Pride and Prejudice - The Game Review

From boardgamegeek.com

My husband is a dedicated gamer.  He loves games of all kinds - as long as there is strategy involved.  I prefer games that make you laugh and don't require a lot of brain power.  Would we find happiness in my latest Jane Austen acquisition, given to me for Christmas by my very thoughtful mother?

One begins the game by choosing two Pride and Prejudice characters.  This, in itself, is delightful.  There are eight characters to choose from including Darcy and Elizabeth, Charlotte and Mr. Collins, Jane and Bingley, and Lydia and Wickham.  The object of the game is to be the first to get your character couples to the wedding chapel first.  One achieves this by throwing dice, moving about the board game, collecting tokens, spending shillings and answering trivia questions from the novel.

I am very pleased to report that my husband was very engaged in this game and that my brother-in-law was a good enough to introduce his character with an English accent!  Although we had varying knowledge of the Pride and Prejudice, this did not seem to be a major stumbling block.  I found the Regency Cards most entertaining.  These might be considered "Chance" cards, where they can offer good or bad news for any of the players in the game.  They also include interesting information about Regency times.

Overall, I have to give this game 5 out of 5 stars for accuracy, enjoyability and attractiveness.  I can't wait to play again!  Find the game here: boardgamegeek

Mozart's Ghost

I chose this book for many reasons: It’s set in New York, a place I’d love to visit.  Emma, the main character is a teacher, like me.  Her love interest, Edward, is a pianist who plays Mozart and, as a little twist, Mozart’s ghost haunts their apartment building.  It looked and sounded like a cozy winter read.  Unfortunately, I found myself angry with Emma a lot of the time.

I was alarmed at first to learn that Emma is a Medium who communes with the dead as a side job.  I usually stay away from anything dark and sinister, but Cameron explained and showed the ghosts in such a way as to make them seem like the living.  It’s just that most people can’t see them, a bit like Sixth Sense, but not nearly as riveting. 

The main conflict in the book involves Emma’s relationship with her apartment neighbour, Edward.  Edward has moved to New York for a year to study classical music and prepare for a piano competition.  Emma finds herself speaking to him in ways that suprise her.  Long before Emma realizes it, the reader knows she is in love with him.  Many supposed problems complicate what seems like an easy romance – he likes her, she likes him.  The most believable problem is that she doesn’t want to disclose that she speaks to ghosts, as this has turned away all of her boyfriends in the past.  Unfortunately, this reticence drags on for so long that I said at one point “I can’t wait until this book is over!”

Emma and Edward are both endearing and well-drawn characters.  However, I found that their romance as the main interest in the book was lacking.  It might work better as a ninety-minute romantic comedy.  Descriptions of New York in the fall were nice, but nothing new.  Emma’s dedication to vintage clothing and anti-technology lacked freshness.  Maybe she’s just a bit too much like me.  I think a main character needs a bit more spunk and a little less self-pity.  Mozart's Ghost on Amazon 

New Review of Suspiciously Reserved

I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit obsessed with checking for new reviews of my books.  I decided to google the title of my latest publication, Suspiciously Reserved, and was delighted to find a new review on amazon.co.uk  Within the last year, Kindle has made my book available to readers in the UK, which had me very excited as two of my books are interpretations of Jane Austen's Emma and Pride and Prejudice.  Here is some of what Sarah Powell had to say:

"I liked Adkins' take on Jane, who comes across as likeable and long-suffering rather than too good to be true, while also remaining faithful to Austen's template. Frank and Jane's secret relationship is also touching, until the author falls prey to the familiar trap of apologising for Frank's behaviour after the reunion (in the original novel, he has no purer motive than simply wanting to have his cake and eat it!) Frank tells Jane, "It's far too soon to ask you to marry me. I sometimes wished we lived two hundred years ago, when this sort of thing wasn't so strange", which I thought was cute."

Powell had great recommendations for improvements to my novel as well as some heartwarming love for the book as well. I was especially pleased with this comment "I loved the scene where Emma and Knightley have their fight over Frank while playing a strenuous game of ice hockey on the Wii, with Jane listening distractedly in the background - very appropriate!" That is my favourite scene in the book as well.

Thank you so much to all of my readers who have posted reviews. It is truly a pleasure to hear what you think:)

Sarah Powell's review of Suspiciously Reserved

Zombiekins Review

amazon.ca

Stanley Nudelman finds a cute little zombie stuffy while shopping at the local witch’s yard sale.  He takes it home where his dog freaks out, but he thinks nothing much of it.  The next morning, all of his sister’s toys are mangled and ripped apart, so he takes Zombiekins to school.

Zombiekins is a fun read full of fantastic illustrations.  I’m pretty sure Bolger’s goal of reaching boy readers will be met with this tale.  I would not recommend it for younger readers as it is rather violent in parts. 

As an adult reader, I found the descriptions of teachers and especially Kindergarten very entertaining.  A favourite quote would be “In the Playhouse, one boy was pretending to be the kind of daddy who liked to wear an apron and bake mud pies, whil the girl he was playing with was pretending to be the kind of mommy who liked to throw dishes and yell at you to get a job (p. 97). “  Bolger certainly knows school culture!  His description of the staff room is also hilarious. 

Book Review: Hanging On To My Dreams

By: Arnold Henry, Saint Lucia’s First NCAA Division I Freshman Basketball Player

arnoldhenry.com

            This book is Arnold Henry’s autobiography of his basketball journey.  He was born and raised in Saint Lucia where he discovered his passion for basketball and then went on to be given a full scholarship to attend a military college in the U.S.  From there, he was chosen to join the University of Vermont NCAA team.  Unfortunately, accomplishing this dream did not turn out as well as Henry had hoped.

            I bought this book because I have met Arnold Henry, not necessarily because I am a big basketball fan.  I was most intrigued by his description of life in Saint Lucia and then his struggles coping with life in the United States.  I was appalled by the amount of racism he encountered, especially from coaches and fellow teammates.  I was saddened by his deep homesickness and loneliness throughout his journey.  It seems that schools that recruit international students should be better equipped to help them through the culture shock they experience. 

            He writes a very compelling story that earnestly captures his desire to improve his game, become part of a team, find love and provide for his family.  The ending leaves many questions unanswered and I hope a sequel will follow this captivating debut. 

Review of Restlessness by Aritha van Herk

This novel has a very interesting premise, which is the relationship between a woman and the man she has hired to kill her.  I loved the setting and found the descriptions of Calgary both hilarious and bang on.  I would categorize this book as literary fiction, which is nice once in a while; however, I would usually choose a story with more action and less internal monologue.  

A favorite quotation is "It's why the east won't take us seriously, because we dress up in cowboy clothes every Friday, like kids who've been given a set of cap guns." p. 79

Book Review - The Sorcerer's Letterbox by Simon Rose

www.simon-rose.com

A mysterious box has been in Jack’s family for hundreds of years.  One morning, Jack discovers a letter on a roll of parchment inside the box begging him for help.  The letter is marked 1483. A stranger arrives and gives Jack a metal wheel which unlocks the box’s power to transport Jack in time to the Tower of London.

This second book from Simon Rose, author of The Alchemist’s Portrait, is well-researched and strongly set in medieval London.  Jack is a brave, quick-witted, and likeable main character.  Short chapters and lots of action make this a great choice for reluctant, middle-grade readers.

Buy The Sorcerer's Letterbox!

Book Review - The Graveyard Hounds by Vi Hughes

From www.tradewindbooks.com

Strange things begin to happen the night Mike and Annie take their dogs to the school park.  First, Annie’s dog loses her bark, then the school playground burns down and next, the local church and graveyard burst into flames.  What is causing these strange occurrences and why does the principal seem to know more than he is saying?

The Graveyard Hounds is a quick-paced mystery story for middle grade readers.  Short chapters, charming illustrations, and lots of action kept me turning pages, even when I should have been cleaning the kitchen and making beds;)

Hughes has created brave, likeable characters and, as a former elementary school principal herself, reminds us why the word “pal” is part of principal! Buy Graveyard Hounds 

Review of The Alchemist's Portrait by Simon Rose

From www.simon-rose.com

When Matthew visits an art museum on a field trip, he is intrigued by an old painting of a Dutch boy.  Then the boy speaks to him.  So begins The Alchemist’s Portrait, an adventure-filled romp through art and history.

Matthew discovers that Peter, the boy from the painting, has been trapped inside his portrait by his evil uncle, Nicolass van der Leyden.  Now Peter needs Matthew’s help to go back in time and recover his uncle’s secret spell book.

I enjoyed this fast-paced fantasy story and especially the clever glimpses of history throughout.  A great book to introduce middle grade students to the past.

Buy The Alchemist's Portrait

Book Review - Changing Heaven

For book two of my Canadian Book Reading Challenge, I decided to read Changing Heaven by Jane Urquhart.  I read The Stone Carvers and The Underpainter a number of years ago and was ready to read more by this lyrical writer. 

            I came into the story blind to anything about it and I’d hate to spoil its charm by giving too much away here.  Basically, this book tells the stories of many characters related in some way or another to Emily Brontë.  The story is told through several narrators, which I personally enjoy. 

            Changing Heaven is beautiful, whimsical and poetic.  It is “a book about the wind, about the weather.”  How sweet is that?  I wish I could write like this!  It is captivatingly Canadian with its dedication to weather and descriptions of landscape.  It is lovely and enchanting. 

            As in The Stone Carvers and The Underpainter, Changing Heaven focuses on art and the artist.  Urquhart writes of painting with depth and understanding.  I can only deduce that her marriage to artist, Tony Urquhart, is cause for much inspiration!               

            I’d love to discuss this book with someone who has read it.  So much beauty and sadness to dissect.

Buy Changing Heaven

Book Review - Aberrant by Jo-Anne Sieppert

From www.smashwords.com

I have finished my first Canadian book as part of the Canadian Book Challenge.  Here is my review, as seen on Goodreads:

Delilah is a high school student with a big problem.  The Painfully Perfects, a group of rich, beautiful and popular students, are slowly and steadily torturing her.  From teasing to laughing, from tripping to duct-taping her hair to a bus seat, the Perfects won’t leave Delilah alone.  Her only reprieve is after school and weekends.

Delilah’s parents are rarely home to notice her unhappiness.  One night, she rows out to a deserted island to get away from it all.  She enjoys the peace and quiet until she hears a voice.  After overcoming her initial surprise, she is pleased to find a friend in the voice, named Jack.  She returns several times to continue talking to Jack, but he never shows himself.

Back at school, the Perfects are increasing their bullying tactics and pull down her pants in front of the entire gym class.  How will Delilah ever face school again?

Aberrant keeps the reader guessing through clever twists and developments.  Just when you think you’ve solved one mystery, another one appears.  It is written for a young adult audience, but is interesting for an adult reader as well.

           

Aberrant uses a lot of dialogue, which helps bring the characters to life, but occasionally slows down the plot.  Delilah is an empathetic character, though her swift mood-changes are a bit dizzying at times. 

This is a creative, entertaining book that kept me turning pages.

Buy Aberrant!

Meet Simon Rose: Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer

This year, I have been working on a fantasy novel because my son told me he wanted me to write a “boy book”.  While I’m not giving out too many details just yet, I am starting to look for publishers.  I’m also beginning to notice fantasy writers. 

I met Simon Rose through my writing group connections.  He has published 7 science fiction/ fantasy books for middle grade readers.  He is also Canadian, which is exciting and I will be reading one of his books as part of the Canadian Reading Challenge.  He kindly agreed to answer a few of my questions regarding writing.  Here is what I learned from Simon:

From www.simon-rose.com

1.  Why did you become a writer?

I've probably always had ideas for stories and was often writing, although I was never sure if anything would come of it. Once I had children of my own, I came into contact with children's books again for the first time in many years. Picture books initially, of course, but then early chapter books and novels. Some were very impressive and influential, others far less so. When I decided to try my hand at writing novels and stories, I found myself drawn to the types of things I used to read as a child in the science fiction and fantasy genre.

www.simon-rose.com

2.  You have published a good number of titles.  Do you have a common theme in your books?

My books are in the science fiction and fantasy genre for middle grades, around ages eight to twelve. You can see full details of each of them, including excerpts and synopses (and you can even listen to recording of my readings) at simon-rose.com.

The Alchemist's Portrait is a time-travel story, in which Matthew journeys through the centuries using magical paintings which act as doorways into the past, in order to save the world from the clutches of an evil alchemist. The Sorcerer's Letterbox, another time-travel tale, is based on the famous mystery of the Princes in the Tower about Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, who were supposedly murdered on the orders of Richard III in 1483. 

The Clone Conspiracy is a science fiction thriller involving clandestine laboratories and secret experiments, while The Emerald Curse, based on my own reading of comic books while growing up, concerns Sam's adventures in a bizarre, and at times deadly, superhero universe. The Heretic's Tomb is set in the medieval period once again, this time during the Black Death in 1349.
The Doomsday Mask is in the science fiction and fantasy genre. It's a fast-paced adventure about ancient civilizations, World War II, mysterious artifacts, and shadowy secret societies.
The Time Camera is a science fiction adventure about advanced technology.

www.simon-rose.com

3.  I noticed you cross over between fiction and non-fiction as well as between middle grade and young adult books.  Is this mainly because of your own interests?

The novels have been in the science fiction and fantasy genre mostly because I'm interested in that, I guess. I usually choose non-fiction projects based on interests or if it's something that I think I'd enjoyed writing and researching about. The non-fiction titles I've completed so far have been on a wide range of topics such as science, biographies, animals, architecture, history, the military and culture  

 4.  Who inspires you to write?  

One of the best things about writing for kids is that I can write about the kinds of things that fascinated me when I was young. Stories can be very imaginative if they are for children, which makes writing them so much fun. And, of course, in science fiction or fantasy, more or less anything you can imagine is possible, as you craft stories involving ancient mysteries, the unexplained, the paranormal, science fiction, time travel, parallel universes, alternate realities, weird and wonderful characters, and a multitude of "what if" scenarios.

I read lots of science fiction, as well fantasy writers and ghost stories while growing up. I also read a tremendous number of comic books, in which the stories took me across the universe, into strange dimensions, into the land of the Norse gods or had me swinging from the New York rooftops. At high school, I studied a lot of history and have retained my interest in the subject up to the present day. I also read voraciously about ancient civilizations, mysteries, the supernatural, and the unexplained. 

5.  What is your favourite part of the writing process?

I'm not sure, but perhaps when that initial spark of an idea becomes a full story and you can't get the thing typed up fast enough. There are also times during the writing process when, after struggling with certain parts of the text for a while, it suddenly all comes together and you then read it over and realize its pretty impressive.  

 You can learn more about Simon Rose through these links:

Website

Blog

Writing Retreat

Many thanks to subscriber Faith Hope Cherrytea for suggesting the Canadian Reading Challenge.  I have four books for my list so far:  Hanging On To My Dreams by Arnold Henry, The Petty Details of So-and-So's Life by Camilla Gibb, Aberrant by Jo-Anne Sieppert, and Fall on Your Knees by Anne-Marie MacDonald.  I have met Sieppert and Henry through my writing group.  In fact, I just had the pleasure of spending a day with them at a writing retreat we organized in Beautiful Alberta.  It was the first writing retreat for me and for most, if not all of the writers in attendance.  I think this was to my advantage as I put the event together.

I can't believe I've never done this before.  What a treat to be in a roomful of other writers.  To have them comment on your work, share their experiences and hear them read.  It was quite inexpensive, thanks to our lovely hostess.  It was nothing fancy, but I think the simplicity of the day lent itself to helping us create.  Here's what our schedule looked like:

9:00 Meet and Greet - We introduced ourselves over coffee, fruit and muffins.  I started the ball rolling by suggesting we talk about our favourite authors as well as what we enjoy writing.  Then I went over the schedule for the day and reviewed our plans for critiquing one another's work.  There were 11 of us, so I had each person bring 10 copies of a piece of writing they wanted some feedback on.  I knew some people were nervous about this, so I talked about how we critique in our writing group.  While reading a piece, we make note of what makes us laugh, any grammatical errors that we happen to notice, anything that is unclear and anything that stands out to us as especially good.  We had the day to read over the writing and make notes at our own pace.  This worked well, though I think next time I might put a limit on the length of the pieces.  Most of us found it difficult to give good feedback on all of the writing.

10:00 - 12:00 - We had time to write, read, edit or chat with other writers.  Fortunately, it was a beautiful day, so those who wanted to chat could go outside and enjoy the view while they talked, which left the room nice and quiet for writing.

12:00 - 1:30 - We broke for lunch and had the option to go for a walk.

1:30 - 2:30  My friend Katie led us in a writing exercise.  These are fantastic for getting you out of your regular writing rhythms.  My latest book project started as a writing exercise used at a writing meeting.  We had the option to read our writing aloud when we were finished.  It is amazing how many ways a writing exercise can go!

2:30 - 3:30 - We had one more work block for writing, editing, reading or talking.

3:30 - We gathered our belongings and I asked people to share the best thing about the day and one thing to improve next time.

What a great way to spend a Saturday.  I'd love to know of your experiences with writing retreats.  I'd appreciate new ideas for next time.  Thanks!

Writing Letters

I am a big fan of CBC radio.  If you aren't a Canadian, this is our national radio station where you can hear anything and everything from jazz to opera, radio plays to news shows.  I previously mentioned my appreciation for Stuart McLean, who has a weekly radio show called The Vinyl Cafe.  If you have never heard of it, google it and listen to an episode immediately!  Especially if you can find an episode featuring a Dave and Morley story.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

Today, I had the pleasure of hearing two writers talk about their "relapse" into letter writing.  They spoke of how writing a letter by hand forces them to live in the moment.  They can't write nearly as fast as they type and so they have time to process what they are writing.  They also have the opportunity to write about things that they would edit if they knew their writing could be accessed by unknown readers - as I do when I write my blogs, tweets and Facebook updates.  I was inspired.

And, I couldn't help but think about my book, Suspiciously Reserved.  In this book, Jane Fairfax frequently communicates to Frank Churchill by letter.  She also emails and texts when necessary, but she trusts a hand-written letter.  This theme of trust runs throughout the book and I'm afraid even I am uncertain of Frank Churchill's trustworthiness.  In our fast-paced, self-centred modern era, who can we trust and how long does it take to build this faith?  Can a hand-written letter reveal more about its author than a text or email?  I plan to try.  Just as soon as I can find a pen and some paper.  What do you think?

Click here to read about Mary Robinette Kowal's letter-writing challenge.The Month of Letters

Kindle Fire!

You can win a Kindle Fire as well as 20 Austen-related Indie novels including Suspiciously Reserved by clicking on this button.  It is through a fantastic blog called Indie Jane.  Good luck!
Click here

A Fleet of Fantasy

Though it may seem as though I haven't been writing much in my first year back teaching, in fact, my weekend efforts are beginning to amount to something.  I started with short stories, as I often do once I finish a book and look for my next project.  It was my goal to write one short story a month during the teaching months.  In October, I began a short story in writing group based on a prompt we were given "You always said dragons didn't exist . . ." but the story wouldn't end.  It kept going and keeps going.

Once again, I am venturing into unknown territory.  Fantasy fiction was something I had abandoned in favour of realism, but returning to the land of dragons and talking animals has been delightful.  And when I really think of it, how realistic is Jane Austen fiction?  Am I not slipping into the fantastical realms when I imagine what it was all like?

In my efforts, I have been revisiting favourite fantasy writers - C.S. Lewis, Madeline L'Engle and Lewis Carroll.  Yes, my book is aimed at children which is a natural fit for me, being a mother of young children and a teacher of the same.

I keep wondering if I should stick to one genre and get really good at it, but I only seem able to write what I am currently obsessed with.  What do you think about this?  Should a writer stick to one type of writing or should they cross borders, confident that they will be able to figure it out?  Margaret Atwood is an inspiration here.  From historical fiction to science fiction, she triumphs.  I treasure your comments:)  Thanks! 

On Writing Suspiciously Reserved: Setting

When I first imgained writing a modern day version of Emma, I assumed I would set it in England.  I wanted to keep things as similar as possible, since I love the story so much.  However, when I then considered I’ve never been to England and would not be able to write authentically about it, I turned to Canada.  What places in Canada were like the places in Emma?

From seevancouverbc.com

I chose White Rock B.C. as the setting for Jane’s first meeting with Frank.  It is on the ocean, a great place for sailing and within easy travelling distance of Seattle, where Frank would live.  I had been to both of these places on family holidays, but it had been some time.  The more I wrote about these settings and researched details, the more I wanted to visit them again.  One of my favourite places featuring a favourite scene is on Granville Island in Vancouver.  Such an eclectic meeting place for the arts, food, crafts and quaint little shops.

From wikipedia.org

Then, Jane needed to return to her home with the Campbells.  In Emma, this home is in London.  I needed a city that I knew well.  Having lived in Saskatoon for ten years, I was excited to revisit some of my favourite haunts.  I chose one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city for the Campbell’s home and was able to use Beaver Creek Conservation Area, TCU Place, Broadway Street and

Spadina Avenue in my book.

From tugaske.com

Finally, Jane needed to return to her roots – In Emma this is Highbury, a small village within a day’s journey of London.  I can’t remember when I first thought of using Tugaske (pronounced Tuh-gas-key), Saskatchewan, but as I wrote, I found it the perfect place for a snug, tight-knit and slightly conservative community.  I visited Tugaske with my husband in the summer of 2006.  Most people have never heard of it, but with its easy access to Diefenbaker Lake, many artists-in-residence and attachment to a agricultural history, it is a beautiful setting for romance.

Find Suspiciously Reserved: A Twist on Jane Austen's Emma here:

http://www.amazon.com/Suspiciously-Reserved-Twist-Jane-Austens/dp/1468155296/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1334260706&sr=8-5









On Writing Suspiciously Reserved - The Idea

The idea of writing Jane Austen’s Emma from Jane Fairfax’s point of view came to me as I wrote a Jane Austen murder mystery called Murder of a Matchmaker.  Jane Fairfax was one of the actors in the play and therefore, one of the suspects.  I’ll admit the 2010 BBC version of Emma starring Romola Garai was also a big impetus.  This version made Jane much more sympathetic than others.  She was appropriately pretty, sweet and shy.  It explained the injustice of her life of dependence.

However, the seed for the idea came long before I could do anything about it – or more to the point, write anything about it.  After writing Murder of a Matchmaker, I returned to my yet-to-be-published novel, Taking Comfort.  I worked on revising Taking Comfort, republishing Expectations and preparing Subgirl for publication before I could take a breath and decide to work on something new.  I also began another novel about a book club in a small prairie town.  In April 2011, I had to decide – would I continue my book club book or would I venture into another Jane Austen venture?  Jane Austen won again!

Writing Suspiciously Reserved was the fastest, most enjoyable project I have done yet.  I wrote the entire book between April and August 2012.  I was inspired by my upcoming return to full-time teaching to get the book finished.  An excited entry in my daytimer states “Finished book rough draft!!” on August 15.  I even had time to do a first edit before school started. 

I’ll be the first to admit that at the beginning of the book, even I was in love with Frank Churchill, but coming up to the end, I decided Jane must give him up and turn to her rightful partner – George Knightley.  Knightley remains the true “knight in shining armour” that he is in Emma.  But could I go through with this major revision to the original story?  I’m not giving out any spoilers.  You will have to read for yourself!

http://www.amazon.com/Suspiciously-Reserved-Twist-Jane-Austens/dp/1468155296/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1334161220&sr=8-5

A Meeting of the Minds

I always wanted to join a writers group.  Ever since I read author’s giving thanks to their writers groups in their acknowledgement or dedication pages, I felt the urge to belong.  I made several unsuccessful attempts while living in Saskatchewan.  It seems that being a mother of two young children make joining anything outside of the home difficult. 

When I moved to Alberta, I joined a book club almost immediately.  It was a great way to get to know new people in a new town.  When I found out one of the members was also a writer, I felt excited.  When she asked me to help her start a writers group, I was tickled and a bit apprehensive.  Who would come?  How would we advertise?  What would we do?  Fortunately, my friend Katie is a pro at online life.  I finally joined Facebook and we met for our first writers group.  We were only three, Katie, her husband and me, but by sharing our writing, we got to know one another quickly. 

The first year was touch and go.  I invited a few people who came once or twice, but people began to join our Facebook page.  We also put a free ad in the local paper.  By September, we had a couple of email inquiries and a few more people attended.  This September, we had about four more inquiries and we now have a general attendance of four to six people each month.  We aren’t big, but we’re small, as Stewart McLean would say.

As we now prepare for our first writers retreat this summer, I am reminded of the many things I have gained by meeting with other writers. 

Without Writers Group . . .

I would not have come up with the idea for my latest novel project.

I would not have written at least five of my short stories.

I would not have met about twenty people in my town.

I would not be looking forward to my first ever writers retreat.

I would not have joined Twitter.

I would not have joined Facebook.

I would not have started this blog.

I would love to know, do you belong to a writers group and what is the best thing about your meetings?