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When it comes to writing fiction, there are two types of writers we hear about all the time: plotters and pantsers. You might be one. You might be the other. Or—like most of us—you might fall somewhere in between. In fact, I’m surprised they haven’t created an official third category for those of us who thrive in a kind of organised creative chaos. Oh wait. They have. It’s called being a Plantser—part plotter, part pantser. But honestly? I think that’s a silly name. It makes

Squeezing in my writing around schoolwork has been a challenge and a conflict of interest has really stopped me from getting out there and working in schools as an author. After many years as a classroom teacher, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be stepping into a new chapter in from July in 2026, I’ll be taking a professional hiatus from teaching to fully explore life as an author, creative, and workshop facilitator. I'll be an author visiting schools in 2026! Yay! (Visualis

I sit like this a lot lately. Not working - intending on it - thinking about it. The furious pace has left me. Noticing the Shift I’ve...

This blog post is a bit of self-therapy. I’m laying bare a part of myself that’s been quietly running the show for a long time: the voice...

Let’s get one thing out of the way: any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This is the sacred...

Some days, writing feels like madness. I pour hours into a story that might never see the light of day, chase characters who don’t exist...

“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” — Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Reading as a form of...

I’ve always known I was a bit weird (okay, a lot weird). And like many creatives, I once went to great lengths to hide that part of...

A Late Discovery (But Better Late Than Never) This week, I discovered the power of sticky notes. I’m not sure how I made it to 46 without...

This week, I want to talk about writer’s block—my unwelcome companion during times of emotional upheaval. If you’ve been following along,...

Today, I want to talk about my favourite book genre: fantasy . When most people hear the word fantasy , they picture dragons, magic, and...

It’s no surprise that teens who read regularly are less likely to struggle in English.  Reading is the cornerstone of solid literacy and...

Writing isn’t easy. It’s solitary, often unrewarding, and full of setbacks. Right now, with life’s pressures mounting and six books out...

No filters or AI tools were used to enhance this 5:50am in the morning 'writing my blog' image (yes, I'm wearing dog pajamas). When...

Stephen King said, ‘If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.’   I chose to quote...

So, I’ve been brave and put myself out there on several online author groups, asking for opinions and constructive criticism about my...

2025 brings some major life changes

So, I've been experimenting with TikTok and I must be old, because it's so confusing! This social media platform is a beast! It is...

As of the date of this blog entry, the five 'easy-to-read' teen books I have on Amazon are receiving no attention and generating no...

Jay Bird Author sitting at her writing desk, contemplating the worthiness of starting a blog I am currently debating this exact issue. Is...