My standing desk allows me the physical freedom of movement which frees my creativity to write short stories about the world seen through my mindful lens. First drafts are mostly written in notebooks with fountain pens and then typed into my laptop. From there, I print it out and work through the editing process in notebooks and on my laptop. My descriptive writing style immerses the reader in all five senses, evoking images and emotions from everyday life. Often, my stories twist reality.

Recently, my review of the Toronto Storytelling Festival was published in Storytelling Toronto’s Pippin newsletter. Also, I have been redrafting a story, Cellar, the first draft of which I wrote in 2016. Every year I participate in a challenge called Story-A-Day-May (storyaday.org). Emma Dhesi sends out writing prompts every day during the month of May and participants are challenged to complete a first draft that day based on the prompt.

This year I completed 13 new first drafts, including a 100-word story. Although it is not fully edited yet, the story Cellar is one of my best pieces. My writing in Cellar creates a strong emotional connection to the main character and draws one into the setting with vivid descriptions of all five senses, especially the sense of smell. Would is another one of my stories. At just over 700 words, it is a brief recounting of one event that changed the protagonist’s approach to parenting. This story flowed from my pen easily and my mouth watered as my words described a freshly baked muffin ready for eating. My love of writing began as a child when I wrote a story for school and my first editor, my dad, pointed out that by being “scared half to death” a number of times in the story, my main character had perished many times over. Once in high school, I took every single English credit on offer.

After high school, writing disappeared from my life until I discovered the writing of Alice Munro in early 2014 at a book club. Alice Munro’s ability to capture the essence of daily life fascinated me and inspired me to try writing short stories, thinking it would be easier than undertaking a novel. In some ways it is easier because of the fact that a first draft is much shorter than a novel. Most other things about writing short stories have proven to be most difficult for me. I love the challenge and have been learning about writing short stories by reading short stories, taking workshops, reading reference books, and basically just taking my spot at the desk to do the work.

Over the last year I have invested time and energy into better understanding story structure and character development within the fine art of Oral Storytelling. As I had hoped, this understanding has enriched my writing. In 2021 my intention is to get serious about writing. Developing a writing routine again is crucial for me. I am priveleged to have dedicated space in my home where I can write in a room of my own and hone my story craft. Making time for my work is completely up to me. I will make it happen.

Since 2014 I have been exploring my creativity as a writer by using various craft books such as The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and Juicy Pens Thirsty Paper by SARK. Starting from writing prompts as a way to “warm-up” is one of my tried and true methods. I would be happy to share how these resources and many online resources have inspired me and helped me move towards discovering my voice. As a member of the Elgin Writer’s Guild Fiction Critique Group I have been developing my ability to give productive feedback on writing. I value encouraging other writers on their creative journeys.