Monthly Archives: July 2012

Nine Steps To Becoming A Writer

Step 1: Start with an Idea. Step 2: Draw out a Plan- theme, characters, plot. Step 3: Read and Research (if necessary). Step 4: Start Writing (actual writing process). Step 5: Keep on Writing until you Finish the first draft. … Continue reading

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Old Habits Are Hard To Break

Horace Mann wrote: “Habits are like a cable. We weave a strand of it everyday and soon it cannot be broken.” When I was a little girl I had this habit of biting my nails. I don’t have a clue … Continue reading

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Three Steps To More Effective Description

E. B. White, in the book The Elements of Style, writes: Use definite, specific, concrete language. The surest way to arouse and hold the reader’s attention is to use words that are precise, crystal-clear and real so that the reader … Continue reading

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Head Heart Hand Health

When I was in junior high, grade eight to be exact, together with the students in the higher grades we formed our own 4-H club under the leadership of our biology teacher. As you may know, the 4-Hs stand for … Continue reading

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You Don’t Understand

Have you noticed how while talking to some people they look spaced out, and you get the feeling that they are not listening to a word you’re saying? They don’t even look at you when you’re talking. I believe communication … Continue reading

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What We Don’t Do

I feel that I am a reserved person by nature. Ninety-nine percent of the time I refrain from saying what I wish to say to people. I have always been shy and still am. Even though the impression I leave … Continue reading

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My Thoughts And Prayers

It’s early morning here in Montreal. The sun hasn’t come out yet. I didn’t sleep well last night and my head hurts a bit. I switch on my netbook. The internet is full of stories of the shooting at the … Continue reading

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What Matters Most

Years ago, when I was teaching in Dubai, a colleague of mine told me that she never went shopping alone and always preferred to shop with her older sister. She said, “When I am with my sister and I want … Continue reading

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I’ve Lost The Magic

Can someone please tell me how to read a book and enjoy the story without being analytical about it? I remember there was a time in my life when I read a book, any book or story and in the … Continue reading

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Keeping Promises

Man is by nature a social animal. In fact society is based on the links and the relationships between people. At a very young age we learn to adapt to our surroundings to get along with the people around us. … Continue reading

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