Creative Writing

Is 2021 the year you dive into writing?

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Are you as excited as I am to see 2020 finally end? With a new and improved (and hopefully, Covid-free) year ahead of us, now is a great time to plan for the winter and spring to come.

As always, I’m taking a select few clients for manuscript evaluation — if you have a draft already written — or for mentorship, if what you need is help getting started and staying on track. Booking goes fast this time of year, so if you think you might be interested in some help with your novel or short stories, now is the time to get in touch.

Want more information? Check out my MsFixit page here.

Looking for the structure of a certificate program? I’m also a mentor in the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing program at the Humber School for Writers — the new term starts in January.

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But what if poetry is your jam?

Brand new online poetry school Walk the Line is taking enrolment for Winter and Spring 2021 workshops. Instructor George Murray has published 10 books, including 7 books of lauded poetry and 2 books of aphorisms, and has taught the craft of poetry for over twenty years — everywhere from NYC’s New School University, to UBC, to the University of Toronto, to Memorial University right here in St. John’s. (And, oh yeah, I also married him.)

I can’t recommend these workshops highly enough, but don’t take my word for it: details and student testimonials are up online now, and George will be pleased to answer any of your questions.

Spring updates: HYSTERIA on the Raddall Shortlist, Elisabeth at the Humber School for Writers, & more!

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*So pleased to share that HYSTERIA is on the shortlist for the Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award, along with books by Sharon Bala and Lisa Moore, making us a kind of Newfoundland Trifecta for this year’s prize– or the meanest gang you ever saw. You can catch me reading from the book at the Welcoming Reception on June 5, at the GEO Centre in St. John’s–  along with authors Terry Doyle, Susie Taylor, and Kevin Major, and Atlantic Book Award nominees Sharon Bala and Mark Critch.

Shortlisted authors Christine LeGrow and Shirley Anne Scott, of Saltwater Mittens fame, will also be on hand with a display of Newfoundland knitwear and knowledge. The event is free and open to the public.

*Starting this week, I’m also on faculty at the Humber School for Writers. If you’d like the support of a mentorship to help you finish your book-length manuscript, there’s still a few days left to sign up! I’ve worked with poets, fiction writers, and non-fiction writers alike, both at Humber and in Creative Writing programs at UBC and MUN. The Humber certificate program can be done from anywhere, and lasts from now until mid-December, giving us lots of time to sculpt that manuscript into shape. Want to sign up? All the information is right here. 

*While I mostly have my head down this spring, trying hard to get a full draft of the new novel finished, I will be in Halifax in mid-July as a keynote speaker at the Kings College Humanities for Young People Symposium. I’ll be talking about Fear (yikes!), and my fellow keynote is the estimable activist and journalist, Desmond Cole. The symposium is open to the public, and I’ll post more information on the event as summer draws near.

*Last but not least (not by a long shot!), did you know that HYSTERIA is now out in paperback? Yes she is. And, I have to say, I can’t think of a better summer read for your cottage or lakeside cabin. Order it up right here.

New! From Ms Fixit: The Personal Master Class

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Great news! Responding to an increase in queries, I have expanded my mentorship services to include a new, custom-designed program:

Starting September, 2018: The Personal Master Class. 

For writers who are looking for longer-term guidance as they work through issues and complete a manuscript-in-progress, this one-on-one, five-month bespoke mentorship will help you get past the hurdles and finish that draft.

I’ll be offering the program twice a year: beginning September 1st or February 1st. Enrolment is limited. For more details, or to get in touch, check out the Ms Fixit page here.