I appreciate all the comments, and compliments, I’ve received on the short stories I’ve posted lately. They all help in encouraging me to keep going with my writing, knowing that you feel I’m heading in the right direction. At least no one has suggested yet, “Don’t quit your day job!” so I believe that means you all think I should continue and that my writing really has been improving.

I’d like to thank three people who have been specifically instrumental in helping me over the past while.

During this past summer, I took a couple of writing courses through Ryerson University, one in creative travel writing and the other in short stories, both taught by Ann Ireland. She has been the best instructor so far in my experience, and it was a pleasure to work with her. She was engaged with the class, offered excellent advice, could point out exactly where problems were, or where they could occur in our writing, and was very supportive in our drive to become published authors. To anyone interested in studying writing online, I highly recommend Ann’s courses.

And then there’s Darcie, my Humble Humber pal, who has been a great supporter and commisserator over the past (almost) two years, knowing just the exact perfect metaphor to use for either consoling me regarding a rejection or sharing a triumph. And she’s always there, too, albeit three hours behind (four in winter months) in Kelowna, with her quick email replies filled with an even quicker wit, sharing her own stories, her own writing, and her successes.

And last, but definitely not least, from the Ryerson courses, is Paige Mason - the best butt-kickiest, make-sure-I-actually-get-some-work-done friend in the world. Paige is the person who makes this blog look good with her brilliant design expertise. She’s actually the one who spurred me on to start this blog in the first place, who has been extremely helpful in substantially editing much of my writing, has cajolled me into enrolling in Ann’s writing courses, badgered me to enter contests, encouraged me to send out queries to publishers and agents, and then to send out even more with every rejection I received - to generally pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again every time I’ve faltered or fallen. All writers love to hear how much people enjoy reading their work, but what we really need is someone who’s ready with the constructive criticism, and has the ability to say, “Yes, this is good, but I know the next one could be even better. Get writing!” That’s Paige.

So, thank you to all three women. I know my writing is improving as a direct result of my connection with the three of you. Any future success I enjoy will be directly attributed to all of you.

(Hint: Click on picture to enlarge and read the notes starting with upper left and across to the right;same for the next row - you’ll figure it out! Please add your comments below, and then check back every Wed. for new installments.)