Originially published on kobowritinglife.com, May 14, 2018: We define ourselves in various ways, depending on time, mood, inclination. Many of our identities are stable throughout life. I am a woman. I am a forever army brat. I am a reader. I am an athlete. Other roles become part of us over time, growing and evolving … More Kobo Writing Life Featured Blog
Who goes to high school reunions? My high school reunions take place every 5 years, in Petawawa, Ontario. Our high school building is gone now, replaced by a military community store. They kept a little memorial corner about the school, which I cuddled into, in the picture here. It’s somewhat shocking, the first visit back … More High School Reunions
Marketing is not my favourite activity. But as a self-published author, there are chores to be done. Readers don’t just wake up one morning and decide to find and buy and read my book – I must make it available for them to find! Most days those marketing chores are tedious : emails, follow-up emails, … More Reasons I Love Writing #2
Why do I want to be a writer, why do I want to publish my books? It’s been a difficult analysis. Is it for the money? Certainly not yet! Is it for the fun of filling my days with marketing–emails, research, signings, social media–all while trying to write actual creative words? Well, yes, most days … More Reasons I love Writing, #1
It’s above freezing today in Gatineau and Ottawa! Is spring on the way? Here are 5 ways I can tell: 5. Winterlude is over.. 4. We’re still looking at cheap flights south, but maybe think we can hang on! 3. Everyone is wearing new winter boots and coats, cuz they’re all on sale now! 2. … More Top Signs that Spring is coming in Ottawa!
The Olympics are on! I never think I’ll get so excited, but have already started recording and adjusting my sleep and TV watching time to follow them. And I realized, again, that I have more life lessons to learn, especially about retirement. Here is another perk about this new phase of life that I’m learning… … More Retirement Lesson from the Olympics
I didn’t… until I wrote one myself! I always thought memoirs were boring and tedious: “I was born here and lived there…I did this… I did that…I’m more fascinating than you…” Except for very historical biographies, I had no interest at all in reading about the latest celebrity opinions and breakthrough stories of unrealistic people … More Who Reads Memoirs?
In 2018, I will have been retired for 2 years already! Where does time go? Of course, if you read this blog, you know I spent the first year and a half writing and publishing my first book, a memoir, (see stevieszabad.com/books). But lately, before I get rolling on my next writing idea (novel? what … More Retired? Year 2. Surprises
It never ends. I thought stress, struggling, building, working, hard living – I somehow thought that once I “retired” from my paying career, that all these aspects of living would dissipate into the dreamy fantasy life of my new career as a writer. But no, I find myself sleepless, excited, worried, even still dreaming of that … More The Never-Ending Building
Wow, published this 2 years go. It still reflects my feelings of being a lucky Canadian. Hope you enjoy the repeat post. Many years ago, when I was young, I asked,“Grandma, weren’t there native Americans already living on your land when you homesteaded it?” “Well, sure, I guess, but they didn’t own it. They didn’t … More Canada at 150. Indigenous and the Rest of Us
Stevie Szabad, Author 