it's quite bigger than my own), the sheer number of activities and festivals to attend (there are some back home, but there are more like one a month, if that, rather than roughly one a week here), but just the environment is different too. The city has a smaller town feel, even if it is a large city. Like here, part of the scenery includes the presence of a little woodland animal that I'm not used to seeing back home; squirrels.
The thing about squirrels is that they might look like dumb creatures, but they can be very intelligent; but with every species, there are some in both of those categories as well. In my new apartment, there are many squirrels that like to hang around, but there are especially three that we see on a recurring basis, and we've adopted them as our own. There is a medium sized, dark grey squirrel that we have attributed with Katie; half the time we see it running around looking for food, and climbing trees, and the other half we see it either just sitting on a branch or on the side of the fence. My squirrel is a small, hyperactive, ginger squirrel who climbs trees and every other surface at an incredible speed, but doesn't seem to have a destination in mind; it simply runs around like it's had one too many cup of coffee. The last squirrel is possibly the funniest, and it is Riley's. His squirrel is a large black squirrel that started off with half his tail gone, but with time, the end has grown out white. This squirrel will eat anything it can get its hands on, and if one of the trash cans aren't closed, he will take that all-he-can-eat buffet. He has also gotten so big that he has trouble climbing certain trees, and when he's perched up on smaller branches, they tend to bend, and some have even broken.
People have said that often, a dog will resemble their owner; well with us, we have squirrels that resemble us. so Whether you like watching a show, going out or staying in and watching your squirrels, there's always something to keep you entertained. So think of something funny when you think you might be annoyed, and life will simply be that much more entertaining in the end. Enjoy your day dearest readers and always keep that glass half full!
K.P.H.
Going to school in a different city is lots of fun, just because of all the extra opportunities attached to my program, but living on my own, away from home is a different story. It's not that it's hard, and it's not that it's easy, but there are things that are different when you are pushed into independence. A couple of things that are different here in the capital city, than my home town up north are the actual size of the city here (it's quite bigger than my own), the sheer number of activities and festivals to attend (there are some back home, but there are more like one a month, if that, rather than roughly one a week here), but just the environment is different too. The city has a smaller town feel, even if it is a large city. Like here, part of the scenery includes the presence of a little woodland animal that I'm not used to seeing back home; squirrels.
The thing about squirrels is that they might look like dumb creatures, but they can be very intelligent; but with every species, there are some in both of those categories as well. In my new apartment, there are many squirrels that like to hang around, but there are especially three that we see on a recurring basis, and we've adopted them as our own. There is a medium sized, dark grey squirrel that we have attributed with Katie; half the time we see it running around looking for food, and climbing trees, and the other half we see it either just sitting on a branch or on the side of the fence. My squirrel is a small, hyperactive, ginger squirrel who climbs trees and every other surface at an incredible speed, but doesn't seem to have a destination in mind; it simply runs around like it's had one too many cup of coffee. The last squirrel is possibly the funniest, and it is Riley's. His squirrel is a large black squirrel that started off with half his tail gone, but with time, the end has grown out white. This squirrel will eat anything it can get its hands on, and if one of the trash cans aren't closed, he will take that all-he-can-eat buffet. He has also gotten so big that he has trouble climbing certain trees, and when he's perched up on smaller branches, they tend to bend, and some have even broken.
People have said that often, a dog will resemble their owner; well with us, we have squirrels that resemble us. so Whether you like watching a show, going out or staying in and watching your squirrels, there's always something to keep you entertained. So think of something funny when you think you might be annoyed, and life will simply be that much more entertaining in the end. Enjoy your day dearest readers and always keep that glass half full!
K.P.H.
Monday, 3 February 2014
Love: What Warms a Heart
Howdy dearest readers, how ya'll doin on this fine morning? (I thought that the accent on the greeting would spice things up a little for a Monday). Today, since nothing truly funny happened this weekend that's worth mentioning, and I'm still reading Robert B. Parker's book "Looking for Rachel Wallace" for a class, I haven't had any new material to comment on; so therefore I'm not writing a Literature or a Laughter post.
Last night however, my roommates and I saw an add for beautiful chocolate labs for sale, and we just all melted at the thought of owning a puppy. Riley already has a dog back home and Katie has a cat, but I myself never had anything more than a fish, (it doesn't help that both my mother and my brother are allergic to fur and feathers either). We then proceeded to look through every adoption service, all of the shelter listings and looked at all of the dogs available. We started to consider the idea of adopting one, but we know that it can't be a possibility right now, but a hopeful one in the future. I myself absolutely love all kinds of animals and I can't wait to own my own.
But since that isn't a possibility right now, I content myself by having a stuffed puppy, and I look at pictures of dogs, but also of my favorite animal, the wolf. I don't know if I like wolves so much because I like dogs, or the other way around. I have paintings, posters, a stuffed animal, jewelry and the list goes on; I can't help it, I just love them so much. I don't know if its their eyes that speak to me, or the beautiful color of their coats but there is something about the animal that in which I can feel a connection. I'm not trying to sound corny (or like a hippie) but I fee like the eyes of a wolf put me at ease (even if people say they are dangerous creatures). That is one thing that always confused me; why people are scared or ill at ease on seeing a wolf, or a bear, or even a great white shark. Those creatures wouldn't hurt us if we didn't disturb their territory, or their lives. They are simply beautiful creatures, (even in the film "The Grey", I liked those wolves); don't think me crazy or cynical, I just really, really like wolves.
Whether it is a dog, or the picture of a wolf, I long for the day when I can own one of the animals in their family. Nothing warms a heart like someone or something that loves you back. So if you feel more comfortable having a real dog, or just the screen saver of one to make your day, they will always have that loyal, loving look for you dearest readers.
K.P.H.
Last night however, my roommates and I saw an add for beautiful chocolate labs for sale, and we just all melted at the thought of owning a puppy. Riley already has a dog back home and Katie has a cat, but I myself never had anything more than a fish, (it doesn't help that both my mother and my brother are allergic to fur and feathers either). We then proceeded to look through every adoption service, all of the shelter listings and looked at all of the dogs available. We started to consider the idea of adopting one, but we know that it can't be a possibility right now, but a hopeful one in the future. I myself absolutely love all kinds of animals and I can't wait to own my own.
But since that isn't a possibility right now, I content myself by having a stuffed puppy, and I look at pictures of dogs, but also of my favorite animal, the wolf. I don't know if I like wolves so much because I like dogs, or the other way around. I have paintings, posters, a stuffed animal, jewelry and the list goes on; I can't help it, I just love them so much. I don't know if its their eyes that speak to me, or the beautiful color of their coats but there is something about the animal that in which I can feel a connection. I'm not trying to sound corny (or like a hippie) but I fee like the eyes of a wolf put me at ease (even if people say they are dangerous creatures). That is one thing that always confused me; why people are scared or ill at ease on seeing a wolf, or a bear, or even a great white shark. Those creatures wouldn't hurt us if we didn't disturb their territory, or their lives. They are simply beautiful creatures, (even in the film "The Grey", I liked those wolves); don't think me crazy or cynical, I just really, really like wolves.
Whether it is a dog, or the picture of a wolf, I long for the day when I can own one of the animals in their family. Nothing warms a heart like someone or something that loves you back. So if you feel more comfortable having a real dog, or just the screen saver of one to make your day, they will always have that loyal, loving look for you dearest readers.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Love: Spontaneous Vacations
Good morning my dearest readers; since I barely slept all night, I got the chance to spend all of that wonderful time thinking about what to write about this morning, (a little bit of sarcasm implied, but not that much). One of the hardest things about trying to fall asleep is the fact that all of life's most pressing questions creep into your mind when you simply want it to be blank. With my motivation for today's post explained, let's proceed.
I've always been one who loved to travel. Whether it was driving half and hour to visit a friend, or driving longer to see family or even travelling to another country; I am a pro-travel person. I actually picture myself only living in an area no more than ten years at a time because I want to experience as much of the world as I can. I will always return home to visit my family, and I hope to have a cottage on Manitoulin Island (because it is my favorite place on earth), but what I can't wait to do is take a spontaneous vacation. I'm not really picky when it comes to the concept; my mother and I talked about it and said when I'd be done school, if a travel company offered a great last minute package to a location wherever it may be, we'd jump on that opportunity. Don't get me wrong, I'm already planning a trip to Europe with my friend Gen for the summer of our graduation, and I also plan on going to Africa with my mother but my spontaneous vacation idea does not have to be determined by that kind of distance and magnitude. I'd honestly be really happy with an unplanned road trip to a small town that's an hour away.
I like having my life organized and having my week planned out, but if one Saturday or Sunday morning, someone asked me to join them to their camp, or to go shopping in North Bay, or even to go spend the day on Manitoulin Island, I'd drop whatever I would have planned and take that trip.
It's good to have things worked out in life because it makes accomplishing your goals that much easier, but like Germaine Greer said "The essence of pleasure is spontaneity". So work for your goals dearest readers, but never refuse a spontaneous vacation.
K.P.H.
I've always been one who loved to travel. Whether it was driving half and hour to visit a friend, or driving longer to see family or even travelling to another country; I am a pro-travel person. I actually picture myself only living in an area no more than ten years at a time because I want to experience as much of the world as I can. I will always return home to visit my family, and I hope to have a cottage on Manitoulin Island (because it is my favorite place on earth), but what I can't wait to do is take a spontaneous vacation. I'm not really picky when it comes to the concept; my mother and I talked about it and said when I'd be done school, if a travel company offered a great last minute package to a location wherever it may be, we'd jump on that opportunity. Don't get me wrong, I'm already planning a trip to Europe with my friend Gen for the summer of our graduation, and I also plan on going to Africa with my mother but my spontaneous vacation idea does not have to be determined by that kind of distance and magnitude. I'd honestly be really happy with an unplanned road trip to a small town that's an hour away.
I like having my life organized and having my week planned out, but if one Saturday or Sunday morning, someone asked me to join them to their camp, or to go shopping in North Bay, or even to go spend the day on Manitoulin Island, I'd drop whatever I would have planned and take that trip.
It's good to have things worked out in life because it makes accomplishing your goals that much easier, but like Germaine Greer said "The essence of pleasure is spontaneity". So work for your goals dearest readers, but never refuse a spontaneous vacation.
K.P.H.
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Literature: The Song from Within the Story
Happy Saturday morning dearest readers! I hope you all didn't tire yourselves out too much yesterday; I myself made homemade pizzas with my roommates and started to fall asleep on the couch at 9:30, so I was happy to be able to go to bed early for once (this is evidence on how thrilling my social life is, and I'm completely okay with that). This morning I am choosing to post another video, but this time of myself rather than one of a comedian. This one will be another song, but let me explain the context of this one a little more.
I had mention previously that I am an aspiring author and I'm trying to take all of the steps necessary, if not more, to try to reach my goal. Up to now, I've written a total of 5 novels and one novella (not counting short stories, children's books and poems), and I find myself constantly editing and re-working them until I feel like part of myself belongs to the book. What gives me the inspiration to write so many stories at such a young age is:
1. I think of myself as being quite creative,
2. I use every single opportunity as the props for a new story,
3. I daydream a lot and
4. I'm an avid reader myself.
I also have this little trick that when I'm reading (or writing), there must ALWAYS be music playing; it becomes like a soundtrack to the story for me. With this as well, before I even attempt to write out any of my stories, I see them all as types of movies that play on repeat in my head; and doesn't every good movie have a soundtrack dedicated to it, or at least one song. So that's essentially what I like to do for my own stuff. I create a kind of personal fandom that links to my stories. I have the songs, some drawings, posters and once in a while, I will create pieces of jewelry unique to a specific tale (making jewelry is another hobby of mine).
So with all of this stated out in the open, I will insert the video of one of the song for one of my stories. It is linked to my newest one, which is still in the process of being edited, and it is called The Hidden Village. I'd like to apologize to my friend Gen (who does all of the cover drawings and the inserted pictures for my stories) because she has been with me every step of the way for this story, but she refuses to let me tell her anything about it until it has been written and edited at least once; so Gen, DON'T LOOK AT THE VIDEO!!! Readers you can feel free to look, and even if it does tell you some things, trust me it is a very vague description of the story so it won't give too much away. I hope you enjoy none the less.
K.P.H.
I had mention previously that I am an aspiring author and I'm trying to take all of the steps necessary, if not more, to try to reach my goal. Up to now, I've written a total of 5 novels and one novella (not counting short stories, children's books and poems), and I find myself constantly editing and re-working them until I feel like part of myself belongs to the book. What gives me the inspiration to write so many stories at such a young age is:
1. I think of myself as being quite creative,
2. I use every single opportunity as the props for a new story,
3. I daydream a lot and
4. I'm an avid reader myself.
I also have this little trick that when I'm reading (or writing), there must ALWAYS be music playing; it becomes like a soundtrack to the story for me. With this as well, before I even attempt to write out any of my stories, I see them all as types of movies that play on repeat in my head; and doesn't every good movie have a soundtrack dedicated to it, or at least one song. So that's essentially what I like to do for my own stuff. I create a kind of personal fandom that links to my stories. I have the songs, some drawings, posters and once in a while, I will create pieces of jewelry unique to a specific tale (making jewelry is another hobby of mine).
So with all of this stated out in the open, I will insert the video of one of the song for one of my stories. It is linked to my newest one, which is still in the process of being edited, and it is called The Hidden Village. I'd like to apologize to my friend Gen (who does all of the cover drawings and the inserted pictures for my stories) because she has been with me every step of the way for this story, but she refuses to let me tell her anything about it until it has been written and edited at least once; so Gen, DON'T LOOK AT THE VIDEO!!! Readers you can feel free to look, and even if it does tell you some things, trust me it is a very vague description of the story so it won't give too much away. I hope you enjoy none the less.
K.P.H.
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