Natasha Deen's Blog, page 25

Strong Review from Kirkus for Lark Takes a Bow

Well, that was a glorious fail!

Yesterday’s thought: I’m going to do 15 minutes on one book then 15 minutes on another book, and so on, and maybe that way, I’ll get traction on one story.

Yesterday’s reality: Grabbed my husband, the furry ones, and streamed Scott & Bailey until bed time.

Oy.

Today’s another day, though, right?

Natasha

Journaling as a writing primer

Back in the day, I used to be pretty good with my online blog. But then, family members got sick and some passed away, and in the meantime, the online conversation seemed to polarize itself with people shouting louder and louder, and no one wanting (it seemed) to hear each other.

I’m not one for being shouted at, so I stepped back, then stepped back, until I was hardly (if ever) blogging.

But now, I have a redesigned website and it seems only right to come back to the digital page and take up...

Capital City Press Featured Writer

I’m delighted to be one of the Edmonton Public Library’s Capital City Press featured writer! I’ll be hosting two programs, one for the writers and one for under-18 crowd. As well, my post on the power of story is now live, along with the podcast I did (episode 4) with their wonderful OverDue Finds crew.

My most-least-favourite four-letter word

[image error]Good.

There, I’ve said it. Good.

Good is a perfectly acceptable word. In many cases, it’s one of my favourite words.

When I don’t like the word “good” is when it’s in the context of things that writers say. Like, “Can you read this and tell me if it’s any good?” or “Yeah, I don’t want to share. It’s not good.”

In that context, “good” isn’t a descriptor, it’s a judgement, and a harsh one, at that.

Of course, your story is good. Stop wondering about its value.

Is it marketable? Does it need pol...

Exciting News from Me and Running Press!

Announcement via Transatlantic Agency. ^_^

Meanwhile…

(I’m in the passenger seat, Dad’s driving, Mom’s in the back)

Mom: Turn on Thickson
Dad: Dickson??
Mom: Thickson!
Dad: Erickson?
Mom: Boy, yah nah hear meh?
Dad: Where do I turn?!
Mom: Eh, nah, man, is deh same name deh bois call deh sexy gyrls back home!
Dad: Thick? Oh, Thickson!

And that, friends, is how my parents give each other driving directions

The Best Start to 2018

Photo credit @cipriann | unsplash.com

Reuniting a lost pup with their owner is the best kind of start to the new year—especially as 2018 has begun with a sharp -30, plus wind chill.

Here’s to hot chocolate, warm paws, and snuggles between people and those with puppy noses.

May every good thing be yours in 2018

Photo credit, @freestocks.org

Lovely Review for Lark & the Diamond Caper!