Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”: Tending the Creative Attic

Falling in Love with “Little Women” The first book I fell in love with was written long before the word feminism was in common use. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of high-minded parents and her novel, Little Women, was … Continued

Identity, Addiction, and Harassment in YA Literature

The Importance of the Teen Book Fest I can’t help putting in one last word for the Ontario Teen Book Fest. It’s full of great positive energy for readers and writers, and that’s one reason I’ve always enjoyed it, have … Continued

Ontario Teen Book Fest This Saturday!

Each spring for several years now, I’ve gathered my book club to attend the annual Ontario Teen Book Fest. Some of the teens accompanying me are more than just fans of the featured authors; they are writers, and the book … Continued

Stoking the Creative Fire: Fabric, Wool, Nature

Creative Fire Blocks As I discussed in my last post, I don’t think that there is any special condition we can label writer’s block; however, this year I have come to believe in ‘life block.’ Not only have I had … Continued